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Safety concerns mount after contractor dies at Triangle Refinery

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Safety concerns mount after contractor dies at Triangle Refinery

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Triangle Limited has confirmed the death of Jeffry Mushara, a contracted employee who was fatally injured in an accident at the company’s refinery on July 14, 2026, raising fresh questions about safety protocols for contract workers operating inside the industrial facility.

Mushara died on July 16, two days after the incident, despite receiving emergency treatment at the company’s Colin Saunders Hospital and being airlifted to a medical facility in Harare for further care.

The incident comes just weeks after a similar tragedy at Bikita Minerals in June 2026, where two contract workers died in separate incidents within 24 hours.

One was a dump truck operator employed by WGB Kinsey & Company who died at a waste dump site, while the other was a security guard found unresponsive while on duty.Labour unions and community groups have since called for stronger occupational health and safety measures in the mining sector.

In a statement issued on July 17, 2026, Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe Head of Corporate and Industry Affairs Dr Dahlia Garwe said the company activated its emergency response procedures immediately after the incident.

“On behalf of everyone at Triangle Ltd, we extend our deepest condolences to Jeffry’s family, friends, colleagues, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as they come to terms with this tragic loss. The incident occurred on July 14, and emergency response procedures were immediately activated. Jeffry received emergency medical attention from the doctors and support staff at our Colin Saunders Hospital,” reads the statement.

Garwe said Mushara was subsequently airlifted to a medical facility in Harare for further treatment but passed away in the early hours of July 16.

“Jeffry was employed by a contracted company and was working at our facility at the time of the incident. We join our contractor partner, colleagues, and the broader community in mourning his passing. The safety and well-being of all employees, contractors, and visitors at our operations remains our highest priority,” the statement added.

Triangle Ltd said it was cooperating with the relevant authorities and all stakeholders as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident continue, but has not yet disclosed the specific cause of the accident or the name of the contracting company that employed Mushara.

THZ Chief Executive Officer Tendai Masawi described the incident as tragic and said the company’s focus was on supporting those impacted while cooperating fully with the investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jeffry Mushara. This is a tragic incident that has affected all of us. Our focus is on supporting those impacted and cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the safety and wellbeing of every person working at our operations,” Masawi said.

Mushara’s death has intensified scrutiny of safety protocols for contracted workers operating inside industrial infrastructure across Zimbabwe’s mining and agro-processing sectors, an issue likely to draw attention from labour and safety regulators as the investigation proceeds. The company has yet to disclose the specific cause of the accident.

Politics rears its ugly face at Una-Una

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Politics rears its ugly face at Una-Una

…3 executive members perceived to be anti-Zanu Pf forced to resign

…President ED’s bus donation takes forever to be delivered

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – The beautiful game of football, world over, is said to be a unifier but not in Masvingo where Masvingo United Football Club executive members were forced to resign by ruling party supporters who claimed they were the reasons behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s failure to deliver the bus he allegedly donated to the club about six months ago.

To cover up for the embarrassing failure to deliver the pledged bus, President Mnangagwa’s staunch supporters have since pushed out three executive members, Phillip Shumba, Omen Mafa and Collen Maboke whom they accused of being the stumbling blocks because of their alleged fight against the then Constitutional Amendment Bill (CAB#3).

The shallow reasoning and politicking, however, raised serious questions from soccer loving fans; did President Mnanagwa donate the bus or it was someone else? If yes, can President Mnangagwa a very seasoned politician holds on to the donation merely because they were some alleged opposition members in the Una-Una executive?

Lastly, can the President stoop so low to allow politics rear its ugly head in the beautiful game of football?

From the investigations by TellZim, it’s quite clear that the bus was pledged by someone else from Zanu PF, but as has become the norm, every donation is said to be from the President.

However, the failure to honour the pledge has since dragged the name of President Mnangagwa into the mud, and his supporters are desperately trying to save his face by forcing out some executive members whom they said were the reasons the President was withholding the bus donation.

Since Maboke, Shumba and Mafa have since left the club, fans can’t wait to receive the bus donation.Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira, who was present at a function when the bus and $150k were pledged, said the bus was on its way hinting that the delay was because the bus was bought from China.

“The buses are bought from China, so it cannot be delivered there and then. It is coming and will be delivered when it arrives. That is the reason why it has not been delivered and nothing else, as people may want to say,” said Chadzamira.

He also said the cash was being delivered in batches to avoid abuse, adding that the team had already received US$65,000.

“The money is coming in batches; they received US$35,000 and another US$30,000 was delivered again. The cash is delivered at Byword Motors, that’s where they collect it from, to avoid it being abused,” said Chadzamira.

The cash is said to be disbursed through Byword Motors, owned by prominent businessman Stanley Kondongwe, who was also present when the pledge was announced, to prevent abuse.

However, Shonhai said the team had only received US$35,000 in cash so far and they have not been informed of any other disbursement to date.

“I can confirm that we have received $35 000 only and I am not aware of any other disbursements. The three executive members resigned because the supporters have demanded them to step down in their letter as they accused them to be hindering the fulfilment of the bus pledge because they represented opposition activists who were against Zanu PF,” said Shonhai.

When TellZim asked him to share the letter, Shonai said it could have been deleted from his phone.Maboke, however, said their decisions to resign were in the best interest of the club since they were said to be hindering the delivery of the donated bus.

“We represented two local members Jonah Wakurawarerwa and Jefferyson Chitando who were challenging the issue of the CAB 3 consultation venue for Masvingo District. However, the matter was twisted and we were suddenly accused of challenging CAB 3, whereas the matter before the courts was about the venue not being central.

“I have never heard any person from Zanu PF saying my presence in the team was hindering development. This is only coming from a few people within the executive. I love Una-Una very much so I thought it was in the best interest of the club for me to resign,” Maboke added.

Shumba, when contacted, said he was busy and asked the reporter to get in touch on Monday for a proper discussion. TellZim will engage him on the said day to hear his side of the story.

Una-Una’s new spokesperson, Angeline Mikiri, said the team has accepted the trio’s resignations and claimed that things were taking shape at the club.

“Things are taking shape and despite that some left, the team has to move forward, and that is what we are doing. We have a new coach who is currently training with the team, and we hope to finish in a better position,” said Mikiri.

It only took Wicknell Chivayo about three weeks to deliver a state of the art bus to Dynamos Football Club, following a request by a Dembare fan.

For Una-Una, its now about six months and the fans are still counting, and they are not certain whether the bus pledged will be delivered or not.

This only points to one reasonable conclusion that the bus was not pledged by Mnangagwa, but someone else because the President can never be so petty that he would hold on to a donation simply because there are dissent voices in the executive.

Mnangagwa has worked with opposition members in Parliament for decades and to claim that he failed to tolerate three executive members in Una-Una executive is a white lie.

Fidelity brings gold buying closer to Mashava miners with new buying centre

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Fidelity brings gold buying closer to Mashava miners with new buying centre

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASHAVA- Fidelity Gold Refinery has expanded its gold buying network in Masvingo Province with the opening of a new branch in Mashava, a move aimed at making it easier for small-scale miners to sell their gold through formal channels while accessing competitive international prices and services.

The announcement was made during an engagement meeting with small-scale miners at Bere community hall in Mashava on July 16, 2026, where miners were also issued with gold cards that can help them build a financial record and access loans from participating financial institutions.

Fidelity Gold Refinery Public relations consultant Kundai Mudzviti said the Mashava branch was established to bring services closer to miners, reduce transport costs and encourage more gold deliveries through formal channels.

They noted that despite Mashava’s rich gold deposits, deliveries from local miners remain low compared to the area’s mining potential.

She also said miners who sell through Fidelity were paid according to international gold prices and that the buying centre uses modern equipment to accurately determine the weight and purity of gold.

She also said they accept gold from as little as five grams.

“We have established a new centre here in Mashava Campus at ZB Bank so that it can be easy for you to get our services, but we are seeing that the deliveries are very low here. You have many mines in Mashava, we are expecting more deliveries. We buy your gold using the international market, and also we start from five grams,” she said.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Bere Murombe Mahwekwe urged miners to support the formal gold marketing system saying selling through Fidelity would benefit miners, local communities and also the country as a whole.

He said increased gold deliveries would strengthen the country’s economy and contribute to the stability of Zimbabwe’s gold-backed currency while promoting responsible mining practices.

“Gold should benefit the nation, miners and the people living in this area. Let us mine peacefully without violence and sell our gold to Fidelity where we are assured of fair trading. When we all do that, both the country and the miners benefit,” he said.

One of the miners Dambudzo Mudakari welcomed the establishment of the buying centre saying it had reduced the burden of travelling to Masvingo to sell gold.Mudakari said gold mining had enabled her to support her family and send her children to boarding schools.

“This programme is a good initiative because we can now sell our gold here in Mashava instead of travelling to Masvingo. It saves us both time and transport costs,” she said.

Some miners, however, expressed concern over payment methods, saying they previously received a combination of ZiG and US dollars for their gold.Responding to the concerns, Gold Mobilization Manager Francis Maidza clarified that the refinery now pays miners entirely in US dollars using international market prices.

“We now pay miners in US dollars based on international market rates so that they receive the full value of their gold,” he said.

He added that expanding buying centres was part of Fidelity’s strategy to formalize artisanal and small-scale mining, improve gold deliveries and ensure miners receive fair value while gaining access to financial services.

He said the company also plans to extend its buying network into Manicaland.

The new buying centre is located at ZB Bank on the Great Zimbabwe University Mashava Campus.

It is Fidelity`s third buying point in Masvingo Province after the Masvingo CBD branch at ZB bank and the Ngundu branch at Zimpost.

Mushandike Village Gets Lifeline as Presidential VBU Brings Water to 200 Households

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Mushandike Village Gets Lifeline as Presidential VBU Brings Water to 200 Households

By Tadiwa Shunje

MASHAVA – About 200 households in Mushandike Village One, Ward 5, Mashava, are set to benefit from a new Presidential Village Business Unit (VBU), a development that brings much-needed relief to a community that has endured weeks without running water.

The project, funded under the Presidential VBU programme, includes a solar-powered borehole, two jojo tanks, pumps and pipelines that will supply water to a community nutrition garden and nearby households, easing the burden on residents who have been forced to rely on unsafe sources.

Speaking to TellZim News, Ward 5 Councillor Korowa Manyame said the project targets one of the area’s most water-stressed communities and is expected to provide a reliable source of water for households that have struggled for years.

“Around 200 households will benefit from this project. They will fetch water from the borehole because water is a major challenge in this area and many people do not have reliable access to water. The water will also support the community garden,” he said.

While one borehole serving 200 households is far from sufficient, the councillor said it was at least a step in the right direction and will provide some relief for families who have gone for weeks without access to clean water.

The councillor said Ward 5 had 18 boreholes, but breakdowns had worsened the water situation. One of the major boreholes at Bere Clinic had stopped working after its engine failed, affecting nearly 3,000 residents.

“Nearly 3,000 people depend on the Bere Clinic borehole. It has been repaired, and it will help people access water more quickly. Before the repairs, people could queue from morning until midday before getting water,” said Manyame.

Residents, however, say the water crisis remains far from over in Mashava. One resident, Master Balaka, said households were going for two weeks without running water, forcing many to fetch water from Shashe River and an untreated pipeline known locally as Chifafafa.

“We have gone for two weeks without water. People are now fetching water from Shashe and from the Chifafafa pipeline because there is no alternative,” said Balaka.

He also said several community boreholes were no longer working due to mechanical failures, leaving families with few options.

Balaka further alleged that despite Muzhwi Dam having sufficient water, residents continue to experience prolonged outages, a situation he described as inexplicable.

“If we go for a month without water while Muzhwi Dam is full, then the explanations we are being given do not make sense,” he said.

Mashava, once a thriving mining town, is now a shadow of its former self. The town has become a hub for makorokoza (illegal miners) who have flocked to the area in search of gold, further straining the already limited resources.

Zaka RDC Turns into Battlefield as Chairperson rekindles fight with CEO

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Zaka RDC Turns into Battlefield as Chairperson rekindles fight with CEO

By Staff Reporter

ZAKA – Chaos has engulfed Zaka Rural District Council as Chairperson Fungai Maregedze and Chief Executive Officer David Majaura engage in a bitter power struggle that has paralysed decision-making, triggered an attempted dismissal, and drawn the intervention of the Ministry of Local Government, raising fears that the local authority may be sliding into total dysfunction.

The latest twist in the long-running feud, which has simmered since 2023, saw Maregedze issue Majaura with a final written warning threatening his dismissal, a move that has been declared procedurally irregular and unlawful by the District Development Coordinator, who has since written to the Acting Director of Local Government Roy Hove seeking urgent intervention.

Contacted for comment by TellZim News over the matter, Hove said he was yet to receive the letter, though sources at the provincial offices confirmed he had received it and was aware of the ongoing developments.In a letter dated July 3, 2026, seen by TellZim News, Maregedze accused Majaura of unsatisfactory performance, wilful disobedience of lawful orders, and sabotage of council resolutions.

She cited consecutive years of poor performance from Quarter 3 of 2023 to Quarter 1 of 2026, alleging that Majaura’s performance had consistently been below average based on 11 assessments by Best Practice.

In the letter, Maregedze claimed that Zaka RDC had failed to meet minimum service delivery expectations, resulting in the council being labelled “amber” by the Ministry of Local Government.

She also accused Majaura of failing to submit financial statements on time, leading to adverse audit opinions from the Auditor General’s reports from 2021 to 2024, and of making unauthorized alterations to council resolutions without proper consultation.

The letter, which was received and stamped by Majaura on July 7, gave the CEO one last chance to correct his performance by the end of the third quarter of 2026, warning that any further misconduct or insufficient improvement would lead to automatic dismissal.

“All three actions constitute gross misconduct, which warrants dismissal on the first breach according to the Zaka RDC code of conduct and the Labour Act. However, to avoid unnecessary labour issues on behalf of the council, I am giving you one last chance to correct and improve your performance by the end of the third quarter of 2026. If there is further misconduct or insufficient improvement, the likely consequence will be automatic dismissal,” read part of the letter.

However, the decision to issue a final written warning without prior first and second written warnings was fiercely contested by Zaka Rural District Development Coordinator (DDC) Nyaradzo Tongofa.

In her intervention letter, Tongofa argued that the Council’s Code of Conduct requires progressive disciplinary measures, and that the unilateral issuance of the letter by the Chairperson, without the matter being tabled before the Human Resources Committee or approved by full Council, was procedurally defective and unlawful.

“The unilateral issuance of such a letter outside the established institutional processes creates the impression that the communication represents the personal opinion, position or displeasure of the Chairperson rather than a lawful and properly constituted Council decision,” Tongofa stated.

“At the outset, it is important to note that the disciplinary action taken against the CEO appears to be inconsistent with the disciplinary procedures provided for in Zaka Rural District Council’s Code of Conduct. “The Code provides for progressive disciplinary measures, under which the CEO is ordinarily expected to be subjected to a first written warning, followed by a second written warning, before a final written warning may be issued,” Tongofa wrote.

She went on to say the conduct complained of did not appear to fall within the category of gross misconduct, rendering the invocation of gross misconduct provisions a misapplication of the Code.This is not the first time Maregedze has attempted to fire Majaura.

Sources say the two have been at odds since 2023, with Majaura seen as a stumbling block to Maregedze’s quest for total control of the local authority. The infighting has hindered development at one of the country’s poorest local authorities, which has been labelled “amber” by the Ministry due to poor performance.

The tensions were further inflamed when Maregedze attempted to secure a vehicle for herself against council procedures.

Sources revealed that Maregedze, in connivance with the then acting CEO Machemedze, attempted to smuggle the purchase of a chairperson’s vehicle into the procurement programme while the substantive CEO Majaura was on leave.

The matter was never debated or approved in a full council meeting, and the Heads of Department declined vehicles worth US$70,000, insisting on cars below US$35,000.

The total intended bill was reportedly going to exceed US$1 million. The move attracted the attention of Minister of Local Government Daniel Garwe, who wrote a letter stopping the purchase.

The Minister is said to be unhappy because the poor performance of local authorities, including Zaka, reflects badly on the Ministry and ultimately affects his own performance rating.

Maregedze’s actions are also believed to be affecting her husband’s political career. Her husband, Clemence Chiduwa, is the Zanu PF Zaka District Coordinating Committee Chairperson and Member of Parliament for Zaka South.

Chiduwa gave Maregedze a free ticket to council as a quota councillor.

Sources allege that the couple was seeking to fire Majaura and replace him with a loyalist who would give them access to control the council and the entire district in the long run.

The matter now awaits intervention from the Ministry of Local Government, which will have to determine whether Maregedze’s actions were procedurally correct or whether the council chairperson overstepped her authority in a move that could have far-reaching implications for governance at the local authority

Minister Mutsvangwa calls for GBV protection, psychosocial support for returnees

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Minister Mutsvangwa calls for GBV protection, psychosocial support for returnees

By Virginia Njovo

Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has emphasised the need to strengthen Gender Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response services, psychosocial support and economic empowerment for women and children in reception centres and during transit to their respective destinations.

This has come to her attention after some reports show that 74 percent of the 110 000 returnees are women and children, while men dominate the remaining percentage.

She noted that from the day the repatriation process started, two women were sexually abused during transit, one in Polokwane and one in Beitbridge, but not in the reception centre.

Speaking during the handover of the consignment of 1 000 dignity kits from United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and 10 000 tonnes of rice from the Zimbabwean Government through MWACSMED held at the Beitbridge Reception Centre on July 2026, Minister Mutsvangwa said women and children should get protection from GBV as well as the provision of psychosocial support at the reception centre.

“To address the specific gender dimensions of this crisis, my Ministry is actively working alongside the government ministries, development partners and humanitarian organisations; together we are strengthening gender responsive reintegration strategies and enhancing the mechanisms for Gender Base4d Violence prevention response. This whole effort is to ensure that the unique needs of women and girls are prioritized in every intervention.They should also get psychosocial support through counselling and emotional assistance to help returnees cope with trauma, stress and challenges associated with displacement and reintegration,” said Mutsvangwa.

She assured the returnees that they were not alone in the current challenging phase of their life, her Ministry will assist them with some of the skills relevant to income generation through existing structures, which were already helping women in Zimbabwe.

“While the road to recovery may be challenging, I want to assure you, our returnees, that you will not walk it alone; we call upon you to join our train of progress by embracing economic empowerment opportunities and being GBV prevention champions.

“Consider joining the Women’s Bank for access to loans, participating in internal savings and lending schemes in your villages as well as becoming part of cooperatives and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are engines of our national growth. Government and partners are available to support your journey toward healing, resilience and renewed hope,” added Mutsvangwa.

During her solidarity speech, UNFPA country Director Tabifor Miranda said the UN family was committed to immediate restoration of dignity, safety and protection as well as long-term reintegration.

“In close collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe through MWACSMED, we are committed to various critical pillars of action, including the immediate restoration of dignity; that is why we are handing over these dignity kits where we expect every woman and adolescent girl receiving one as they provides essential health supplies and hygiene supplies as well as self-worth that serve as the first step towards restoring the sense of self-worth.

“We are also working to ensure that transit facilities are safe spaces where no woman or girl has to fear for security,” said Tabifor.

In an interview with TellZim News, one of the returnees, Chiedza Vannessa Chekudya, expressed her gratitude to the government of Zimbabwe for ensuring safe return.

“I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for ensuring that we have come back home safely. I was doing my business in South Africa, and I managed to bring my equipment I was using to start over here in Zimbabwe, and I also want to encourage those who are afraid to come back home not to worry, as the welcome is warm,” said Chekudya.

Zimbabweans who are in South Africa and are exposed to the violence and attacks are encouraged to go to Zimbabwean Consulates and Embassies near them or even the Police Stations so that they can be safely transported home. A total of 463 trips are made in the process.

How Companies Can Learn From Spain’s Performance at the World Cup 2026 to Drive Better Business Outcomes

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How Companies Can Learn From Spain’s Performance at the World Cup 2026 to Drive Better Business Outcomes

I took time to study Spain’s performance at the World Cup 2026 and found several key lessons that businesses can learn from them.

Spain has so far reached the Fifa 2026 World Cup final.Spain did not arrive at the tournament with the biggest names in football.

France, England, Portugal and Argentina probably have more star players on paper. Yet when you watch Spain play, you see something different: A real workforce.

Their defenders, midfielders, and attackers all contributing. And that is exactly why Spain look like the best team ahead of Argentina, France, Norway, Belgium, and England.1.

Build a culture where every role contributes, not only a “star”.Watch Spain and you do not see a team waiting for one player or two to win the game.

Spain’s defender, Marc Cucurella, already has two assists. Pedro Porro, also a defender, has two goals so far and an assist. Aymeric Laporte has an assist too.

Those are defenders impacting the attack. Playing a crucial role in making the team win.In midfield, Mikel Merino scored the winner that knocked Portugal out.

Up front, Mikel Oyarzabal has five goals and one assist. No one is sitting back saying “that is not my job.”

Everyone is involved in making the team win.Business Takeaway: Organizations that depend too heavily on one “top performer” or one key executive can become fragile under pressure, such as absence, turnover, or changing market conditions.

High-performing companies build resilience by implementing systems where finance, operations, marketing, HR, and customer service all contribute to performance.Just as Spain’s defensive line pushes forward, a strong “back office” should create value, not only support internal processes.

When everyone contributes, targets are more likely to be met even if one area underperforms in a given period.2.

Design strategy so outcomes do not hinge on one individualLamine Yamal has been heavily marked in every match so far. In many teams that would be the end.

But Spain keep winning because the whole team steps up. Spain are the kind of team you can not stop by shutting down one player. They play as a unit.

It’s also why they have not conceded a goal in the tournament yet. Not because they have the single best defenders, but because defending is a team effort.

Business Takeaway: Dependence on individual relationships, single point-of-failure talent, or one “critical client” creates avoidable risk. Even the best organizations can be destabilized by resignation, churn, or skills gaps.

To reduce exposure, companies should develop role clarity, shared accountability, and repeatable processes. Competitors may be able to recruit talent, but they cannot easily replicate organizational culture and operating systems. The goal is to protect “team chemistry” through governance, knowledge sharing, and execution discipline.

France has proven that in their semi final against Spain in this current World Cup, 2026.A purpose-driven workforce with clear roles is harder to break. Competitors can poach your star, but they can not poach your chemistry. Like Spain, they built a culture where knowledge, responsibility, and wins are shared.3.

Prioritize focus, patience, and smart execution over pure talent.Theoretically, France may have the best individual players and the strongest attack.

But they were knocked out by Spain in the semi final of FIFA World Cup 2026. Why? Spain play with focus. They are patient. They play simple, smart, & soft football but it produces results. They do not chase headlines. They chase the win.

Business Takeaway: Businesses full of “superstars” who all want to be the face often lack alignment. Ego & misalignment slows decisions & cause departments compete or work in silos instead of collaborate.

Spain show us that determination + unity beats talent + ego. Spain’s model translates into business execution through: clear mission and priorities, defined responsibilities across teams, cross-functional collaboration, consistent processes over improvisation, & patience in decision-making until the right opportunities materialize.

In practical terms, pass work forward, don’t rely on one person to “dribble it alone.”The Bottom Line:Spain’s performance supports a clear conclusion that a coordinated workforce with purpose, focus, and determination can outperform a collection of individual stars with weak alignment.

Spain are proof. They do not have the biggest names with the exception of Lamin Yamal, & Rodri but they have the best system. A system where defenders contribute offensively, midfielders create scoring impact, and forwards track back.

When one player is tightly marked, the team adapts and the workload shifts.For companies, the same principle holds: consistent target achievement, operational resilience, and long-term growth come from teams that work for each other, supported by systems that improve efficiency and effectiveness.

Borrow from Spain & succeed in business! Writer: Kudzai Ngirazi

About the author: Kudzai Ngirazi is an Internationally Certified Talent Practitioner, Zimbabwean professional leader, librarian, and also a Data Scientist, with a strong interests on people management, digital transformation and national development matters. He currently serves as the National Chairman for the Presidential Programme for Professionals (PP4P). Email: kpngirazi@gmail.com

Bucho wins two top accolades at Megafest Business Awards

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Bucho wins two top accolades at Megafest Business Awards

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Prominent Masvingo businessman Taurayi Mudzviti, popularly known as Bucho, was the toast of the 2026 Megafest Business Awards after scooping two prestigious accolades, cementing his status as one of the province’s most dynamic entrepreneurs.

Mudzviti walked away with the Diamond Award for Male Executive of the Year in recognition of his exceptional leadership across his business portfolio, which includes San Siro Sports Bar and Grill, Lacuna Apartments, and Randnet Construction.

His organization, Juryfin Investments, also clinched a Platinum Award for Industrialist of the Year.

The awards ceremony, held at Urban Lifestyle Hotel on July 17, 2026, brought together top businesses and entrepreneurs from across Masvingo province under the theme “Celebrating Excellence, Driving Innovation and Promoting Sustainable Economic Growth.

“Speaking to TellZim News after the ceremony, Mudzviti expressed gratitude for the recognition, attributing the success to teamwork and the unwavering support of stakeholders and clients.

“We are thrilled by the recognition, which is a result of teamwork. This was all because of the support we get from stakeholders and the general clientele. These awards inspire us to work harder, strive for more, and ensure sustainable growth,” said Mudzviti.

The Male Executive of the Year award recognised Mudzviti’s stewardship of San Siro Sports Bar and Grill, one of Masvingo’s most popular nightlife spots.

Located in Hillside, San Siro has transformed the local entertainment landscape since its launch, offering live European and local soccer screenings, delicious meals, top-notch beverages, and a family-friendly atmosphere.

The venue has become the entertainment capital of the Ancient City, drawing visitors from all corners of Masvingo and beyond.

Mudzviti’s portfolio extends far beyond San Siro. He also owns Lacuna Apartments, a hospitality venture that has earned recognition in the tourism sector, as well as Randnet Construction, which has won national and international acclaim.

Through Juryfin Investments, he has diversified into property development, construction, and hospitality, making him one of the most influential business figures in Masvingo Province.

Mudzviti’s track record of excellence is well-documented. In 2025, he was named First Runner-Up in the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Businessman of the Year category, coming second only to Jadecon and Byword managing director Sternly Kondongwe.

Through Lacuna Apartments, he also earned First Runner-Up in Tourism and Hospitality at the ZNCC awards, while Juryfin Investments won SME of the Year at the ZNCC in 2024.

San Siro was named Best Sports Bar at the Masvingo Achievers Awards in 2025 and also received recognition at the Hevoi People’s Choice Awards.

Beyond business, Mudzviti is a renowned philanthropist. Through San Siro, he offers free unlimited Wi-Fi to surrounding communities, benefiting learners from nearby schools who use it for online studies.

He has also supported Mucheke Old People’s Home, helped a family rebuild their house after a fire, and provided financial assistance to elderly women vendors.

He is also an active sponsor in the Mucheke Social Soccer League.

The Megafest Business Awards, now in their 18th year, are organised by Megafest Holdings to honour outstanding businesses and individuals who are transforming industries, creating employment, and contributing to economic growth.

The recognition of Mudzviti and Juryfin Investments at this year’s awards underscores their significant contribution to Masvingo’s economic development and their commitment to excellence across multiple sectors.

Absolute Security Services wins 5th Megafest Award

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Absolute Security Services wins 5th Megafest Award

By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Absolute Security Services has won its fifth Megafest award at the recently held ceremony, a feat that managing director Thulani Sibanda says proves the company is a force to be reckoned with in the security industry, despite being only eight years old and competing against firms with more than half a century of experience.

The company, which was founded in 2018, scooped a Gold Medal in the security innovation and responsiveness of the year category.

Speaking to TellZim News, Sibanda said the recognition reflected the company’s consistent commitment to excellence and its ability to compete with much older players in the industry.

“We are happy with the recognition, five times, which shows that we are a force to reckon with. The organisation is only eight years old, but we are competing and getting our fair share of clientele while competing with other companies that have more than 50 years in the industry,” said Sibanda.

He said the company also received two awards from the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC), which further demonstrates its commitment to excellence.

In 2025, Sibanda himself was crowned the ZNCC Young Entrepreneur of the Year for Masvingo Province, an accolade he attributed to the support of the community.

Sibanda said one of the major reasons Absolute Security Services continued to receive recognition was its extensive range of services, which go beyond traditional manned guarding.

“The company provides a full suite of advanced security and investigation solutions, including CCTV installation, monitoring, and remote viewing with real-time video streaming and full app-based control. It also offers intruder alarms, fire alarms, business alarms, panic systems, access control systems, biometric access, automated gates, gate motors, boom gates, and electric fencing for perimeter protection, as well as vehicle tracking services,” said Sibanda.

On the manned security side, he said the company supplies static guards, residential guards, and coverage for industrial premises, mines, and retail outlets, along with VIP protection, cash-in-transit services, and 24/7 rapid response.

Under its Absolute Private Investigators division, the company offers discreet investigative services including locates, surveillance, background checks, business background investigations, computer forensics, fraud investigations, commercial crimes, domestic investigations, missing and wanted persons tracing, asset tracing, and video and photo evidence collection.

Sibanda said the company was famed for its rapid response system and its tactical team, which is quick to respond to any emergency.

“We have a scary tactical team that is quick to respond to any emergency; that is why we have managed to be outstanding despite competing with giants,” he said.

He said the company’s efficiency was built on the expertise of its personnel, as it recruits some of its members from former security services members like the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the Zimbabwe National Army, and the Zimbabwe Prison and Correctional Service, who bring rich expertise that is blended with the company’s internal training.

Sibanda himself brings more than two decades of experience as a detective, which has been invaluable to the company’s operations.He holds a degree in Business Management, a Master’s in Business Administration, and a diploma in accounting, which also influenced the company’s recent diversification into insurance.

He said Absolute Security now employs more than 200 people and offers security to several local authorities, service stations, schools, mines, and business complexes.

Chiredzi TC Chairperson in ZACC net over irregular employee promotions

TellZim News
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Chiredzi TC Chairperson in ZACC net over irregular employee promotions

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – The net has closed in on Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson Councillor Jameson Charumbira, who the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission arrested on the same charge levelled against Acting Town Secretary Consider Kubiku, Criminal Abuse of Duty as a Public Officer, in a development that now places the council’s top elected official and its top administrator in the dock together.

Charumbira, who appeared without legal representation, was granted US$500 bail and is set to stand trial on August 13, 2026, the same date Kubiku is due back in court.

The arrest comes barely a week after revelations that Charumbira had allegedly sat on a Ministry of Local Government and Public Works directive ordering corrective action on irregular staff deployments at the council, without ever tabling it before Full Council.

The directive, contained in a letter seen by TellZium News, dated July 2, 2026, and addressed personally to Charumbira, followed a ministerial fact-finding mission into the promotion and deployment of Mr M. Njiri and Engineer I. Muteyaunga.

Signed by Minister of Local Government and Public Works Daniel Garwe, the letter found that while the appointments substantially complied with Council’s Conditions of Service, the process had also revealed opportunities to strengthen organisational efficiency through the optimal deployment of technical personnel in line with qualifications and expertise.

“The Ministry has considered the report of the fact-finding mission. Whilst the investigation established that the appointments substantially complied with Council’s Conditions of Service, it also identified opportunities to strengthen organisational efficiency through the optimal deployment of technical personnel in line with their academic qualifications, professional competencies and technical expertise,” reads part of the letter.

The Ministry directed CTC to place the matter before Full Council and take administrative measures on four fronts: aligning Engineer Irvene Muteyaunga’s deployment with the Water and Sanitation portfolio in view of his specialist qualifications; reassigning Simbarashe Bhasera to a portfolio matching his industrial and manufacturing engineering background; redeploying Njiri to the Security Department where his qualifications could be “optimally utilised”; and initiating a competitive recruitment process to fill the substantive post of Senior Projects Coordinator. Council was given 30 days to report back with resolutions and supporting documentation.

“Accordingly, Council is requested to place this matter before Full Council for consideration and to take the necessary administrative measures, in accordance with its Conditions of Service and applicable legal and administrative procedures, with particular regard to the following: The alignment of Engineer I. Muteyaunga’s deployment with the Water and Sanitation portfolio, taking into account his specialist qualifications and professional experience; The reassignment of Mr Simbarashe Bhasera to a portfolio that more appropriately corresponds with his qualifications and technical expertise in industrial and manufacturing engineering; The redeployment of Mr M. Njiri to the Security Department, where his qualifications and professional background may be optimally utilised; The initiation of a competitive recruitment process to fill the substantive post of Senior Projects Coordinator in accordance with Council’s Conditions of Service and the applicable legal and administrative framework,” the letter elaborated.

However, sources claimed that, Charumbira never brought the directive before Full Council, keeping fellow councillors in the dark about the Ministry’s findings and instructions.

This silence now appears to sit at the heart of ZACC’s interest in his conduct.The antigraft body first moved on July 13, just 11 days after the letter’s date, arresting Kubiku over the promotion of two council employees without the relevant academic qualifications.

According to court papers, in December 2025 Kubiku allegedly caused the creation and adoption of a new council organogram that established two new managerial posts, Assistant Director Operations in the Engineering Department and Senior Projects Coordinator in the Housing Department, despite a job evaluation exercise having recommended that the posts occupied by Muteyaunga and Njiri be abolished and the two redeployed to departments matching their qualifications.

Court papers state that the two posts were never advertised internally, and no shortlisting, interviews, or competitive selection process took place, with Muteyaunga and Njiri instead handpicked by Kubiku in violation of the council’s Human Resource Policy.

The State further alleges that council’s Human Resources policy requires promotions to be initiated by a written request from a Head of Department, and that no such request was made for either promotion.Investigations subsequently found that neither employee met the minimum qualifications for their new posts.

The Assistant Director post in the Engineering Department requires a degree in Civil Engineering; Muteyaunga holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering.

The Senior Projects Coordinator post requires the skills to supervise engineering works; Njiri holds a Diploma in Security Management.Kubiku appeared before Regional Magistrate Judith Zuyu and was granted US$500 bail.

The case has a possible 19 witnesses, with investigations expected to be completed by August 11, 2026.

Charumbira’s arrest today, on an identical charge and with an identical bail amount, now ties the two officials together on the same trial date, raising the prospect that the full circumstances behind the ministerial letter, and why it was never disclosed to councillors, could be tested in open court.

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