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MaRODO urges youth to participate in elections

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MaRODO urges youth to participate in elections

… As Mnangagwa announces 2023 election date

Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo Root of Development Organisation Trust (MaRODO) has emphasized the need for youth participation in electoral processes as voter registration for the 2023 election has ended.
With August 23, 2023 having been proclaimed as the date for the election, MaRODO in a statement released on June 1, 2023 said young people should be actively involved in politics to ensure that their voices are heard in a bid to have a significant impact in shaping the future of the nation.
“First and foremost, we want to emphasize the importance of youth participation in electoral processes. The youth make up a significant and large portion of the population in Zimbabwe, and as such, our voices must be heard in decision-making processes that affect our future.
“Therefore, it is essential for all fellow young people of voting age to engage in electoral processes by registering to vote and turning out to vote on 23 August, Election Day, this year,” read part of the statement.
MaRODO further urged the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) to have pro youth policies to enhance youth participation in elections as candidates.
“In the same vein, it would be beneficial for Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC), as the governing body of elections, to develop or consider implementing pro-youth policies proposed by other organizations aimed at creating a more conducive political environment for young people.
“Such policies should be designed to address the issue of low youth representation within political parties, with measures put in place to encourage passionate and dedicated young individuals to actively participate in political processes.
“Some of the measures can be provision of robust leadership trainings and civic education, since most young people especially in the rural areas, lack knowledge about the importance of participation in governance processes in the country and how it affects the economy and the well-being of the country,” reads the statement.
The organisation has further advocated for the youth and political parties to uphold the values of peace and national unity as we are already in the election period.
“Elections can cause tension and division in the country, which can lead to violence and unrest. Our country, Zimbabwe has a history of election violence, which has resulted in loss of life, destruction of property, and ultimately an erosion of the democracy that Zimbabweans fought for.
“Consequently, as young people, we must play a vital role in promoting peace and unity during the pre-election, election, and post-election period. We urge all political party leaders and supporters to uphold the values of peace and unity, as it is in the best interest of our country,” reads the statement.
Recently a number of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) urged ZEC to reduce the candidate nomination fees and pleaded for youth, gender disability sensitive fees to advance inclusive representation in public offices.

Women’s participation in driving competitions cardinal: TSCZ

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Women’s participation in driving competitions cardinal: TSCZ

Branton Matondo

The year’s edition of Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TSCZ) Driving Competitions was yet another male dominated scene as female numbers were meagre, a feat that has been labeled retrogressive in the drive for road safety.

With TSCZ predicting that by 2030 road carnages will spike to 50 percent, women with class 2 drivers’ licenses have been urged to take part in bus and rigid trucks competitions as a way to curb the rising road accident tally.

One of the female winners at this year’s Manicaland Driver of the year competitions held at Fountain Creek representing Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Herbert Chitepo 3 Brigade, Violet Mvundura said even though she scooped the second gong in the rigid truck driving competition women participation should increase in these competitions as they impart necessary driving safety measures.

“It’s a happy feeling altogether to win in such a competition because l was calm when l was driving. I told myself there is nothing to panic about but just standing up and representing women all over. However, my advice to other women in Manicaland is to register and participate. Most women have class 2 driver’s licenses but when you look at this year’s competition l was the only one in the rigid truck competition. We should compete with men and shun the stereotype that women are not good drivers,” Mvundura said.

She added that road safety signs and directions should be followed and it should be a priority amid current high accidents records.

“I advise all drivers out there to prioritize safe driving, which means following all the road signs and directions. Over speeding is unwaranted. It’s better to be late than to be the late.

Meanwhile the rigid truck pool was dominated by ZNA which scooped two prizes; Steven Karira clinching the poll position (USD 500) with Violet Mvundura setting for second while Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Tobias Tangwena settled for third position.

In the bus category Jacob Mangwe from Africa University scooped the first position bagging USD 500.

Chidzikwe collaborates with Dorcas Moyo

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Chidzikwe collaborates with Dorcas Moyo

Branton Matondo

Mutare is not holding back in dominating the national gospel arena as Caroline Chidzikwe and The Throne Worshippers look forward to launch an album featuring Dorcas Moyo this week.
From the melodious sounds of Dorcas Moyo, Blessing Shumba, Jairos Mutabikwa, Mutare is relishing on another massive album launch, for yet another thriving talent pitted for Courtauld Theater.
The album, titled ‘Mwari Munoshamisa’ is the second project for the Mutare based budding artist Chidzikwe.
Having worked with Bethany Pasinawako in her previous works, Chidzikwe looks determined to keeping up her tempo.
In an interview with TellZim News Chidzikwe said the album is a clear testimony of how powerful God can be in our lives.
“Mwari Munoshamisa is an album that tells a story pinned on the greatness of God in our lives. Normally when I’m writing these songs I will be referring to my life. There are some things that are not meant for us but the almighty Lord just opens the gates for us,” said Chidzikwe.
The main song on the album is a collaboration by gospel diva Dorcas Moyo titled Mwari Munoshamisa.
“We really thank God for the album because it’s not an easy task. The album obviously features Dorcas Moyo who is a source of inspiration in my career so far,” added Chidzikwe.
The album launch will be taking place June 10, 2023 with supporting acts from Blessing Shumba, Melanie Fidze, Pastor Ellen Anderson, Terence Dzatsata, Pastor Clever Dzvairo, Prince Jacha, Petronella Mukanganwa, Vimbai Dimba and Ruth Alfredo.
“Tickets will be going for USD 3 for kids, USD 5 for Adults and we have a special USD 10 ticket for the corporate world and stakeholders who would assist in supporting this night. The launch will take place between 11:00hrs and 17: 00hrs,” cited Chidzikwe.
Chidzikwes took a massive leap in 2019 after the release of two singles titled ‘Zvosiyana’ and ‘Mutsvene Mutsvene’.
She then went on to work on her first album with Harare based gospel artist Lyton Ngolomi, an album that featured Bethany Pasinawako.
The six tracked album included a massive hit titled Zvinoda Mutsimba, a track that attracted airplay on Diamond Fm.

Parent sues MOPSE, ZIMSEC over exam subsidy

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Parent sues MOPSE, ZIMSEC over exam subsidy

Perpetua Murungweni

Susan Chikwanda from Zaka has applied for a declaratory in terms of section 14 of the High Court Act Chapter 07:06 that seek to change the decision of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary education and the announcement by ZIMSEC to subsidize examination fees for 2023.
In her application Chikwanda states that she is not financially stable and she is a mother to four children, the other two being Panashe Masingwini (17) and Honest Masingwini (14) are the ones sitting for public examinations November this year. Panashe is a form 4 student at a private college and Honest is in grade 7 at Munjanja Primary School.
“I am not gainfully employed and in order to finance my children’s education needs that includes school fees, uniforms, stationary and examination fees, I do piece jobs using my scotch cart. I carry water, firewood and also do menial jobs like cleaning so that l can get some resources and the resources are not enough and l sometimes end up having to borrow some money so that my
Chikwanda is claiming that the effect of this decision to subsidize examination fees for public schools and exclude private schools means that for Honest who is in grade 7, he will benefit from the subsidy whilst Panashe who is in form 4 will not benefit.
“My two children both come from the same home and are financed from the same less privileged and economically weak pocket. Besides that Honest is at a Government school and Panashe is at a private college there is nothing else that differentiates their economic and social status. Both my children eat from the same plate and are clothed for school from the same basket,” said Chikwanda.
Chikwanda said that Panashe is doing 8 subjects and the total examination fees required by ZIMSEC will be USD $ 190 and she does not afford that amount of money and she has to reduce the number of subjects for her child.
“I have had to choose that Panashe writes only 5 subjects which l understands are the mandatory minimum subjects required for an Ordinary level pass because I have not managed to raise USD $190 and I have had to borrow some money so that he writes 5 subjects which will cost me USD $ 120.
“If Panashe was going to benefit from the subsidy, l would have been paying USD $88.00 for all 8 subjects he is studying. If Panashe is to fail to succeed in one subject then he would have failed to achieve the minimum required to be considered to have acquired the mandatory Ordinary level pass in Zimbabwe’” said Chikwada.
She also claims that, that the money the Government is using to subsidize the examination fees is however coming from the same fescues that all citizens pay taxes, when benefits are being extended, and the government has also failed to provide a justifiable reason behind the different examination fees amounts between government schools and private schools..
“The Government has made a decision to benefit Honest by subsidizing his exam fee but have Panashe pay the full examination fee. Yet the money that the Government is using to subsidize the examination fees for candidates in public schools including mission schools is coming from the same fiscus that all citizens pay taxes into. When tax is collected there is no question asked regarding which school ones child attends.
“Government has also not provided the rationale behind this differentiation and l have tried to find a possible justifiable reason but l have failed. I have concluded that the differentiation amounts to unfair discrimination on perceived class and also on economic or social status.
“However, this is not a fair discrimination and cannot be justifiable in a free and democratic society which has the rule of law and constitutionalism as its tenets of justice. Such unfair discrimination inadvertently results in candidates like Panashe who are in private college’s right to education being affected,” added Chikwanda
In a circular dated 26 January 2023, the Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council issued out finance circular number 3 of 2023. In the circular ZIMSEC stated that the fees for grade seven examinations for 2023 are USD $ 65 for all subjects. It further stated that Government would contribute USD $ 36 of the examination fee for candidates in public schools while parents and guardians will pay USD 29.00. The circular further stated that all candidates from private schools and colleges will meet the full cost of USD $ 65 as examination fees for the year.
In another circular dated 31 January 2023 ZIMSEC through finance circular number 1 of 2023, announced that Government will be subsidizing the 2023 Ordinary and Advanced level examinations fees for candidates in public schools, local authority schools and mission schools. The circular further stated that all candidates in private schools and colleges, including private candidates in public schools will pay the full cost of examination fees. The circular stated that candidates in public schools would pay 45% of the examination fees per subject and Government would pay 55% of the examination fees per subject.

Chivi woman pens gratitude poem for UNICEF disability programme

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Chivi woman pens gratitude poem for UNICEF disability programme

Beverly Bizeki

A woman from Chivi has written an emotional poem as a way of thanking the disability inclusive parenting programme that has been implemented in Chivi District.
Felix Mapuvire is one of the many parents who have had a wakeup call on disability inclusive parenting model for parents of children living with disabilities with the coming in of the programme.
In her poem Mapuvire refers to UNICEF as ‘chirera nherera’ which means the one who looks after orphans.
“Our children living with disability have since been acceptable in the society now and parents are now able to bring out their children in the society which they could not do previously,” reads the poem.
Mapuvire in her poem also acknowledged the efforts to get documentation for the children living with disability.
“Children living with disabilities are now going to school and they now have national identity documents as well as birth certificates,” says Mapuvire.
Mapuvire said the disability inclusive programme has enabled them to treat their son as a normal person and not a sick person.
“Before the coming in of the program, we treated my child who has intellectual challenges as a sick person rather but after being taught in the programme on parenting for children with disabilities, my son is now able to do household chores he even helps out in our pfumvudza plot,” says Mapuvire.
Mapuvire is one of the many parents from Chivi district in Masvingo whose child is one of the 321 beneficiaries of the Disability inclusion parenting program spearheaded by the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social welfare in collaboration with UNICEF with funding from Government of Sweden, Government of Norway, (Norad) and Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation working with implementing partner Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children Association.
The program which was implemented in August 2022 and is carried out in five wards in Chivi, has seen the realization of rights of the children living with disabilities by parents as the program is meant to build the capacity of carers.
Beauty Magwidi one of the parents said the program has helped her in taking care of the child that was left behind by her niece to accept as well as love the children living with disability.
“With UNICEF we have been taught to be self-reliant through doing personal projects, we have also been taught to love our children and there has been a great change even in their well-being, I am now able to play with my child, she can move and pick things as well as smile,” said Magwidi.

DUZ is main opposition: Chapman

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DUZ is main opposition: Chapman

Branton Matondo

Democratic Union of Zimbabwe (DUZ) president Robert Chapman has said his party is Zimbabwe’s main opposition as the party is making inroads to being the only alternative apart from Zanu PF.
Robert Howard Chapman told journalists in Mutare recently that his party is the main opposition in Zimbabwe also denouncing claims that he is a Zanu PF project meant to divide votes.
“That’s a claim any opposition says to another opposition. They even said it among themselves. At one point Tendai Biti was called a CIO (intelligence operative), so was David Coltart at some point. It’s a claim that is used by the opposition to be a gatekeeper for ZANU-PF.
“To me a person that stands up and says DUZ is Zanu PF typically means they are the main ZANU-PF project, they are the actual gatekeepers of ZANU-PF. You cannot ring fence opposition, that’s no longer democracy,” said Chapman.
DUZ which is carrying out provincial engagements across Zimbabwe said they are ready for elections and Chapman will be their candidate in the upcoming harmonized elections.
Chapman added that the party is open for members who have no political home even if they were former MDC, CCC or ZANU-PF members.
“You can see that our secretary general is a former MDC member, we have people from different parties that have come under our wing. We welcome even people from ZANU-PF
“I would say those that eat at the same table and have taken money from ZANU-PF government are probably closer to ZANU-PF, ” he added.
Zimbabwe has been dominated by two political parties from the early 2000’s, Zanu PF and MDC with the latter switching to MDC T, MDC Alliance and the current yellow wing CCC led by Nelson Chamisa.
“We have had the same political system for quite some time and there was a glimpse of prosperity during the Government of National Unity (GNU). Things slowly changed but unfortunately the same folks who were part of the system are still in power. DUZ was formed after looking at the current landscape of the political system that exists and today we don’t have something that looks different.
“If the system is not working for you, in your ward, in your constituency under the leadership of either the ruling party, opposition or independent maybe you should consider change because unless you do not change you will go down the same road again. DUZ will bring prosperity, justice and modernization in Zimbabwe. You should vote because the next five years are going to be expensive,” Chapman said.
This year’s harmonized election are set for August 23, through a proclamation made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa on May 31, 2023.

Brother-sister duo kill elderly father, two children

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Brother-sister duo kill elderly father, two children

Perpetua Murungweni

In a bizarre incident that happened in Bikita recently, a brother and a sister allegedly murdered their elderly father before the sister turned to her own two toddler children, stoning them to death.
The tragic incident happened in Mhari village under Chief Ziki, Bikita, where the two assaulted their father to death with wooden sticks accusing him of practicing witchcraft.
It is reported that on May 29 2023 Modina Mavhunga and Clever Mavhunga at around 9 am went to their father’s house, Anisto Mavhunga where they started accusing him of practicing witchcraft.
The father refuted the allegations which angered the two, who then started assaulting him with sticks until he died.
After beating their father to death, it is reported that Modina started acting like she was possessed and took her two kids; Precious Mafuse who was two years old and Prisca Mafuse who was five years old to the grave yard.
Modina placed the children on her sister’s grave where she pelted them with stones until they died.
After killing the children Modina started to run after people who had gathered at the scene, until the community managed to capture and tie her before reporting the matter to the police at Mukore police base in Bikita.
Masvingo Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said the duo was arrested.
“The duo was arrested and the three bodies were taken to Silveira Mission Hospital for postmortem,” said Dhewa.
The police also urged people to shun from the use of violence when trying to solve disputes.
“We encourage people to shun from the use of violence in resolving disputes and also the right to life should be respected at all cost,” said Dhewa.

Make or break fixtures ahead: Will Tongogara Fc match up?

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Make or break fixtures ahead: Will Tongogara Fc match up?

Branton Matondo

Mashonaland West based division one outfit Tongogara Fc who were at the helm of Ruvimbo Funeral Central Region Soccer league log standing after week 6 round of fixtures will have to dig deep as they face three teams in top five in three consecutive weeks.
Now sitting on second position following a disappointing loss of grip at Long John Stadium against Blanket Mine Tongogara will, from this week have to pull up their socks to the hips as they go against three top five teams also gunning for promotion.
Week 8 round of fixtures will see the army side face ZPC Munyati, a side that is no walk over.
So far ZPC Munyati has only conceded six away from home while Tongogara is one goal up on that tally.
After the clash of Godfrey Tamirepi and his power utility charges, Tongogara will travel to Gweru for a clash with Chapungu.
To finish off the three match parade Tongogara will host Stanley Ncube coached side Dulibadzimu.
Though ZPC Munyati’s performance away has been average the clash against Tongogara will be an exception.
The second round is almost halfway and both teams will be looking to bag maximum points in an attempt to close up on log leaders TelOne.
Chapungu, who have registered emphatic wins (against CM Academy, Loss Control) and draws (against TelOne) at Ascot stadium will be looking to defend their home integrity.
Dulibadzimu from Beitbridge is another 4th placed outfit that has proved to be a knife in the flesh for other title contenders.
The ZW Media furnished side currently sits on the 4th position, two points behind Tongogara who will also be looking to cause upsets when they visit at the barrack.
Dulibadzimu, who have so far conceded less goals (four) away from home will be looking to repeat the same feat they displayed against TelOne at Ascot.

ZETDC, ZERA call Masvingo to embrace net metering

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ZETDC, ZERA call Masvingo to embrace net metering

Courage Dutiro

The country’s energy regulator, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) and Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission Distribution Company (ZETDC) have urged capable institutions and individuals to embrace the renewable energy net metering way to overcome long hours of power blackouts which the province is encountering.
Renewable energy Net Metering is a system where consumers generate renewable energy at their premises and feed excess power into the national grid through a grid-tied inverter to supplement the electricity shortfall in the country.
ZERA Chief Executive Officer Edington Mazambani said net metering will help to reduce the electricity bills of consumers and it will also increase energy in the national grid.
“ZETDC is running a promotion, if a consumer joins the system this year a free meter will be provided. The system is beneficial to the consumer as it cuts electricity costs.
“So far about 6 megawatts is generated by the pro-consumers is being fed into the national grid but there are also other applications that are under consideration of about 8 megawatts. Very soon we will be having 14 megawatts from the net metering system in the national grid,” said Mazambani.
Despite Masvingo having vast resources to generate renewable energy, Mazambani said, in the province, only NatPharm has the system.
“In Masvingo we only have NatPharm but we have other 2 applications that are under consideration and we are encouraging more players to join the system,” said Mazambani.
ZETDC acting Commercial Services Manager Engineer John Chikeya said net metering is the way to zero load shedding.
“A 160 Kilowatts system like the one at Standard Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) offices can power about 200 houses, therefore if several institutions take part in the net metering system they will be able to provide power to sustain the domestic loads. So we will be having zero load shedding especially during the daytime. The system goes a long way in reducing load shedding,” said Eng Chikeya.
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 7 promotes the provision of affordable and sustainable clean energy.

Zanu PF’s Shumba goes independent in Mwenezi West

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Zanu PF’s Shumba goes independent in Mwenezi West

…Zanu PF’s Shumba goes independent in Mwenezi West 

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi-Former Zanu PF Central Committee Member Tafadzwa Masvayamwando-Shumba who is the party’s current National Consultative Assembly member who said he felt extremely cheated in the controversial party internal polls has decided to go independent in Mwenezi West.
He said he decided to take the bull with its horns after his plea against the recent party primary elections fell on deaf ears, and he felt he had the electorate on his side if he decided to contest.
Shumba, who according to the announced party primary poll results came second after incumbent legislator Prisicillar Zindari-Moyo who is wife to Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) Director-General Isaac Moyo.
He said he for long had been a victim of rigged internal polls hence the decision to break protocol and heed to calls from the people of Mwenezi West.
In an interview with Tellzim News, Shumba, who vowed to be solidly behind the Presidency of Emmerson Mnangangwa said he will leave no stone unturned to campaign for Mnangagwa as he contests for the Mwenezi West Constituency as an independent candidate.
“My mission is to correct the wrongs which have been done as a result of the recent internal polls and I am very clear that as an independent candidate I am going to vigorously campaign for President Mnangangwa in Mwenezi West and he is definitely going to garner maximum votes,” said Shumba.
Shumba expressed confidence of victory saying his decision to contest as an independent candidate was a respond call from various locals who felt cheated by the outcome of the Zanu PF internal polls.
“Just imagine I first contested in the party’s 2013 polls for Mwenezi West legislators’ post and the polls were manipulated. In 2018 several ghost polling stations were erected and I was once again deprived of my right to represent the people of Mwenezi West.
“This time around several worse rigging mechanisms were employed and I raised red flags over the issue before and after elections. I wrote several letters to all the respective party offices, none of which were responded to. After realising that several attempts to seek redress from all the available avenues hit a brick wall the people of Mwenezi West themselves urged me to take the decision I have taken of contesting as an independent candidate,” said Shumba.
In his leaked address to the Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) WhatsApp group announcing his decision to contest as an independent candidate, Shumba did not mince his words as he expressed anger over the manner in which his election petitions were swept under the carpet and vowed that there will be gnashing of teeth.
“I have come on this platform to tell you that the Second Republic did not come as manna from heaven. A lot of things happened with lives lost such that we cannot stand and watch.
“I have decided to make it clear to you that I have given you enough time to think about my fate in Mwenezi West and you have indicated that you do not care at all so I have seen it fit to go out there and defend the President with all my energy starting now going forward. What irks most is that there are a lot who were opposing the coming of the Second Republic but now they are ones who are at the forefront of enjoying its fruits.
“I have written several petitions but all in vain and have realized that the only way for the President to know that things are not ok here is through taking the decision I am taking now which is to defend him and I am going to expose a lot of things which I am not at liberty to expose here and I can tell you that there will be wailing and gnashing of teeth,” declared Shumba.
With Mwenezi West, being a known traditional Zanu PF stronghold, however, the throwing of the hat into the ring by Shumba as an independent candidate has been seen as a political gamechanger, with local political analysts predicting that given that a climate for free and fair elections prevails the contest is going to be the tightest of all races in the the district without a pre-determined winner so far.
“It is an open secret that Zanu PF rigged itself during the chaotic primary elections. In Mwenezi West a lot of disgruntled electorates had been promising a protest vote for too long and Shumba is likely to be the biggest beneficiary.
“Judging with the mood on the ground right now I can safely tell you that anything can happen and the coming in of Shumba into the race is definitely presenting a serious headache for incumbent legislator Moyo. She is inevitably going to have sleepless nights. The race is going to be one of the toughest and the electorate is likely to benefit immensely as contestants are definitely going to dish out everything at their disposal to win their hearts,” said a local analyst who refused to be named.

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