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Government debt paralyses Masvingo City        

By Beverly Bizeki           

Government’s failure to settle its ballooning debt to Masvingo City Council is crippling its basic service delivery, with claims that the local authority is now owed millions by various government departments.

The staggering debt was revealed during a recent full council meeting and has been blamed for delayed infrastructure repairs, chronic pipe bursts, and the city’s growing struggle to fund critical services.

Speaking during the meeting, Ward 6 Councilor Wilstaf Sitemere raised the issue, citing government’s failure to settle its debts while the city council remains under pressure to meet financial obligations to other government entities like Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA).

 “I am worried about our ballooning debts, for instance we owe Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) ZWL$59.6 million and yet there is a quite a huge public debt owed to council through government institutions.

We are making efforts to pay ZIMRA which is government but government owes us $108 million. There is need to have debt settlement agreements which are realistic otherwise would not be complaining about issues such as the 52 water bursts reported in the previous months,” said Sitemere.

Sitemere said the local authority had capable engineers who could not address challenges that the city was facing due to a lack of funds.

“The 52 water bursts recorded are as a result of procurement, we have very competent engineers but there are no materials to address those issues,” said Sitemere.

Ward 9 Councilor and Finance Committee Chairperson Benard Muchokwa said council was exploring debt arrangements with creditors like ZESA but warned that the energy costs were unsustainable for the local authority.

“We are trying to come up with a set off arrangement with ZESA because we also have services that we are offering them. The honest truth is ZESA is unsustainable for this institution, it is expensive for us, and we owe them more than they do.

“This is why as a committee we call for the implementation of the water augmentation phase two which will go a long way into cutting electricity costs. We are pumping water over long distances more than other local authorities do,” said Muchokwa.

Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe said there was a need for a dialogue with the Ministry of Local Government since the issue was affecting service delivery amongst all local authorities as treasury delays disbursement of funds.

“The issue that government institutions are not owning up their payments is not only affecting Masvingo, it now requires a policy engagement at national level. As city council we are taxed at the same time government owes us a lot of money, the few collections that we would have made will be garnished which paralyses service delivery,” said Tabe.

Tabe said there was a need for government to address the matter so that councils could also meet their obligations in service delivery.

“We are compelled by the ministry to meet service delivery standards but the treasury is not owning up payments to the institutions so that they will be able to pay us so that we also pay our debts.

“There is one local authority that had their accounts garnished which means when there is no money there is no service delivery hence the need for a national dialogue with our minister to see how we can bridge the existing gap,” said Tabe.

Another case of neglect uncovered at Bikita Rural Hospital

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By Brighton Chiseva

Another case of neglect has emerged at Bikita Rural Hospital, just days after a similar incident involving a nurse Progress Muzuva, rocked the same facility.

Mary Mutingwende, a widow and former cook at the hospital, is struggling to survive after being terminated on medical grounds in September 2024. Despite her lengthy service, Mutingwende has not received any payment from the government, leaving her unable to afford basic necessities like medication, food, and school fees for her child.

Her health issues, including high blood pressure and a painful back, have forced her into retirement, and she remains at the hospital almost a year later due to her inability to afford transportation for her belongings.

However, efforts to get a comment from Bikita District Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Thalia Mungwari and the Provincial Medical Doctor (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamhu were futile as both their mobile phones went unanswered several times.

The timing of Mutingwende’s case is particularly concerning, coming on the heels of a similar incident involving Muzuva, a nurse who was severely on duty in 2018.

Muzuva’s ordeal began when a violent patient assaulted her during an ambulance trip, resulting in a fractured leg and chronic back pain.

Despite her condition, Muzuva claims the Ministry of Health and Child Care has abandoned her, placing her on ordinary sick leave instead of compensatory sick leave.

The Ministry’s handling of Muzuva’s case has been questioned, her situation is dire, and her condition continues to deteriorate due to lack of proper medical attention and financial support.

Mutingwende’s situation is equally dire, as her situation not only affects her but also deprives other nurses and staff who may be facing accommodation challenges.

Mutingwende said she was once asked to leave, but she cannot go unless she gets her dues. She fears that once she moves out, the hospital and other relevant stakeholders will no longer have any reason to help her.

“They once asked me to leave the house but I cannot move, I have no money to transport my belongings and staying here is the only hope I have to get help,” said Mutingwende.

Her attempts to follow up on her case have been met with little success, with the district and provincial offices telling her that her matter is being handled at the headquarters in Harare. However, she lacks the financial resources to travel to Harare to pursue her case, leaving her in a state of limbo.

“I am sick and have no money to travel up and down. The district and provincial offices said they submitted my papers to the head office so there is nothing they can do to help me. I am now losing hope and I appeal to the relevant departments to look into my issue,” said Mutingwende.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care’s response to both Mutingwende’s and Muzuva’s situations has been woefully inadequate, with many calling for urgent action to address the systemic issues that have led to their plight.

The struggles of Mutingwende and Muzuva highlight the need for a more efficient and compassionate approach to handling employee welfare and compensation.

Time to Travel: Junior Group of Schools take learners on International tours

By Staff Reporter

Junior High School is in the midst of an action-packed year of travel in 2025, with a range of exciting trips currently ongoing for its learners, as they declare “It’s Time to Travel.” The school has announced three separate tours, catering to different interests and geographical preferences.

The trips include an international trip to Malaysia, which is currently underway from August 1st to 6th, 2025, where learners are exploring iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers and experiencing the country’s diverse cuisine.

A regional trip to Cape Town, South Africa, is also ongoing from August 1st to 5th, 2025, allowing learners to explore the city’s stunning natural beauty, including Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope.

Additionally, a local trip to Victoria Falls, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic natural wonders, is currently taking place from August 2nd to 5th, 2025, offering learners the opportunity to experience white-water rafting, bungee jumping, or simply taking in the breathtaking views.

According to Director Noah Marima, the school’s international trips aim to expose learners to different cultures and the real world, as well as new technologies used in schools around the world. This initiative began with a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in July 2024, which was the inaugural trip.

Meanwhile, the school is now open for registration for the 2026 academic year. The Cambridge International Examinations Form 1 Entrance Test will be administered on August 8 and 9, 2025.

 The entrance test is a highly competitive assessment that will determine which learners will secure a place in the school’s prestigious Form 1 class. The registration fee for the test is $20.

Interested candidates can register for the test by contacting the school at 0782 238 026, 0786 044 585, or 0786 044 303, or by emailing info@juniorhighschool.ac.zw. The school is located at 30588 Lundi Drive Rhodene, Masvingo. The test will take place at the Junior High School, starting at 9 am on both days. Learners are expected to arrive early and be prepared for the assessment.

By registering for the entrance test, learners will be taking the first step towards a new academic journey and a brighter future. The school is committed to providing a world-class education that fosters academic excellence, innovation, and character development.

Cultivating hope, Mahaba garden’s story of resilience

By Brighton Chiseva

Who would have thought that sweet potatoes (Mbambaira), typically grown under natural rainfall, could thrive under drip irrigation? Yet, in Mahlaba Garden, Mazvihwa area, Zvishavane, this innovative approach is revolutionizing the way the community grows its crops.
Located in a region plagued by water scarcity, the garden’s 75 members, mostly women, have adopted drip irrigation to cultivate sweet potatoes, a cash crop that promises to bring sustenance and prosperity.
The story of Mahlaba Garden is one of resilience and determination. Initially divided into two separate gardens, the community realized that one garden’s reliance on a small dam was depleting the water source for cattle.
In a wise decision, the two gardens merged, opting to use borehole water for irrigation. This not only conserved water for livestock but also ensured a steady supply for the garden.
The garden’s journey began with nutrition crops like covo, cabbages, peas, carrots, and tomatoes among others, which met the community’s nutritional needs.
However, realizing the need for cash income, they introduced cash crops. Green mealies were the first cash crop, yielding an impressive income of over US$1,000.
This initial success paved the way for the current sweet potato project, strategically timed to target a ready market when the commodity is scarce. By using drip irrigation, the community is able to conserve water, a precious resource in this arid region.
The garden is diverse, with sections dedicated to germinating watermelons, maize, a larger portion of sweet potatoes and the other section with vegetables, tomatoes, peas and carrots.
On July 29, the garden hosted a successful field day, winning over US $800 in competitions against other local gardens. The event brought together stakeholders who shared ideas and goods with the community.
The guest of honor at the event, Norman Mugiya who is Ranaka Group of companies Director and was represented by the companies’ manager Shame Katongo, commended the collaborative work between the farmers and Agritex officers, noting its positive impact and donated a Jojo tank and a 400m pipe to aid in irrigation, further supporting the garden’s growth.
“I am impressed by the work being done here, the collaboration between the farmers and the extension workers,” said Katongo
He expressed the organisation’s interest in partnering with the garden saying they would provide goods like school stationery, inputs, and chemicals at discounted rates for bulk purchases, saving farmers transportation costs and benefiting from economies of scale.
Ruswa Holdings representative Itai Vandirai urged the community to approach new markets to avoid competition from the traditional markets where they supply direct to organizations that require their produce.
“We need to target markets that are not the traditional ones like fruit and vegetable markets but approach new markets like private clinics, lodges, and hotels which may need fresh garden produce for their clients, said Vandirai.
Agric 24, an Agri-shop based in Zvishavane, also participated in the field day. Agric 24 had a working relationship with the garden, having supplied drip kits and installed them for free.
Manyira school head, Anthony Mugiya, emphasized the importance of consuming nutritious food grown in the garden to prevent health challenges related to nutritional deficiencies.
“Some of the produce may not be tasty to others, but they have to be eaten for their benefits just like bitter medication, we take it for our health, so we should do the same with food,” said Mugiya.
He introduced a new slogan, ‘Murimi chaiye anodya zvaanoda panguva yaanoda, asi munhuwo zvake anoti chamuka inyama’ which means ‘A real farmer has a choice, chooses what to eat and at what time, but a nobody will eat anything that comes along their way.”
The garden operates under the slogan ‘Kana tiri pano tinodzidza, tadzokera tinoita’ meaning here we learn, when we get back we implement.” This reflects their commitment to applying knowledge and skills to achieve success.
Local Agritex officer who work with Mahlaba garden Owen Chikava commended the work by farmers saying the garden had become a source of employment for others.
“The garden has become a source of employment, providing jobs for two security guards. More importantly, it has ensured food security and nutrition for the community, with surplus produce sold to cover fees and other expenses,” said Chikava.
He said one of the garden partners had led them to the Prison and Correctional Services in Zvishavane wehere they got the sweet potato seed for free on an agreement that the prison services will get the seed back during rainy season.
The garden’s impact extends beyond economics; it has also reduced gender-based violence by empowering women to earn their own income and manage their finances.
As the community looks to the future, they plan to expand their operations, introducing fisheries, broilers, and layers to boost cash production.
Mahlaba Garden led by Chairperson Sikhanyiso Maturure is a shining example of what can be achieved through determination, innovation, and community spirit.
By embracing new approaches and working together, the community is securing a brighter future for themselves and their families.

Sweet Potatoes under drip irrigation

Faith in Action, RCZ youths donates to Alpha Cottages

By TellZim Reporter

The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) Hillside youth in Masvingo recently donated groceries and clothing items to Alpha Cottage Children’s home in Masvingo as part of their social responsibility programs. Youth leader Rumbidzai Matambo said the decision to donate was inspired by the group’s personal encounter with the daily challenges faced by the children.
“As a youth group, we were deeply moved by the needs within our community, especially those of vulnerable children. Our visit to the children’s home opened our eyes and hearts to the challenges the kids face daily. We felt a strong conviction to act, and this donation was our way of showing love in action.
“Our giving was guided by Proverbs 19:17, which says, ‘Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.’ We also held onto the teaching of James 2:17, that ‘faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ These scriptures remind us that true Christianity is expressed through compassion and practical support for others,” said Matambo.
Matambo expressed gratitude to local church leaders, along with the youth members’ parents, for nurturing a culture of giving among the youths.
“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Reverend Pastor Kuiparima and his wife, as well as the church council, for continually teaching us the importance of remembering and caring for others, as well as our parents. We are also deeply thankful to our parents, who generously supported us with donations that made it possible for us to give to those in need. Their encouragement and contributions empowered us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” said Matambo.
She encouraged other youth groups to take similar steps in uplifting vulnerable communities.
“Do not underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. You don’t need much to make a big impact. When young people come together with purpose, prayer, and a heart for others, God multiplies the effort.
“Giving back not only changes lives; it transforms hearts and strengthens the body of Christ. We welcome anyone who wants to partner with us through donations, volunteering, or even just spreading the word. People can reach out via our church council or speak to our youth leader directly. Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach more lives,” she said.
She said the caretakers and children received the donations with joy and gratitude, indicating the need for timely interventions at the institution.
“The children and caretakers were overjoyed and grateful. Their smiles and warm expressions were a beautiful reminder of why we serve. It was not just about the items we brought; it was the love, time, and presence that meant the most. Some children even expressed hopes that we would return to spend more time with them, which we plan to do in the future,” she said.

AG’s office keeps Parliament busy with 14 Bills under review

By Valentine Makufa

Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza said her office has been instrumental in ensuring Parliament remains busy, with 14 crucial bills currently under review, a significant turnaround from the days when legislators would often complain of having little to do.
She applauded significant milestones in Zimbabwe’s justice sector, citing the drafting of 14 bills currently under parliamentary review as a major breakthrough in legislative activity and efficiency.
Speaking at the Attorney General’s Office mid-term review for 2025 at Clever’s Hotel in Masvingo, Mabhiza said the drafting of new legislation had become one of the defining achievements of her tenure.
“When I was appointed to this office, legislators were folding their hands, saying there were no bills to look at but from that time up to now, they are always loaded with bills,” said Mabhiza.
The 14 new bills, include the Mines and Minerals Bill, Climate Change Bill, Post and Telecommunications Services Bill, and the Youth Services Bill. This marks a significant step in addressing legislative backlogs, with bill drafting and clearance showcasing the office’s expertise in legislative processes.
Mabhiza also noted the improved court case clearance rate as evidence of wider efforts to enhance justice delivery.
“We are committed to delivering timely justice, and our improved court case clearance rates demonstrate that dedication. Our hard work is paying off, and we are making strides in ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary delays,” said Mabhiza.
Addressing technological limitations within the office, Mabhiza said the procurement of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hardware was a critical support system for their work.
“We will be investing in laptops and printers because this investment is crucial for improving our work processes and ensuring we remain effective in our mission,” she said.
Mabhiza said the office had a vision of transforming the Attorney General’s Office into a hub of excellence by 2030, in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS).
“This vision aligns with NDS 1, we must uphold the rule of law and promote transparency and accountability in all our dealings,” she said.
She encouraged the team to embrace collaboration, professionalism, and service to the public.
“Let us break down silos and work together toward our shared objectives, our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can ensure that our office remains a beacon of justice, and it is our duty to uphold that responsibility for the citizens of Zimbabwe.”

10 MSV ministries offices in darkness after failing to pay prepaid electricity

By Brighton Chiseva

The switch to prepaid electricity meters, a system that requires users to pay for electricity before consumption, has backfired leaving Masvingo government departments in darkness , crippling service delivery and leaving citizens suffering.
Government complexes in Masvingo, including the District Registry, Provincial Registry, Legal Aid Directorate, Prison Services, Ministries of Women Affairs, Labour, Sports, Youth Development, and Public Works among others are facing a severe electricity crisis due to the government’s failure to pay for electricity.
Unlike other departments that have managed to adapt, critical offices such as births and ID offices are severely impacted, as they require electricity to serve the public.
The Public Works department, responsible for maintaining government infrastructure, has also been impacted, despite being responsible for facilitating payments for other departments.
Efforts to get a comment from the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa, were futile, as his cell went unanswered several times and he texted that he would return the calls, which he never did.
However, Masvingo Public Works Director Peter Muzite confirmed the sad development to TellZim News but said the issue was being addressed.
“It’s true but the matter is being addressed,” he said.
Sources across departments who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity said they relying on generators is not sustainable due to frequent fuel shortages, and these offices are struggling to provide essential services to citizens.
“We rely on generators but it’s not sustainable, we buy fuel using coupons which sometimes runs out and takes time to come. It’s difficult working with a generator,” said one official who refused to be named.
The electricity crisis has hindered service delivery, causing significant inconvenience to citizens who rely on these offices for essential services. Record-keeping, legal proceedings, and administrative tasks have been affected, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the public.
The crisis is part of a larger issue, where government departments have been fingered as major debtors at Masvingo City Council, failing to pay for water they use
Departments such as education, police, and the army are among those that owe the council millions of local currency, further straining the city’s resources and provision of services.
The government’s inability to pay for electricity and water services has raised concerns about its financial management and prioritization of essential services.
The situation is made more dire by the fact that some government offices are operating in deplorable conditions.
The Provincial Registry offices which houses several other government departments once faced infrastructure challenges, where over 100 people were sharing a single toilet, creating inhumane conditions.
This issue was only addressed after TellZim News exposed the situation prompting the public works department to act, highlighting the need for external pressure to prompt government action.

Chibi, Rusununguko High Schools dominate NASH games

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By Staff Reporter

The National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) national games, hosted by Masvingo Christian College in Masvingo’s Mucheke Stadium, witnessed an impressive display of athletic prowess. Chibi and Rusununguko High Schools emerged as top contenders, showcasing exceptional skills and teamwork.
Chibi High School, representing Masvingo Province in Girls’ Volleyball and Boys’ Soccer, demonstrated dominance in the volleyball arena. Their girls’ team claimed the championship title for the fourth time, defeating Chikangwe High (Midlands Province) in a thrilling match.
Chibi High head Raymond Ndega expressed pride in the girls’ volleyball team, which clinched the title for the fourth time.
“We are proud of our girls’ volleyball team, which was crowned champion for the fourth time. The boys’ team also made a strong impression, reaching the finals and narrowly missing the crown,” said Ndega.
Rusununguko High School, representing Mashonaland East Province, proved unbeatable in the football final. They faced off against Chibi High School in a highly anticipated match that ended in a goalless draw. However, Rusununguko’s skill and composure paid off in the penalty shootout, securing a 4-2 victory.
Rusununguko High School head, Maone Veremu, attributed the team’s win to hard work and dedication. The school also secured third place in the girls’ volleyball tournament.
NASH president Cephas Mutumhe praised the participants, saying they had showcased discipline throughout the entire tournament.
“In some cases, there would be fights between participants, but this tournament has ended on a high note and peacefully. The participants showed their sportsmanship and commitment to fair play,” said Mutumhe
Other notable performances included Somvubu High School from Manicaland Province claiming the national championship title in the girls’ soccer tournament, with Nyamidzi High School (Mashonaland Central Province) securing the silver medal. St. Faith High School from Harare Province dominated the boys’ volleyball category, emerging as champions ahead of St. Collins High School from Mashonaland West Province in second place and Mazoe High School representing Mashonaland Central Province coming third.
The NASH national games provided a platform for Learners to showcase their skills, and the winning teams demonstrated exceptional dedication as well as teamwork. The event highlighted the importance of sports in shaping young minds and promoting healthy competition among students.
The NASH tournament also saw the unveiling of the national teams to represent Zimbabwe at the Confederation of Southern Africa Schools Sports Association (COSASSA) games in Eswatini this August, with the selection process based on performance at various stages of the NASH games.

National NASH Under 20 boys soccer champions

Minister Garwe criticizes councils for financial woes

By Beatific Gumbwanda

Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, has criticized local authorities for poor service delivery, which has led to low revenue collection and growing salary debts.
This has resulted in workers going months without salaries, despite councils spending large amounts on international trips.
This came out during a recent parliamentary session, where Member of Parliament for Chiredzi Central, Ropafadzo Makumire, questioned Garwe about the government’s efforts to ensure Chiredzi Town Council employees receive their overdue salaries.
Makumire highlighted the council’s struggles to collect money from residents, stating that significant debt had accumulated.
He pointed out that Chiredzi Council spent money on international trips, such as those to Russia and Korea, which cost about US$50,000 each. Garwe responded by stating that the responsibility for paying employees’ salaries lies solely with Chiredzi Town Council, not the government.
As of June 17, 2025, Chiredzi Town Council’s salary arrears totaled ZWL 8.1 million. The council was owed ZWL 163,586,424 by residents and stakeholders for property taxes and service charges, with residents owing about 56% of the amount, translating to ZWL 92 million.
In his response Garwe emphasized that the Ministry of Local Government does not micromanage local authorities and promised to send an investigation team to determine the reasons behind the council’s struggles.
“While we are aware of the major challenges faced by local authorities, we can only act once we are informed. Now that we understand there are serious difficulties, we will send an investigation team to ascertain whether the council is failing to collect payments or if residents are refusing to pay. We aim to ensure a solution that benefits both the council and its employees as well as the residents,” Garwe said.
He stressed that local authorities should provide adequate services if they expect residents to pay their bills.
“The challenge lies in the fact that many of our local authorities are not delivering services but still expect residents to pay. We want to ensure that all local authorities, not just Chiredzi, adhere to the minimum service delivery standards policy that His Excellency the President announced recently, so that we can provide services and encourage residents to fulfil their payment obligations,” he said.

Masvingo Christian to open boarding facility for children with diaspora parents

By Beverly Bizeki

In a pioneering move to support children of Zimbabweans working abroad, Masvingo Christian College is set to establish a boarding facility that will cater primarily for learners especially girls whose parents have migrated to the diaspora.
Masvingo Christian School head Dr Edison Muresherwa confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with TellZim News, saying the facility will be the first of its kind for a day school in Masvingo and is expected to open its doors in 2025.
He said the initial phase will accommodate around 60 learners, both male and females.
“Our focus is mainly on the girl child. Many children are left behind by parents in the diaspora, and not all families have reliable guardians. Sometimes they are sent to conventional boarding schools, which often have high academic entry barriers like requiring six units. But at Masvingo Christian, the only qualification is being a human being who has gone through the required educational stages,” said Dr Muresherwa.
Dr Muresherwa said while the initiative prioritizes girls, boys were not excluded as ignoring them often leads to vices such as drug and substance abuse.
“The boy child is often overlooked, and that can lead to them falling into drug and substance abuse. So we are accommodating both genders, but we recognize the heightened vulnerability of the girl child, especially in cases where children are left with relatives who may not be trained or equipped to care for them,” said Dr Muresherwa.
Dr Muresherwa said the boarding facility aims to provide a safe, nurturing environment where learners can thrive under the care of trained professionals, particularly those migrating from rural to urban areas in search of better education.
“This is about nation-building. We want to give these children who are often exposed to risks—the support and supervision they deserve,” he said.
Dr Muresherwa said the initiative also reflected the school’s strategic shift in response to a changing educational landscape.
“As a day school, we have run our race. In business studies, we talk about a product lifecycle, we have reached our peak, but now we need to re-launch our product by introducing a boarding facility. The competition has increased with new private schools and colleges in town. To stay relevant, we must evolve,” said Dr Muresherwa.
To support the new facility, existing school houses will be renovated into boarding dormitories. The school is also constructing a new house for the head and has plans for a deputy head’s house.
The school plans to leverage its existing agricultural projects including piggery, horticulture, and a borehole-powered irrigation system to help sustain the boarding facility.
“These projects will not only feed the learners but also ensure the boarding facility is self-sustaining,” said Dr Muresherwa.