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Dunira, Gwanongodza appear in court

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Dunira, Gwanongodza appear in court

By TellZim Reporter

Two Masvingo land developers and businessmen, Godhati Dunira (57) and Ephraim Gwanongodza (59), have been remanded in custody and will return to court tomorrow, September 30, after their initial appearance before Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti on fraud charges. They are accused of allegedly orchestrating a land scam by selling residential and business stands on a piece of land known as the Remainder of Victoria Ranch.

The court heard that the accused are shareholders of Ravajik Investments Private Limited, a company they formed in 2005. While Ravajik was allocated part of LOT A of Victoria Ranch for development, the complainant in this case, ShinePlus Holdings, was allocated 50 hectares of the adjacent Remainder of Victoria Ranch by the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing in 2019. ShinePlus is represented by its Managing Director, Charles Junior Mushinga, aged 39.

According to court papers seen by TellZim News, the accused persons sold stands to home seekers. They allegedly prepared a layout plan for the Remainder of Victoria Ranch, the land legally owned by ShinePlus and began pegging and selling stands. Payments ranging from US$2,000 to US$7,500 totaling US$1 million,were collected from various victims.

The matter came to light in September 2025 when Shineplus visited the area and saw structures on the piece of land. The matter was reported to the police, leading to the arrest of the two.

268 Mwenezi families living on unserviced stands

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268 Mwenezi families living on unserviced stands

By Virginia Njovo

Some 268 families from Mwenezi living in Orewood suburb have been said to be living without basic water or sewer services, a situation that has forced them to use illegal septic tanks.

The development was revealed in the 2024 Auditor General’s report, seen by TellZim News, in which it was noted that Mwenezi Rural District Council had sold unserviced stands to the residents.

“On sewer and reticulation, the council allocated two hundred and sixty eight unserviced stands to beneficiaries in Orewood High density suburb. As a result, residents were using septic tanks and blair latrines which was against local government regulations which prohibit the use of septic tanks in such areas. In addition, the area was not connected to water reticulation system and residents had no access to safe water,” reads a part of the document.

The office of the Auditor General recommended that council should service the stands and the management responded saying that funds had been allocated towards servicing.

“There is a risk that residents may be exposed to disease outbreaks. Council should service the stands. The management’s response was that council has allocated funds for servicing the stands. Mwenezi RDC will collaborate with ZINWA to accelerate the piped water supply to Orewood high density suburbs,” reads a part of the report.

Mwenezi RDC was also fingered for operating without critical policies which is contrary to the Public Finance Management Act.

“Council was operating without policies such as asset management policy, debt management policy. This was contrary to the Public Finance Management Act (Chapter 22:19) section 50, which requires every public entity to adhere to and implement the principles of sound corporate governance. The risk is lack of guidance and inconsistency in the council’s operations,” reads a part of the letter.

The management said policy drafts were in place for most of the policies including asset management policy.

“It is agreed that Mwenezi RDC has no such policies in place. However, management is currently working on a number of policies including the one observed most of which are at draft stage. Management is committed to having an asset management policy, finance policy, ICT policy, risk management policy, recruitment of students on attachment policy and debt management policy.”

The local authority was said to be in arrears on the payment of salaries of which it noted that council management will in the future, try to meet all salary obligations if funds permit.

“The council was not generating enough cash flows to cover all its financial obligations. As a result, the council was three months in arrears on the payment of salaries and related deductions such as NSSA, pension, life assurance and medical aid. Out of total payables of ZWL$8.9 million, ZWL$8.2 million related to salaries. The risk is that service delivery may be compromised due to low staff morale,” reads the report.

The province’s councils also shared critical failures that appear epidemic in nature including violation of international accounting standards by using incorrect exchange rates, potentially distorting financial statements by billions.

Deep-rooted factionalism rock Zaka RDC over senior job appointment

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Deep-rooted factionalism rock Zaka RDC over senior job appointment

By Staff Reporter

A vicious power struggle between Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) Chairperson Fungai Maregedze and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) David Majaura has exploded into the open, triggered by a fiercely contested and allegedly rigged hiring process for the position of Executive Officer (EO) for Housing and Social Services.

The scandal has laid bare profound divisions within the council, pitting elected officials against administration and revealing a tangled web of political influence.

The controversy centres on Clever Khumalo, a candidate from the council’s own social services department, who initially topped the interviews. His victory was short-lived. Councillors on the Human Resources committee, allegedly loyal to Chairperson Maregedze and unhappy that their preferred third-place candidate had lost, successfully pushed for the entire process to be nullified.

Khumalo refused to comment when he was contacted by TellZim News and reffered all questions to Majaura or Maregedze.

Majaura failed to answer his cell and Maregedze did not respond to questions send to her over the matter.

A full council meeting on August 8 ratified this decision, resolving that “a second round of interviews be conducted for the post in August 2025 with the same candidates,” according to official minutes seen by TellZim News.

However, in a move that breached the council’s own resolution, an additional, previously unvetted candidate was mysteriously added to the shortlist.

Highly placed sources within the council allege this candidate was given an unfair advantage as her responses were almost similar to the answer transcript.

“We suspect that the new candidate had seen the answer sheet because her answers were verbatim. She seemed to have crammed the script, reciting it to the dot without missing a comma,” said the source.

Unsurprisingly, the new candidate emerged victorious in the second round, demoting Khumalo to second place. The result ignited immediate fury among a faction of councillors, who are now crying foul and demanding the results be annulled.

“This is a clear case of rigging. We used to blame management for not implementing our resolutions, but now it is us violating our own word. How can we ever hold the administration accountable after this? It sets a dangerous precedent,” fumed a councillor who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The councillors argue that the inclusion of the new candidate was unlawful and are threatening legal action if the outcome is not overturned.

The contentious hiring stands in stark contrast to other recent recruitment processes at the RDC, which proceeded without incident.

Takudzwa William Kativhu was selected as the Human Resources and Administration Clerk, Trust Mtisi as the District Engineer, and Jephison Chikuni as the EO for Agriculture and Natural Resources.

This scandal is merely the latest battle in a long-running war between Chairperson Maregedze and CEO Majaura. Their feud, which has paralyzed development in the district, stems from Maregedze’s accusations that Majaura is incompetent and obstructive, while Majaura counters that the chairperson is overstepping her governance role to interfere in daily administration.

Critics, however, see a larger pattern of nepotism and a bid for total control. Maregedze’s husband, Clemence Chiduwa, is a powerful political figure being the Zanu PF Zaka DCC chairperson, sitting MP for Zaka South, and a former finance minister.

Many allege that Maregedze’s ascent to the council chairmanship and her current attempts to influence key appointments are part of a strategy to consolidate her husband’s political and economic influence over the entire district, turning the RDC into a family enterprise.

Masvingo Airport only open for chartered flights

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Masvingo Airport only open for chartered flights

By Andrew Zhou

The Airports Company of Zimbabwe (ACZ) has clarified that one of the company’s airports in Masvingo province, Masvingo Airport remains operational, but was currently limited to chartered flights with a maximum passenger capacity of 50.

Speaking during a media engagement meeting at the airport on 24 September 2025, ACZ Public Relations and Communications Manager, Tonderai Mangombe, dismissed claims that the airport was non-functional. He explained that while commercial airlines were not yet flying to Masvingo, the airport continued to serve smaller charter services.

“The airport is working. It accommodates chartered flights, mostly with capacities of up to 50 passengers. What people should understand is that the absence of commercial flights does not mean the airport is closed,” said.Mangombe

He added that ACZ has set its sights on transforming Masvingo Airport into a hub that fully supports the province’s tourism and economic activities. Plans were already on the table to attract investors for expansion, including the construction of a five-star hotel and a modern motel near the airport to facilitate even international flights.

Mangombe noted that the development would not only boost passenger traffic but also strengthen Masvingo’s position as a key gateway to tourism attraction places such as the Great Zimbabwe Monuments, Lake Mutirikwi, and Gonarezhou National Park.

“The airport is ready for expansion, and we are calling upon investors to come on board so that we unlock its full potential. With proper infrastructure in place, Masvingo has the capacity to be a top tourist destination like Victoria Falls,” he added.

The expansion plan comes after tourism stakeholders have long called for improved air connectivity to Masvingo, arguing that it would make the province more accessible to both domestic and international visitors.

After 43 years of service, ailing ex-councillor finally gets promised vehicle       

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After 43 years of service, ailing ex-councillor finally gets promised vehicle       

By Virginia Njovo

CHIVI – Jephias Chimhaka, a ZANU PF councilor who served as Ward 10 councillor in Chivi North for 43 years,potentially making him one of the longest-serving councillors in Zimbabwe’s history was finally gifted a Ford Ranger double cab on September 22, 2025, a vehicle he had first requested back in 2021 when his health deteriorated and he could no longer walk to serve his community effectively.

The 79-year-old, who served from 1980 until stepping down in 2023 due to severe swelling in his legs, received the vehicle from the party through the Ministry of Local Governance in Harare, long after he had given up hope.

Expressing deep gratitude, Chimhaka said the vehicle would ease the mobility struggles that had plagued his final years in office.

“I am so grateful for this gift. I struggled to travel due to health issues, and this shows I have not been forgotten after serving the nation with passion and perseverance. I asked for a vehicle in 2021 when I could no longer walk the ward, but it never came. To receive it now, when I least expected it, touches my heart,” said Chimhaka

His dedication to public service began early. During the liberation struggle, he served as a branch chairperson, coordinating support for fighters, later becoming district chairperson before being elected councilor in 1980.

Throughout his leadership, Chimhaka championed development in Ward 10. He negotiated with the Rural Electricity Fund (REA) to supply power to Chisenga Primary School, Taru Primary School, and Zvamapere Secondary School.

He also played a key role in establishing Zvamapere Secondary School, the sole secondary school in the ward, and facilitated renovations at Hlanga, Chisenga, Taru, and Chigapa Primary Schools.

In healthcare, he initiated the construction of Zvamapere Clinic, which, once completed, will serve 32 villages.

For years, the community relied on Takavarasha Clinic, nearly 15 kilometres away, and Chivi District Hospital for referrals.

“People in my community struggled for a long time without a central primary healthcare facility. I managed to facilitate the establishment of a clinic at Zvamapere Business Centre, though it remains unfinished,” said Chimhaka.

He urged current leaders to collaborate closely with village heads to ensure sustainable development.

“I advise today’s leaders to work hand-in-hand with village heads, as they are the immediate custodians of their communities,” he said.

Chimhaka’s legacy reflects a lifetime of service, marked by tangible improvements in education, health, and infrastructure—a record that may well stand as the longest uninterrupted council service in Zimbabwe.

Woman scalds man’s privates with boiling water over beer bottle

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Woman scalds man’s privates with boiling water over beer bottle

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

CHIVI – In a shocking act of brutality, a 25-year-old Chivi woman was arrested for attempted murder after she deliberately poured a pot of scalding boiling water over a man’s body, targeting his stomach and genitals, all over a dispute concerning an empty beer bottle.

The vicious attack, which has left the local community reeling, unfolded on the morning of September 17, 2025, at the George Magura Bar in Chiwadza Business Center.

Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the gruesome details of the assault, which left the victim with serious injuries. The case was reported to ZRP Chivi on September 19, leading to the suspect’s arrest the following day.

Sources privy to the incident said the altercation began when Charity Chaka confronted Kamurai Tachi, who was peacefully drinking beer with a friend, demanding the return of a single empty bottle he had taken the previous day.

Report indicate that Tachi assured Chaka that a friend would return the bottle, but this seemingly mundane exchange quickly spiraled into violence.

In a fit of rage, Chaka allegedly slapped Tachi, who retaliated with a slap of his own and went away.

In a premeditated act of revenge, Chaka returned to the bar around 8:30 AM armed with a pot of boiling water. As Tachi stood at the bar, she launched her attack, dousing him in the scalding liquid. The water caused severe burns to his stomach and, most disturbingly, his private parts.

The victim was rushed to Chivi Hospital for emergency treatment, where he is currently recovering from the traumatic injuries.

The incident has sparked outrage and fear, serving as a brutal reminder of how a trivial disagreement can escalate into a life-altering violent crime.

ICT Ministry equips Masvingo Junior Parliamentarians with tablets

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ICT Ministry equips Masvingo Junior Parliamentarians with tablets

By TellZim Reporter

MASVINGO – The Ministry of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services handed over 35 tablets to Masvingo Junior Parliamentarians at Charles Austin Theatre on September 22, in a move aimed at enhancing digital literacy and supporting young leaders in embracing technology for learning and communication.

Masvingo Province was among the beneficiaries of a pledge made by Minister Tatenda Mavetera’s ministry. The donation included tablets and Starlink kits to ensure internet access, enabling the young leaders to utilize digital platforms effectively.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira, who represented the government, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of ICT for fulfilling its commitment to supporting youth development in the digital space.

“Allow me to express my gratitude to the Ministry of ICT for honouring their pledge to support junior parliamentarians through this donation of tablets,” said Chadzamira.

He urged the junior MPs to use the gadgets responsibly for both personal development and national growth.

“I urge you to use these gadgets responsibly for your personal benefit and growth, as well as for the benefit of your peers and communities. Partner with the government in the fight against drug and substance abuse within your schools and communities,” said Chadzamira.

Chadzamira emphasized that Masvingo possesses significant potential for growth and enterprise development, which can be fully realized if the youth are equipped with relevant skills.

“Our province has immense potential for growth and enterprise development, but to fully capitalize on this, we must ensure that our youth are equipped with the relevant skills. This is why the government is spearheading a transformation of our Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), aligning them with global trends and offering modern, practical skills that empower youths for both personal and national gains,” he said.

President of the Junior Senate and one of the beneficiaries, Theophilus Bhinzi, expressed gratitude on behalf of the junior parliamentarians, pledging to use the tablets for meaningful campaigns against drug and substance abuse.

“As the Senate President, I am grateful on behalf of my fellow parliamentarians that we are now equipped with tablets and Starlink kits for internet access. This will enable us to run campaigns on digital platforms against drug and substance abuse, which we promise to do with due diligence,” said Bhinzi.

The initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to integrate technology into youth development programs and empower the next generation of leaders through digital tools and connectivity.

WekwaMaramba to launch third album

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WekwaMaramba to launch third album

By Ndinatsei Mavodza

Afro-jazz artist Blessing Tendai Maramba, popularly known as WekwaMaramba, is set to launch his third album, Nakai, on October 18, 2025, at Charles Austin Theatre in Masvingo.

Speaking to TellZim News, he said the six-track album include songs such as “Beautiful,” “Nakai,” and “KuHarare and described the project as a social commentary on love, migration, and everyday life.

“This album is a social commentary that explores issues of love, way of life, migration and everything else,” said WekwaMaramba.

A chemical engineer by training and a musician by passion, the “Tine Rudo” hit maker promises a memorable experience for his fans.

“The upcoming album Nakai is a work of love and, as the name suggests, it is a beautiful work of art inspired by diverse sounds. One of the tracks to watch out for is called ‘Beautiful,’ which talks about the beauty of an African lady and what that represents,” he said.

He said tickets were available at Bakers World, Music Conah, and Charles Austin Theatre, with general admission priced at US$5, middle rows at US$10, and special seating at US$15.

Having performed internationally this year in countries such as China and Turkey, WekwaMaramba’s new album blends Afro-jazz with global influences for a rich, unique sound.

“This particular album carries a couple of dimensions because we have toured in China and played at a couple of festivals in Turkey. That exposure brought to us a couple of things that contributed to this particular Nakai album,” he said.

Following the Masvingo launch, the artist plans a local tour, with stops scheduled in Harare and Bulawayo.

WekwaMaramba’s earlier songs, including “I Need a Hug” and “Kumusha,” were featured in the 2020 award-winning local film Gonarezhou: The Movie.

Masvingo hockey star earns place on Zimbabwe’s junior world cup squad

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Masvingo hockey star earns place on Zimbabwe’s junior world cup squad

By Virginia Njovo

MASVINGO – Alea Ashley Musakaruka, a rising hockey star from Masvingo Province, has secured a spot on the national team set to compete at the Junior World Cup for Under-21 women’s hockey in Santiago, Chile, this December.

Musakaruka, began playing hockey at the age of eight at Kyle College in Masvingo. Her talent, nurtured through consistent support from her parents and coaches, has now culminated in this prestigious national call-up.

In an interview with TellZim News, Musakaruka attributed her success to her family’s unwavering support, describing the selection as a dream come true.

The talented athlete previously represented Zimbabwe’s senior women’s team during the AFCON qualifiers in August 2024, gaining valuable international experience.

“Playing at this level has always been my dream. This is a significant platform for international hockey, especially for young talent in Zimbabwe, and I am thrilled to be part of the team,” she said.

However, Musakaruka highlighted the challenge of securing sponsorship, as players are expected to cover their own expenses including travel, accommodation and meals, pre training requirements, playing kit, visas, medical insurance among other requirements.

“With the tournament dates approaching fast, we are urgently appealing to corporate sponsors and individuals for financial support to help us achieve this dream,” said Musakaruka.

Reflecting on her journey, Musakaruka acknowledged the role of her family and coaches in her development.

“I have grown to love sports through the unwavering support of my family. My parents are my greatest motivators and emotional pillars. My primary goal is to make them proud,” she said.

She emphasized that hockey demands significant commitment and discipline, qualities that have positively influenced other aspects of her life.

“Hockey requires dedication and hard work, and it has taught me to strive for excellence in everything I do,” she said.

Beyond athletics, she plans to pursue academic excellence, aiming to study Aeronautical Engineering while continuing to play college hockey.

“I am committed to balancing my studies and sports with dedication and perseverance,” she said.

Musakaruka also shared a message of encouragement for aspiring young athletes saying they should dream big, put God first, and always compete with pride and passion.

DEAFNESS-AN IMPAIRMENT OR A DIFFERENCE?

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DEAFNESS-AN IMPAIRMENT OR A DIFFERENCE?

September is International Deaf Awareness Month. The success goals of September for Deaf people per se are awareness raising regarding Deafness (cultural identity) and deafness (hearing loss), promoting sign language and total communication and supporting Deaf and hard of hearing people. It is the intention of this opinion article to celebrate with Deaf and deaf people in this month of September by exploring the understandings of Deafness within the Deaf community and the medical fraternity.

From the outset, it is important to draw the attention of the readership to the conceptual boundaries between Deafness with an upper-case D and deafness with a lower-case d. There is an understanding by Deaf people that Deafness is not an impairment, but a difference as shall be seen infra. The people who subscribe to Deafness with the upper-case D firmly argue that people who are Deaf have nothing that has broken down that needs fixing. They hold that Deafness symbolises cultural, anthropological and linguistic differences that ought to be essentialised, romanticised and celebrated. For this group of people, a person who is Deaf will not need to undergo audiological assessments to ascertain the nature, severity and degree of his or her hearing loss, rather he or she would need to be understood as belonging to a Deaf Community that has its own source language (Sign Language), normative values and practices. Deafness should not be seen and measured according to deficits in receptive and expressive language. The bottom line behind the Deaf Community is to depathologise Deafness. The Deaf community implies a people with a way of life that ought to be recognised and respected by the hearing world. Each time reference is made to people who hold that Deaf people constitute a community of their own, the word Deaf with an upper-case D should be used. In America, linguistic differentiation, attitudinal deafness, behavioural norms, endogamous marital patterns, historical awareness and voluntary organisational networks have stood out as critical facets of the Deaf community.  One other observation that may need to be highlighted is that the Deaf community does not necessarily involve just Deaf people; people who are not Deaf may decide to join the Deaf community and that is referred to as Attitudinal Deafness. Attitudinal Deafness is characterised by positive affective commitment to the Deaf culture and community.

On the other hand, the word deaf with a lower-case d, views deafness as an impairment. Those characterised as deaf largely have challenges with processing linguistic information. However, people with deafness are not a homogeneous group, their levels of hearing loss may vary. Given this understanding, there is a medical emphasis on audiological examinations that can establish the aetiology of the impairment. The audiological assessments are also done so that intervention and / or management can also be considered for people with hearing impairment. For example, educational placement, counselling of parents of children with hearing loss, type of hearing aids to be used, prognosis of the hearing loss, speech training and training in selective perception of sound. The concept of deafness with a small letter d therefore recognises that deafness is a medical condition that exists in a continuum, that is a condition that has varying degrees (mild, moderate, severe and profound). This understanding of deafness argues that the audiological system has broken down and is crying out for remedial measures. This worldview focuses on integrating children with hearing impairment into the hearing world by teaching them speech, that is the aural-oral approach.

Given the above perspectives, it is important to appreciate that they are as different to each other just as apples are to oranges. Their worldviews inform educational practices differently. For example, the Deaf Community would prefer a curriculum where Deaf children are taught using Sign Language. Sign language is to them a source language that would help them grasp concepts, and Sign Language is a manual language that ought to be given a premium value like any other language in the hearing world. Those in the Deaf Community would stoutly argue that what to teach and how to teach are considerations that should be made with the full consciousness of the needs and rights of the Deaf Community. With respect to those who hold that deafness is a medical condition, the school should emphasise speech training which would help deaf children to fit in the hearing world. This approach has been identified as oralism, and its apologists have been characterised as oralists.

The characterisation of Deafness as either an impairment or a cultural difference would therefore depend on one’s orientation in terms of pragmatic scope. If one is coming from a medical school where the biomedical model rules supreme, deafness becomes a pathology and if one is guided by the Cultural polemic, Deafness is understood as an identity of a cultural and linguistic minority.

By Nicholas Aribino and Adv. Takudzwa Mafongoya (Writing in own capacities)

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