GUTU – Mupandawana High School is implementing government decision to allow schools to go commercial so as to open revenue inflow to complement parents’ efforts in raising funds for school operations.
Speaking during the official commissioning of the school administration block on Thursday (16 February) 2023, the School Head Tranos Mbwirire said the school was realizing some profits from hiring of the school bus.
He said apart from bus hiring, the school also makes money from the school tuck-shop where they sell foodstuff and other basic commodities.
“We are proud owners of the school bus which we hire out and realize some profits which we use for school development projects. We also have a tuck-shop again which sells a variety of goods and we are getting some money from there as well,” said Mbwirire
He went on to say for skill based learning, the school was involved in a number of agricultural projects where they also get money from the sale of the produce.
The school has 260 broiler layers under battery cage system and the chickens produce at least six crates of eggs per day.
Apart from egg project, the school boasts of 63 ducks and several ducklings which they sell in batches to individuals and businesses.
The school also has 36 occupied beehives which they harvest from time to time and sell the honey in and out of Gutu.
Learners in one of the school poultry run
They have a fishpond which is currently under repair and the head said once repairs are complete they will have to restock new breeds which are competitive on the market.
“Our fishpond is under repair and once we are done, we want to get a new breed because we realized that the previous one did not perform as we anticipated. We also have bee hives which give us money when we harvest,” said Mbwirire.
The school also runs a vibrant piggery project as well as crop production with most of their land being under bean production.
Mupandawana High has a total number of 1152 leaners with 584 being boys and 568 being girls. The staff compliment is 45 teachers and 5 support staff.
Mbwirire said the school has a shortage of 8 teachers since they should be 53 but said they were aiming at growing the school pass rate especially at O level which had been affected by Covid-19.
“Our aim now is to grow our pass rate, at ‘A’ level we are always above 90 and we are striving towards 100 percent. At ‘O’ level we have always been above 50 percent but we had dropped a bit due to Covid-19 but we are now back on track,” said Mbwirire
Gweru -Network of Men Living with HIV (ZMN+) has called for the closure in the prostate cancer care gaps in Zimbabwe.
The call was made during the commemoration of World Cancer Day on February 4 with this year’s theme being “Closing the care gap” and will run for the next three years from 2022 to 2024.
However, last year’s theme was centered on bridging the knowledge gap for health services especially providers and the investment gap.
Beat Non Communicable Diseases Zimbabwe Network director and national secretary for ZNM+ Jacob Ngwenya said there need to amplify voices in bridging the care gaps against cancer.
“As men we are just standing aside and watching our peers struggling with prostate cancer and majority of them succumbing to death because of the cancer. If you check, the print, electronic and social media are very much awash with cervical and breast cancer campaigns to combat the two cancers but not prostate. I am not advocating for a shift but inclusivity in service provision.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care and other private players have done very well to provide services for cervical and breast cancer. As men living with HIV, we call for a policy shift that will also see prostate cancer given the attention it duly deserves. Prostate cancer knows no boundaries, it is affecting men everywhere in Zimbabwe (both in rural and urban areas)”, he said.
Ngwenya added that the fight against cancer doesn’t have any social status as it affects everyone.
“This type of cancer (prostate cancer) is found in men who are 40 years old and above. As men ages, the prostate gland which is responsible for the production of spears grows big and blocks the urethane which is responsible for carrying urine or damages the body’s urinary control mechanism which leads to lack of urine control.
“Usually after growing big, cancerous cells start growing and in worst case scenario the cancer spreads to other parts of the body.
“Prostate cancer screening is very expensive in the country as it involves some tests and ultra sound scans which are beyond the reach of many men.
“Those who are formally employed and are on medical aid have better survival chances than those without. Women get free cancer screening for cervical cancer but men have to pay to be screened for prostate cancer.
“Rolling out of prostate cancer awareness is long overdue as many men are losing their lives slowly but sure. Men should also change their attitudes towards health and embark on good health seeking behavior. Masculinity backed by ascribed gender roles have seen a lot of men dying from curable diseases.
“So we are taking it to our own hands to enlightening our fellow men on changing their perception towards health so that they reduce their risky behaviors. We also remind them that women’s health is in their hands and they need to ensure response to safeguard the health of others,” he added.
…as school posts impressive ‘O’ and ‘A’ level results
TellZim reporter
Masvingo urban based government school Ndarama High continues to blaze the education trail, positioning itself as a giant among academic powerhouses in the province as it fared well in the 2022 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council Ordinary and Advanced level examinations as usual.
The school recorded a 95.5 percent overall pass rate for the Advanced level class of 2022.
Among its strengths, Ndarama boasts of academic prowess in Science subjects with Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science and Sports Science learning areas scoring 100 percent. Geography recorded an overall pass rate of 94 percent, Mathematics had 92 while Physics recorded 84.60
Other learning areas that recorded 100 percent passes are Literature in English, Shona, History and Family and Religious Studies.
Economics and Business Studies followed up with 83.30 and 87.20 percent respectively.
Ephrage Rugara scored 25 points in Commercials followed Rahaad Phili on 20 points, Shebbah Mudzingwa, Kuzivakwashe Mugwira and Ketty Mureri all on 19 points in Sciences. Three other learners were tied on 17 points followed by 17 fifteen pointers in Sciences, Commercials and Arts.
In the Ordinary levels, the school shone with the highest scoring learner Makanyezi Jabulani coming out with 13 As followed by Takunda Kwara at 12A, Tatenda Chinyenye with 11 As and a B. Blessing Machele scored 10 As and a B while Mitchael Nyakahembe and Lenon Mozondo had 9 As and 4 Bs.
A host of other learners followed with 5 to 8 As.
Economic History, Physics, Musical Arts, Textile Technology, Building Studies, Food Technology and Art all recorded 100 percent passes.
Such passes in the latter five learning areas show the school’s commitment to production of self-reliant academic products.
Physical Education recorded 98.8 percent, Heritage Studies had 98.7, History 88.2, Biology 86.1, Computer Studies 85.7, Family and Religious Studies 83.2, English Language 81.3 and Metal Technology 80.
The overall school pass rate stands at a whopping 79 percent even with such a large number of exam candidates.
What the man-in-charge has to say
Despite operating in a restrictive environment characterized by a huge enrolment and limited resources as a result of the relatively low school fees paid by learners, the school remains committed to the cause of educating the province and posting impressive results according to School Head Oddy Matongo.
Running under the theme ‘Beating the previous best’, Matongo said the school strives for excellence and called upon parents to join forces with the school’s administration so that results keep on improving.
“The evidence we have shows that despite being a day school, Ndarama has proven itself a force to reckon with as learners have dropped from more established schools like Gokomere to join us while some are commuting from areas like Chivi and Bhuka on a daily basis.
“Parents on the other hand should bear with teachers and consider their plight that is in terms of their upkeep so that we maintain the standards. The school has at times experienced a staff exodus where we lose experienced teachers like right now we have lost our seasoned Accounts teacher,” said Matongo.
Hard work, commitment and team work: the key behind success-History teacher
Trida Huni
After leading the class of 2022 that saw a total of 28 learners scoring As in the Advanced level examinations, with 16 Bs and 2 Cs, history teacher Trida Huni said she cannot even believe it that such a big number of learners managed to come out with flying colours. The percentage pass rate in history is 100.
“I can’t even believe it right now that we managed to post such impressive results. I am still in a state of shock at realization that the learners had done so well and today we are celebrating the fruits of hard work. Laziness is not part of our vocabulary at Ndarama.
“At first, the learners had negative attitudes and perceptions towards the learning area but we did well to convince them and they positively responded and they become cooperative. The secret behind our success story is hard work where we would give learners a lot of written work as a way of preparing them when it comes to Essay writing and the skills required in writing those academic pieces. I had to motivate the learners that through hard work, they were going to achieve something good,” said Huni.
She went on to pay tribute to fellow teachers in their line department and team work as another factor behind the good results.
“Team work involving fellow teachers in our department is also another factor. At times, I had to consult other teachers in the department here and there and fortunately, they would chip in and assist. At the end of the day we got to realize these good results,” she added.
Departmental team work behind our success story- FRS teacher
Precious Munyaradzi
Though running short of words to explain how such good results were attained, Precious Munyaradzi said the spirit of togetherness that brought together teachers in their department and learners is the secret behind the fairy tale run.
Family and Religious Studies (FRS) had the highest number of As totaling up to 30 with 14 Bs and 2 Cs resulting in a 100 percent pass rate in ‘A’ level.
“All I can say is that we work together as a group and thus can attribute the high pass rate percentage to team work with fellow teachers. We always look at ways of how best we can motivate our learners so that they do away with the negative attitude towards our particular learning area,” said Munyaradzi.
Hard working culture and learners’ effort crucial- Maths teacher
Chipo Chizimba
Also in denial of lagging behind is the Mathematics department where both Ordinary and Advanced Levels fared well as is shown by the results obtained.
Maths teacher Chipo Chizimba said despite the subject at times encountering challenges in terms of ‘phobia’ on the part of learners, the department remains determined and committed to producing good results.
“Maths phobia is one major undoing that affects most learners. So what we have done at Ndarama is that we start by ensuring that we clear and get rid of the phobia by showing learners how possible it is to pass Mathematics. These young learners need an appreciation of their capabilities and after clearing that ground, then you inculcate the spirit of hard work in them.
“I always remind our learners that their part is two thirds while the teacher is responsible for one third for results to come out good. At Ndarama, we always encourage our learners to work hard. The fact that Mathematics is a daily subject shows the amount of work that is required of the learning area. Motivation, hard work and the way we celebrate with learners in event of good results even at end of terms are key drivers behind our success. That way we show an appreciation of the effort by learners and that keeps on motivating them to even work harder,” said Chizimba.
She also said extra lessons for free that are done during weekends or even holidays also helps drive the ambitions of the department.
“Sometimes we give learners extra work even if it means coming to school during holidays or over the weekends. As teachers, we do this for free for our aim is to make sure we show all the love we have for the success of our learners and in turn they put more effort to please us. It’s all out of sacrifice,” she added.
Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run academic power house Zimuto High School has raised its flag high after posting impressive results in the recently published Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) 2022 Ordinary level results.
The school notched a sterling 85.45percent overall pass rate with 188 learners passing five or more subjects out of the 220 who sat for the examinations.
The school also recorded 85 percent pass rate for students who passed five or more subjects including English language where 187 learners passed.
For learners who passed five or more subjects including English Language and Mathematics, the school recorded a 75.45 percent pass rate with 166 learners passing the exams.
Of the 220 students who wrote five or more subjects, 166 students passed English Language, Mathematics and Science marking a 66 percent pass rate.
In English language, 208 of 220 pupils passed the exam marking a 94.98 percent pass rate while 172 learners passed Mathematics to produce a 79.26 percent pass rate.
The school also recorded high pass rates in Computers where all 71 pupils who sat for the paper passed marking a 100 percent pass rate.
Learners from the 2022 class also performed well in Biology, Chemistry and Physics where the school posted 93.75 percent, 96.8 percent and 94.83 percent respectively.
Learners also attained 100 percent pass rate in other learning areas such as Heritage, Statistics, TTD and PESMD.
Mutare-Residents from Mutare have called for City fathers to improve on road surfacing techniques following massive erosion and pothole extensions witnessed in Chikanga and Sakubva suburbs due to late heavy rains that are still pouring since February 9.
After going for a month and a half without proper rainfall, Mutare began experiencing heavy downpours last week.
Though the rains bring joy to farmers, road users have raised concern on the massive erosion and pothole extending even in Mutare’s low density suburbs.
One of the hardest hit places is Chikanga market in ward 14.
The market place which lies in Mutasa South constituency’s construction was facilitated by former MP for the constituency Irene Zindi to shelter vendors through the use of Constituency Development Funds (CDF).
Sharp gullies have been created posing danger to people who want to access the market.
Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) Programs Director David Mutambirwa said council should act up quickly because it’s a hazard that will culminate into a sad story one day.
“The rains have brought and will continue to bring about massive road damages. If you look at Chikanga market area, poor drainage and road infrastructure has robbed the market of its former glory. Gullies formed due to massive soil erosion at the market has made the place inaccessible,” said Mutambirwa.
He added that council should act urgently before the situation degenerates into a disaster.
“City council should urgently address the issue not only for easy access but for security as the gullies pose great hazards among residents, especially senior citizens, children and people with disabilities,” he added.
Council has been carrying out pot hole filling exercises since last month using gravel.
The process has been brought to scrutiny as residents opt for better ways others than removable gravel.
Donald Chitakaira a resident from Maonde said road networks within Sakubva need immediate action from council.
“The state of our roads within Sakubva is bad and with more rains falling, it’s going to be worse. We really call upon the local authority to act because it’s not only a danger to motorists, but also to residents,” said Chitakaira.
Manicaland is expected to receive heavy rainfall between 65 to 120 mm from February 16-20 to the 20. This comes after Meteorological Services Department (MSD) released a warning notice on the February 15.
Manicaland is expected to receive of rain within 24hrs.
In a statement the MET Department has warned citizens to be on look-out for the rains.
“Residents from the province should look out for heavy rains (in excess of 50 mm), flash flooding in areas with saturated soil, wetlands, and impervious grounds as well as along basins,” read part of the statement.
GWERU- Police in Midlands have arrested three minors and one adult female for smoking mbanje and engaging in unlawful dealing with dangerous drugs.
The incident occurred on February 6, 2023 at around 1100 hours in Zvishavane.
Circumstances given are that police recovered 75 plants of dagga with an average height of two meters from a garden belonging to Loyd Sibanda of Ziyabangwa village, Zvishavane.
The recovery followed a tip off received by police who swiftly reacted to the information and efforts to locate Sibanda who is at large are in progress.
Midlands Provincial Police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the arrest of three juveniles aged 16 years and Sibonile Masaire (38) at George Chipadze Secondary School in Zvishavane.
“The three minors were caught during the act of smoking dagga by one of the school teachers. A police report was made and the three implicated Sibongile Masaire as the supplier.
“A search was conducted at Masaire’s residence and 1.35 kg of dagga was recovered. The three minors were released into the custody of their guardians while Masaire is in police custody. We urge members of the public to desist from drug abuse and value their health and also guardians of young children should shun drug and substance abuse,” said Mahoko.
Some of the best Inspiration Tennis Academy (ITA) players recently shared their goals, inspiration, support and motivation to continue chasing their dreams and actualizing their passions.
One player, Lucia Sitemere said being a student-athlete is something positive in her life as it helps her build self-confidence and self-discipline though at first it was difficult for her to manage the two.
“I am 12 years old and a grade 7 learner at Helen McGhie Primary School. I started playing Tennis in 2017 when I was in Grade 1. I had passion for tennis and my role model is Serena Williams (USA). My coach identified the talent when she was training us as a class at school. From that time, my interest towards tennis started to grow and the sport helps me through tactical thinking, teamwork, improving fitness level as well as boosting my confidence.
“At first it was very difficult for me to balance school and tennis. However, I can now manage my time wisely. Everything that I do, I do it seriously be it school or sport. I also have a very good academic record. Our coach always advises us to be serious academically and requests for every player’s academic report at the end of every term. After training, I spare some time to do my homework a well as reading. When I travel for tournaments, I always carry my books for reading,” said Sitemere.
She also added that the academy has helped her achieve a lot of things and has been places because of tennis.
“Inspiration Academy has helped me to achieve a lot both my academic and athletic goals. Coach Privy does not nurture us athletically, but also academically. She always encourages us to read our books. Athletically, I have benefited a lot from Inspiration Academy and have been to places with tennis. So far I have scooped 17 Medals and 1 plate (trophy) after attending local and national tournaments in Harare, Mutare, Bulawayo as well as Masvingo. I wish to start attending international tournaments if funds permit,” she added.
“My first goal is to increase my Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) points so that I get selected into the National Team. That can only be achieved if I play more tournaments because the more tournaments I play at, the more points I get. I also wish to have more training time so that I improve my play and lift the Masvingo tennis flag higher. I wish to turn my hobby into a real profession in future,” she added.
Sitemere however appealed for financial support as tennis is an expensive sport.
“Firstly, tennis is very expensive looking at training, sports attire, racquets and participating at tournaments (travelling expenses, entrance fees, accommodation and coach’s allowances), my parents are struggling to cover all these costs so sometimes I end up missing other tournaments.
“I would appreciate if schools were to assist their athletes financially so that they attend all their tournaments. Schools should also express an interest in our athleticism that is commenting or ask about recent games to show that they are well aware of our extracurricular activities. They should also educate other students and some teachers who look down upon those who do sports,” said Sitemere.
Morgan Mkwanila (15), Ndarama High school form 3 learner said he started playing tennis as he was inspired by his parents and his role model Novack Djokovic.
“I started playing tennis in 2015 when I was 7 years. I chose tennis because I had passion for it and my parents and role model Novack Djokovic inspired me,” said Mkwanila.
He added that he only trains during weekends as he will be at school during the week.
“I usually go to training on weekends as I will be at school during the weekdays and when organising training sessions and tournaments, my coach Privy makes sure that these won’t clash with my studies and I’m grateful because that makes me balance the two. I’ve played at so many tournaments so far and I have 32 medals. In January this year, I was selected to play for Zimbabwe U 16 national team in the zonal games for the Southern region,” he added.
The young player wishes to play for the national team and also encouraged others to be athletes as it keeps the mind healthy and drug free.
“I wish to play professional tennis one day and be one of the best players in Zimbabwe while also helping upcoming players. I also wish to play for Zimbabwe in the senior tennis team one day. Those who want to be student-athlete should go for it as it helps a lot because it keeps mind healthy and helps you to excel academically and this drug era student-athlete will be on the safe side because they’ll be busy,” added Mkwanila.
Mkwanila also urged schools to support sporting activities financially.
“Yes, I think schools should support young athletes. Schools should support them financially, providing sporting equipment’s and time for training and competitions.
Tatenda Dehwe also from Ndarama High School said he started playing tennis in 2015 out of passion.
“I started to play tennis in 2015 at the age of 7. I chose to play tennis because l was so passionate about the sport and my role model Novak Djokovic inspired me. I hope that one day I would go far with the sport earning a better living,” said Dehwe.
He added that he only practise once a week as he will be at school during the week and only go for tournaments during holidays.
“I only practise on Saturdays for three hours from 9am to 12pm. From Monday to Friday, l will be focusing on school work because of my school’s timetable which is from 7am to 5pm and because of tight school timetable, I am being forced to play at tournaments during the holidays only. I have managed to collect 22 medals from a few tournaments that I have participated at,” he added.
Dehwe also added that his goal is to be someone’s role model and he also advised fellow peers to be involved in sporting activities.
“I wish to be a professional tennis player and my number one goal is to be someone else’s role model. I also want to advise someone thinking of becoming a tennis athlete not to think twice but just work hard in sport and academically as well as being patient as greener pastures are ahead,” he said.
Being a young athlete takes dedication, time management and passion for a certain sport.
Masvingo province has recorded 5726 new voter registrants in January according to statistics released by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) office, TellZim News can report.
ZEC Deputy Elections Officer Maxwell Ncube confirmed the statistics and said the numbers of new voter registrants keep increasing towards elections.
“The statistics show that there is an increase from those recorded in December 2022 and this is largely because we are approaching election period,” said Ncube.
Of the 5 726 new registrants, 2764 are men whike 2962 are women.
“People are still coming through and the graph shows an increase, stakeholders, political parties and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) are playing their part in getting people registered to vote as well as registration champions,” said Ncube.
The office also recorded 1630 transfers, 749 of which are men while 881 are women.
As at December 31, 2022 the province recorded 5 467 new voter registrants 2960 of which were women while 2507 were men.
Gweru-Gweru Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi on February 20, 2023 appointed the council’s Finance Director Livingston Churu as the new Acting Town Clerk while Assistant Director (City Planning) Tapiwa Marerwa has been elevated to the Chamber Secretary post.
The two will hold the positions until council meets on Wednesday (February 22) for a Special Council meeting.
In a letter dated February 20, referenced ‘Directive on reporting for work while on bail’ signed by Mayor Kombayi, under fire former Acting Town Clerk Vakai Douglas Chikwekwe was requested to recuse himself from his duties until he is cleared by the courts.
Chikwekwe is in court for alleged criminal abuse of office.
“As per circular No CX/154 from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works you are kindly requested to recuse yourself from your duties until you are cleared by the Courts.
“May you kindly handover to Mr Churu and Mr Marerwa who shall be acting in the capacity as Town Clerk and Chamber Secretary respectively” read the first letter.
In a second letter, Mayor Kombayi notified council of the immediate appointment of Mr Churu and Mr Marerwa to the positions of Acting Town Clerk and Chamber Secretary respectively.
“Note that Mr Livingstone Churu the Director of Finance shall be acting as Town Clerk and Mr Tapiwa Marerwa as Acting Chamber Secretary until we convene a Special Council meeting on Wednesday 22 February 2023,” read the other letter.
The new appointments come after the arrest of Chikwekwe last week over charges of criminal abuse of duty as defined in Section 174(1) (a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) or in the alternative c/s Section 94 (3) of the Public Procurement and Disposal (Regulations) Statutory Instrument (SI) 5 of 2018.
National Youth Organization (NAYO) held a two day workshop and training programme meant to heighten statutes of the national youth policy and discussions on how best youth can be part and parcel of national mantras like National Development Strategy (NDS1).
The workshop was conducted at Mutare Diocese Training Centre on February 13 and 14 by Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Trusts and Youth organisations across Manicaland.
The workshop was pinned on four Policy Frameworks on Youth modules which included National Development Strategy 1(NDS1) and Servant Leadership.
NAYO Director and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) board member Misheck Gondo said that it’s important for youth to participate in development in line with constitutionalism.
“In as much as youth should participate in development, they should also know the constitution. It’s a milestone to have youth representation and participation in Parliament. These are some of the leadership positions that bring about positive development,” said Gondo.
Deliberations on the amended National Youth Policy graced the discussions.
The workshop which was graced by over 15 organisations also raised issues on youth, crime, sexual harassment, drug abuse and those in diaspora.
Participants received certificates after the event.
Centre for Environment Protection Poverty Alleviation and Development Trust (CEPPAD) Executive Director Trymore Muzengairi who was also part of the two day workshop told TellZim News that the national youth policy has gaps and lacks complete inclusivity.
“The Youth Policy has some loop holes pertaining to the distribution of power and resources to the Zimbabwean youth thus we advocate for decentralization of power and resources as well as their inclusion at all levels of governance. Youths living with disabilities are mostly affected. Furthermore the issue pertaining to the creation of an enabling environment for youth to participate in development is affected. There is lack of inclusion in development initiatives, planning, budgeting and consultancy yet our youth constitute the greater part of our population. Where possible, our youth need to be equipped with free skills training courses so that they can get/create employment easily,” said Muzengairi.
He applauded NAYO for the workshop citing that they equip youth with necessary skills.
“Workshops for youth act as reminders that they are an integral component of the community. Such workshops act as an eye opener zooming where youth are being left behind.
“Also, these workshops equip the youth with relevant information enabling them to become ambassadors or leaders within their communities. In the same line of thought, such workshops motivate youth to take initiatives and participate in the development of the nation and identification of gaps within the Youth National Policy. Such gatherings amplify the voice of the youth to be heard. Lobbying, advocacy for policy changes and amendments also emanate from youth workshops,” he added.
Youth Care Zimbabwe representative Lancelot Mawasa said that there is need to review again and update the national youth policy.
Freedom to the Disabled Persons in Zimbabwe (FDPZ) representative Panganai Chitiyo said that people with disabilities have not been recognized to expectations.
“We thank NAYO for the workshop but we also lobby for organizations and such policies to always recognize sign language. This year we are pushing for advocacy. As FDPZ, we are encouraging PWDs to advocate for their rights,” said Chitiyo.
