By TellZim Reporter

Masvingo’s Victoria Ranch suburb residents recently submitted a petition to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, calling for an urgent investigation and intervention into the deplorable state of social service delivery in the area.
The petition addressed to the Clerk of Parliament and signed by concerned residents, highlights the settlement’s dire need for basic services, including water, sanitation, roads, and public services.
They said Victoria Ranch, a peri-urban settlement with over 15,000 households, was being neglected by authorities despite its urban characteristics.
“The area lacks essential infrastructure, including piped water, sewer systems, and refuse collection services. Residents rely on boreholes, which are not regularly tested, and eco-san toilets, which have become unsanitary and dysfunctional,” reads part of the petition.
The petitioners argued that the current governance arrangement, under the Masvingo Rural District Council (MRDC), was incoherent and unsustainable. They claimed that MRDC lacked technical capacity and fiscal mandate to deliver urban services, while the Masvingo City Council (MCC) provides partial support but lacks jurisdiction to plan or budget for the area.
The petition cites the Constitution of Zimbabwe, specifically Section 13(2), which obliges the State to involve people in development plans, and Section 28, which mandates the State to ensure access to shelter and basic services. The petitioners also reference the Zimbabwe Land Commission’s recommendations, which include strengthening institutional coordination, regularizing settlements, and enforcing land servicing obligations on private developers.
The petitioners called for Parliament to establish a portfolio committee inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch, summon responsible authorities to account for their inaction, and enforce the implementation of the Zimbabwe Land Commission’s recommendations.
They also sought for legislative action to compel service delivery in peri-urban settlements and to redefine governance for such areas.
“The current conditions in Victoria Ranch pose serious public health risks, educational crisis, and environmental degradation. Immediate action is not only necessary but is a moral and legal imperative,” reads part of the petition.
The petitioners urged Parliament to treat the matter with urgency and compassion, given the humanitarian and constitutional concerns raised and establish a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch and similar settlements nationwide and mandate immediate interventions to provide clean water, sanitation, refuse collection, borehole testing, refuse removal, and road grading.
They said situation in Victoria Ranch highlights the need for Parliament to exercise its legislative, oversight, and representative roles to address the challenges faced by the residents.
“We are tired of being neglected by authorities. We need basic services, including water, sanitation, and roads. We urge Parliament to intervene and ensure that our rights are upheld,” reads another part.
The petition said residents were concerned that the lack of basic services in Victoria Ranch was not only a humanitarian issue but also a constitutional one.
They argued that the State has a duty to ensure that all citizens have access to basic services, including water, sanitation, and healthcare. They also expressed frustration with the current governance arrangement, which they claim was ineffective and unsustainable. They argue that the MRDC and MCC need to work together to provide adequate services to the residents of Victoria Ranch.
They urge Parliament to establish a portfolio committee inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch and to summon responsible authorities to account for their inaction and legislative action to compel service delivery in peri-urban settlements and to redefine governance for such areas. They argue that this will ensure that all citizens have access to basic services and that the government is held accountable for its actions.

By Tavonga Munyanyi

Award-winning musician Obert Chari recently launched his fourth album called “Ngoma Ndiyo Ndiyo,” at the Anglican Cathedral Hall in Harare.
The album, which features rich content, has been trending on social media, with fans praising Chari’s remarkable dedication and perseverance in the music industry.
Speaking to TellZim News after the launch, the Mebo hitmaker said he was committed to preach and educate through music which he said was his passion.
“This album is a testament to my unwavering passion for music. Some people thought ‘Mebo’ was my first and last hit, let me assure them that I’ll continue to release more albums,” said Chari.
To elevate his musical career, Chari said he collaborated with prominent musicians, including Jah Prayzah and Leonard Karikoga Zhakata on the new album.
“I worked with Jah Prayzah on the track ‘Munyengeri’ and Leonard Karikoga Zhakata on ‘Babamunini Dee’. I used the collaborations to acquire knowledge and skills that will enable me to reach further in my music career,” he said.
Chari emphasized the importance of continuously improving his craft, saying, music was not just about releasing hits but one had to uplift their standards to satisfy the audience.”
The album “Ngoma Ndiyo Ndiyo” features six tracks: “Ruvengo,” “Vatezvara,” “Kuraone,” “Munyengeri,” the title track “Ngoma Ndiyo Ndiyo,” and “Babamunini Dee.”
The launch event was attended by notable artists, including King David, Mark Ngwazi, and Shantel Sithole.
With four albums and four singles under his belt, Chari’s trophy case is filled with prestigious awards, including Best Upcoming Musician at the Coca-Cola Radio Zimbabwe Top 50 Chart Show and National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA).
Through his music, Chari says he aims to entertain, impart wisdom, and enlighten his fans on life experiences.
On his previous work, Chari collaborated with other prominent musians like Chief Shumba and Comic Pastor.

By Beverly Bizeki

While many schools in Zimbabwe compete for top-performing learners, Masvingo Christian College is proving that success can be cultivated, not just selected as the school’s inclusive approach is paying off.
The school head Dr Edison Muresherwa said the school was founded on the motto of inclusivity, “kwahuyai mose” (come all) and has become a beacon of hope for learners who are often sidelined due to poor performance.
At the heart of the school’s philosophy is the belief that intelligence is multi-dimensional and not defined solely by academic grades.
“People compete for a place on the district and national log sheet in terms of academic performance, yet intelligence is not only measured in terms of cognitive functioning. We have multiple skills that we can measure, and we can have more than five types of intelligence that we can work on,” Dr. Muresherwa,
The school’s strategy is paying off as in 2024, Masvingo Christian College achieved a 98% A Level pass rate and a 52% pass rate at O level, despite its inclusive enrollment policy. The school’s top achievers included Dorcas Dongo, Mathew Dundi, and Takundanashe Bozho, who all scored 20 points in their respective subjects.
Dr Muresherwa said Masvingo Christian College made history by becoming the first day school in Masvingo town to offer A Level Sciences in 2012, a bold move that many doubted at the time.
“From the first class, we produced three medical doctors and 14 engineers and now many other schools in the town have followed suit,” he said.
The school empowers learners not only academically but also personally, encouraging self-awareness and career versatility.
“Not every child is university-bound, and that’s okay. What matters is helping each learner discover where they can thrive. The school’s approach has yielded impressive results, including a group of former pupils who are currently constructing a new state-of-the-art house for the school’s head.