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All systems go for Zanu PF Primaries

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All systems go for Zanu PF Primaries

… 99.9 percent of candidates sail through

…. Gutu Bigwigs sail uncontested

Brighton Chiseva

It’s all systems go for Zanu PF primary elections following the politburo’s deliberations last week that saw the approval of 99.9 percent of the CVs submitted for the election.

The election is going to take place on Saturday (March 25) having been postponed from the previously set date (March 18) with the party election directorate saying it had received more CVs than expected and needed some time to go through them.

Zanu PF National Spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa released a statement to the effect and said President Emmerson Mnangagwa had said all people should be allowed to contest except those with criminal records.

“Approximately 99.9 of the candidates sailed through because President Emmerson Mnangagwa said no one should be left behind for any frivolous reason except where the candidate had a criminal record,” said Mutsvangwa.

Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa said he was yet to receive official list from the party headquarters but he was sure that only one candidate was disqualified.

“All candidates sailed through except only one, Mutonho Mutonho from Gutu West. However, I am yet to receive the official document with successful candidates in the province,” said Mavhenyengwa.

From the unofficial document that is circulating on social media however, Christopher Mashuro from Gutu East was not recommended by both Masvingo province and the National Election Directorate (NED) and so was Tongai Matutu from Mwenezi North.

In Gutu, three bigwigs will go uncontested and these are Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando for Gutu Central and John Paradza, Gutu West, whose opponent Mutonho Mutonho was not recommended.

Yeukai Simbanegavi will go uncontested for Gutu Women’s Quota while Lovemore Matuke will go it alone for the senatorial post.

Paradza is the national vice secretary for youth league, a post he won after winning the provincial contest which means he commands some respect both at provincial level and nationally.

Simbanegavi’s constituency Gutu North was collapsed by delimitation exercise and had to seek solace in the women’s quota allocation which has less completion.

Chitando is President Mnangagwa’s close ally having been picked as a non-constituency Minister in 2017 and later got a seat in 2018. He is powerful and well-resourced and that could have worked in his favor.

Matuke on the other hand has been Senator for the district and is very powerful in the district, province and at national levels being the Secretary for Security and Politburo member.

Most of Gutu candidates including Paradza and Simbanegavi first contested for their seats with Matuke’s blessing.

Another candidate who will go uncontested is Naledi Maunganidze from Chivi South who is vying for Provincial Youth Quota seat.

Zaka North has the highest number of candidates after nine of the candidates who submitted CVs sailed through.

Bikita South, Chiredzi west, Masvingo South, Masvingo Central, Mwenezi East, and Zaka Central have seven candidates each.

Only Masvingo Urban and Chiredzi Central have two candidates each with Mwenezi North likely to have two if Tongai Matutu is disqualified.

Masvingo DJ in court for malicious damage to property

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Masvingo DJ in court for malicious damage to property

…ordered to pay the complainant US $150

Beverly Bizeki

Popular Masvingo DJ Michael Juwawo appeared in court for damaging his wife’s friend’s car after following an altercation triggered by suspected infidelity.
Juwawo (35) who works at Infinity Bar Downtown appeared before Masvingo Magistrate, Conceptor Ngwerume on March 14 and was asked to pay US $150 for the damages he caused.
The court heard that on March 13, 2023, the complainant Aleck Chikombe who is a friend of Juwawo’s wife went to the latter’s place of residence at Longlands Compounds Madondo Business Center, Zimuto Masvingo at around 0300 hours to give the accused’s wife a burger.
Upon arrival at the place, Chikombe was welcomed by Juwawo who received the burger and asked why he (Chikombe) brought food his wife.
An altercation arose between the two as this did not go down well with the accused and started chasing Chingombe towards his car.
Juwawo took Chikombe’s car keys leading to a scuffle between the two.
The accused was overpowered and he took a tin, hit the front windscreen and right view mirror once causing damage to the Toyota Hiace.
The court ruled that the total value of damaged part of the vehicle is US$ 150 and ordered Juwawo to pay the money before the end of this March.
The court also stated that the complainant was provocative.

FOC donates bicycles to three Gutu schools

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FOC donates bicycles to three Gutu schools

Precila Takabvirakare

For Our Children (FOC) organization last week donated 55 bicycles to three high schools in Gutu district with about 55 girl children benefiting, 20 being from Domborembavha, 20 from Mushayavanhu and 15 from Mpandawana High Schools.
FOC is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) born out of realization that the economic conditions in the country are increasingly difficult for some families to provide adequate academic essentials for their children to pass their studies hence they need help.
The programme also aims to empower girl children from the marginalized communities so that they can excel mostly in science subjects.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Mushayavanhu High School, FOC director Sissy Chinhamo urged the learners to be focused as they are trying to provide essentials for them to succeed.
“We are giving you these bicycles so that you can come to school early, so be motivated, read your books and be someone in life. We are playing our part by providing you with essentials, so you should play your part by reading.
“You are our seeds; we know if you succeed, you are going to have an impact in the society as you will be able to help others just like the way you are being helped. So I encourage you to be serious for the benefit of others,” said Chinhamo.
Mushayavanhu High School head Alex Gandiwa appreciated the support that their learners are getting from FOC and encouraged students not to misuse the bicycles.
“We really appreciate the support that you are giving our learners, first it was text books and solar lantern lamps, now its bicycles. The text books and reading lamps helped these learners as we noticed an improvement in their performances, therefore we encourage them to take this support seriously and keep on focusing on their studies. We also advise them to use their bicycles well and not to abuse them or divert the use,” said Gandiwa.
Previously the organization donated reading modules and solar lantern lamps to the learners.

Zvobgo threatens to kick out Zanu PF from offices if he loses primaries

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Zvobgo threatens to kick out Zanu PF from offices if he loses primaries

. . . as primary campaigns going gets tough

Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Perennial loser Edison Zvobgo Junior, who is contesting Zanu PF primaries for the third time, has allegedly threatened to send the party packing from his premises where the Masvingo provincial offices are if he does not win  primary elections expected anytime soon.

Zvobgo, who seemed frustrated having lost two party primaries in two different constituencies (Masvingo Central in 2013 and Masvingo Urban in 2018), allegedly made the statement while addressing party supporters during one of his campaign rallies at Rarangwe Primary School in Masvingo Central where he is battling it out with six other candidates.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial offices are currently at the Chevron Hotel, which is part of the Regency Group run by Zvobgo. It seems the party made special arrangements with the Zvogbos and has not been paying rentals for over 15 years now, a development which Zvogbo ‘Junior’ feels that the party should honour him by making sure that he wins the Masvingo Central primaries.

This probably means that Zanu PF should even bend its rules or rig in favor of him, in the event that he is not the most popular candidate out of the seven in the race, in order to honor Zvogbo for providing offices to the party for over a decade now.

Contacted for comment, Zvobgo laughed off the allegations saying it was just political mudslinging by his opponents.

Zvogbo said there is no way he can just wake up one day and give notice to the party to vacate because he has been housing them for over 15 years now.

“That is a lie, I have never said that, those could be bombs being thrown in my way by opponents and this is common during elections. I am a son of two national heroes and I am pure Zanu PF. I have been housing the party for more than 15 years so I cannot say that now,” said Zvobgo.

Sources who were present at the rally said Zvobgo said that people are supposed to vote for him ahead of the six other candidates because he is the one providing offices for the party, failure to vote for him then he will be left with no better option than to kick out the provincial secretariat out of her offices.

“Zvogbo said it is high time the party recognize his efforts by making sure that he wins the forthcoming primaries because he has been housing the Zanu PF provincial headquarters for years now for free. If not voted, he will contemplate giving them notice to vacate his premises at Chevron hotel,” said the source.

Contacted for comment, Zanu Provincial Party Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa said he was not aware of the threats but said if it was true, maybe Zvobgo will communicate with his office.

He went on to say on the issue of rentals, the party and Zvobgo had an agreement which he cannot discuss with the media.

“I haven’t heard of that, people can say things wherever they are and if that is true maybe he will communicate with my office, but as of now he hasn’t communicated with us. Probably he will communicate after the primary elections. Zanu PF has an agreement with Cde Zvobgo and Regency which I cannot discuss,” said Mavhenyengwa.

Zvobgo once contested the seat in 2013 and lost to Edmund Mhere in the primaries before trying his luck in Masvingo urban in 2018 where he lost to Benjamin Taguma Mazarire who went on to lose to then MDC-Alliance’s Jacob Nyokanhete.

Both Zvobgo and Mazarire decided to take their battle to Masvingo Central where they are both facing five other candidates namely Phainos Makwarimba, Achson Mupandawana, Victor Charumbira, Mutati Nyikadzino and Eddison Nechasike.

Mumera’s dream for Bikita South

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Mumera’s dream for Bikita South

Staff Reporter

BIKITA – Following the announcement of an early primary poll by Zanu PF, a number of aspiring candidates both parliamentary and local authority presented Curriculum Vitaes expressing interest in various constituencies and wards.
which were initially set for last Saturday (March 18) were shifted to a later date, allowing dark horses ample time to share their visions with their respective electorate.
Among these is Bikita South Henry Mumera who has a well-defined future for the constituency if voted into office.
Having worked in the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO) sector for close to 15 years, Mumera says he has vast experience in societal transformation and development and has what It takes to transform the lives of people in Bikita South.
“I worked as a development practitioner in Bikita South for a very long time and I know of many areas lying idle that could be used to transform the area and if voted into office, I can easily use that knowledge to develop Bikita South,” he said.
His thematic areas include construction of roads and upgrading of the existing ones which are in a state of deterioration, provision of health facilities, revolution rising agriculture, electricity provision and income generating projects and promoting tourisms among others.
On the construction of roads, Mumera said he will target Makuvaza-Odzi, Chiremwaremwa –Mashoko to Zaka, Makuvaza – Negovano and Mukore- Chikuku road.
“I want to facilitate for the construction and repair of our major roads and rehabilitation of all rural roads leading to critical centers like clinics, shops, and schools.
“I will also look into the construction and rehabilitation of bridges and resuscitation of District Development Fund (DDF) in the constituency for infrastructure maintenance,” Mumera added.
On health provision, Mumera said there is need for construction of more clinics to reduce the traveling distance, renovation of existing ones and ensuring availability of furniture, medicines, back-up power and enough personnel at each health centre.
Mumera also added that he has vast knowledge with regard to the agriculture sector promising that he would like to modernize agriculture in Bikita South.
“I need to resuscitate the Zunde Ramambo concept in a modern way where the Chief gives us land then we bring inputs and equipment and the produce will be distributed to vulnerable groups of society.
“We want to mechanize agriculture and introduce machinery like tractors, planters, shellers, rippers, improved granaries and metal silos.
“We need to promote Pfumvudza concept, improvement of irrigation systems, production, coordination, marketing, value addition, processing, packaging, branding and marketing of constituency crop products like groundnuts, guava to guava juice, baobab products and many more,” said Mumera.
He also said he needs to promote tourism, culture and heritage in the constituency which has rich cultural sites and tourist centres.
“I want to facilitate the initiation of Rural Tourism in Bikita South through the establishment of cultural sites and celebration of culture and heritage days.
“On tourism, we want to have camping sites, lodges, boat cruise, and sunset cruise in Mashoko and Siya Dams and this will also create employment,” he said.
Mumera talked about the need for construction of new schools, rehabilitation and modernization of existing schools and also electrification and computerization of all schools in Bikita South.
He ensured that there will be a vibrant home industry by establishing a vocational training center.
“I want to make sure that we upgrade our education system in the constituency by establishing training centers for programmes like wood technology, dressmaking, panel beating, motor mechanic, hair dressing, baking and provide internet services at all learning centers”
I want to facilitate for home industry to do peanut butter, bee keeping, bakery, soap and detergent making, fence making, poultry, piggery then we create market linkages,” said Mumera
He also said there was need for establishment of growth point at Chiremwaremwa or Mashoko and engage business people to establish fuel stations at Mashoko, Chiremwaremwa, Mukore and Chedutu as well as the completion of the Rural Electrification Programme (REA).

Manicaland female artists celebrate women’s month in style

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Manicaland female artists celebrate women’s month in style

Branton Matondo

Manicaland arts family converged at National Gallery of Zimbabwe (NGZ) last Friday (March 10) to exhibit seven art works done by seven female artists.
The exhibition dubbed ‘HEAR MY STORY’ was pinned on emotive pieces produced by Elizabeth Madondo, Jane Chipara, Eurbetina Muganhu, Charmaine Chitate, Patience Mutyukira, Sandra Jennifer Matamisa and Tariro Gurira.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) Business Development and Marketing Manager for Manicaland Nelia Chabuka who was also guest-of-honor commended the participation of young women as Zimbabwe and the world at large commemorates International women’s month.
“Zimbabwe and Manicaland celebrate this day aimed at encouraging society to embrace equity. The National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Mutare celebrates this day through an exhibition where six women presented their art works. We commend these women for being brave enough to tell their story through talents in fine arts.
“Art pieces in showcase unleashed fallen feelings and issues (inner and outer) that women encounter and deal with,” said Chaduka.
Rusape born artist Jane Chipara told this publication that the idea behind her piece called ‘Torn Apart’ is all about sexual harassment experienced by women.
“In Torn Apart, I was talking about sexual abuse and the painting in itself shows how someone is torn apart after being sexually abused. Sometimes women are abused by relatives and it takes time to tell someone let alone heal. In most cases if she does, blame is put on her because no one is attentive to what she is saying,” said Chipara.
However, for Patience Mutyukira who resides in Bocha, the story behind her four part painting narrows down to life of a single parent.
The painting blatantly delves into her single parenting life magnifying the challenges and meager sweet moments of her life journey.
“The inspiration of my piece stems from how single I am. I am a single parent raising up my children. Looking back, I grew up as a talented young lady and my mother used to draw. My brother was also good at drawing even my children are talented. I did my ceramic course in Bulawayo and then I came here in Manicaland. I fell in love but it all went south. In raising my children it was difficult. I then went to the school where my children were studying and we agreed that l will do some paintings for them. From then onwards, I have been rising,” she said.
Although most of the paintings sharpened the wailing voice of a woman, there was also an element of equity.
For blossom fanatic Tariro Gurira, her piece aroused paradoxical pulse that is adorned by beauty and rigged by struggle.
Her perfectly positioned flowers dominated by pink and red color pigment nakedly reveal the beauty of women but behind lay sharp, dry thorns portraying emotional struggles.
Raramo Yangu by Eurbetina Muganhu joys down on how a woman should support her husband in bad and good times.
Her inspiration is channeled from her grandmother who has been a pillar of advice.
While sharing sentiments at the exhibition NGZ Regional Director for Manicaland Elizabeth Muusha said women are resilient beings during these demanding times.
“Women are the strongest animals on the planet because they go through a lot. They are not only good at showcasing their talent but also most importantly are good purveyors of motherhood,” said Muusha.

ZCTU calls for equality at work places

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ZCTU calls for equality at work places

TellZim Reporter

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has urged government to ensure equality between men and women prevails at most work places as that will ensure women empowerment.
In a speech read on behalf of ZCTU president Florence Taruvinga by Women Advisory Council Treasurer Pertunia Mangoti on March 11 at ZCTU Southern region boardroom during commemoration of International Women’s Day, the labour movement called for incorporation of women interests promotion.
“ZCTU calls for a more equal society that empowers, protects and promotes the rights and interests of women, children and youth as well as people with disabilities.
“We also demand that government enforce the rights of all women including those working in digital spaces and ensure a culture of zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence including Cyber violence for a workplace free from violence and harassment,” said Mangoti.
The labour movement also demanded a new social contract which they say should entail and prioritize equality, inclusion, peace and democracy.
Mangoti said government should also preside over a shift from systems that propagate marginalization of women found in different spheres of life.
“Women have for long been marginalized and systematically excluded from accessing trainings and skills to enable them to function in this new digital society and economy.
“Majority of women are found in informal sector, domestic, agriculture and the forgotten mothers at home who are burdened by care work. All these women have been denied access to ICT and have been left behind. Those women who have been brave enough to venture into digital space have faced a lot of challenges that have created more inequalities,” added Mangoti.
ZCTU also identified a number of challenges among them sexual harassment, GBV, occupational hazards, unfair labour practices, denial of right to organize and collective bargaining as some of the major challenges government should address on for the benefit of workers in Zimbabwe.

Masvingo female boxing judge shines in SA

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Masvingo female boxing judge shines in SA

Perpetua Murungweni

An international Professional Boxing judge shone and raised the Zimbabwean flag higher as she was the only Zimbabwean and female judge when she officiated at the African Boxing Union (ABU) tournament held in Pretoria, South Africa last weekend.
Patience Ngubo who hails from Masvingo was among the panel of four judges including three males, two South Africans and one Namibian.
Speaking to TellZim News from South Africa, Ngubo expressed happiness to be among the judges of a predominantly male-dominated panel.
“I am the only Zimbabwean official and l am the only female judge on the panel comprising of three males two from South Africa and one from Namibia.
“I feel honored to be given the opportunity to officiate at such a big event. I am also elated to be one of the judges handling the match. It was a big fight so l had to get everything right,” said Ngubo.
She however said her rise to prominence was not easy for her as she faced a lot of challenges in her career as a judge.
“Usually people are envious about the rise of women in male dominated fields and some speak behind your back that it is either you are connected or you are in intimate relationships with the bosses who call the shots.
“People usually do not believe that a woman can be appointed on merit. In the ring or on the judges table, there is no difference between men and women, it is just business,” she added.
She went on to call other women to get involved in boxing saying the field was not designed for anyone but only requires hard work and determination.
“There is no field that is designed for men or women but it only requires stronger women who are focused and determined. Nothing will stop you, as women we can do it in combat sport. Don’t hesitate to take any role there either as a coach, judge, referee, administrator or athlete. One just needs the requisite training, self-belief and confidence to conquer in the male dominated fields,” she said.
Ngubo said she started professional boxing in October 2021 as a volunteer and trained as a technical Official in Victoria Falls. She registered as a judge with ABU in October 2022 and to date she has officiated at three major professional events.
Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) Masvingo Provincial Coordinator Kudakwashe Tapera said as ZNBWCB Masvingo they were happy to have one of the judges, a woman for that matter being called to represent Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large.
“Given that it’s women’s month, we are honored to have a female judge who has defied all odds to go out there and represent women and Zimbabwe as a nation,” said Tapera.

32 years behind bars for raping step daughter (9)

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32 years behind bars for raping step daughter (9)

Beverly Bizeki

A 42 year-old Bikita man was slapped with an effective 32 year jail term for raping his nine year old step daughter on a number of occasions in October 2022.
Initially he was sentenced to 36 years before four were suspended on condition of good behavior.
Masvingo Magistrate Bishard Chineka said in his judgement, he could have given the accused a longer jail term if the State had provided HIV results for both the accused and the victim.
Chineka further said the accused deserved the lengthy jail term, as the matter will leave the minor traumatized as she was now more of a ‘sex slave’ to the accused as he used every chance he got to rape her.
It is the State case as presented by prosecutor Eunice Shoko that the accused raped his step daughter sometime in October last year when she visited his homestead to call her biological mother at her grandmother’s request.
The convict denied the victim’s mother from accompanying her back home as he opted to do so himself.
The accused however changed route on his way to his in-laws and went to a nearby mountain within the village where he raped the minor and threatened to stab her with a knife if she disclosed anything about the incident.
On the second occasion, on December 15, 2022 during the day, the accused together with the victim and her two sisters were sitting under a Mupfura tree when he sent his wife to fetch water at the borehole.
After she left, the convict sent the victim to the kitchen to fetch water before following and raping her.
The victim’s younger sister (5) followed to the kitchen hut carrying the other sister (1 year 4 months) and found their father in the act before reporting the matter to the victim’s mother.
Again he threatened to stab the young girl with a knife if she disclosed the matter.
The victim’s mother suddenly arrived and found her daughter telling her step father of her intention to report the matter and found the accused zipping his trousers.
An altercation ensued with the mother shouting at her husband for the evildoing before the latter asked for forgiveness and kept on following his wife to deter her from reporting the matter.
On the third occasion, the accused person took advantage of the absence of his wife and raped the minor once in the kitchen hut.
While in the evil act, the wife called her daughter which alerted the rapist and he instructed the girl to go, meet her mother outside the hut and tell her that he was not around as he had gone to take a bath.
The victim did not report the incident to her mother as she had been threatened with a knife again.
The girl’s mother however managed to sneak from the accused person’s homestead together with her children on December 25, 2022 and went to her uncle’s place whom she informed of the matter.
The uncle then accompanied the girl’s mother to make a police report and the victim was referred to Silveira Mission Hospital for medical examination.
Chineka also said the case would traumatize the victim’s mother as well.

Chivi teenager finally gets financial assistance to get tumor removed

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Chivi teenager finally gets financial assistance to get tumor removed

…family thanks TellZim for spreading their plea for help

TellZim Reporter

A Chivi teenager, Tatenda Mupfurashanga (17) who has a tumor growing on his face since he was four years old will finally get surgery done on him by March 31, 2023 after well-wishers heeded to the family’s plea for financial assistance.

Mupfurashanga was in need of US$850 for the surgery and the family could not raise it until well-wishers chipped in following a publication of his story by TellZim News.

Chivi Ward 16 Community Rehabilitation officer Albert Imbayarwo who together with Mupfurashanga’s parents cares for the teenager said since the story was published they began to receive donations from well-wishers who would sent the money via mobile money remittance facilities, and within a few weeks they had managed to raise over half of the bill.

“Following publication of our plea for help by TellZim on Feb 21, I believe the story went viral because we started to receive donations from well-wishers, and by March 8 we had managed to raise US$400 plus ZW$130 000 and R1000.

“We then managed to organize a fundraising activity as Simbaradzo Disability Club where we called upon Non-Governmental Organisations, CBOs and churches on March 15 to come and contribute towards the bill.

Imbayarwo said Tatenda’s life had been altered because of the growth, and it was important that he got into surgery as soon as he can as it could eventually become life threatening.

“Tatenda has a bright future if he gets the required medical assistance. I want to thank TellZim for mainstreaming disability as well as reaching to the diaspora community which contributed much to the required medical bill.

“We raised a total of US$1400, R2000 and ZW$130 000. We are very grateful for that and we can now book for the surgery this month,” Imbayarwo said.

Mupfurashanga will be operated at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare by March 31 this year.

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