…As partisan political battles rips into GCC’s service delivery

Tinaani Nyabereka

GWERU-The mishap affecting Gweru City Council’s service provision system has greatly been attributed to failure by residents and office bearers to separate politics from development.
This was said by a council official during a Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Development Association’s Social Accountability and Monitoring engagement held this on October 9, 2022 in Gweru.
Speaking at the event, Gweru ward 18 councillor who is also the chairperson for the Environment Committee John Manyundwa said the polarised and toxic political environment was greatly hindering development as people are more centred on politics than development.
“The problem we have is that our communities are failing to separate politics from development as much priority is given to politics rather than developing our constituencies.
“As a result people don’t attend ward meetings or consultations because they first look to see if the councillor is their political candidate. No matter how you call for a meeting, people don’t come because of political affiliation of some councillors,” said Manyundwa.
He added that the on-going political in-fights between MDC-T and CCC parties within the council are a major contributor to poor service provision as councillors are divided.
“We cannot dismiss that council is bound with political rifts as city fathers are prioritizing political allegiance than residents’ concerns. This was further worsened by the paradigm shift of power due to the recalls which affected office bearers.
“The first issue of concern is politics; we are no longer on the same page as we used to be when we took over in 2018. The split of MDC-Alliance and the formation of Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has created confusion at council as councillors are now focused more into political groupings and allegiances than service provision.
“On the other hand, council management let me say, is taking advantage of the political infighting between councillors and now using the situation to avoid implementation of other policies. There is conflicting between councillors and management hence it has becomes difficult to provide services to residents,” he added.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) director Conilia Selipiwe said residents are frustrated over the condition of service provision in the city.
“There is anger among residents and stakeholders of Gweru, we have erratic supply of water supply, non-collection of refuse, damaged roads, derelict recreational facilities, bad public lighting as well as persistent sewer blockages that are not timeously attended to in all wards.
“As councillors, you must find a way of resolving the challenges affecting the city of progress. The collapsed social contract between council and its stakeholders negatively affects service delivery,” said Selipiwe.
He however urged residents to be problem-solvers as in their communities as service delivery issues require an all stakeholder approach.
People with Disabilities Advocate Nigel Tahwa however urged Gweru city fathers to come up with effective engagement methods to cater for the disability sector in decision making processes.

TellZim reporter

The Zimbabwe Republic Police in Masvingo have made an appeal to the public seeking information on the whereabouts of 44 year-old Taurai Takawira.
According to a document obtained from Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa, the man went missing on September 30 in a forest close to Marota Primary School near Bhati area of Masvingo West constituency.
“Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing for information leading to the location of Taurai Takawira, a male adult aged 44. He was last seen wearing a blue trousers and white T-shirt. He is medium built.
“Takawira was last seen on September 30, 2022 at a forest close to Marota Primary School, Masvingo. Anyone with information to contact Officer in Charge CID Law and Order Masvingo Detective Inspector Nyoni on 0772 399 753, 039- 2263801 or the Investigating Officer Detective Sergeant Tarwirei on 0774 442 147,” read part of the document.
The disappearance of Takawira according to Chief Bere’s spokesperson Adnos Chikomo is strongly linked to boundary wrangles that have marred the resuscitation of their chieftaincy with Chief Charumbira loyalists allegedly opposing the new arrangement.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chikomo said Chief Bere is worried by the resistance by people from Charumbira whom he regards as ‘caretaker leaders’ who are now resisting the true chiefs of the area’s coming on board.
He said they are of a strong feeling that the people from Charumbira are responsible since they are reported to have attacked Takawira and two others as they were clearing land for newly-installed village heads in the Bhati area.
“As the spokesperson of the Bere clan, the Chief has sent me to express how worried he is over the disappearance of Takawira. On the day of his disappearance, he was with two of our newly-installed village heads (Luckson Sinamayi and Mike Wengedzayi Matambanadzo) the Chief has allocated areas in Bhati area where the Charumbiras are contesting, so we strongly feel those who assaulted the other two are responsible for the disappearance.
“Since there are 11 assailants whom the police once arrested in connection with the assault of the two village heads, we feel they must also be held responsible for Takawira’s disappearance because he was together with the two,” said Chikomo.
He said they have tried on a number of occasions to look for Takawira but nothing has materialised so far and his family is always posing questions to the traditional leadership
“We once tried to look for him but nothing so has come out of the physical searches. What is now disturbing us is that his wife and kids always look for an answer from us, but we have no clue to that effect,” he added.
Chikomo alleges that Takawira disappeared after he and the two village heads were chased by axe-wielding Charumbira loyalists in the area that borders Bere area near Bhati the two heads were given to look after. The trio were in the process of constructing make-shift shelters when their assailants approached.

Lydia Koto

Zhirahuru complex directors hosted a lunch at Mucheke Old People’s Home on October 12, 2022 before donating 20 kgs beef to the institution.
Speaking during the event, former Masvingo City Town Clerk Adolf Gusha, one of the directors of the complex said as a business entity, they have come to Mucheke Old People’s Home to cheer up the elderly by having lunch with them.
He also added that they decided to support the elderly since they need support from the younger generation.
“We have come here to cheer up with our grandparents by having lunch with them. Old people need support from the young because they can’t do anything to sustain themselves.
“We have heard that there are 19 elderly people here so decided to give each elderly person 1 kg of meat to make 19 kgs .The other 1 kg we decided to give it to the maids and other personnel here,” said Gusha.
He thanked government, council, private sector and individuals for helping Mucheke Old People’s Home.
Gusha said he hope that other business entities are going to chip in to solve the problems the elderly are facing.

“I want to thank the government, council, private entities and individuals for helping these elderly. I hope other business entities are going to help this institution to solve the problems they are facing here,” Gusha added.
Pastor Matopos Chaka of Mucheke Old People’s Home thanked Gusha and co-directors for the lunch and meat.
Chaka said that the institution does not have money to take six elderly people who have eye sight problems to Morgenster for them to be attended to by an Optician after being referred to that institution.
“I want to thank Zhirahuru for the lunch they decided to host here and also for the meat they donated to us. However, we have monetary problems here at Mucheke Old People’s Home. Sometimes we go to the council and social welfare to seek assistance but things will be hard for them and we get nothing. Right now we have six people who need to go and see an Optician at Morgenster Hospital because they have eye sight problems. But because we do not have the funds, we cannot be able to transport them,” said Chaka.
He also added that shortage of food and transport to use in case of emergency are also some of the challenges they are facing.
“We are also having shortage of food. Once the food that people donate is over, our elderly here start to eat chunks and cabbages. In addition, we are also having transport challenges such that when one of them gets sick, we can’t afford to take them to a hospital or clinic. If we call an ambulance, sometimes it takes a long time to come. We also need computers for easy communication since the world is now globalized,” Chaka added
Sekuru Gono who is the oldest inmate at Mucheke Old People’s Home was very happy with the kind gestures and he thanked them.
He said that his relatives abandoned him and that is the reason he is at the institution.
“I am happy with what you have done to us. My relatives abandoned me and that is the reason why l am here today. People who are not even our relatives are coming here to help us. May the Lord bless you and your families,” said Sekuru Gono.

Lydia Koto

Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) student Shekinah Mandeya was on Sunday (October 9) crowned Miss Lake October after beating other contestants to the award at Hippo Creek lodge.
The 20 year-old winner could not hide her joy after winning and promised to empower other women in various ways.
“I am happy to be the winner of the Miss Lake October. The crown will help me empower other women through various ways as I have a passion in empowering others,” Mandeya said.
Speaking at the event, Faith Mazana the chief coordinator and organizer of the festival said their main aim of organizing the event was to promote and to showcase the history, culture tradition and increasing public sector participation in the pageant.
Mazana added that the event was meant for the queens to have opportunities to market the tourism industry and also remind other citizens of Masvingo of a rich tourism center.
Young women were encouraged to create opportunities and register so that they could contest in the next pageant in 2023.
“Our main aim of organizing this event is to showcase the history, culture, traditions and increasing public sector participation in the pageant. This is also a platform where the queens can market the tourism industry on the local and international market. I encourage all young women out there to create opportunities and register in the next pageant in 2023,” Mazana said.
GZU Vice Chancellor Professor Rugano Zvobgo who was the guest of honour at the event said he was impressed by the activities that took place at the festival and encouraged the youth especially women to be empowered.
“I am impressed with what I saw here. Young men and women are doing their best and this is a result of empowerment. Youth stage is something that one must celebrate, If you miss the youth stage, it’s like you have missed the bus.
“Young women must be empowered through education which is the key for empowering women. Without education, you are weak and not empowered so women, be educated,” Zvobgo said.
Zvobgo also urged youth to embrace culture since it is part of heritage. He also encouraged the youth to go to school, learn, have self-respect and never to underestimate themselves.
“People must embrace culture because it is part of our heritage and home is the most important source of culture. Never underestimate yourself for the way you speak and walk reflect who you are. So be careful of what you say because once spoken the words are out.
If you are educated you can get yourself a better career and you will be able to challenge the universe. Education without career is useless. Self-respect comes with profession so believe in things you can do for yourself,”Zvobgo said

…Residents plan mass sit in demonstration over poor service

Tinaani Nyabereka/ Yeukai Munetsi

Gweru- Residents have sought police clearance to conduct a mass sit-in demonstration as service provision continues to deteriorate in the Midlands capital.
According to a letter written by three residents associations namely, Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association (GUPRARDA) Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) and Gweru Residents Association (GRA) dated October 11, the mass action is set for (Monday) October 17, 2022.
The development comes as council has reportedly refused to address a number of issues affecting the city.
Some of the cited service delivery challenges are the on-going property seizure by council, estimates of bills and unrealistic water bills, the unprocedural implementation of the rebasing of 2022 budget and suspected contaminated water and outbreak of water borne diseases among other issues.
“Despite several attempts by resident associations collectively to have several service delivery issues addressed, council refused to attend to our concerns. The concerns are representative of the challenges that council is not addressing city wide, thus affecting the wellbeing of residents.
“Therefore it is with a heavy heart that residents of Gweru have asked us to engage your esteemed office after ward consultations, to notify you of the planned (sit in) to be held at town house offices in Gweru.
“Residents sincerely hope that the planned mass action will force council to address their plight with immediate action” read part of the letter signed by GUPRARDA director David Chikore, GRRA director Cornelia Selipiwe and GRA director Taurai Mukarati.
Of late Gweru has been facing a host of challenges from different angles among them inconsistent refuse collection prompting the Mayor Hamutendi Kombayi to mull use of scotch carts, ever flowing sewerage in sections of Mutapa suburb as well as erratic water supplies due to old water infrastructure.

…Gweru council quivers over planned service delivery demo

Tinaani Nyabereka

The Gweru City Council has called to the table residents in a move to persuade them to stop the planned mass (sit-in) action demo.
The meeting was called on October 12, 2022 by the Acting Town Clerk Douglas Chikwekwe as a matter of urgency.
Chikwekwe however pleaded with residents to grant the local authority at least seven days, up to next week (Thursday) October 20 to come up with solutions.
“As council, we call upon you as residents to give us a grace period of up to seven days so that we can try to come up solutions to the challenges you presented,” said Chikwekwe.
The planned demo which had been set for (Monday) 17 October 2022 at Gweru Town Council Offices was aimed at addressing various service delivery issues affecting the city.
Representatives from the residents associations, Women, Media, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and youth attended the meeting.

…Colleagues mourn veteran football administrator

Emmanuel Chitsika/Fredrick Moyo

“When I have done the work you gave me Lord, give me that crown”-such goes the biblical quote, which veteran soccer administrator Tedious Machawira seems to be reciting in the spiritual realm to the “football gods” after his untimely demise earlier this week.
Once again Zimbabwean football has been robbed of one of their most revered and valued giants in the beautiful game, veteran soccer administrator Tedious Machawira, who in all honesty deserved all his flowers.
The football family is mourning a man who served the game with distinction while at the same time making sure the Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL)’s needs were well catered for.
Born 59 years ago in Gutu district of Masvingo, the late Machawira who served in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) before his retirement from the force in 1997 was a dedicated football administrator who fought tooth and nail towards the cause of the game.
Tichaona Machawira, son to the late football icon said the icon was their fortress, hence the family had been robbed of a father figure par excellence.
“As a family, we have lost a father figure who was a father and grandfather to many. In our clan he was the only surviving elder whom we would always consult for advice. His passing on is a great loss to the family as we no longer have a father to look up to.
“My father retired from ZRP in 1997 and he got employed at Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) offices in Harare before transferring to Masvingo where he was the founding father of the ERSL around 2000-01,” said Tichaona.
Masvingo Mayor Collen Maboke said the region has lost a fountain of football knowledge and experience which shall be difficult to replace when considering his vast experience.
“There is need for ERSL to find an administrator with experience that matches the late Machawira. I am not sure if the region will get a proper replacement of his calibre because even after his retirement from football, he would always avail himself and provide advice to several clubs. He is one who was always committed to the cause of the game.
“Despite the challenges that most Masvingo clubs faced in securing sponsorship packages, he remained committed to working with us. He would stand in for several clubs I worked at like Masvingo United, FC Roma, Don Bosco and Mucheke Pirates. While working with him, I learnt a lot about football administration,” said Maboke.
Masvingo Zifa chairperson Nobioth Magwizi said the late administrator left a trail of achievements in the region during his tenure of office.
“Despite being a pioneer in formation of the ERSL as the administrator, the late Machawira was instrumental in bringing the Sylvia Dube cup to the eastern region while he was also part of the negotiating team for the Mbada Diamonds Cup.
“In other words, he was behind the success of the ERSL is as a result of his commitment. He also spearheaded the transfers of soccer stars Ovidy Karuru, Johnson Zimbabe, Progress and Jolly Musepa from ordinary secondary schools to football powerhouses like Pamushana and Gokomere High Schools.
“It was out of his idea that the then young players began to play for Masvingo United in Premier Soccer League,” said Magwizi.
Division 1 side Masvingo United spokesperson Omen Mafa released a club statement that expressed how sad the club felt on the passing on of Machawira whose leadership qualities he said were indisputable.
“Our club will forever cherish the moments we interacted with him as he was an accommodating character who always had the region (Eastern) at heart and wanted to see local teams excel on the domestic football arena. We can attest his leadership qualities which can never be doubted and were crystal clear for everyone to see; hence he was a celebrated administrator par excellence.
“Indeed the region would be poorer without him and his void will be felt as he was now more of an advisor to the regional leadership helping them steer the ship in the right direction.
“To the Machawira family, we say ‘Know that we are thinking of you, remembering our father and celebrate his life. Mr Machawira will always be in our hearts and memories,” read the statement.
Acting Zifa General Secretary Xolisani Gwesela issued a statement in which he said the late administrator had an immense contribution to the beautiful game from ‘an unrivalled passion’.
“Known by many as the Father figure, the association recognizes his immense contribution to the development of the game in his region and the country as a whole. He will forever be remembered for his unrivalled passion and dedication for the development football.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the departed one in this time of sorrow. He served the association with great honour for a period spanning over two decades. He started his journey in 1998, when he majored into full time football administration after retiring from ZRP.
“Zifa expresses it sincere condolences to the family and country’s football fraternity at large following the death of former ESRL general manager. Machawira was one of the longest serving football administrators,” read the statement.
Survived by five children, three girls and two boys and his wife, the late Machawira was buried at his rural home in Zimbizi village of Bhasera area in Gutu East constituency on October 14, 2022.