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Zimbabwe, 7 new SADC countries to benefit from Vodacom M-Pesa IMT

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Zimbabwe, 7 new SADC countries to benefit from Vodacom M-Pesa IMT

Staff Reporter

Vodacom M-Pesa, Tanzania’s leading mobile money provider is expanding its International Money Transfer (IMT) portfolio to include Zimbabwe and eight new SADC countries.

M-Pesa customers in South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and the Democratic Republic of Congo are now able to send and receive money from Tanzania via the facility.

The announcement was made on October 27 2022 at an event to launch a campaign by the facility dubbed ‘Dunia Kijiji, Afrika ni M-Pesa’ which aims to promote M-Pesa as the currency of transactions for Africa with all the countries able to send money via Vodacom M-Pesa.

The platform connects over 200 countries worldwide, facilitating international remittances through its IMT portfolio, allowing Tanzanians to transact across borders.

Speaking at the launch, Minister of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation Honorable Stargomena Tax said ease of access and cost of transfers have both been improved by the availability of mobile money platforms.

“The entrant of mobile money in international remittance has not only improved ease of access but also reduced cost of transfers bringing us closer to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal number 10.

“We applaud this growth in this space and commend Vodacom M-Pesa for paving the way,” said Hon. Tax.

Speaking on the facility’s journey to IMT, M-Pesa director Epimack Mbeteni said the money transfer facility took advantage of innovation and partnerships to grow its IMT portfolio.

“We pride ourselves for being enablers for being enablers in the payment system ecosystem by facilitating cross border trade within the region through efficient and seamless transfer of funds from anywhere around the globe through M-Pesa International Money Transfer Service .

“Today we are pleased to announce the expansion of our IMT offering to more Pan African countries allowing Tanzanians to send and receive money from eight SADC countries namely South Africa, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Mozambique, Swaziland and the DRC,” Mbeteni said.

M-Pesa International Money Transfer services are accessible via the *150*00# or through the M-Pesa App which makes it easier for all customers to send and receive money.

$eh Mchenu releases video, rides high on YouTube

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$eh Mchenu releases video, rides high on YouTube

Entertainment reporter

Masvingo-based artist Nyika Muchenu known in the music circles as ‘$eh Mchenu’ has released a song with a video that advocates for the promotion of equality in society with bias towards the girl child.
Titled Vape Mukana released on October 17 is making waves on entertainment channel YouTube and the musician says he is inspired by the need to offer more opportunities to the girl child in Zimbabwean society.
“I wrote the song as a way of responding to the difficulties in the African societies where continued deprivation of opportunities on the part of the girl child to participate equally in areas like education, careers and or political posts.
“It’s rather an out-dated belief that girls are inferior to boys. Women are equally innovative and from my personal experiences, have seen how better they perform in careers or any other area of life,” said Muchenu.
He went on to say several women have excelled in their respective constituents of leadership.
“It may be a hard nut to swallow, but take a look at even schools that are headed by women and how they fare to that effect. The schools are much more developed as women are perfectionists and thus deserve more space in various sectors.
“The ground needs to be fairly level despite gender differences,” he added.
$ir Mchenu said he is excited by the manner in which the new project is commanding a huge following despite being a new kid on the block.
“I am convinced that the song is the most followed of all the songs I have released and posted on YouTube. The numbers keep on rising every second.
“I would like to thank those who are taking their time to listen to my work and watching the video,” he said.
Last year, the artist also spoke against child marriages through his single track ‘Toudza vakuru’ released sometime in August.

ZESN condemns political, electoral violence

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ZESN condemns political, electoral violence

…begs political party leaders to foster peace ahead of 2023 harmonized elections

Fredrick Moyo

The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has condemned political and electoral violence that unfavourably affect the participation of vulnerable groups electoral processes.
ZESN on October 18 released a press statement calling on political parties’ leaders and supporters to distance themselves from political and electoral violence ahead of the 2023 harmonized elections as violence negatively affect the electoral processes and outcomes.
“The Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) implores political party leaders and their supporters to foster peace ahead of the 2023 harmonized elections. The call comes against the prevailing toxic political environment which has been characterized by a spate of inter-party as well as intra-party violence that occurred in Matobo and Insiza.
“These violent clashes have a potential to adversely affect the participation in democratic electoral processes of the electorate in particular vulnerable groups,” read part of the statement.
ZESN called on political parties to have conflict management mechanisms as violence affect citizens’ rights, undermines democracy and erodes trust in democratic processes.
“Political and electoral related violence undermines civil and political rights and affects citizens’ right to compete in electoral processes; erodes trust in democratic processes; undermines the quality of democracy thereby limiting inclusive participation and leads to voter apathy as it discourages the electorate particularly women and people with disabilities to participate in electoral processes and leadership positions.
“The Network thus calls on political parties to foster peace, come up with conflict management mechanisms and create a conducive political environment where divergent views are respected and where all citizens enjoy their fundamental rights without fear in line with the dictates of Section 67 (2) of the Constitution which provides for fundamental rights,” added the statement.
ZESN also urged political parties to engage the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) in such instances so that they investigate, speak out against violence, uncover the causes behind the conflicts, and assist all victims of the conflict, to facilitate dialogue among political parties and offer possible solutions in order to prevent conflicts and disputes arising in the future.
Political and electoral violence have been on the rise in the country as it draws closer to the much awaited 2023 general elections.
Recently, in Insiza armed ZANU PF youths allegedly attacked Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) party members.

Improve on refuse collection-residents tell council

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Improve on refuse collection-residents tell council

Lydia Koto

Masvingo residents urged city council to adhere to set refuse collection schedules and prioritize solid waste management to safeguard the health of the city.
Giving contributions at the recent 2022 budget review and 2023 budget consultations, a resident urged council to collect refuse frequently to avoid a situation that would lead to proliferation of illegal dumpsites which would present a health hazard to the community.
“When people see that litter is not collected and becoming too much on the streets, they then dump the waste near our houses during the night. Some would drive cars loaded with litter while others use wheelbarrows to ferry the waste. Every morning we wake up to loads of dumped waste and that has become an eyesore on the environment.
“May you as council collect refuse frequently according to the timetable because that litter is now a threat to our health,” said a resident from ward 1.
Residents also urged the council to come up with ways of separating waste especially at business centers.
“Why wouldn’t you come with ways of separating waste especially at business centers? You can place bins for bottles and others for plastics materials so that waste does not mix,” one resident from ward 5 said.
Responding to the issue of separation of litter, Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa said that they will sit down with his team and find ways of separating litter.
“I will sit down with my team and find ways on how best we can separate waste,” said Eng Mukaratirwa.
Masvingo residents also complained about council workers who are allegedly stealing their bins when collecting refuse so that they will sell them.
“Some of your workers are stealing our containers like plastic bags and buckets when collecting litter. l don’t know what they would want to do with them but l heard some saying they will sell them or convert to personal use,” said another resident.
Council also said Cambria Farm landfill is almost complete.
However, financially, using the new landfill will be associated with extra costs on part of council in terms of fuel, vehicle maintenance costs as well as paying personnel manning the dumpsite and council proposed the burden should be shared among residents.
The distance that council vehicles used to cover to reach out to the old dumpsite near Runyararo West suburb is 3 km but now it will be 15 km to Cambria Farm.

Family cleansing ritual goes wrong as 2 die

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Family cleansing ritual goes wrong as 2 die

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gokwe- A family cleansing ritual presided over by a traditional healer left two dead after they drank a concoction prepared by the healer.
The incident occurred on October 15, 2022 at around 0400 hours at Mandaza village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North.
Circumstances given are that the Mandaza family intended to have a cleansing ceremony at their home and sought the services of the now suspect Simbisai Mapuranga (52) of Rumwe Area in Kadoma.
Mapuranga allegedly prepared 20 litres of a concoction which every member of the family was to drink after confessing.
All 28 members of Mandaza family, who were present at the ceremony confessed and drank the substance.
It is further reported that family members started to vomit with some becoming unconscious for about three hours.
The rest of the family regained consciousness except Mharadza Mandaza and Mhere Mandaza who remained unconscious until the alleged healer and his entourage left for Kadoma.
The two were later pronounced dead and the matter was reported to the police while bodies of the deceased were taken to Gokwe North Hospital for post mortem.
In a statement, Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the unfortunate incident and appealed to members of the public with information regarding the whereabouts of the suspects.
“We are appealing to members of the public who might have information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect/s to report to any police station or make use of our suggestion boxes nearer to them,” Mahoko said.

Inspiration Tennis Academy does it again

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Inspiration Tennis Academy does it again

Fredrick Moyo

Masvingo – based Inspiration Tennis Academy (ITA) has done it again after scooping 11 medals at the just ended Mantas Tennis tournament that commenced on October 14 and ended on October 16, 2022.
The tournament that catered for different age groups including toddlers, U 12, 14 and 18 was hosted at Mutare Girls High in Mutare and there were players from Mutare, Masvingo and Harare.
In an interview with TellZim News, ITA founder and head coach Privy Fanisai said she was really happy with the performance her academy put up at the tournament.
“I am happy with the medals that we managed to collect and also with the performance we managed to put up at the tournament, it shows the players are improving day by day.
“These tournaments are important for our Academy as kids meet different people from different places, offer opportunities for local or even foreign scholarships and increased chances to be in the national team as they will be having the exposure they need.
“Also after participating at the tournaments, they are given points that will also assist them in making it to the national team, so it is an opportunity to us as an academy for our players to showcase their talents,” said Fanisai.
She also thanked parents for the motivation and support they are giving their children as tennis is expensive to sponsor.
“I would like to thank the parents for supporting their kids in this sport, tennis is an expensive sport to sponsor, but the parents are there for their kids,” added Fanisai.
She however said they did not manage to travel with other academy team players to the tournament as they do not have sponsors to support them financially.
“We did not manage to take some kids to the tournament because we did not have sponsorship as an academy. Parents are the ones supporting their kids financially and this affects some less privileged players who are left out,” she said.
Fanisai wished a bright future and a better tomorrow for her academy team players.
“My wish as coach is for my players achieve more with tennis, they need to remain strong and vigilant one day we will get there,” added Fanisai.
ITA won 7 gold medals, 2 silver medals and 2 bronze medals.
Nine participants namely Zvaitwa Sitemere, Mazviita Gava, Atipaishe Nyandoro, Junior Sitemere, Ruvarashe Chinhiya, Munyaradzi Thomu, Lucia Sitemere, Tatenda Dehwe and Kevin Saravoye and recently managed to collect 12 gold, 8 silver and 5 bronze medals at National Tennis tournaments held earlier this year.
Fanisai was the only African Tennis coach to attend a tennis coaching and training camp that ran for two months (June 13, 2022 and ending on August 14, 2022) in United States of America (USA) where they were equipped with coaching skills.

Desist from drug and substance abuse-Police urges residents

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Desist from drug and substance abuse-Police urges residents

Lydia Koto

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has challenged Masvingo residents especially the youth to shun drug and substance abuse as the practice is detrimental to own health and society at large.
Speaking at the drug and substance awareness campaign launch at Mamutse ground in Mucheke suburb, Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Masvingo Officer in Charge Hazvinei Jindu said drug abuse is now one of the major concerns as more people have joined the practice.
“Drug abuse is now one of the major concerns in the country. People are now abusing drugs like dagga or mbanje, crystal methy also known as Mutoriro or Dombo and cough syrups,” Jindu said
Masvingo residents were also urged not to grow dagga plants in their backyards because if they are caught they face arrest and be prosecuted.
“I urge you not to plant dagga plants in your yards because if we catch you, you will be arrested,” she urged.
Jindu also said drug abuse have side effects that affect the health of the affected individual.
“Drug abuse can cause one to give birth to Down syndrome and also it can cause family disintegration, death, and health problems, so abstain from drug abuse,” Jindu added.
Members of the public were also challenged to work with police by supplying them with vital information and leads to those dealing in drugs in their respective communities.
Guest of honour Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira urged people to take the campaign seriously as drug abuse is now affecting the country at large.
“Let’s take this exercise seriously because drug abuse is now affecting the country at large. I recommend that media outlets increase coverage on the negative consequences of the consumption of dangerous drugs. Law enforcement agents should also intensify their activities to curtail the abuse of illicit drugs” said Chadzamira.
He also said youth in rural areas should also be incorporated in drug and substance abuse as they are also affected.
Achievement Mateveke who is clinical psychologist at Ngomahuru said about five patients are admitted daily on Ngomahuru hospital and a ward which is supposed to have 40 patients is now having 100 patients . Family members were urged to support each other if anyone is affected by drugs by taking them to counselling.
“At Ngomahuru we receive about five patients everyday and a ward which is supposed to have 40 patients is now having 100 patients.Family members let’s support each other ,if anyone is affected by drugs let’s take him or her to counselling.”said Mateveke.

Residents call for more schools in Masvingo Urban

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Residents call for more schools in Masvingo Urban

Staff Reporter

Masvingo Urban residents called for construction of more schools to cater for the ballooning population in the city as the preexisting ones seem to be overwhelmed.
Speaking during the recent budget review and consultations, residents said as the city is growing, local schools end up struggling with over-enrollment.
Giving his contribution during the consultative meeting, a ward 5 resident said the preexisting schools continue adding more learning blocks but it will end up not working.
“Some schools continue constructing more blocks but that may not be a long term solution. What is needed are more schools if possible,” he said.
Another resident also said council should consider establishing more primary schools especially in ward 3 where Francis Aphiri is being overwhelmed by pupils from Runyararo West and Victoria Ranch.
“Children from Runyararo West and Victoria Ranch will soon overwhelm Francis Aphiri Primary School so I think council should consider establishing other primary schools in the ward. There is also need for establishment of a secondary school in the same location because they end up walking to nearby Masvingo Christian, Mucheke and Ndarama High Schools,” the resident said.
In its 2022 half year budget review, council reported that it continued to assist construction works in primary schools through provision of manpower, with plans to complete two additional blocks using devolution funds at the newly established Rujeko Secondary School already at an advanced stage.
“The construction of two blocks completed in the first half of the year will be followed by another construction of two additional two blocks which will be funded using devolution funds and the tender process has already began,” read part of the report.

Teenager goes after donkeys, never returns

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Teenager goes after donkeys, never returns

Tinaani Nyabereka

Mvuma-Police are appealing to members of the public who might have information on the whereabouts of Tatenda Mandivenga a boy aged 13 of Plot number 100 Central Estates Mvuma.
Mandivenga was last seen by her sister-in-law Christine Mandishaika at the above mentioned plot on September 1, 2022 at 0900 hours when he was going to the grazing land to look for their donkeys.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson, Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident.
“Police are appealing for the whereabouts of a missing boy, he is a slim with brown eyes and black hair.
“He was last seen wearing a green T-shirt, grey trousers and a pair of black push-ins.
Police are appealing to anyone with information about Tatenda Mandivenga to contact the nearest police station or contact the investigating officer Constable Garandiya of ZRP Mvuma on cellphone number 0774 567 244 or make use of our suggestion boxes, hotlines and ZRP WhatsApp number 0712 800 197,” said Mahoko.

Land degradation neutrality achievement in Zimbabwe a possibility?

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Land degradation neutrality achievement in Zimbabwe a possibility?

… 36 percent of Zimbabwean land already degraded

Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabwe’s ability to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal 15 looks like a far-fetched dream with 36 percent of the country’s land already considered degraded and in need of emergency rehabilitation.
With major drivers of land degradation in the country being illegal mining, stream bank cultivation, gulley erosion, destruction of wetlands, invasive alien species and encroachment of infrastructure on ecologically sensitive areas driven by poverty and climate change, all these tend to push the goal further away.
Speaking during an inception workshop of the Global Environment Facility 7 (GEF 7) programme held at Great Zimbabwe Hotel recently Environment Management Authority (EMA) Masvingo Provincial Manager Milton Muusha said illegal mining is a major driver of land degradation according to a report on the status of land degradation in the Save Runde catchments.
“According to assessments by EMA, one of the biggest drivers of land degradation in the Midlands is chrome mining causing a total loss of 5 036 hectares (ha) while illegal gold mining accounts for 6 128 ha.
“89 969 ha were destroyed by veld fires in Midlands while 45 560 ha of land have been destroyed in Masvingo province because of fire,” said Muusha.
Effects of climate change are already manifesting with stream bank cultivation rampant in Masvingo and Midlands provinces.
“About 131.6km of land is under stream bank cultivation in Masvingo whilst 830.59 km of land along rivers is under stream bank cultivation in the Midlands province.
“716 ha of land is said to be covered under wetlands with 308.5 ha severely degraded and about 38 ha still pristine. In the Midlands, 9 569 ha is said to be covered by wetlands of which 45 percent is reported to be severely degraded.
“Invasive alien species are also amongst the major drivers of land degradation with 2 473 ha of land affected in Masvingo while 1 619 ha are affected in the Midlands province,” he added.
It is against this backdrop that Zimbabwe together with the rest of the world is expected to achieve land degradation neutrality by 2030 in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15 (protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, halt and reserve land degradation and halt biodiversity loss).
Ministry of Environment, Climate, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Permanent Secretary Ambassador Raphael Tayerera Faranisi said sustainable land and forest management have been placed as priority strategies to reverse, reduce and avoid accelerated land degradation.
“In this regard, the sustainable land and forest management have been placed as priority strategies to reverse, reduce and avoid accelerated land degradation. Zimbabwe has adopted this strategy as reflected in the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) thrust under the environment protection and management sector.
“In order to address these environmental challenges and empower our people, the government of Zimbabwe with funding from the Global Environment Facility and the Food and Agricultural Organization to develop a multi-sector approach,” said Faranisi.
The programme aims at a cross sector approach supporting the mainstreaming of sustainable forest and land management to enhance ecosystem resilience for improved livelihoods in the Save and Runde Catchments of Zimbabwe.
Some submissions made at the workshop suggested the need for representation of the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development at district level to control illegal mining in districts in the fight against land degradation.
“The greater part of Mashava has most of the land meant for resettlement is currently being overtaken by mining activities and the greater part of Mushandike irrigation area is also now under mining hence the need to rope in the ministry of mining in the taskforce on the GEF 7 programme.
“At district level the ministry of mining is not represented so a lot of developments that are happening cannot be controlled by local authorities posing a great challenge, there is need to include the ministry in the stirring committee so that the issue can be addressed at district level,” said a participant.
11 296.62 ha of land in Midlands province is under informal mining with Shurugwi alone having about 3 464 ha, hence the need for the project to cover all mining districts as part of the efforts to achieve land restoration.
The project intended to run for three years is part of a global Sustainable Forest Management Impact Programme on Dryland Sustainable Landscapes in eleven countries which is being led by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

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