Beverly Bizeki

Five learning institutions from Masvingo province including care homes and schools recently received school uniforms and stationery from Masvingo Association of Residential Care Facilities Trust, a network of care homes in Masvingo.
The five institutions are M. Hugo Primary School, Shingirirai College, Bopoma Children’s Home, Driefontein Children’s Home and Nyajena High School.
MARCFT Executive Director Zendakwaye Zendakwaye said the organization is focusing on educational needs for school children.
“Today, we are particularly looking at educational needs of children in care homes and today we had a donation of school uniforms and stationery to needy children in these care homes,” said Zendakwaye.
He said their aim is assisting children with other educational needs apart from school fees so as to fill in the gap and boost their confidence.
“We are hoping that the children who have been identified to be having critical needs get uniforms and have their self-esteem raised and hopefully perform better in class,” said Zendakwaye.
The organization hopes to do gap filling by providing other critical needs for children in care homes particularly the girl child providing sanitary wear for girls and sunscreen lotions for children with albinism.
“We also look at sanitary wear because it’s one critical element that is not normally looked at and for the children who have disabilities, assistive devices and special lotions for children with albinism,” said Zendakwaye.
The event was attended by one Chidovi from Regency Group of Hotels as the guest of honour.

Branton Matondo

Mutare-The current sorry state of Mutare City Council managed Sports Oval has dispatched a lot of profuse talk from the city’s sporting fraternity on the incapabilities of local authority to maintain recreational facilities that are fundamental to youth development in sport and social norms.
Just like the same old maintenance sorrows stories of Mhangura, Rufaro, Gwanzura, Baghdad, Cam and Motor and Torwood stadiums only to mention but a few, Sports Oval has grossly fallen under the same disarray.
An investigation on the history of maintenance indicated the theatre of Mutare football last saw proper and standard upkeep in the mid 90’s (1994 – 96).
At the moment, strip roads have infested the once green side of Mutare Old Township while the six stepped grand stands on the eastern side of the pitch, entrance points and dressing rooms have dilapidated beyond recognition.
It has become difficult for the young generation to believe that Sports Oval once hosted premier league matches, division one and academy football activities at one point being a home ground for now former Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Tanganda FC.
The former stadium to clubs like BAT Ramblers, Leeds Fc and Tanganda FC was used on a hiring basis whereby teams paid money to council for use.
At the moment academies (Under 12, 15, 17) and division two teams tussle in the red dusted pitch while division one side Manica Diamonds Juniors use the pitch for their day to day training sessions.
Former Amazulu, Highlanders and national soccer star Blessing Gumiso who was born and bred in Mutare said Sports Oval gave birth to football legends and it’s very sad how such a platform has become so desolate.
“Sports Oval used to be so green and it was every kid’s dream to play there. Security was always intact. When we were young we used to see talents like Farai” Haulage” Gumiso, Wonder “Hanzu” Masunde, Talkmore Matondo, Joy Zvekare, Gilbert Sithole, Philmon Chikodzore, Godfrey Masakure. It gave us the will to also play soccer in Sports Oval. Now there is nothing, no watering systems, people are using the pitch as a short cut to Mutare CBD and the devastating thing is that all that green is gone,” said Gumiso.
The former iBosso iBosso midfielder added that teens from Sakubva are falling to drugs because such recreational facilities are not being utilized and serving purposes.
“We achieved our dreams of playing PSL via Sports Oval and opened my academy here in South Africa but it all started in Sports Oval. I feel sorry for our kids who don’t have recreational facilities to start from. No wonder youth from Sakubva are falling to drugs and alcohol abuse because there is nowhere to socialize and share positive ideas,” added Gumiso.
Mutare Residents and Ratepayers Association (MRRA) leader Chief Svosve told this publication that the issue of desolate recreational facilities which had been topical off late has been passed to the city fathers and it is in the channels. He hinted on a face-lift guarantee.
“As MRRA, we passed the issue to council so that put it is considered a priority. Apparently, I was chairing the budget committee in the absence of the chair on September 16 when we had a meeting. We pushed the concern and it was well received. There are valid plans coming up to make sure resources are channelled towards revitalization of recreational facilities, starting with Sakubva stadium,” said Svosve.
Former Buffaloes, Black Rhinos, Mutare United and Zupco FC player Nyarai ‘Nyangwe’ Masunde said Sports Oval was once maintained by council employed grounds men but since the 90’s maintenance has been lacking.
“Back then the pitch was maintained by permanent grounds men. The pitch was watered almost daily but it has been ages since we last saw a grounds man. The situation is very bad.”
Basketball and tennis courts around Chinyausunzi area have also gone in complete disarray.

Tinaani Nyabereka/ Yeukai Munetsi

Gweru-Following a public outcry over a spate of a number of criminal activities, 11 suspects were arrested in Gweru Rural District after a police operation.
Midlands Police Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko expressed gratitude to the public for working with the police through provision of essential information in tackling crime before urging holders of unlicensed fire arms to surrender them before September 30.
“We thank the public for cooperating with our investigations in these cases.
“I also take this opportunity to warn the public that it is a serious crime to be in possession of a firearm without a licence or to lend a firearm to an unauthorized person. May members of the public in possession of firearms without appropriate authority take advantage of the window period up to September 30, 2022 where they can surrender them to police without being asked questions or charged criminally,”said Mahoko
The 11 suspects are London Ncube (42), Judge Dube (63), Complete Mpofu (39), Petros Chivava (42), Admire Mpofu (18), Bukhosi Mkandla (22) of London Farm, Gweru, Evans Muzabani (20), Witness Nkomazana (22) of Rubi, Tawedzerwa Zhou (27 ) of Zvishavane , Evans Chikwenya (21) of Shurugwi and Brian Ncube (24) of Mambo in Gweru.
Police recovered the following property during investigations: Nissan Vanette motor vehicle robbed from Shurugwi, a Honda Civic car which was being used on the commission of the cases, seven firearms including one pistol, three Bruno rifles, three 303 rifles and an assortment of live rounds of ammunition, 15 cell phones, television sets, gas cylinders, a cutting torch and cash US $1785.
The investigations established that the pistol recovered was smuggled into the country while one rifle had been lent to the suspect by a firearm licence holder with the remaining five having been stolen during robberies.
The 11 appeared initially appeared in court on September 17, 2022 and one suspect, Judge Dube was charged for unlawful possession of ammunition.

…harsh economic policies and conditions causing untold suffering

Beverly Bizeki

Zimbabweans are in a ‘war for survival’ as the majority of people are struggling to make a living owing to harsh economic policies and conditions causing untold suffering to them according to Vendors Initiative for Social-Economic Transformation (VISET).
In a statement released by VISET on September 21 to mark commemorations of The International Day of Peace, Zimbabweans are living in poverty.
“Today the nation finds itself in the grip of another war, one that is dominated by the fight for survival as the majority poor struggle to make a living owing to the harsh economic policies and conditions that have caused untold suffering for the past two decades.
“Food inflation in the country has been estimated to be at 350 percent by the World Bank which is the highest in the world,” read part of the statement.
According to VISET the situation in the country has been worsened by the war pitting Ukraine against Russia which has seen a sharp increase in prices of edible oils, grains and cereals.
“Zimbabwe’s economic woes, and indeed the world’s have been exacerbated by the war pitting Ukraine against Russia, and has seen skyrocketing of prices of edible oils, grains and cereals,” added the statement.
VISET further stated that the situation clearly illustrates ‘the need for world peace as the price is too heavy to pay’.
VISET urged the world at large as they celebrate the day to strive to bring to an end to the Russia Ukraine war as part of International Day of Peace.
“We hope that as the world commemorates this year’s Day of Peace, it brings home the urgency to strive for the end to the Russia-Ukraine war and for the United Nations to use the platform of their annual General Assembly to bring together the warring parties and declare an end to the war,” read the statement.
The day was established in 1981 by the United Nations under resolution UN 36/37 and is dedicated to commemorating and strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peace.
The day was celebrated under the theme End Racism. Build Peace.
Zimbabwe attained independence in 1980 after the liberation war struggle where several black lives were lost in the fight for racial equality and the right to self-determination.
The nation is however plunged into yet another war for due to economic woes fighting the country.

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Officer Commanding Midlands sports gala has been described as a vital instrument of social control as it dovetail with the institution’s religious motto of discipline to members of the security.
In his official opening remarks, Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Nelson Chikwature said without the support from the corporate world, they were not going to reach the level of success they got to.
“It is my singular honour to welcome you to our annual sports festival of the Sports Tournament as ZPCS Midlands province. Let me hasten to register my deep sincere appreciation to our commander Commissioner General, Moses C.N Chihobvu for according us time off our busy schedules so that we could adequately prepare for this event, notwithstanding the invaluable logistical support which enabled us to travel for the event.
“Indeed from a security point of view, sport is vital instrument of social control and this dovetail with our religious motto of discipline as members of security services. Today we gathered here to witness 43 teams drawn from our respective stations within our province partake in sport. The teams competed in various disciplines which include Athletics, Soccer, Netball, Volleyball, Darts, Chess, Pool and Tug of War among others.
“Indeed their unwavering support in cash and kind illuminated and propelled this event as we managed to present quality medals and certificates courtesy of the generous support from these corporate partners. As Zimbabwe Prisons Correctional Service Midlands Province we are forever grateful to charming support we received from Global Sports, Active Sports, Moonlight Funeral Assurance, George Mitchell, Greynut Investment, Chicken Inn from Simbisa Brands and our good neighbour Mr Mutangayi,” he said.
He added that there was need for sound contracts to build mutual benefits with the corporate world to strengthen all developmental initiatives.
“It is common cause that we are slowly becoming a force to reckon with particularly in infrastructure development an area which might be of interest to the corporate world.
“Thus our infrastructure development and business management division is ever ready to enter into contracts with corporates and individuals in construction of residents and office accommodation among other projects. We hope that our relationship will continue to blossom even to the extent of impacting on the livelihoods of our inmates and officers,” he added.
Speaking on the side lines of the tournament at Whawha grounds last week, ZPCS Provincial Public Relations official, Correctional Officer Grade 3 Nevison Tagarira said, the Officer Commanding Midlands sports tournament was the final event after the Officer in Charge sport tournament which was held some few months ago.
“The Officer Commanding tournament is the final tournament we are having this year after the Officer in Charge tournament which was held some few months back. So all the participants here are battling it out for top honours.
“It is from these participants that we will then select our provincial team which will represent the province at the Commissioner General Sports Tournament which will be held at Ntabazinduna on dates to be advised. The purpose of having such activities is for us to interact as officers and embark on body building exercises to keep fit and healthy,” he said.
A total of 43 teams were drawn to compete in all disciplines under three zones .These are zone A comprising of Midlands Provincial Headquarters, Zvishavane Prison , Shurugwi Prison and Mberengwa Prison. Zone B comprised of Whawha Complex that is Whawha Medium Prison, Workshop and Whawha Young Offenders and lastly zone C which was made up of Conemara Open Prison, Kwekwe Prison and Gokwe Prison.
The Sports gala however saw Zone A scooping the trophy, US$ 250 prize money and gold medals after it was ranked as the outstanding team in all disciplines, followed by Zone B in second position who walked away US$ 200 richer and medals while Zone C which scooped the monetary prize of US$ 150 and bronze medals came out last.
The tournament also awarded individual officers for best performances with gold medals and certificates.

Branton Matondo

Mutare- Residents have called upon the local authority to consider acting swiftly to their service delivery issues and address challenges raised before the situation gets out of hand.
The call was made during the on-going ward based budget consultations with residents from ward 1 to 5 who met at a local Full Gospel church in Mawonde suburb (ward 4) crying out at lack of urgency on part of city fathers as the situation has not only gone out of hand, but to inhumane levels.
The event was organised by City of Mutare finance and budget committee members, Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA) supported by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TIZ).
Speaking during the interaction meeting, Ward 1 (Old Township Section) and 2 (Avenues, Matida Flats Magregars, Chimoyo Flats) led by Councillor Elizabeth Tsoro representative said that the continued water shortages and gross dilapidated houses and toilets are two major challenges affecting residents.
“Houses are in a serious state of dilapidation. We are living in old houses that are as we all know some of the first houses to be built in Mutare. It’s a struggle. Rainy season is fast approaching us and it’s going to be a challenge,” said the representative.
Another elderly representative from ward 2 urged council to clarify on urban renewal programme.
“We want council to clarify on urban renewal. All we see are convoys of vehicles driving on and off wards and it confuses us residents because we are in the dark. Explain to us what is actually taking place,” she said.
Further reports from residents indicate that houses and toilets have become health hazards while in some cases snakes make their way in the cracked premises.
However, ward 3 members spoke out on how unfair council has been when it comes to paying and provision of services.
“We are facing dire challenges where we find ourselves paying bills from estimated meter readings. We don’t see council members coming to read meters but we only see them when dispatching dues. How come, is it possible that I have to pay the same amount when we have different numbers of people living in same houses? Water shortages have affected us. In Old Dangare, for example there is not water. We travel to Maonde to bath and wash our clothes which is tough for us. Service delivery should equal tariffs payment,” said the lady from Old Dangare.
Responding to issues raised, Acting Financial Director one Guni said council has already put aside an amount to address the challenge.
“As council we have set aside US$ 772 000 which will see us targeting a programme called non-revenue water. It’s a project meant to start next year but as of now, we have 5000 meters from a recently claimed tender. We are still deciding where to fix them because vandalism has been sabotaging progress,” said Guni.
Ward 3 members (New Chisamba, Chinyausunzi, Old Chisamba, Chinyausunzi Flats) and ward 5 members (Zororo, Maonde, Boys club area, Mwamuka area, Devonshire) called for council to fix tower lights as crime rate continues to rise in the aforementioned suburbs.
Responding to the issues, Guni said they are already moving towards fixing the issue.
“We usually acquire ZW$ 34 000 per month for street lights. We have been constructing three tower lights in a respective ward, but what we plan on doing is using devolution funds. That means we use a certain amount of money towards street lighting revamp. Residents should bear with us by complying with their tariff payments,” he added.
MAYA coordinator Jussa Kudherezera highlighted on the importance of consultations citing that they do pave way for service delivery and accountability.
“Consultations are paramount in any development, accountability and full citizen participation to put their inputs in matters affecting them and what they feel council should do to improve service delivery. There is no need to hurry in making critical decisions that affect citizens without their full participation be it budgets, housing, recreation facilities and refuse collection.
“They are the ones to finance them, hence need to know and get involved. Council has a tendency of by-passing residents and misfiring in the process when their inputs are rejected by residents,” said Kudherezera.
Mutare which is also under an urban renewal programme has seen the city engaging infrastructural changes meant to better the city.
Council guaranteed residents that they will not be affected by the development which will see institutions like NSSA constructing structures in one of the wards.
Close to 150 residents turned up for the budget consultations.
The assemblage which was also attended by respective councillors from various wards was meant to heighten challenges that residents are facing and how best they can be curtailed.

Branton Matondo

Envisioned national mantra ‘youth empowerment through mining’ has been realised by a Midlands based mining firm which has now grown from humble Kwekwe beginnings to breaking into the SADC region and engaging other youth driven small scale miners across Zimbabwe towards achievement of professionalism.
Mining prospectus and architectural survey Architeca Survey Consultancy is a fast growing sector that has allowed the movement of informal miners to commercial mining over the past decade.
A youth led mining survey and prospectus company is taking heed to government’s call for youth to professionalise mining be it small scale or immature commercial mining.
In an interview with TellZim News, Architeca Survey Consultancy director Engineer Norman Pfende said youth should utilize the vast opportunities engrained in the mining industry as his firm broke into the SADC region from modest beginnings in Kwekwe.
“In Zambia, we recently engaged big corporations that are recognized nationwide there through Over Resources organization also run by a fellow Zimbabwean youth. We are now providing technical services in exploration, mine surveys, grade control, shaft sinking, mine planning and design and mining contractor. The multi-million dollar project is already in motion because it’s a long term initiative,” said Pfende.
Over Resources top protocol Shingayi Saga who is based in Zambia confirmed the collaboration citing that mining, small scale and commercial has good opportunities that are at youth’s disposal in the SADC region.
“The project is new and yet to grow but it is receiving a lot of promises. As Over Resources, we were tasked with duty to select a panel of mining experts and Mr Pfende was more appropriate for the job. I feel that such engagements will put youths on the spotlight in terms of exposure to formal way of the mining business in the entire region. I believe that youth have taken over the mining industry but I feel they lack support from respective governments in terms of capital and granting of mining licenses,” said the former Jena mine worker.
Over Resources is a Zambian based company that supplies mining consumables to small scale gold miners and also partnering in mining and mineral processing projects.
ASC is already operating in Mumbwa and Mazabuka regions in Zambia.
Survey, geology and mining have been key in the transition of small scale mining hotspots like Shurugwi, Gwanda, Kwekwe, Lower Gweru and Mhondoro.
Youth across Zimbabwe have taken the initiative of formalising their mining productions a clarion call that has been preached by government towards realisation of vision 2030.
The 28 year old mining expert has already engaged with Masvingo based small scale and upcoming miners from Zaka in Makaha area a move that has seen ASC chipping in by supplying shaft sinking and plant setup.
An attempt to contact Masvingo based small scale miner Panashe Guyo was fruitless until time of writing.
The deal is aimed at professionalising Masvingo based miners at the moment producing tonnage of gold per annum from various mines to Fidelity.

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru -two men were last week arrested for alleged unlawful entry and theft cases that were reported in Mtapa and Mkoba 19
Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko however applauded the community for supplying that led to the arrest of the two.
“I would like to applaud members of the public who supplied positive information that led to the arrest of the two suspects.
“Police have cleared cases committed during the period extending from May to September 2022,” he said.
It is alleged the duo of Gibson Marifanda (44) of Sekope Township in Gweru and Tawanda Moyo (25) of no fixed abode have been moving around armed with iron bars and unlawfully entered into 10 different houses on separate occasions.
The two stole cash, cell phones, gas tanks, solar batteries, laptops, television sets and various groceries all valued at ZW$ 2 599 444.
Police investigations went on after getting a tip which then led off to the arrest of the two suspects.
The recovered property was worth ZW$ 1 706 424-00 and iron bars used in the commission of the offences were recovered.
Nine complainants have since positively identified the recovered property.
The two suspects were taken to Gweru Magistrate Court for initial appearance on September 16, 2022 and were remanded in custody for further trial at a later date.