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ICOD Zim bemoans rising sexual abuse against women with disabilities

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ICOD Zim bemoans rising sexual abuse against women with disabilities

…move to promote SRH and HIV/AIDS justice for survivors applauded by communities

Priscilla Mafa

Institute for Community Development (ICOD) Zimbabwe’s move to promote Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH) and HIV/AIDS justice for women and girls with disabilities in Gutu, Masvingo rural, Chiredzi, Zaka and Zvishavane districts has been applauded by traditional leaders, women and girls with disabilities in the districts as cases of sexual exploitation and abuse among them continue to escalate.
The organization recently held a series of sensitization meetings as they launched the project in the five districts.
In an interview, ICOD Zim Director Talent Maphosa said the meetings in the districts were meant to change communities’ attitudes, beliefs and cultural norms towards sexuality of women and girls with disabilities and to advocate for disability inclusion and mainstreaming in promoting access to comprehensive SRHR services and products and bodily autonomy by women and girls with disabilities.
“A lot of issues were raised during the sensitization meetings in the districts which included marital rape of women with disabilities. Women and girls with disabilities also lamented that communities have become agents of sexual exploitation and abuse,” Maphosa said.
Community members in Zaka district reiterated that marital rape was common among spouses but they did not consider it an issue worth reporting to authorities as women were expected to consent because in some way they owed their spouses.
Women with disabilities also indicated that they had to submit to whatever treatment or abuse because their spouses considered that had done them a favour by considering to marry them.
ICOD Zim Communications and Advocacy Officer Vongai Tinarwo highlighted that in Gutu, community members reported that women and girls with disabilities (WGWDs) were falling victim to sexual exploitation and abuse as lack of livelihood programmes was causing sexual predators to take advantage because they wanted to ‘taste’ and ‘test’ the sexual abilities of WGWDs.
She went on to say community members in this district expressed their disgruntlement over the way perpetrators were allowed to patronise survivors of sexual abuse while awaiting their trial.
Tinarwo indicated that with marital rape on the rise and sexual exploitation of women and girls with disabilities, the organization was going to establish a dialogue platform with community leaders and members.
“Our aim as we create these dialogue platforms is to provide a platform for community leaders to discuss marital rape and to dialogue on abuse and exploitation of women and girls with disabilities so that they can come up with appropriate solutions,” emphasized Tinarwo.
ICOD Zim’s move to promote women and girls with disabilities SRH and HIV/AIDS justice who have been invisible in all societal spheres and continue to face challenges in accessing SRH, HIV/AIDS and justice services has helped in creating safe spaces for women and girls with disabilities.

Women with disabilities spearhead ‘No to dependence syndrome’ assembly

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Women with disabilities spearhead ‘No to dependence syndrome’ assembly

Branton Matondo

Women with disabilities from all four corners of Zimbabwe will on September 24 converge in Harare for an assembling day when they will be spearheading a crucial themed event underpinned on women independence and how best they can come out of their isolation and dependence shells.
The upcoming pioneer event resting on the theme ‘No To Dependence Syndrome’ is meant to address women with disability issues that range from self-empowerment, self-motivation and issues that hover around #Youcandoit.
Zimbabwe Women with Disabilities advocacy leader Nyasha Mahwende said the programme will be held in the capital at St Marceline Children’s Village in Hatfield.
She urged women with disabilities to be part of the one day event as it seeks to tackle issues on why women with disabilities in most cases look up other people for survival, a behaviour that has matured into a syndrome.
“Yes, the event will take place in the capital. We have seen that women with disabilities look down on themselves but this event is meant to uplift and instill in them confidence such that they are able to look and empower themselves. Our target is to wipe out dependency syndrome even on the basic of needs. We want to show the world that women with disabilities can do what other able bodied people can,” said Mahwende.
The event which is self-funded has one attached partner, Reach Out Foundation.
Reach Out Foundation has assisted in sourcing a convenient venue and printing of T-shirts.
Besides that, all the logistics and planning is managed by women with disabilities who will be in attendance.
“This event is self-funded. We encourage women living with disabilities to be part of the event. Only US$ 10 entry fee is required. We haven’t found donors and partners yet since we are basically funding ourselves, a sign that we can do it. The only notable partner is Reach Out Foundation which helped us in sourcing the venue and printing of T-shirts,” added Mahwende.
The aim of the September event, according to Mahwende is to produce a complete woman who can stand her ground and do what is done by others.
“At the end of the event, we wish to create a complete and confident woman who works for herself without basing on other people’s assistance. We aim at creating a woman who does not rely on his husband’s pocket. We objectively aim at the removing the barrier between women living with and women living without disability preaching the gospel of unity. We are all women and should support each other,” said Mahwende.
Sinikiwe Kademaunga who will also be part of the event said the event is an eye opener as it seeks to empower women with disabilities.
“It is very important for us to have such an event because a lot of women isolate themselves to such an extent that they rarely come out of their houses to interact with the society. Such an event gives women with disabilities an opportunity to interact and feel loved. When people come together, the usual tendency is laughing, sharing and motivating and that’s what we want to achieve through this September event. They will get to realise that they are not the only people going through the same problem,” said Kademaunga.
She added that a lot of gaps and misinformation exist in society when it comes to women with disabilities’ priorities though the September event is meant to cover such gaps.
“A lot of information is fabricated when it comes to fundamental women with disabilities issues and events like these are an eye opener as we will be divulging correct, educated, proved and tested discourses,” she added.

Gutu man brutally axes father over trees

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Gutu man brutally axes father over trees

Precila Takabvirakare

A 22 year-old Gutu man Alouis Mafukidze of Mafukidze village under Chief Gutu appeared before Gutu magistrate Mitchell Panavanhu this week facing murder charges for killing his father after he tried to stop the former from chopping down a tree.
Alouis struck his father six times with an axe.
It is the State case as presented by prosecutor Bati Bati, that on September 2 this year at around 1900 hours in Mazonde village, Alouis had a misunderstanding with the now deceased Tsikirai Mafukidze (45) (his father) after he tried to stop him from cutting down trees which he said belonged to him.
It is said that Alouis was at a nearby bush which is about 800 meters from their homestead where he was cutting down trees when Tsikirai stopped him from doing so saying they belonged to him.
That angred Alouis who also indicated that the poles belonged to him as well.
The two had a misunderstanding and Alouis charged towards Tsikirai and struck him with an axe six times on the head and he died.
Investigations were carried out leading to Alouis’ arrest.

Masvingo province tops emigrants stats

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Masvingo province tops emigrants stats

…over 150k emigrants from Masvingo scattered around the world

Beverly Bizeki

The 2022 National Population and Housing census has revealed that Masvingo province has the highest number of emigrants with a record 153 384 out of a total of 908 914 (nationally) people living abroad.
In a preliminary report released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency on September 6 in Harare, Masvingo has 153 384 emigrants of which 104 716 are males whilst 48 668 are females followed by Matabeleland South that has 81 656 Males and 61 656 Females.
Zimstat director general Dr Taguma Mahonde confirmed the development in the report.
“The number of emigrants was increasing since the 1980s. There was a sharp increase on the number of emigrants between 1980 and 1990 that was followed up by a sharp decline between 1990 and 2000. There was a steady increase between 2001 and 2015.
“The highest numbers of emigrants were reported between 2020 and 2021,” he said.
The report showed that most people left the country for employment reasons with both provinces having the highest numbers of emigrants seeking employment outside the country.
The report follows the July 26 one that Masvingo has the highest number of females more than males with men dominating the number of emigrants at the same time in the same province.
The report also showed that generally there was a rise in the number of emigrants since 1980 with most people migrating between 2020 to 2021.
It was also discovered in the same report that Harare and Bulawayo had the highest number of internal migrations.
“Masvingo and Matabeleland South provinces had relatively more people who had emigrated for employment purposes than any other provinces.
“Harare and Bulawayo provinces had relatively more people who had emigrated for education or training purposes,” he added.

Chishanga served the association with distinction-ZIFA

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Chishanga served the association with distinction-ZIFA

Tinaani Nyabereka

GWERU-The late veteran Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Midlands Province chairperson has been described as a man of honour who served the association with distinction during his tenure.
Austin Brian ‘Boston’ Chishanga as he was known passed on on September 4, 2022 at Arundel Hospital in Harare and was laid to rest on (Thursday) September 8, 2022 at Senga Cemetery in Gweru.
As one of the outspoken ZIFA councillors of his time until November 2018, he was recognised as one of the longest serving councillors having been part of the regional and provincial structures for 21 years, with three terms served as chairman.
In its condolence message released in a statement on (September 5), ZIFA said the late football administrator was indeed the ‘Archbishop of local football’.
“Our heartfelt condolences go to the Chishanga family, the football fraternity at large as well as the loved ones of the late Mr Chishanga following news of his passing on. Fondly known as ‘Archbishop of Football’ in the circles of football in the Midlands province, Chishanga served the association with great distinction.
“He was one of the longest serving ZIFA councillors having begun his journey as a football administrator when he joined ZIFA as chairperson for Mashonaland West province in 1987.
“In 1998, he assumed the chairpersonship of the Midlands province after his elevation from the being vice to the top office until September 2018. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the departed. May his Soul Rest in Eternal Peace,” read part of the message.
Chishanga rose through the ranks from Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer to a bus driver at Fletcher High School, before venturing into full time football administration.
He was also a key figure during the time of Cuthbert Dube’s reign at the helm of ZIFA, up until the time when Philip Chiyangwa assumed presidency.
He remained influential up to the time of his death as he was serving as one of the chief advisors of Central region side TelOne FC.

New headache for AFM

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New headache for AFM

Beatific Gumbwanda

MUFARO-The battle for control of Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) in Zimbabwe seems to be far from over after the faction calling itself Apostolic Faith Mission of Zimbabwe (AFM) led by Reverend Cossam Chiangwa was recently recognized and admitted into the Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) International as a member.
This follows a nasty tussle for leadership with the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe led by Reverend Amon Madawo, which won the battle through the courts.
The AFM International Council recently gave the Reverend Madawo-led faction a heavy blow after it admitted the faction led by his nemesis Reverend Chiangwa as a member in a meeting which was held in Gaborone, Botswana, where 29 Presidents from across continents deemed it necessary for AFM of Zimbabwe to become a member.
AFM International Council President Reverend George Mahlobo who attended the AFM of Zimbabwe’s Conference at Mufaro, Chatsworth in Gutu recently said the council concluded that AFM of Zimbabwe be admitted as a member in a meeting held in Gaborone, Botswana.
“I came to Mufaro on the invitation of the President of AFM of Zimbabwe, Baba naMai Chiangwa. The purpose was also for me to familiarize myself with the developments at the conference centre.
“This happens after the decision by the AFM International Council which was convened in Gaborone, Botswana where a decision was taken to give them membership. So the AFM of Zimbabwe is now a member church of the AFM International. This was also an opportunity for me to welcome them officially on behalf of AFM International,” said Reverend Mahlobo.
He also added that they are going to work tirelessly to mediate dialogue between the two churches as there can’t be two AFM churches in one country.
“We should continue to pursue mediation with a view that eventually there would be reconciliation. It is my prayer and hope that eventually we will be able to close this regrettable chapter where we ended up with two AFM churches in one country,” added Reverend Mahlobo.
In an interview, Reverend Chiangwa said their sole duty is to preach the word of God not deciding who should go where as they all are worshipping the same God.
“No one is hindering anyone from going wherever they want to go. We are preaching the word of Jesus not the church, so we are not barring anyone from going to the congregation of their choice.
“We are just worshipping the same God, not placing boundaries. If one goes to a place where there is no AFM of Zimbabwe or AFM in Zimbabwe, he/she can go to ZAOGA or Methodist because we are just worshipping the same God,” said Chiangwa.
He also said though they were not the court’s favourite for their stance towards abiding to the old constitution, God intervened and led them into being admitted as a member church by the AFM International Council.
“We were seen as traitors for upholding our old constitution as they ran to the courts, where they won but the AFM International Council, which is in 29 countries across five continents came to our rescue as they admitted us as a member church and even attended our conference,” added Chiangwa.
AFM which is one of the oldest Pentecostal churches in Zimbabwe was ripped apart in 2018 with the formation of two different factions led by the former General Secretary Reverend Madawo and another one by the church’s former Vice President Chiangwa.
The tussle was mainly centred on the former President Dr Aspher Madziyire’s firm hold of office for 16 years while the rival group led by Reverend Chiangwa had been pushing for fresh elections to choose the new leadership which led the two factions spearheading divisions within the church as congregants took sides with their preferred leaders.
The tiff was settled by the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe which ruled out that Reverend Chiangwa’s faction should return the properties they had seized from Madawo’s camp.
“The application or a declaratory order be and is hereby granted. The Applicants and are hereby declared to be the duly and properly elected officials of the fifth applicant.
“The respondents are hereby barred from using the name of the fifth applicant in the conduct of their activities without the authorization of the applicants,” read part of the judgment.
The bitter wrangle to take charge of the church dragged on before the courts before the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the Madawo-led faction.

ZIMSTAT enumerators payment next week

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ZIMSTAT enumerators payment next week

… As Agency promises to clear arrears by next week

Brighton Chiseva

There could be little joy for around 40 000 people who were employed by the Zimbabwe Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) but are yet to be paid for their service during the household and population census exercise held earlier this year as the statistics body promised to clear arrears before September 15.
Speaking to TellZim News, ZIMSTAT spokesperson Mercy Chidemo said they are busy processing the money for enumerators and will have the outstanding dues cleared by end of next week.
“We are currently processing the payments and by September 15, we would have cleared all the balances,” said Chidemo.
The enumerators who were drawn mainly from the civil service with teachers constituting a bigger number were only paid allowances for training workshops they did before the actual exercise of counting people got underway.
The enumerators are also complaining about the rate at which inflation had affected their allowances saying the money is now useless.
“We waited for the money for a longer period than we anticipated and paying it now brings less joy as it has already been affected by inflation. In April the rate was around ZW$ 150: US$ 1 but now it’s more than ZW$ 500: US$. If we had been paid in April, I could have used the money for something touchable but now the money is useless unless they pay us an amount that is equivalent to the US$ rate that was there in April,” said one enumerator.
Another one complained about the payment being done in batches saying they hope when their employer pays them, they would release the funds at once.
“What is more worrying is that they pay in batches, the batches are too little and is not systematic, others get paid while others are left out on the disbursement of the batches but we did the same work. This time around, they should pay the balances at once,” said another enumerator.
Some allege someone in the agency’s hierarchy is playing with them saying when the programmes are rolled out, the budgets would be there only to be told that there are no funds after the exercise.
“Our money was used for something else and they now want to give us when it no longer has any meaningful value. When the programme is rolled out, the budgets would have been approved meaning there will be money to pay the enumerators but the money suddenly disappear after the programme.
“They could have diverted the money towards other uses and they now want to pay us when it has been eroded by inflation,” said the source.
The enumerators are currently threatening legal action against ZIMSTAT which they accuse of violating labour laws.
This is not the first time enumerators have accused the agency of neglect after some civil servants could not access their dues after being deposited in to wrong accounts due to mix-up that took centre stage soon after the training which they were paid for.
Quite a number of people who participated in the trainings failed to get allowances timeously prompting some to visit the agency’s offices to sort out the mess.
The civil servants are also being owed money by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) who hired them to conduct voter education in June before the yet to be started process of delimitation.

TellZim news editor Takafuma off to Sweden

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TellZim news editor Takafuma off to Sweden

TellZim Reporter

TellZim news editor Theresa Takafuma will be on a two-week trip in Stockholm, Sweden for the completion of a year-long advanced International Training Programme (ITP) in Media Development in a Democratic Framework.
The programme, which she started in September 2021 included a hybrid of physical and virtual sessions with media practitioners, journalists and government officials from various African countries, together with thematic mentors from around the world.
Representing TellZim News, Takafuma will have the chance to learn from the European country’s media framework, as well as tour some of Sweden’s media organizations.
Takafuma said she was elated about the opportunity to contribute towards Zimbabwe’s media reforms, which will put TellZim News in the country’s records.
“The ITP has been a great experience for me. I got to learn from the best in the industry as we also had some very key people in the programme who have been working hard towards the implementation of media reforms. Above everything, I got to appreciate my organization’s contribution towards access to information especially in marginalized communities.
“I personally got to contribute in my small way, towards the testing of our new media laws especially the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which opened my mind to how as active journalists we can influence true media reforms,” Takafuma said.
The ITP also included a Change Initiative where selected participants and their institutions deliberately worked on a project to be implemented in their country through various activities.
Selected from a wide spectrum of the media field including regulatory bodies, media civil society organizations, government as well media managers, thematic mentors and national facilitators will be guiding the process.
“I feel my experiences in Sweden will enrich TellZim News work in many aspects, which in turn will benefit our audiences,” Takafuma said.

Kugocha kunoda kwe Zanu?

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Kugocha kunoda kwe Zanu?

Ndakambokuudzai Ladies and gentlemen kuti in 2017 takapurudzira n’anga inobata mai mukati ndinonyepa, now look what is happening. But to be honest, I ululated when we removed uncle Bob, kutambisa mhururu zvangu nxaaa. Let me rant my frustration over the continued capture of our judiciary by these self-proclaimed liberators who have now decided to place themselves above the laws of the land. How on Earth can the laws of the land be applied selectively along political ideologies? Haaa everything is upside down, ummm had I known in 2017 I should not have ululated on the removal from office of Uncle Robert by these democracy champions who pretended to be ‘saving the revorution’ nxaaa hapana zviripo makumbo enyoka apa. Manje handisi kuzonyarara until you let go of Marry and release Wiwa and his colleagues. But I have tried to ask those professors and doctors I see kuno kuchitima vachitenga madomasi kuti varume ava vakapra ipi chaizvo but I haven’t found an answer upto now. I know you are shocked kuti maProfesor anozotenga madomasi kuchitima, yes they come and look around vachitsvaka akawanda just like anybody else and demanding bhasera kkkk. That is the situation we have in our country, education is nolonger something to be proud of. Magrade seven vari kudya because ndovanoita chikorokoza while the fundi are busy with books which do not pay xem.
So they have decided to silence the only man who can challenge the status quo with action not speeches hee. It’s in the DNA, that’s why JUDAH JONGWE went down, imo mujeri imomu.. What kind of a state is this Zimbabwe plunging into? Only those behind the capture of other arms of state like judiciary and legislature would be in a position to answer. i know zanu loyalists are saying HH kuZambia is arresting opponents for insulting him, that’s backward I agree but at least Kwacha is gaining value, atori nekasomething touchable than here. I feel pity for Job, hope he still has his belly coz I know hakuna kana chikafu. Hakutorina chekunyima chacho kkkkk. I hea r they have poisoned him.Ndizvo zvamurikumunyimira bail here kuti muwane kupondera musaga? Siyanai naye Job imi maJudah, momuponderei, kkk ndenge ndafunga kuZion kwaMambo Nhemiya.
But let me take this opportunity to warn this young men called Ostallos, the way he is torching limelit mmmm, vanomutsvakira sooon. The young men is exactly Nero’s replica during his time under Tsvangirai thats why he was handpicked for VP paya. Ana Welsh beware mufana ari kuuya hot anotora chimuti soon. I think that young man should be the spokesp[erson because he can articulate issues well and has respect to the media kwete Fadzi who is always said not to be available for comment and when she does, she doesn’t comment. Pamberi naOstallos kkk. I want to practise to call him VP kkkkk, he deserve, especially in the absence of Wiwa kudai.
I used to think kugocha kunoda kwaamai kwemwana kunodzima moto is just one of those useless saying we were forced to cram at primary school but it now begins to make sense. I heard our listening president missed the only chance to make the illegal sanction imposed on Zimbabwe be removed kkkk. Hanzi he shook hands with the author of sanctions Tony Blair himself. Our president is really courageous, meeting one of satan’s kids and shake hands with him? Regai vachinzi vakawisa chitima, vane zvivindi baba vedu. Heya kugocha kunoda kweZanu nhai? It’s good when Zanu PF cdes pose for pictures with the whites because its reengagement but when the same is done by the opposition its asking for sanctions. So whites are kids of Satan? Do two walk together unless they made an appointment? Whatever term is used to sanitize the meeting, just swallow your pride and desist from primitive way of doing politics and start talking ideas and ideologies. hapana asingade murungu, ini Mapombi I wish to be married nemurungu ini, who doesn’t? If it’s that easy to ask for sanctions at meetings then I guess our president asked for their removal when he met Blair. But I think uncle Bob is turning in his grave, he hated that man kusvika mumongo, hanzi naTambaoga the Blair that I know is a toilet kkkk. Iye aripiko, ndasuwaRambai Makashinga song kkkk. Takaramba taksahinga since then and nothing has changed, please if anyone sees him ask him kuti toshinga kusvika papi kkk. But on a more serious note, please tell the president that posing for pictures with football legends and the likes doesn’t bring food on our tables; he has to stop that with immediate effect, Hatizvidiii.
I guess it’s now easy for ED now that Gogo is nomore and he has pocketed Blair tochimboona kuti zvofamba sei kkkk, handiti we have been told countless times kuti masanctions are causing all this looting and corruption as well as human rights abuses, arrests of political opponents, stifling the media, harassing journalists and capture of state institutions. All this is because of sanctions kkkk, haa ngaabviswe tione vakamira kuba kkk. You finally met Blair and presented your sanctions issue and the whole nation awaits the response or outcome of the meeting and if you fail then you need to stop talking about them at rallies.
What is this I heard about brand Zimbabwe what what, chimbori chii chaizvo asi. I just heard it was launched to market Zimbabwe. Haa mapolicies tinochinja but they are failing to yield any result. 100 percent ocal content chakabuda hapana, kwakauya indegenisation policy, nothing came out, kunoti Zim ASSERT BLUE print, nothing materialised, Zimbabwe Open for busssines hakauna chinhu, reengagement drive luto, now Brand Zimbabwe kkkkkk hpana chinobuda that’s just cheap talk. Musatinyaudze imi.
Can anyone enlighten me, when is that medication bill Limpopo MEC said would send to murume wasisi Philanthropist? We are waiting to hear about that. If someone is close to her please tell her kuti ngaasaita semapoliticians edu aya who are just good at talking and no action. Hope people are being attended to as usual in the hospitals after all those utterances by the MEC.
What is happening with the presidential rural poultry project? Pedu paChitima apa tingoriwo muruzevha why isati yasviika. We have bush toilets, we drink from the river, we bath and wash there, and so can we say tiri mutown? Koi iye Mboko akatanga nezvitiyo aripiwo. What happened to his son who was arrested? Has anyone heard from Mr Ibbu, this Matemadanda guy is too quiet. Hanzi handivati dzikabata ndisina kuita slogan yeZanu PF, iyezvino uripi? ZANU CHIWORORO. I miss the likes of Sekeramayi, Mutasa and the farm manager Joseph Made kkkkk. Chero vana mai vese vakati nyararei these days kkk. Mboko imboko !!!

Punish defaulting ratepayers: Cllrs

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Punish defaulting ratepayers: Cllrs

…as council disconnects over 1000 properties from water supply

Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City Council recently disconnected 1129 properties in the city from water supply, with councilors recently calling for severe measures to coerce residents into paying rates as well settling outstanding bills,
Minutes from the Finance and General Purposes Committee held on August 18 confirmed the developments, and in a recent full council meeting, councilors said they should be having an outcry from residents because of the disconnections if only council is diligently recouping debts.
“It was reported that a total of 1 129 properties were disconnected in July 2022 while 245 properties could not be accessed for disconnections due to locked gates. 206 properties had their water meters protected or submerged.
“Council team was denied access to 20 properties leaving the water connected. For the month of August 2022, the debt collection unit was targeting to collect a total of ZW$ 325 million,” read the minutes.
Speaking during a full council meeting on August 29 2022, Ward 7 councilor Richard Musekiwa said if revenue collection was being seriously pursued, they could be having an outcry by residents due to that and the reason why it was seemingly quiet was that council is not doing enough to make residents pay.
“If there was something going on in terms of serious revenue collection, we could have heard about it from residents. Usually those issues are discussed and it could have caught our attention.
“The quietness in the commonage translate to nothing being done in as far as revenue collection is concerned. The debt keeps on growing. We have got some outstanding projects like those of toilets that are supposed to be completed, but if management keeps on sitting on top a debt amounting to ZW$ 3 billion, then we are going nowhere.
“Failure to strictly collect the revenue ends up prejudicing other rate payers who honor their dues as they expect improved service after their payments,” said Musekiwa.
Ward 4 councilor Alec Tabe echoed the same sentiments and said council’s finance department should pull up their socks so that the funds council is owed can be used towards other projects that are in need of funding.
“Council is owed a lot of money by residents as well as other corporate organizations including government departments. My issue now is, what measures have management put in place to make sure that the revenue is collected before it loses value.
“There is need for us to move with time, ensure urgency in recouping debts because the hyperinflationary environment in the country would make it difficult for council to come up with something tangible from the money if it is collected later on.
“Residents demand services like clean water provision, consistent refuse collection among others and the only way council can be able to deliver is by having sufficient resources to do so and that compels residents to settle their bills timeously,” said Tabe.
He also said it is regrettable that the debt keeps on ballooning while revenue collectors are watching.
“If one looks at the revenue we are owed, it keeps on ballooning while we watch on. Those responsible should ensure they put in place mechanisms and other tight measures that will help encourage residents and institutions to settle their bills. There is need to continue urging those with outstanding bills to honor their dues.
“Bearing in mind that they expect efficient service delivery, they should also be reminded of their obligation and contribution towards such,” added Tabe.
Council Acting Finance Director Dannister Jori said management was doing its best and was soon to present a report to that effect.
“I have prepared a report that I would present to council management as well as the finance committee concerning revenue inflows,” said Jori.
Revenue collection is one key area that has seen most local authorities cracking heads as to how best they can compel residents to pay their dues with Masvingo City last year contemplating approaching the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira to intervene as a way of forcing government departments with huge debts to settle them.
However, only ZW$ 8 million out of a total of ZW$ 27 million as deposit upon signing payment plans was collected.
“The low density debtor’s reconciliation showed a closing balance of ZW$ 1 104 082 371 while high density debtors had a closing balance of ZW$ 319 280 106 as at July 30, 2022. A collection efficiency of 54.51 percent was recorded for the month of July 2022,” added the minutes.
Council at one point suggested the rebasing of debts to the US$, a move met with stiff resistance from residents with resident group Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) writing a letter to council management threatening to sue the local authority as they felt the rebasement was illegal.

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