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Masvingo unveils 20-year master plan to become a densified, resilient metropolitan hub by 2045

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Masvingo unveils 20-year master plan to become a densified, resilient metropolitan hub by 2045

By TellZim Reporter
MASVINGO – Masvingo City Council has finalized a new 20-year Master Plan aimed at
transforming the provincial capital into a “densified, resilient home” with equitably distributed
services and high-quality infrastructure by 2045, with the city positioning itself as a world-class
metropolitan centre aligned to Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.
The Master Plan replaces the outdated 1993-2002 operative plan that had guided development
for 32 years, with only 48.2% of its 54 proposals implemented. The review, led by planner
Kudzai Chatiza and The Development Governance Institute, was adopted after 11 focus group
discussions, 30 key informant interviews, and surveys of 478 households.
Speaking at the Master Plan signing ceremony, Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe said the plan was
not just a document but a testament to the city’s commitment to inclusive, participatory, and
network governance where no one and no place has been left behind.


“We have engaged meaningfully with all our stakeholders, including vulnerable community
groups, whose voices are represented here today. Your presence is a powerful reminder that
inclusive development is not just policy but practice,” said Tabe.
He committed on behalf of the Council to implement the provisions diligently and review them
timeously, adding that lower-level plans such as local development plans and priority plans
would be prepared for some provisions. He also appealed for strengthened partnership with
residents, ratepayers, and stakeholders, calling on them to pay their bills and provide feedback to
ensure the Council remains responsive and accountable.
“I also call upon the government regulatory agencies to continue exercising their development
and compliance oversight roles with integrity and fairness to safeguard our collective interests,”
said Tabe.

He urged the business community to prepare for the 2026 Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism
Expo, which will be held from September 9 to 12, saying the City would be flexible regarding
operating hours during the Expo period.


With a 2022 population of 90,286, the plan sets four strategic objectives: Spatial Governance
Excellence, Sustainable Economic Development, Urban Resilience, and Municipal Capacity.
Council says the city must deliver specialist health, education, financial, and tourism services
befitting a provincial capital and gateway to Great Zimbabwe, Lake Mutirikwi and Tugwi-
Mukosi Dam.


Key challenges identified include limited developable land within the unchanged city boundary,
with only 10-20% remaining for horizontal growth. The city faces a housing deficit of 1,109
units against a waiting list of 3,150, mostly for high-density housing. Infrastructure gaps in
water, sewage, roads and waste management were also flagged, alongside a congested CBD with
no district or regional shopping centres and subdued operations in the heavy industrial area.


To address land shortages, the plan proposes densification, regeneration of ageing areas like Old
Mucheke, and vertical growth in the CBD. It introduces three boundaries: a de jure boundary
with new commercial, light industrial and green corridor zones including a tourism precinct off
Shagashe Game Park; a de facto services boundary to cover peri-urban areas like Victoria Ranch
and Clipsham; and a co-management zone with Masvingo Rural District Council for orderly
metropolitan growth.
Economic proposals focus on reviving manufacturing, formalizing the 87% services-dominated
economy, and creating a commercial corridor linking Mucheke Bus Rank to the CBD. Other
initiatives include establishing an integrated commercial node with a shopping mall, city bus
rank and railway station, and promoting a “Made in Masvingo” business culture.


On resilience, the plan calls for cleaning the Mucheke and Shagashe Rivers, erecting flood
barriers in Old Mucheke, expanding renewable energy use, and restocking Shagashe Game Park.
In health, Council proposes an infectious diseases hospital, two new polyclinics, and finalizing
the shift to the Cambria landfill. Education and social infrastructure targets include 6 new
primary schools, 2 secondary schools, and 50 multi-purpose community facilities.

Infrastructure upgrades will prioritize road widening on Mutare Road, connecting Victoria Ranch
to potable water, extending trunk sewers, and hydraulic modeling of the water network.
Financing will rely on an incremental and blended model of improved revenue collection,
intergovernmental fiscal transfers, private investment, and development aid.
Implementation will be phased over the short, medium, and long term, with immediate focus on
statutory plans for the city centre, heavy industry, and commercial centres, plus capacity building
through a standalone City Planning Department and Council Committee.

Zim child model ‘Dillish’ wins Africa’s Kids Star of the Year

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Zim child model ‘Dillish’ wins Africa’s Kids Star of the Year

By TellZim Reporter
Eight-year-old Zimbabwean model and video vixen Dillish Masango has added another accolade to
her growing collection after winning the Africa Kids Star of the Year award at the recently held My
Treasure Africa Awards in Tanzania.
The award marks another milestone in Masango’s modelling career, which began when she was five
years old and has since seen her represent Zimbabwe at several international platforms.
Her mother, Rumbidzai Chisangowerota, said she was proud of her daughter’s latest achievement and
the growth she has shown throughout her career.
“I am proud of Dillish. She is indeed a smart girl. Winning an international award has shown me that
she is exactly what she thinks she is, a superstar,” said Chisangowerota.
Chisangowerota said Masango had become more confident and disciplined over the past three years
while maintaining the playful nature of a child.
“I’ve definitely seen a lot of growth in her since she started her career. She has become more
confident, disciplined, and comfortable around people. She expresses herself better now and has learnt
how to carry herself professionally while still being a normal, playful child.
“She genuinely enjoys what she does and is always excited to learn and try new things. I’m really
proud of the little girl she is becoming,” she said.
Chisangowerota encouraged parents to nurture and support their children’s talents, saying
opportunities could come from unexpected places.
“Whatever your child is good at, support them. You are your child’s biggest cheerleader, and you
never know where that talent might take them,” she said.
Masango was nominated to represent Zimbabwe at the My Treasure Africa Awards and received an
invitation to attend the event, which recognises talent from across the continent.
Beyond modelling, the young star has already made appearances in Zimbabwe’s entertainment
industry. She featured alongside socialite and comedian Tarisai Chikocho, popularly known as
Madam Boss, in the movie Becoming Madam Boss, which also featured actor Leeroy Gopal.
Masango first made headlines at the age of five after winning a school beauty pageant at Victoria
Primary School.
She later represented Zimbabwe at the Little Miss Toto Africa pageant, where she won three titles:
second runner-up Toto Miss Africa, Miss Smile and Miss Popularity.
Her growing portfolio also includes appearances in music videos, including Nisha Ts’ Mabhonzo and
King Alfa’s Senorita, earning her the Video Vixen of the Year award in 2025.

Masango’s talents extend beyond entertainment. She has also excelled in the classroom, where she
scoops top marks, and in public speaking, winning trophies in competitions and representing
Zimbabwe at international contests.
At just eight, she is steadily building a profile across modelling, entertainment and public speaking,
positioning herself as one of Zimbabwe’s emerging young talents.

Zimbabwe moves to strengthen MEL systems as national week gets underway

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Zimbabwe moves to strengthen MEL systems as national week gets underway

By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – The 2026 National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Week officially
opened in Masvingo at Urban Lifestyle Hotel on August 31, bringing together senior government
officials, evaluation experts, and other stakeholders to strengthen evidence-based governance and
improve national development outcomes.
The five-day programme, running from August 31 to September 4 at Urban Lifestyle Hotel,
provides a platform for stakeholders to assess the country’s monitoring and evaluation systems,
share experiences, and explore ways to ensure government programmes translate into measurable
results.
Delivering his welcome remarks, Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and
Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said monitoring, evaluation and learning were critical
to strengthening accountability and ensuring that development programmes achieved their
intended objectives.
He said Masvingo was honoured to host the national event under the Government’s new
provincial rotational framework, adding that the province had an important role to play in the
country’s development agenda. He highlighted developments in sectors such as agriculture and
mining, including efforts to promote value addition and beneficiation, and stressed that effective
monitoring and evaluation were necessary to ensure that such development initiatives produced
tangible benefits.
“Good governance dictates a simple truth: what gets measured gets done, what gets done gets
reported, and what gets reported gets improved,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
He urged stakeholders to strengthen data-driven feedback mechanisms and ensure that findings
from monitoring and evaluation processes were translated into improved public service delivery.
“Our task this week is clear: we must interrogate our frameworks, sharpen data-driven feedback
loops, and convert MEL insights into accountable service delivery,” he said.
Head of National Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Fananai Madambi said the presence of
international delegates at the MEL Week would allow Zimbabwe to draw lessons from other
countries and strengthen its own monitoring and evaluation systems. She said bringing together
local and international participants would create opportunities for knowledge-sharing and
exposure to different approaches to monitoring government programmes.
“We are not expecting local participants only, but international delegates as well. We want to tap
knowledge from international delegates as we want to improve our MEL systems,” Madambi
said.
She said the programme would also include visits to selected government projects, allowing
participants to move beyond theoretical discussions and gain a practical understanding of project
implementation and monitoring.

“We also want to be able to go and visit some of these projects as well so that we really
appreciate what we will be talking about when we speak of monitoring Government projects,”
she said.
Zimbabwe National INCE consultant Benjamin Mudiwa highlighted the need to strengthen these
systems while presenting findings from the 2026 National Evaluation Capacities Index Survey
Report for Zimbabwe. Mudiwa said the survey had identified both areas of progress and
significant gaps in Zimbabwe’s capacity to conduct and use evaluations for decision-making. He
said the country’s ability to generate reliable data remained a major concern, while limited
harmonisation of monitoring and evaluation systems was also affecting the effectiveness of
evaluation processes.
“There are still critical capacity gaps that we need to address, particularly around data generation
and the harmonisation of monitoring and evaluation systems, issues around the independence of
the monitoring and evaluation repository, and we do not yet have a central evaluation
repository,” Mudiwa said.
The survey also identified overreliance on donor funding as a critical challenge to the
sustainability of evaluation activities. “There is also an overreliance on donor funding, and this
raises questions about the sustainability of our evaluation capacity,” said Mudiwa.
The findings prompted calls for stronger domestic investment in monitoring and evaluation and
improved institutional systems for generating, storing and using evidence.
The official opening was followed by a march in Masvingo’s central business district, and the
MEL Week comes just days before Masvingo hosts the Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism
Expo, which runs from September 9 to 12, placing the province at the centre of major national
events.

Zaka High learner unveils P2M Smart Industrial Hub at Harare Agricultural Show

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Zaka High learner unveils P2M Smart Industrial Hub at Harare Agricultural Show

By Staff Reporter
ZAKA – A Form Six science learner from Zaka High School, Progress Munashe Mtisi, who
made headlines in April with his sunflower oil hydraulic jack prototype, has gone a step further,
unveiling a suite of innovations at the ongoing Harare Agricultural Show, including a digital
ecosystem designed to connect education, industry, and agriculture across Zimbabwe.
Mtisi, who studies Mathematics, Biology and Chemistry, developed the hydraulic jack prototype
that operates using sunflower oil instead of expensive GTX oil, earning recognition at district,
provincial and national levels. His innovations have since expanded beyond mechanical
engineering into biogas recovery, bio-fertilizer production, and software development.
One of his key projects focuses on waste-to-resource innovation, exploring the recovery of
biogas and bio-fertilizers from plant matter, animal and human waste. The project targets
hospitals, clinics, communities, and schools where waste management is essential, turning waste
into valuable resources for energy and agriculture.
He is also producing hydraulic fluids, chain lubricants, and gear oils from sunflower, moving
beyond simple agricultural commodity production into value addition, eco-friendly
manufacturing, and employment creation.
“This is more than an engineering concept. We are moving beyond from simply producing
agricultural commodities but value adding, eco-friendliness, and employment creation,” he said.
His most ambitious project yet is the P2M Smart Industrial Hub, a software platform he designed
to function as a comprehensive digital ecosystem. Speaking to TellZim News, Mtisi said the
software targets multiple sectors, including education, industry, agriculture, healthcare, and
government services.
“The software includes a Smart School Fees Payment system and an Innovation Hub for every
child in Zimbabwe, aimed at fighting drug and substance abuse, creating employment, and
boosting economic growth. It also features Online Performance Analytics, where school results
are published via a portal, allowing parents to monitor their children’s progress from home,” said
Mtisi.
He said the Online Marketplace promotes digital marketing for authorized products, while an
Accounting Hub provides cloud-based bookkeeping for small to medium enterprises.
“The software also includes a Business Budget Planner and Production Analytics module, as
well as an Online Health Diagnosis system for doctor-patient interaction and an AI Health
Advisor,” said Mtisi.
The Youth Biz platform brings together all ministries and organizations online, while
Government Services and National Analytics provide citizens with access to government
information and data. A Climate and Weather Alerting System adapts digital tools for climate

change resilience, and Crop and Animal Disease Detectors help farmers protect their livestock
and crops.
He went on to say the Agricultural Advisor feature provides farmers with expert guidance, while
Electronic Learning caters to all learning institutions using digital tools. The software also
includes a Worldwide Hub where talents, educational resources, and scholarships are marketed,
and IoT Integration with moisture and temperature sensors.
His hydraulic jack model emerged as the best under Zaka District, won at Masvingo Province
level, and proceeded to the National Chihawasha Career Expo sponsored by Nyaradzo Funeral
Assurance Company, where the guest of honour was First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa. Mtisi
presented his model on behalf of all secondary schools in Zimbabwe and was selected to exhibit
at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair in Bulawayo in April 2026. He is currently exhibiting
at the Harare Agricultural Show.

Community efforts stall as 42 bags of cement vanish at Bikita Clinic Project

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Community efforts stall as 42 bags of cement vanish at Bikita Clinic Project

Beverly Bizeki
BIKITA – A cloud of suspicion hangs over the Mapovomovo Clinic project in Bikita West,
Ward 9, after 42 bags of cement meant for the construction of the community’s only satellite
health facility went missing, raising fears that someone within the project committee may
have sabotaged the community’s long wait for accessible healthcare.
The theft has not only stalled construction but has exposed a disturbing trend where resources
meant for the poor are siphoned off, leaving residents to continue walking long distances to
access healthcare.
Ward 9 Councillor Surprise Pembere confirmed the incident to TellZim News, saying the sad
development was discovered in June when officials approached the committee overseeing the
community project to establish how much cement remained for ongoing construction.
“It is true, we had an incident in which 42 bags of cement that were meant for the
development of Mapomovo Clinic in Ward 9, Bikita West, went missing. The matter was
brought to light after we went to the committee in charge to ask for the cement to proceed
with works in June, only to find out that some 42 bags were missing. The matter was reported
to the police under case number 6822665,” said Pembere.
The clinic, which comprises eight rooms and is nearing completion, was being developed as a
satellite health facility to reduce the distance residents in the ward have to travel to Bikita
Rural Hospital to access healthcare. With plastering remaining and finishing materials
already on site, the disappearance of the cement has brought progress to a standstill, leaving
the community in limbo.
“This has stalled progress at the clinic as this is a community project. We were just
mobilising resources so that we can be able to have at least a satellite clinic in the ward,” said
Pembere.
Residents who spoke to TellZim News said the disappearance of the cement came to light
after some community members allegedly saw cement being sold in the area. One source said
concerns were raised after a member of the committee responsible for the project was
allegedly seen selling cement, prompting an investigation into the quantity of cement
remaining at the site.
The source told TellZim News that Bikita West MP Daniel Nhatiso Makusha later inspected
the project and found that only 58 bags had been used for construction, while 42 bags could
not be accounted for.
“The disturbing part of this incident is that no break-in at the place where the cement was
being kept was reported, nor were there any breakages found, with no one accounting for the
missing bags. The government is making efforts to develop communities for the benefit of
everyone but few people want to benefit on their own. Even if the clinic could have been
completed with 58 bags only, the remaining cement should have been used for the
construction of other social structures in the community,” the source said.

Contacted for comment, Makusha condemned the disappearance and called for the missing
cement to be recovered and accounted for.
“No one is accounting for the stolen bags, but this is not the right approach. While
construction is almost complete, the cement needs to be returned for other works,” he said.
Masvingo acting provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu said
they were yet to receive the report and would follow up with Bikita police.
However, the community is calling for a thorough investigation to hold the culprits
accountable, with residents demanding that government and relevant authorities intervene to
ensure the project is completed and the stolen cement recovered.
The project, which began over three decades ago, has seen many leaders come and go,
leaving it at various stages. Now, with the theft of cement, the community’s dream of having
a nearby clinic has been dealt yet another blow, and the scandal has cast a shadow over the
integrity of the project committee.

Chigarapasi Beerhall on life support, Kurauone calls for urgent overhaul

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Chigarapasi Beerhall on life support, Kurauone calls for urgent overhaul

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Chigarapasi Beerhall, once the beating heart of social and economic life in Chiredzi, is on life support, and renowned businessman and Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs chairperson Venancio Kurauone has issued a stark warning to the local authority: scrap the outdated single-tenant model, diversify the facility’s income streams, or watch the landmark continue to bleed money and remain a shadow of its former self.

Speaking to TellZim News, Kurauone, who is also the national secretary of the Zimbabwe Chamber of SMEs and Masvingo province SMEs chairperson, has called for a radical restructuring of the 1.6-hectare facility, arguing that the current arrangement is fundamentally flawed. 

Under the present model, a single tenant is expected to pay the council US$4,000 per month from alcohol sales alone, an obligation that has proven untenable, with the tenant reportedly falling behind on payments.

“Expecting a single tenant to pay $4,000 a month strictly off traditional alcohol sales on a 1.6-hectare footprint is economically unviable. Over 80% of the asset sits idle and unmonetized. You cannot expect one revenue stream to carry the weight of an entire commercial property of this size,” said Kurauone.

Straddling over 16,273 square metres and opened in the early 1980s, Chigarapasi was once a flagship recreational facility for low-income workers in the Lowveld sugarcane industry.

Its popularity was such that it was arguably the country’s largest beer garden, a hive of activity where vendors, sex workers, and patrons from all walks of life converged, creating a bustling informal economy.

However, neglect and financial mismanagement took their toll. The beerhall has faced numerous closures and controversies over the years. In 2014, reports surfaced of Chibuku beer going sour and a lack of refurbishment. In 2017, the council closed it down citing viability problems, sparking an outcry from residents who depended on it for their livelihoods.

It was later leased to a private operator in a bid to revive it , but the facility has continued to struggle, with the latest lease to EVS Inc Pvt Ltd under a controversial agreement failing to yield consistent returns .

Kurauone argues that the solution lies in transforming the beerhall into a mixed-use commercial hub. He has proposed a restructuring of the facility into distinct commercial zones designed to unlock its underused space and diversify its income streams. 

He suggested the use of lock-up shops, tailoring outlets, hardware stalls, and vehicle service bays along the boundary of the property.

Kurauone proposed the introduction of upgraded braai stands and food stalls to serve the lunchtime and evening trade, a secure, family-friendly outdoor dining and play space for daytime patrons and sports lounge and event arena, venue equipped for HD broadcasts of major sporting fixtures, live concerts, and community expos.

He argued that shifting away from total dependence on alcohol sales toward a blended income model could push the facility’s aggregate monthly income beyond US$10,000, more than double what the current model has failed to consistently deliver. He also recommended that the local authority tighten its tendering process for future operators, requiring prospective bidders to demonstrate proof of capital and submit a clean Bill of Quantities for proposed site upgrades.

“Chigarapasi shouldn’t just sell drinks, it should be Chiredzi’s premier commercial, dining, and lifestyle hub,” said Kurauone.

A peep into the newly appointed 10 Senators…

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A peep into the newly appointed 10 Senators…

Tagwirei unstoppable as ED consolidates more powers

  Valerio Sibanda, Tungwarara left out

By Brighton Chiseva

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has moved swiftly to implement the dictates of the Constitutional Amendment Act, appointing 10 new senators and 14 judges in a move analysts said is designed to consolidate power, reward loyalty, and further marginalise Vice President Constantino Chiwenga and his allies.

The appointments, which include business mogul Kudakwashe Tagwirei, retired General Gibson Mashingaidze, Zanu PF Harare provincial chair Goodwills Masimirembwa and other loyalists, leaving out General (rtd) Phillip Valerio Sibanda and Paul Tungwarara who were both said to be in the succession matrix.

ED’s moves have sparked speculation of an impending cabinet reshuffle where the likes of Tagwirei, Mary Mliswa and Masimirembwa might be appointed into cabinet, whilst those suspected to be loyal to vice president Constentino Chiwenga will be shown the exit door.  

Valerio Sibanda’s omission on the list came as a surprise as Mnangagwa at some point tried to smuggle him into the Politburo as an ex officio member while he was still serving as the Commander of the Defence Forces. Mnangagwa was forced to drop him after a constitutional outcry as the constitution did not allow a serving member of the Defence Forces to be active in politics.

Valerio was among those who orchestrated the escape of Mnangagwa out of the country and the safe return of Chiwenga from China after he was targeted with arrest at the airport. It is his men who welcomed Chiwenga and whisked him away.

This was an opportune time for Mnangagwa to appoint Valerio into government, but he left him out probably because he no longer trusts him that much.

The decision to leave Valerio out, opting to reward opposition members with senatorial positions might be a signal that ED no longer trusts anyone from the army especially those who assisted him to the position.

Tagwirei is now taunted as ED’s preferred successor and his fans are optimistic that he is already one foot in, notwithstanding that the First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is also rumoured to be eyeing the presidency.

Tagwirei played a pivotal role in pushing for the extension of the presidential term, donating cars to central committee members, party provincial chairpersons and bankrolling party programmes which allegedly swayed leadership to support the Constitutional Amendment Bill number 3 that has since been signed into law.

His appointment is seen as preparation for something bigger, with speculation mounting that he could be headed for a cabinet position, possibly as a minister or even as Vice President.

Since his admission into the Central Committee, Tagwirei has not stopped rising, and analysts believe he could only stop perhaps after getting the country’s presidency.

Political analyst, Rashweat Mukundu, said there was a clear method to the appointments, mostly centred on rewarding loyalists who pushed the CAB 3 agenda either from inside or outside the party.

“I think there is a method to the appointments, mostly centered on rewarding loyalists who pushed the CAB#3 agenda either from inside the party or from outside. There is also a possibility that the president is looking at a cabinet reshuffle in the near future to position some of the newly appointed senators in strategic cabinet positions.

The appointments also reflect the changes to the leadership structures in both the party and government,” said Mukundu.

Dr Silvester Chikerema echoed the same sentiments saying the majority of the appointments were more of rewards for supporting CAB#3 which the President confessed that he was eagerly waiting to sign.

“It is clear that the appointments are rewards for supporting CAB#3. Look at Mashingaidze, he is the one who countered Henry Muchena and other former senior civil servants who were against the constitutional amendments. It is, therefore, clear that the majority of the appointments are purely rewards for supporting the then constitutional amendment,” said Dr Chikerema.

“I think this tells you Zimbabwe has now become an elitist state ruled by a few oligarchs that are enjoying the fruits, while the majority are suffering,” added Dr Chikerema.

President Mnangagwa also appointed Retired General Gibson Mashingaidze from Masvingo. Mashingaidze is being rewarded for his role in pacifying discontented retired army generals led by retired Air Vice Marshal Muchena, who was allegedly leading retired army generals and former senior civil servants in calling for a referendum.

Muchena’s group was allegedly also fighting in Chiwenga’s corner. General Mashingaidze was instrumental in issuing a counter-statement saying the veterans of the struggle were fully behind CAB#3 and the 2030 agenda.

He took a risk by going against the military element in the party and supporting CAB#3.

For that, Mashingaidze was selected into the Central Committee, and it is not surprising that he could also be further rewarded with a ministerial post or deputy minister post, while his counterparts like General Engelbert Rugeje, who allegedly remained loyal to Chiwenga, are said to be poised for a diplomatic mission in Egypt as Zimbabwe’s ambassador to the Arab nation.

Masimirembwa is likely to have been rewarded for two major roles; that is, applying for the co-option of Tagwirei into the central committee as well as supporting the then CAB#3.

After Masvingo requested to co-opt Tagwirei into the Central Committee, Harare province also requested for the same a week later.

Those planning behind the scenes realized it was more strategic for Tagwirei to be co-opted by Harare province than Masvingo province as that would dent his chances of getting bigger position in future since the incumbent President is deemed to be from Masvingo province.

As such, Masimirembwa led the process of co-option as the Harare Provincial chair. Tagwirei went on to reward most of the provincial executive with vehicles.

Masimirembwa, again, was among the first supporters who claimed that the proposed constitutional amendments did not require a referendum, against people like the then secretary for legal affairs Patrick Chinamsa who had indicated that at least two referenda were required for the proposed amendments to sail through.

He is likely to be rewarded again probably as the Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution in the event that ED chooses to reshuffle.

The appointment of Mary Mliswa into the Senate is another way of rewarding loyalists in the party. Mliswa remained loyal after losing favour when she lost the parliamentary election, and she went on to get into council through the quota system. She accepted a far less position despite having served as Minister of State.

Her appointment among the 10 could also mean rewarding her brother Themba, who, despite not being a member of Zanu PF, remained a staunch supporter of Mnangagwa and CAB#3.

Themba is known for publicly attacking vice president Chiwenga and supporting the then constitutional amendments. He was aggressive and allegations of him being paid to smear the vice president once emerged though he vehemently denied them.

Mary’s appointment, therefore, could be a way of rewarding Themba, notwithstanding that she also has a long-standing history of supporting ED. Her elevation to the Senate creates another vacancy since she was a councillor and council chairperson respectively.

Mnangagwa also made another key appointment of Jabulani Sibanda, the current party Chairperson for Bulawayo Province. Jabulani, being a war veteran, his appointment is set to consolidate power in the opposition stronghold.

Being a chairperson, war veteran, and senator gives him more power to influence Mnangagwa’s hold in Bulawayo. ED needs a tried and tested political veteran, and Jabulani is one of them.

Matabeleland being an opposition stronghold that was also against term extension and probably supported Chiwenga, rewarding Jabulani shows that Mnangagwa does not forget his people, which would also mean others would support him with the intention of getting similar rewards.

Other appointees include Nokuthula Matsikenyere, a Zanu PF politician who previously served as the Member of Parliament for Chimanimani West and later as Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution. Lucy Chitaga, who has been actively involved in politics.

Makhosini Hlongwane is a former journalist who served as a cabinet minister, including as Minister of Sport, before falling out of favour after the November 2017 events.

His appointment marks a return to public office.

Brilliant Dube previously served as Chief of Staff to former opposition leader Nelson Chamisa and was associated with groups that opposed Constitutional Amendment Act 3; her transition from opposition circles to a presidential Senate appointment has sparked debate.

Irene Mutumbwa is believed to have served in the party’s internal election commissionAnother person who was left out was the Investment Advisor Paul Tungwarara and this shocked many people.

Tungwarara was controversially co-opted into the Central Committee in Manicaland, and was very vocal in supporting Mnangagwa and the amendments.

However, his biggest undoing could have been the way he handled the Rutendo Matinyarare case.

Tungwarara gave Matinyarare around $200 000 and a top of the range Toyota landcruiser to Rutendo so that he stops attacking the President and CAB#3.

This did not go well with the majority of Varakashi4ED who then accused him of rewarding someone who was attacking the President.

It also seemed like fa ction loyal to Tagwirei did not like how Tungwarara handled the matter.

This probably widened the alleged rift between Tungwarara and Tagwirei.

Tagwirei might have influenced the decision to leave out Tungwarara.Dr Chikerema said Tagwirei’s ambition was evident and that his financial muscle made him unstoppable.

“Tagwirei has money and he knows how, where and when to use it. He has been strategically using his wealth to push for his interests and in the process gained trust of the President whom I think is more comfortable to let him be his successor because he probably demonstrated that he can protect the incumbent’s assets and projects,” said Dr Chikerema.

Mkundu said the recent appointments by Mnangagwa indicate a president who is comfortable with power rather than someone seeking to fend off rivals.

“My view is the president is now beyond fighting anyone but rather advancing his political and economic agenda as he sees fit. The appointments indicate someone comfortable with power rather than someone seeking to fend off rivals,” said Mukundu.

RCZ Elects New Moderamen at 34th Synod Assembly

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RCZ Elects New Moderamen at 34th Synod Assembly

By Staff ReporterCHIVI – The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) has elected a new leadership team, known as the Moderamen, at the ongoing 34th Synod Assembly being held at Chibi Mission.

The Moderamen is the term used for the church’s executive committee when it consists entirely of men; when women are included, it is referred to as the Moderature.

The newly elected Moderamen comprises Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi as Moderator, Rev Dr Simbarashe Munamati as Vice Moderator, Rev Lovemore Mashamba as General Secretary, Rev Sheunesu Makonese as Vice General Secretary, Rev Junias Zibako as Actuary, Adv Samuel Banda as Synod Secretary, Eng Tinayeshe Mutazu as Vice Synod Secretary, and Mr George Chitsika as Treasurer.

Notably, the Moderator, General Secretary, and Treasurer were not subject to election at this Assembly. The Moderator serves a four-year term, while the General Secretary has a six-year term, and both are currently serving their final two years.

They will be eligible for re-election at the next Synod Assembly. The Treasurer, Mr George Chitsika, is a technocrat employed on a five-year contract based on his qualifications and expertise.

The difference in terms of office is designed to ensure continuity in the church’s leadership.

The Moderator, upon election, automatically becomes the Chancellor of the Reformed Church University, and the five-year term was established to align with the university council’s tenure.

Rev Dr Ezekiel Baloyi, the new Moderator, is a minister of the Word and Sacraments in the RCZ and a lecturer in Systematic Theology, Ecumenical Theology, and Ecclesiology at the Reformed Church University. He holds a PhD in Theology from North-West University in South Africa.

His research interests focus on Church government, the doctrine of the church, and historical development. He has previously served as a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State.

Rev Dr Baloyi has been actively involved in commissioning new church infrastructure and leading significant church events.

Rev Dr Simbarashe Munamati, the new Vice Moderator, holds a PhD in Religion, Gender, and Development. He serves as the Principal of Murray Theological College in Morgenster and is a Dean at the Reformed Church University.

A widely published international presenter, his research spans theological education, public health, gender, and community development.Rev Lovemore Mashamba, the General Secretary, is an ordained RCZ minister. He previously served as Vice General Secretary.

Rev Sheunesu Makonese, the new Vice General Secretary, was previously the Vice General Secretary of the church.Adv Samuel Banda, the new Synod Secretary, and Eng Tinayeshe Mutazu, the new Vice Synod Secretary, bring their professional expertise to the church’s administrative leadership.

It’s cold out there – Muzembi begs to rejoin Zanu PF

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It’s cold out there – Muzembi begs to rejoin Zanu PF

By Staff Reporter
MASVINGO – A popular saying in Zanu PF circles that “it’s cold out of the party” has been
proven right after former Cabinet Minister Walter Muzembi formally applied to rejoin the ruling
party, despite being among those purged and persecuted following the 2017 military-assisted
transition that ousted Robert Mugabe.
Muzembi, once Mugabe’s blue-eyed boy and a key member of the G40 faction, served as
Tourism Minister and later Foreign Affairs Minister. He was a prominent figure in the
succession battle against Mnangagwa’s Lacoste faction.
The application was heard during an emergency Provincial Executive Council (PEC) meeting
held recently at Masvingo Polytechnic. The PEC deliberated on the former minister’s request for
readmission.
“I write to respectfully apply for readmission into Zanu PF. My membership was rescinded by a
special emergency central committee meeting on November 19, 2017. I sincerely wish to renew
my membership and contribute positively to its programmes and activities. Zanu PF is a party of
depth, and I wish to contribute to its development. I commit to uphold the constitution of the
party if readmitted,” reads Muzembi’s letter, which was tabled before the PEC.
During the debate on the course of action, some party members welcomed his return on
condition that he would become a card-carrying member at the cell level and would not occupy
any leadership position. Others opposed the move, arguing that Mzembi had been attacking the
party on social media and therefore should not be readmitted.
The debate continued until Provincial Political Commissar Brian Munyoro proposed that
Muzembi should be summoned to the Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) to answer
questions about his case before any decision could be made.
The PEC also resolved that some of his Facebook and X posts should be printed so that he could
defend himself against allegations that he had been critical of the party.
Muzembi’s application comes as several former G40 members have attempted to return to the
ruling party fold following Saviour Kasukuwere’s failed presidential bid in 2023.

Following the November 2017 coup, Muzembi was expelled from Zanu PF, fled into exile in
South Africa and later Zambia, and faced corruption charges linked to his tenure as Tourism
Minister.
His return to Zimbabwe in June 2025 was met with immediate arrest on outstanding warrants for
criminal abuse of office and theft of trust property.

However, in May 2026, he was acquitted of charges related to the donation of four LED
television sets valued at US$200,000, which he had given to churches including Emmanuel
Makandiwa’s United Family International Church without Treasury approval.

Government promises Chiredzi General Hospital facelift under Independence Legacy Programme

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Government promises Chiredzi General Hospital facelift under Independence Legacy Programme

By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – Chiredzi General Hospital could finally receive the long-awaited rehabilitation
that residents have been demanding for years, after the government confirmed that the facility
was being assessed for inclusion under the Independence Legacy Projects Programme, ahead of
Zimbabwe’s 2027 Independence Day celebrations set for Masvingo Province.
The commitment was made in the National Assembly after Chiredzi Central Constituency
legislator Ropafadzo Makumire pressed the Minister of Health and Child Care to inform the
House when the long-neglected hospital would be renovated.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Timeos Kwidini, who was standing in for the
Minister, acknowledged that the hospital’s infrastructure was in urgent need of attention and that
the government was aware of the situation.
“Indeed, Chiredzi General Hospital, like many other district and general hospitals across the
country, requires infrastructure rehabilitation and upgrading to improve service delivery. The
Ministry is aware of several areas requiring attention at the hospital, including critical support
services such as the mortuary and other ageing infrastructure,” said Kwidini.
Kwidini linked the hospital’s prospects to Masvingo Province’s hosting of the 2027 Independence
Celebrations, saying the event had opened a window for accelerated investment in public
infrastructure in the province.
“Chiredzi General Hospital is among the facilities being assessed for possible inclusion under the
Independence Legacy Projects Programme. Our technical teams are mapping priority
interventions and developing cost estimates to guide implementation,” said Kwidini.
He also indicated that refurbishment works at selected Masvingo hospitals were intended to
commence ahead of the Independence Celebrations, subject to funding and approvals.
However, Makumire said the state of the hospital reflected decades of neglect and questioned
why district hospitals were only remembered when tied to national events.
“We raise these issues because when we visit a hospital with a patient, the hospital itself does not
provide an environment that shows that there is life. If you look at the history of the restructuring
of this hospital, since we got independence, this hospital has not been remembered at all,” said
Makumire.
He further asserted that the pattern of directing resources only to venues hosting independence
celebrations was unfair to communities like Chiredzi.
“Bringing independence in Masvingo is welcome, but the hospitals which normally get benefits
are the hospitals where independence celebrations are being held. So, like what is happening,

help can be received from Mwenezi. The arrival of independence in Mwenezi must also bring
some renovations in Chiredzi,” he said.
No firm timeline or budget figure was given for the Chiredzi project, with the Ministry saying
cost estimates were still being developed as part of the assessment process.

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