By TellZim Reporter

The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) Hillside youth in Masvingo recently donated groceries and clothing items to Alpha Cottage Children’s home in Masvingo as part of their social responsibility programs. Youth leader Rumbidzai Matambo said the decision to donate was inspired by the group’s personal encounter with the daily challenges faced by the children.
“As a youth group, we were deeply moved by the needs within our community, especially those of vulnerable children. Our visit to the children’s home opened our eyes and hearts to the challenges the kids face daily. We felt a strong conviction to act, and this donation was our way of showing love in action.
“Our giving was guided by Proverbs 19:17, which says, ‘Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.’ We also held onto the teaching of James 2:17, that ‘faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.’ These scriptures remind us that true Christianity is expressed through compassion and practical support for others,” said Matambo.
Matambo expressed gratitude to local church leaders, along with the youth members’ parents, for nurturing a culture of giving among the youths.
“We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our Reverend Pastor Kuiparima and his wife, as well as the church council, for continually teaching us the importance of remembering and caring for others, as well as our parents. We are also deeply thankful to our parents, who generously supported us with donations that made it possible for us to give to those in need. Their encouragement and contributions empowered us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of others,” said Matambo.
She encouraged other youth groups to take similar steps in uplifting vulnerable communities.
“Do not underestimate the power of small acts of kindness. You don’t need much to make a big impact. When young people come together with purpose, prayer, and a heart for others, God multiplies the effort.
“Giving back not only changes lives; it transforms hearts and strengthens the body of Christ. We welcome anyone who wants to partner with us through donations, volunteering, or even just spreading the word. People can reach out via our church council or speak to our youth leader directly. Every contribution, big or small, helps us reach more lives,” she said.
She said the caretakers and children received the donations with joy and gratitude, indicating the need for timely interventions at the institution.
“The children and caretakers were overjoyed and grateful. Their smiles and warm expressions were a beautiful reminder of why we serve. It was not just about the items we brought; it was the love, time, and presence that meant the most. Some children even expressed hopes that we would return to spend more time with them, which we plan to do in the future,” she said.

By Valentine Makufa

Attorney General Virginia Mabhiza said her office has been instrumental in ensuring Parliament remains busy, with 14 crucial bills currently under review, a significant turnaround from the days when legislators would often complain of having little to do.
She applauded significant milestones in Zimbabwe’s justice sector, citing the drafting of 14 bills currently under parliamentary review as a major breakthrough in legislative activity and efficiency.
Speaking at the Attorney General’s Office mid-term review for 2025 at Clever’s Hotel in Masvingo, Mabhiza said the drafting of new legislation had become one of the defining achievements of her tenure.
“When I was appointed to this office, legislators were folding their hands, saying there were no bills to look at but from that time up to now, they are always loaded with bills,” said Mabhiza.
The 14 new bills, include the Mines and Minerals Bill, Climate Change Bill, Post and Telecommunications Services Bill, and the Youth Services Bill. This marks a significant step in addressing legislative backlogs, with bill drafting and clearance showcasing the office’s expertise in legislative processes.
Mabhiza also noted the improved court case clearance rate as evidence of wider efforts to enhance justice delivery.
“We are committed to delivering timely justice, and our improved court case clearance rates demonstrate that dedication. Our hard work is paying off, and we are making strides in ensuring that justice is served without unnecessary delays,” said Mabhiza.
Addressing technological limitations within the office, Mabhiza said the procurement of new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hardware was a critical support system for their work.
“We will be investing in laptops and printers because this investment is crucial for improving our work processes and ensuring we remain effective in our mission,” she said.
Mabhiza said the office had a vision of transforming the Attorney General’s Office into a hub of excellence by 2030, in line with Zimbabwe’s National Development Strategy (NDS).
“This vision aligns with NDS 1, we must uphold the rule of law and promote transparency and accountability in all our dealings,” she said.
She encouraged the team to embrace collaboration, professionalism, and service to the public.
“Let us break down silos and work together toward our shared objectives, our strength lies in our unity. Together, we can ensure that our office remains a beacon of justice, and it is our duty to uphold that responsibility for the citizens of Zimbabwe.”

By Beverly Bizeki

In a pioneering move to support children of Zimbabweans working abroad, Masvingo Christian College is set to establish a boarding facility that will cater primarily for learners especially girls whose parents have migrated to the diaspora.
Masvingo Christian School head Dr Edison Muresherwa confirmed the development in an exclusive interview with TellZim News, saying the facility will be the first of its kind for a day school in Masvingo and is expected to open its doors in 2025.
He said the initial phase will accommodate around 60 learners, both male and females.
“Our focus is mainly on the girl child. Many children are left behind by parents in the diaspora, and not all families have reliable guardians. Sometimes they are sent to conventional boarding schools, which often have high academic entry barriers like requiring six units. But at Masvingo Christian, the only qualification is being a human being who has gone through the required educational stages,” said Dr Muresherwa.
Dr Muresherwa said while the initiative prioritizes girls, boys were not excluded as ignoring them often leads to vices such as drug and substance abuse.
“The boy child is often overlooked, and that can lead to them falling into drug and substance abuse. So we are accommodating both genders, but we recognize the heightened vulnerability of the girl child, especially in cases where children are left with relatives who may not be trained or equipped to care for them,” said Dr Muresherwa.
Dr Muresherwa said the boarding facility aims to provide a safe, nurturing environment where learners can thrive under the care of trained professionals, particularly those migrating from rural to urban areas in search of better education.
“This is about nation-building. We want to give these children who are often exposed to risks—the support and supervision they deserve,” he said.
Dr Muresherwa said the initiative also reflected the school’s strategic shift in response to a changing educational landscape.
“As a day school, we have run our race. In business studies, we talk about a product lifecycle, we have reached our peak, but now we need to re-launch our product by introducing a boarding facility. The competition has increased with new private schools and colleges in town. To stay relevant, we must evolve,” said Dr Muresherwa.
To support the new facility, existing school houses will be renovated into boarding dormitories. The school is also constructing a new house for the head and has plans for a deputy head’s house.
The school plans to leverage its existing agricultural projects including piggery, horticulture, and a borehole-powered irrigation system to help sustain the boarding facility.
“These projects will not only feed the learners but also ensure the boarding facility is self-sustaining,” said Dr Muresherwa.

By TellZim Reporter

Masvingo’s Victoria Ranch suburb residents recently submitted a petition to the Parliament of Zimbabwe, calling for an urgent investigation and intervention into the deplorable state of social service delivery in the area.
The petition addressed to the Clerk of Parliament and signed by concerned residents, highlights the settlement’s dire need for basic services, including water, sanitation, roads, and public services.
They said Victoria Ranch, a peri-urban settlement with over 15,000 households, was being neglected by authorities despite its urban characteristics.
“The area lacks essential infrastructure, including piped water, sewer systems, and refuse collection services. Residents rely on boreholes, which are not regularly tested, and eco-san toilets, which have become unsanitary and dysfunctional,” reads part of the petition.
The petitioners argued that the current governance arrangement, under the Masvingo Rural District Council (MRDC), was incoherent and unsustainable. They claimed that MRDC lacked technical capacity and fiscal mandate to deliver urban services, while the Masvingo City Council (MCC) provides partial support but lacks jurisdiction to plan or budget for the area.
The petition cites the Constitution of Zimbabwe, specifically Section 13(2), which obliges the State to involve people in development plans, and Section 28, which mandates the State to ensure access to shelter and basic services. The petitioners also reference the Zimbabwe Land Commission’s recommendations, which include strengthening institutional coordination, regularizing settlements, and enforcing land servicing obligations on private developers.
The petitioners called for Parliament to establish a portfolio committee inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch, summon responsible authorities to account for their inaction, and enforce the implementation of the Zimbabwe Land Commission’s recommendations.
They also sought for legislative action to compel service delivery in peri-urban settlements and to redefine governance for such areas.
“The current conditions in Victoria Ranch pose serious public health risks, educational crisis, and environmental degradation. Immediate action is not only necessary but is a moral and legal imperative,” reads part of the petition.
The petitioners urged Parliament to treat the matter with urgency and compassion, given the humanitarian and constitutional concerns raised and establish a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch and similar settlements nationwide and mandate immediate interventions to provide clean water, sanitation, refuse collection, borehole testing, refuse removal, and road grading.
They said situation in Victoria Ranch highlights the need for Parliament to exercise its legislative, oversight, and representative roles to address the challenges faced by the residents.
“We are tired of being neglected by authorities. We need basic services, including water, sanitation, and roads. We urge Parliament to intervene and ensure that our rights are upheld,” reads another part.
The petition said residents were concerned that the lack of basic services in Victoria Ranch was not only a humanitarian issue but also a constitutional one.
They argued that the State has a duty to ensure that all citizens have access to basic services, including water, sanitation, and healthcare. They also expressed frustration with the current governance arrangement, which they claim was ineffective and unsustainable. They argue that the MRDC and MCC need to work together to provide adequate services to the residents of Victoria Ranch.
They urge Parliament to establish a portfolio committee inquiry into the developmental status of Victoria Ranch and to summon responsible authorities to account for their inaction and legislative action to compel service delivery in peri-urban settlements and to redefine governance for such areas. They argue that this will ensure that all citizens have access to basic services and that the government is held accountable for its actions.