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Sany Silicon Energy launches first solar power project in Zimbabwe

By TellZim Reporter

Sany Silicon Energy has officially begun construction of its first photovoltaic (PV) power plant project in Zimbabwe, marking a major milestone in the country’s push for sustainable energy solutions.

In a statement, Sany Silicon Energy said the project, a 10-megawatt solar power installation at Runtu Mining was expected to be complete in three months and to produce 18 million kwh annually improving Zimbabwe’s power crisis.

“The total installed capacity is 10MW, and the construction period is only 3 months. It is planned to be connected to the grid by the end of 2025, and it is expected to generate 18 million kWh of electricity annually, which will effectively alleviate the power shortage problem in Zimbabwe, ensure industrial and people’s livelihood electricity, and promote regional energy low-carbon transformation,” reads part of the statement.

The project, a first of its kind in Zimbabwe and the first in Africa to customize financing under the “EP+F” business model.

“This project is Sany Silicon Energy’s first photovoltaic power generation project in Zimbabwe, and it is also the first African project to customize the core financial demands of customers with the “EP+F” innovation model launched by Sany Silicon Energy. By providing a one-stop solution for design, procurement and financing, it significantly reduces the financial pressure of the owner and provides a replicable target for overseas new energy project cooperation,” reads part of the statement.

The solar plant will feature advanced 710W high-efficiency PV modules, developed and manufactured by Sany, along with cutting-edge inverters and durable, high-strength mounting structures designed to withstand Zimbabwe’s challenging environmental conditions.

Once operational, the plant will generate an estimated 18 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—enough to significantly ease local power shortages, support industrial operations, and improve energy access for communities.

The company vowed to promote project construction with high standards to ensure on-time delivery and inject new impetus into Zimbabwe’s energy security and sustainable development.

As Zimbabwe grapples with persistent energy deficits, initiatives like the Runtu Mining solar project are expected to play a key role in accelerating the country’s green energy transition.

All eyes on Masvingo derby as Una Una  takes on FC Wangu

By Tatiana Mhararira

Football fans in Masvingo City are bustling with excitement as the highly awaited derby between Masvingo United and FC Wangu Mazodze is set to take place this weekend on July 6, 2025 at the iconic Mucheke stadium promising an electric atmosphere as local pride and rivalry come to the forefront.
Both teams have had a mixed season so far with FC Wangu Mazodze known as Kingdom Boys currently sitting in the mid table while Masvingo United FC nicknamed Una Una aims to climb higher in the league standings as it is in the top three.
Masvingo United FC known for their passionate fan base and strong home advantage will be looking to secure a victory on their turf and the derby is of importance as it is not just about points but about pride within Masvingo City.
Speaking to TellZim News Masvingo United FC Spokesperson Omen Mafa said they were geared up for the derby despite their previous lose to Tenax Correctional Services FC.
“Despite our loss against Tenax FC we are confident that we are still in it. It is always not good to lose points at home particularly when you are in the race but it is water under the bridge.
“We have shifted our focus and our eyes are on our home game against FC Wangu Mazodze. Last season we lost against them in the same encounter but this is a different season. We are putting everything we have to collect maximum points. We respect them so much but our focus is on three points,” said Mafa.
He also said they were proud of their level of preparedness and as the mid-season break approached, there was no information on transfers.
“We have 30 registered players. We are not under any pressure. We are prepared for the back to back games with any opponent. So we are prepared for that double header with FC Wangu Mazodze,”he said.
One Una Una fan, Munyaradzi Savanhu said they were ready for the derby and they hoped their team was going to attain best results.
“We are not afraid of FC Wangu Mazodze despite that we are coming from a lose. We are really in need of that game and we hope to bounce back to our winning streak. We need to correct our errors we face the opponent ready enough.
“A game has got three results win, draw and lose so we expect any of the above but our major goal is to collect maximum points so as to reach our PSL goal,” said Savanhu.
In an interview with TellZim News, FC Wangu Mazodze spokesperson Blessing Kwesha said the derby was going to be a tough game but they wanted a win and also to uplift their prestige.
“The derby is going to be a tough game but we are going to field players who will sail us through this difficult game. We don’t just want three points but we also want bragging rights as we move around the streets. After winning this game we will reclaim our prestige in all corners of the city,” said Kwesha.
FC Wangu Mazodze supporter Ruth Mapiye said they were looking forward to the derby and emphasised on peace during the game.
“We are looking forward to an exciting match ahead as this is one of the biggest games on our fixture.
“We ask for peace throughout the match as these derbies always come with violence but we just want the losing team to accept defeat and also congratulate the winner because being from the same city it means we are brothers despite the fact that we are competing for the same Premier Soccer League (PSL) ticket,” said Mapiye.
Another Kingdom Boys devotee Ellen Kasaera said they had put trust in the players despite the fact that Masvingo United FC was currently on top of the table.
“The match is going to be exciting and the technical team will field our best players who will face our greatest rival of all times Una Una. Despite that we are playing against one of the top teams in the ERSL we hope for the better and we will bounce back and win this derby just like we did last season on the same game,”
The probability of the teams winning the derby remains unknown with Mazodze having recorded only two wins on derby matches since it joined the ERSL Division 1 in 2022.Their first win against Una Una was on July 11,2023 when the team won 1-nil and the second win was on October 27,2024.
Masvingo United FC had been recording draws and wins on derbies except on those two matches when they lost to FC Wangu Mazodze.
Currently Una Una is on number two with 29 points after FC Hunters and Tenax FC who have 35 points and 34 points respectively while the Kingdom Boys sits on position 7 with 18 points having won 5 games out of the 13 played this season.
As the countdown to kick off begins, the excitement in Masvingo City is profound. Football lovers are in for the encounter that promises to deliver unforgettable moments on the pitch.
Whether you are rooting for Una Una or Kingdom Boys one thing is certain the derby is set to be a spectacular showcase of local football talent and passion.

Stray dogs menace: SPCA collects 45 dogs in Masvingo

By Virginia Njovo

As cases of dog bites continue to increase Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in Masvingo Urban collected a total of 45 stray dogs in June alone.
Masvingo Province SPCA Inspector John Chikomo, told TellZim News that the organization managed to collect the dogs despite operating with limited resources.
“We have managed to use the available resources to pick up stray dogs across the city as we try so hard to utilize available resources to reduce the number of dogs especially in the residential areas where numerous cases of bites are being recorded,” said Chikomo.
Chikomo said the organisation was waiting for Masvingo City Council to honor its promise to provide them with a vehicle for use to pick the dogs.
“We were told that we are going to get a vehicle which will help us in collecting the dogs, but we are yet to receive it, the one which we are using is small,” he said.
Masvingo City Council has come under the spotlight for delaying action on the stray dog menace, with many resolutions made by council committees yet to be implemented nearly a year later.
Contacted for comment regarding the vehicle, Masvingo City Mayor and ward 4, Councillor Alec Tabe told TellZim News that the vehicle was under maintenance and was ready for handover.
“There is a vehicle which will be given to SPCA to pick up stray dogs but it was undergoing maintenance but its now ready for handover,” said Tabe.
In November 2024, council resolved to engage the Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) to help shoot stray dogs in the city in response to the increasing dog bite cases.
“Regarding the dog tie-up order, the request to engage the Zimbabwe National Army to shoot stray dogs in common areas was approved. The Public Relations Office was tasked with notifying residents about the operation,” reads part of the council minutes.
However, the resolution was never implemented. The council later resolved to procure a vehicle for the SPCA to use in a joint effort to address the menace.
Meanwhile, stray dog attacks remain a serious health concern. According to the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Weekly Disease Surveillance Report, Masvingo recorded 26 dog bite cases in just one week. In January, the city recorded more than 100 dog bite cases.
The city council has also proposed drafting a by-law to empower the local authority to detain stray animals and fine their owners.

Farmers connect with private sector in marketing dialogue

By Virginia Njovo

Smallholder farmers in Southern Zimbabwe are breaking new ground in their quest for sustainable livelihoods, thanks to a pioneering initiative that brings them face-to-face with the private sector in market dialogues facilitated by the Climate Resilient Livelihoods Project (CRL).
The initiative supported by the Government of Zimbabwe, Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is aimed at promoting inclusive and structured market systems.
On June 26, 2025 farmers in Masvingo District gathered at Makoholi Research Institute where they networked with private sector in the province who are crucial in breaking marketing barriers.
Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development deputy director responsible for Markets and Trade in the Business Development, Market and Trade Directorate, Simba Mupodyi encouraged farmers to practice market oriented production for easy access to markets.
“Farmers should practice market oriented production where they focuse on producing goods and services that meet the demands and needs of the market where demand driven is met, this will help smallholder farmers to increase income ,improved food security as well as enhancing livelihoods by participating in value chains and benefiting from market opportunities.
“These dialogue platforms and engagements present immense opportunities for smallholder farmers, the private sector and the government to co-create market based solutions,” said Mupodya.
Climate Smart Agriculture Expert at CRL project with GCF Dr Nelson Chanza encouraged farmers to be organised, practising group selling as well as being accurate with documentation especially when signing contracts.
“Farmers should be organized where they do collaborative efforts from production stage up to market scouting. We also encourage them to be vigilante to minimize fraudsters who approach them with fake promises,” said Dr Chanza.
Dr Chanza also encourage farmer to have market intelligence that include gathering and analysing data and information about specific market or industry which can help them in making informed decisions about production, marketing and sales.
Hamaruomba Dairy Cooperative Chairperson Christopher Gomerai said the networking opportunity gave them expert and technical knowledge that will be useful in their work.
“I want to thank our partners who assisted us with this technical support and the opportunity which we had today to meet as farmers sharing ideas on how to market our products from local markets up to global markets,” said Gomerai.
Garikai Fruit and Veg Market commonly known as known as Chitima Market Chairperson Martin Shava said every farmer was welcome to sell produce at the market.
“Every farmer is free to come and sell at Chitima, there is no discrimination on where you are coming from,” said Shava.
Over 4 500 farmers in Masvingo are benefitting from the CRL project that focuses on livestock production, small grains production as well as other varied agricultural crops.

Chibi, Chidyamakono dominates NASH provincial tourney

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By Tatiana Mhararira

Two schools from Chivi District, Chibi and Chidyamakono High were crowned provincial champions of the National Secondary Heads Masvingo Provincial tournament which was held at Mucheke Stadium on June 27, 2025.

The event which attracted schools from all the seven districts of Masvingo Province showed remarkable hard work and high competitive spirit with Chibi and Chidyamakono after beating Kuwirirana collected trophies and medals in handball boys and girls respectively.

 In soccer Chibi was crowned Provincial champions in boys and girls catergory where the boys won after beating Pamushana High in the finals.

In netball Pamushana High scooped the gold medal after beating Chibi in the finals.

Speaking to TellZim News, Chibi School head, Raymond Ndega said their learners balance school work and sporting activities and they encouraged them to produce outstanding results in all the disciplines.

“I am proud of this school because we have been scooping a number of trophies but we have managed to balance academics and co-curricular activities thus today we received a number of gold medals. These medals will go a long way in motivating learners in other disciplines who failed to excel.

“Learners train for sporting activities almost every day with seriously competent staff. We get extra support from parents who want their children to achieve big in class and in sport. Through the provision of sportswear and financial assistance from parents the learners ought to excel,” said Ndega.

The trophies that were given to the winning teams were courtesy of Masvingo Handball board an affiliate of Zimbabwe Handball Federation who also gave the Under 17 provincial handball winners their trophies.

Handing over the trophies, Masvingo Handball Board Provincial Chairperson Hatifitose Chirikure said they looked forward to inspire future youths and urged them to continue working hard in their disciplines.

“As we look into the future we are committed to inspiring and motivating our young athletes to continue playing handball and other sporting games as they pursue their dreams.

“As you proceed to the next level of the competition I say go and represent us well as Masvingo Province and bring trophies and medals back home. I urge everyone to continue working hard and to promote handball in Masvingo and to strive for excellence in all aspects of sport,” said Chirikure.

The final handball matches for both girls and boys were graced by Masvingo Provincial Education Director Shylet Mhike who then handed over the trophies to the gold medalists.

Chivi District schools left an incredible mark at provincial level proving that with dedication and hard work they can compete well at the upcoming national tournament.

Masvingo Forestry Commission in anti-deforestation campaign

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Masvingo Forestry Commission recently embarked on a comprehensive blitz to tackle deforestation and promote sustainable forest management in the province..
The initiative was part of a broader effort to protect Zimbabwe’s forests which play a vital role in environmental conservation, tourism and local livelihoods.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo District Extension Officer Tonderai Moyo said they conducted the blitz because of high demand for firewood during winter.
“As Forestry commission we conducted a regulation blitz targeting to reduce issues of deforestation and forest degradation. As we are in winter there is increase in demand for firewood and charcoal so we are moving across the province to enforce the Forest Act (Chapter 19:05) and Communal Land Forest Produce Act (Chapter 19:04) and Statutory Instrument 116 of 2012 that ensures that forests will continue to be productive, averting climate change, ensuring forests continue providing ecosystem goods and services critical for human sustenance.
“We tried to combine the programme with awareness campaigns, teaching people about sustainable forest management practises on ways to keep the forests safe and also the procedures to be taken to get firewood legally,” said Moyo.
Moyo said the blitz was meant to assist people to have an understanding of how important forest resources were and discouraging mismanagement of forests.
“The results of the blitz will be to ensure forest resources are used in a sustainable manner, averting forest degradation and deforestation currently bedeviling our province. Rural community livelihoods depend on forest resources for food and income particularly none timber forest products.
“Rural communities harvest non-timber forest products like fruits, honey, edible insects like mopane worms from the indigenous forest for consumption and income generation. One of the major drives of forest degradation is charcoal production in mopane woodlands, negatively affecting mopane production in Bikita, Chiredzi and Mwenezi, ”said Moyo.
Recently, traditional leaders in Gutu district warned people to desist from engaging in deforestation and land degradation practices, saying stiff penalties will be meted out on those caught as part of efforts to curb such activities in a bid to preserve the environment. Chief Gutu born Lawrence Chigariro raised concerns over the destruction of the environment.

Earth tremor shakes Bikita South

By Virginia Njovo    

An earth tremor jolted parts of Bikita South early Sunday morning, sending waves of fear among residents in wards 1, 2, 3, 23, and parts of 27, raising fresh concerns over the district’s seismic vulnerability.

Ward 2 councilor Attwell Ndonde told TellZim News that the sudden vibrations struck on June 29, at around 0600 hours, startling villagers and prompting fears of a more destructive quake.

“It was terrifying. I felt the trembling while I was still indoors, and many villagers did too. Thankfully, there were no injuries or damage, but the uncertainty is unsettling, we don’t know if a stronger one might follow,” said Ndonde.

Ward 3 councilor Mary Beancer Mukwenya confirmed the tremor was also felt in her area, although with less intensity.

“We experienced the shaking as well, and while there was no visible damage, it’s the fear of what could happen next that worries us. If this continues, it could affect both the social and economic well-being of villagers,” said Mukwenya.

Bikita District lies in a zone that has recorded recurring seismic activity over the years. According to geological data, the area has experienced at least 35 recorded earthquakes since the 1950s.

The latest incident comes months after a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck near Kariba in December 2024, highlighting the broader vulnerability of parts of Zimbabwe to seismic events. The quake, confirmed by the United States Geological Survey (USGS), occurred at a shallow depth of 10 km and caused moderate shaking.

While Sunday’s tremor caused no damage, villagers called for government and disaster management agencies to assess the situation and raise awareness in at-risk communities.

Teen dies in scotch cart accident

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

A 14 year old boy from Chipumho Village under chief Nyajena, Masvingo District died after a donkey drawn scotch cart he was in bumped on a stone in an unknown dust road and overturned on June 22, at around 1400 hours.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Akim Maziva to TellZim News and urged members of the public to lead animal drawn vehicles for safety purposes.
‘‘I confirm the death of Maziva who was riding a donkey drawn scotch cart in an unknown dust road going to fetch fire wood. The scotch cart belongs to his father Jim Maziva and no one was leading this donkey drawn scotch cart.
‘‘I encourage members of the public who use animal drawn vehicles to lead hem so that they can manage to control them at emergency,’’ said Insp Dhewa..
Circumstances are that on June 22, at around 1400 hours, Akim was riding a donkey drawn scotch cart in an unknown dust road going to fetch firewood with no leader. The cart bumped on a stone and overturned.
The matter was reported to the police. Akim sustained head, leg injuries and died on the spot. The body of the now deceased was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for post-mortem.

Mutonhori High crowned Zaka soccer champions

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Mutonhori High School’s Under 20 boys soccer team was crowned Zaka District champions after defeating Matara High 8-7 in the district finals recently.
The team will represent Zaka District in the upcoming Masvingo Provincial Schools tournament at Mucheke Stadium. The achievement showcases the school’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent and promoting academic excellence.
The team secured their spot after a nail-biting 8-7 win against Matara High in the district finals held on June 20 at St Anthony High.
Their journey to the finals was marked by a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Pecom Academy in the semifinals.
In group stages Mutonhori thrashed Kwamutevure with 2 goals to nil, St Joseph High with a goal to nil and Chinyaradza with the same scoreline.
Mutonhori High’s soccer team will be joined by other talented teams from Zaka District, including the traditional dance group and Mutsambwa High’s Under 20 girls’ soccer team.
Mutsambwa High U20 girls will represent the district in provincial competitions while St Joseph High will represent the district in Netball U17 and U17 Volleyball boys.
Matara high U17 volleyball boys and U20 girls will also participate at the provincial tourney. St Anthony High boys’ team and Rudanda High girls U14 basketball teams will be in action on court representing the district.

Chesvingo All Stars FC wins Africabet tournament

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By Tatiana Mhararira

Chesvingo All Stars FC emerged victorious in the Mucheke Social League, Africabet sponsored tournament defeating Ajax Rujeko FC in the final match on June 21, 2025 at Mucheke stadium.
The tournament featured top teams from the league and it showcased exceptional talent and sportsmanship with Chesvingo All Stars FC walking away with a US$150 cash prize and a soccer kit.
Chesvingo All Stars was in group B that comprised of Mustafa FC, Ajax Rujeko FC and Flying Eagles while group A had Henessy, Deportivo, Yavakomana and Plato Pirates.
Speaking to TellZim News Chesvingo All Stars FC coach John Chidembo said the team was excited with the win and their hard work paid off though the competition was stiff.
“We are happy that we won the Africabet football tournament and I give a round of applause to the players who worked very hard and put a spirited effort. This is one of our greatest achievements after we won the Mucheke Social League in 2019.
“We will also capitalize on this outstanding performance and improve in the Mucheke Social league where currently we are on position four with 18 points from the 11 games played so far,” said Chidembo.
Chesvingo All Stars captain Blessing Zvinoitavamwe said the tournament gave them room to interact with other players at a different level and also improve their skills for the social league.
“The Africabet tournament was important to us as we mingled with other players at a different level of competition and we also got to perfect our skills for the social league games where we are moving up the ladder to the top position.
“I applaud these tournaments as they are important in promoting football and keeping the youths occupied, away from vices such as drug and substance abuse. The tournament will go a long way in nurturing young talents as they start participating at low tournaments gaining skills for other big tournaments,” said Zvinoitavamwe.
Africabet International is an international sports book company with its core businesses in Sports Betting, Horse Racing, Casino Games, Virtual Games and Lottery. They provide world class entertaining gaming services while fulfilling community and stakeholders’ commitments.
Africabet’s sponsorship of the tournament highlights the company’s commitment to promoting sports development in Masvingo urban.