By Brighton Chiseva

A school bus accident involving a Mapanzure Secondary School bus hired out for a Zanu PF programme in 2022 has ignited a firestorm of discontent among parents of Mapanzure High School, exposing deeper concerns over the institution’s management and fuelling a growing rift between parents and the school administration.
A planned demonstration by parents at the school, on Wednesday June 11, was averted after Muchakata Police intervened and mediated the situation. The parents had been planning to protest over several grievances concerning the school’s management and development.
The school head Clapos Chauraya confirmed the incident when contacted for comment by TellZim News and said the police saved the situation.
He said parents had some grievances and they would sit down to iron them out.
“The parents came probably with the intention to demonstrate over some grievances they had, however, the police intervened and stopped them. So we are going to engage them and address the concerns which involve the school bus,” said Chauraya.
The parents accuse the school head of giving Zanu PF their bus which was brought through bus levy and Zanu PF failed to account for it.
They were concerned about the decline of developmental projects at the school citing the decline of the cattle project, which they claimed had been allowed to die down. This, they argued, was symptomatic of a broader lack of development and investment in the school’s infrastructure and programs.
“There is no development at the school and we are worried, we used to have a cattle project but the beasts died and some ended up being taken for beef committees and that is a result of poor management by the school authority,” said one parent.
Another issue that sparked outrage among parents was the closure of A-level classes due to poor enrolment. The parents attributed this to declining academic results and a lack of development at the school, which they believed had led to a loss of confidence in the institution among the community.
“The school explained that learners were now preferring to go straight to college after O level and that resulted in poor enrolment. We understood this but the few who want to go for A level no longer have confidence in the school and would opt for better schools,” said another parent.
Parents also allege that some A-level teachers were often absent from school premises during school hours, with some reportedly spotted at local shops since they nolonger have classes.
They also complained about the school vehicle that was involved in another accident a few weeks ago and they claim the school did not even notify the parents adding to their frustrations.
However, despite the tensions, a meeting between parents and school authorities yesterday led to a breakthrough where the school administration allegedly agreed to convene a meeting to address the parents’ grievances and provide explanations on all the issues raised.
“The school agreed to convene a meeting and explain issues to us and we are looking forward to it, if they address all our concerns we would map a way forward.

By Brigton Chiseva

In a shocking incident, the Johanne Marange apostolic sect has been accused of trying to conceal the death of a teenage bride, suspected to be 13 years of age, who allegedly died due to pregnancy complications in Bhaki Village, Hwendedzo area of Chief Musara, Masvingo.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway.
“We have a report of a case where a girldied due to pregnancy complications, however, her age is yet to be ascertained and investigations are underway,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Bhaki Village head Trust Bake, confirmed the death to TellZim News. However, he expressed uncertainty about the age of the deceased as well, stating that she was one of the many wives of a sect member, but he didn’t know her exact position among the wives.
“I can confirm that we have such a case in my village, however, I do not stay in the village always so I do not know the child and even her position in the polygamous marriage, I just know that her alleged husband has many wives,” said Bake.
He went on to say the police were seized with the matter but he was aware that they violated the corpse by operating the dead body to remove the fetus before burying the two separately.
“According to our tradition, you cannot bury a pregnant person with the fetus in her, so they went on to separate the two but I do not know who exactly did the operation and how they did it. What I am sure of is that they were buried separately as per our norms,” said Bake.
Police sources revealed that the parents of the deceased claimed that she was 18 years old when she got married and 19 at the time of death, also alleging that she had no birth certificate.
“When the police visited the area to do investigations, the family claimed that she was 18 when she got married and died at the age of 19. They failed to prove that since she had no birth certificate.
“So the police are now investigating the matter to establish the number of children the deceased’s father had and ascertain the ages of each and see where the deceased fits. There are also high chances that they lied even about the name,” said the source.
Another source said the police needed to be more vigilant as it was difficult to penetrate the sect members to get information.
“The sect and family members are so secretive to the extent that no one from the local knows who even performed the operation, they all claim not to know anything but the incident happened within. So the police need to be very vigilant to establish the truth,” said the source.
The incident happened barely four years after an almost similar incident happened in Marange area that sent shockwaves across the country.
In 2021, 14 year old Anna Machaya was forced out of school while doing Form One in Mhondoro to get married to Evans Momberume.
This was despite the fact that according to the Constitution of Zimbabwe, the legal age of consent for sexual activity is 16, while the minimum age for marriage is 18.
Machaya died while giving birth causing outrage among citizens and rights activists on social media. The United Nations in Zimbabwe issued a statement condemning the circumstances leading to the death of Anna Machaya.
The Hwendedzo incident sparked outrage and raised concerns about the treatment of young girls within the sect and the need for deterrent measures to be put in place to protect the girl child.

By Langton Chikaka

This installment looks at the philosophy underpinning a Heritage Based Curriculum, explores its key features , identifies the key competences in HBC and outlines the methods which school teachers may employ in the teaching of science and Math subjects.
A Heritage – Based Curriculum ( HBC) integrates local culture, history and values in education, promoting cultural preservation, identity and relevance. By incorporating traditional knowledge and community involvement, the Heritage based curriculum fosters a holistic learning experience that honors the past while preparing learners for the future.

Key features of the Heritage- Based Education
Here are some key features of the Heritage’s Heritage- Based Curriculum.
1. Enhanced relevance and engagement
2. Deepening of Science concepts
3. Connecting to local contexts and exploring indigenous knowledge systems. It should be borne in mind that the Heritage-Based approach focuses on : (I) knowledge, that is the ability to acquire, understand and apply fundamental ideas and theories within a learning area. Further, the focus is understanding, analysis, evaluation, hands on activities, problem solving, integration and recognition that knowledge is always evolving. (ii) Skills Practical abilities that enable learners to perform tasks effectively. These skills may be cognitive, technical, interpersonal, self management and research skills. (iii) Values
4. Values are principles and beliefs that guide behavior and decision making. Key aspects include integrity, respect , responsibility, empathy, social justice and life long learning.

Contextualizing Science and Math
1. Cultural relevance: Incorporate local and indigenous knowledge, examples, and case studies to make science and math more relevant and engaging.
2. Traditional practices: Explore the scientific and mathematical principles underlying traditional practices, such as agriculture, medicine, or architecture.
Integrating Heritage and Culture
1. Storytelling: Use stories and legends from local cultures to illustrate scientific and mathematical concepts.
2. Cultural artifacts: Use cultural artifacts, such as traditional tools or instruments, to demonstrate scientific and mathematical principles.
Project-Based Learning
1. Community-based projects: Assign projects that require students to apply scientific and mathematical concepts to real-world problems in their community.
2. Cultural preservation: Encourage students to explore and document traditional practices and knowledge related to science and math.
Hands-on Activities
1. Traditional crafts: Incorporate traditional crafts, such as weaving or pottery, to teach scientific and mathematical concepts, such as geometry and measurement.
2. Indigenous technologies Explore the scientific and mathematical principles underlying indigenous technologies, such as irrigation systems or navigation tools.

Collaboration and Community Engagement
1. Community involvement: Involve local community members, elders, or experts in teaching and learning processes.
2. Interdisciplinary approaches: Collaborate with other subjects, such as language, social studies, or arts, to provide a holistic understanding of science and math in a cultural context.

Benefits
1. Increased relevance: Makes science and math more relevant and meaningful to students’ lives.
2. Cultural preservation: Helps preserve local knowledge, traditions, and cultural heritage.
3. Improved engagement: Increases student engagement and motivation by connecting science and math to their cultural background.

By incorporating these effective teaching methods, educators can make science and math more accessible, relevant, and engaging for students in a heritage-based
curriculum.

The writer is an experienced administrator since 2005. He has worked and served as a school head at Mutauto, Holy Family secondary schools. Chapwanya, Hande and Makumbe High Schools. He is the c urrent Head Zimuto RCZ High School. He is former Provincial Head in Charge responsible for English Language and Foreign Languages from 2023 -2025. He is a holder of a diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education, Master of Business Administration and many other certificates and diplomas in administration.

…Did ED take heed of Makandiwa’s call to forgive Mzembi and Kasukuwere?

By Staff Reporter

Zimbabwe’s former Tourism and Foreign Affairs Minister Walter Mzembi who recently returned to the country after six years in self- imposed exile, sparked speculation about potential political realignments within the ruling Zanu PF party.
Mzembi allegedly met with President Emmerson Mnangagwa at State House in Harare on Wednesday June 11.
Some believe the meeting was to discuss critical issues, possibly engaging on behalf of Saviour Kasukuwere. Others think Mzembi might have abandoned ‘Passenger No. 34’ (Kasukuwere) and returned to the ruling party, signaling a potential reconciliation with ZANU PF.
The plot thickens as some wonder if President Mnangagwa’s willingness to meet Mzembi was a nod to Prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa’s recent comments downplaying Mzembi’s perceived threat, suggesting that he may have taken the prophet’s advice to view Mzembi as harmless.
When contacted for comment on the reason why he was back and what they discussed with the President, Mzembi chose a diplomatic way of not responding telling this reporter that he would call back which he never did.
Further efforts to call the former Masvingo South legislator were futile as he did not answer calls nor respond to messages sent on his South African WhatsApp number.
Mzembi’s exile began in 2018, following a military coup that ousted Mugabe and brought Mnangagwa to power. As a key figure in Mugabe’s G40 faction, Mzembi faced corruption charges and claims of political persecution, which he denied.
A 2019 arrest warrant for alleged corruption charges related to misappropriating $2 million worth of televisions remains outstanding, raising questions about its validity. Despite this, Mzembi’s return suggests a possible shift in Zanu PF politics, potentially paving way for other exiled politicians to return.
Many believe he could have come back from South Africa where he was holed together with Savior Kasukuwere to negotiate for the team’s return in the country
Political analyst Dr. Wellington Gadzikwa believes that Mzembi’s return was a strategic move to stay home with assurances that he would support the establishment.
“Mzembi’s return may signal a shift in allegiance, with assurances of support for the establishment. Mzembi and others, like Professor Jonathan Moyo, have realized that change won’t come soon. “They’ve reassessed their opposition stance, opting to support the government instead. They thought there could be change soon, but have realized it won’t happen,” said Dr Gadzikwa.
Another political commentator Dr. Last Alfandika said Mzembi’s return may indicate political reconciliation or strategic realignment within Zanu PF.
“It shows us what we already know – the everlasting political bargaining where political interests and survival often override legal processes. His return raises questions about justice and public trust, particularly given he had an outstanding warrant of arrest,” said Dr Alfandika.
Dr. Arthur Fidelis Chikerema on his part said Mzembi and cabal had now finished all the riches they had acquired when they were in Zanu PF so they wanted to come back and replenish the supplies by rejoining the ruling party.
“They say it’s cold outside Zanu PF, and these guys, Mzembi and cabal, could have felt the cold and decided to come back. Remember they were surviving on savings they made during their time in Zanu PF and now they many now have nothing so getting back to Zanu PF was the only way to ensure they continue living the luxury life they are used to,” said Dr Chikerema.
He went on to say in politics there were no permanent enemies or friends but permanent interests. Mnangagwa could also have realized a decline in support for the party and decided to bring back the G40 rebels in the fold.
“In politics, there are no permanent enemies or friends, only permanent interests, Mnangagwa may have realized Mzembi and his team can help push the 2030 agenda, which they had previously opposed. With declining popularity, Zanu PF may be seeking to consolidate power by reuniting with rebel cadres,” said Dr Chikerema.
Rashweat Mukundu, a political commentator said once Zanu PF, always Zanu PF and so there was nothing amiss about Mzembi’s return not only to join the party but to enjoy the benefits that comes with being a member.
“ZANU PF members will always be Zanu PF members. The party comes with its trappings and opportunities to be close to the feeding trough and many senior members are entirely dependent on the party for survival and got what they have because of Zanu PF. So Mzembi’s coming back is exactly a survival move. He is not only negotiating for his return to the party but also how he can be brought back to the feeding trough,” said Mukundu.
As Mzembi navigates his return to Zimbabwean politics, the implications of his meeting with Mnangagwa and the future of his political career remain uncertain

By Beverly Bizeki /Virginia Njovo

At a busy kombi rank in Masvingo, operators turn away passengers who offer Zimbabwe’s local currency, the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG). Instead, they demand either R5 coins or US dollars. Their reasons are simple, the notes are scarce, and they are not aware of the exchange rates and most importantly, they say ZiG cannot buy fuel which is the lifeblood of their business.
While the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) insists that the ZiG is now backed by over US$700 million in reserves which means there is growing sustainability of the currency, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has publicly endorsed its adoption as a sole currency, a very different reality is playing out on Masvingo’s streets. The local currency is scarce, and confidence in its practicality remains low.
A survey conducted by TellZim News reveals that while vendors and ordinary residents are open to using ZiG, they simply cannot access it. Vendors in Masvingo’s Central Business District (CBD) said customers were rarely paying in ZiG, unlike in Harare where it is part of daily transactions.
“We have never rejected ZiG at our markets. The problem is that it is not circulating here in Masvingo. Customers are not bringing it, yet we need it to restock in supermarkets where it is accepted with at least better rates. The few notes we often get come from people traveling from Harare,” said one vendor in the CBD only identified as Mai Tinashe.
Other vendors said even when they try to circulate the currency, many consumers were hesitant in accepting it.
“When you give customers change in ZiG, some refuse, saying they do not know where else they can use it. It is risky for us to accept something that you may not be able to give the next person,” said another vendor.
For commuters like Mai Junior, early signs of rejection from kombi operators discouraged broader acceptance.
“At first, we tried to accept ZiG as change from vendors, but when we wanted to use it for kombis, it was rejected. That is when we gave up on it. We last used it in months,” she said.
Transport operators argue that without access to fuel purchases in ZiG, the currency remains impractical for their operations.
“As kombi drivers, we cannot accept payments in ZiG. It’s not that we do not want to, but service stations do not accept it for fuel purchases. Once fuel suppliers start taking ZiG, we’ll have no problem using it,” said Rasta, a local kombi operator.
The reluctance in Masvingo highlights the broader challenge facing Zimbabwe’s monetary authorities: restoring public confidence in a country where currency failures remain fresh in collective memory.
Stakeholders have argued that pricing fuel in the local currency was likely to cause shortages thereby downplaying the local currency.
Even as international institutions like the IMF express confidence, day-to-day survival decisions in cities like Masvingo may ultimately determine whether the ZiG sinks or survives.