Home Blog Page 374

Can private education players adhere to national Constitution?

TellZim News
-
0
Can private education players adhere to national Constitution?

There has been a trend of late where teachers in the civil service opt to join private educational institutions with the hope of improving their livelihoods in terms of remuneration.
Private players seem to be offering lucrative offers salary wise as they try to motivate educationists for the sake of good results that commensurate with their fees tag and reputation.
What has become worrisome is the casualization of labor that these private educational institutions practice.
A lot of civil liberties have been withdrawn on the part of employees all for the sake of good salary packages.
Of course the earning might be too tempting for the worker, but it is state of affairs that boggles one’s mind when it comes to the welfare of the ordinary worker.
Most administrators notably heads, their deputies and teachers in charge have wantonly ignored the rights of their subordinates or deliberately skip that section of the labor law which provides for such freedoms.
There has been loss of bargaining power on part of that section of teachers whereas in actuality government accommodates for that in the collective bargaining though they lag behind in improving the salaries the employees bargain for.
Victimization of fellow workers by those in positions of authority has also led to loss of such fundamental liberties enshrined for in the constitution of Zimbabwe.
Workers in the private sector are denied their basic rights form worker’s committees to represent or protect their interests while witch hunting has been the major tool to suppress and make those advocating for rights suffer.
The fact that these institutions are part of the Education Act compels them to act likewise and ensure total adherence to the dos and don’ts of the Act.
Responsible authorities in the line ministry should act as a matter of urgency and save the system from total collapse.
Workers should be allowed or granted due freedoms as long as they are constitutional.
Administrators once again should be reminded that they are also custodians of the supreme law of the land hence respect should be mandatory.
The parent ministry should take a look into such institutions so that sanity once again prevails in the education sector always dubbed second to the best or none on the continent.

Gokomere pupils’ lawyers give police ultimatum over alleged brutality

TellZim News
-
0
Gokomere pupils’ lawyers give police ultimatum over alleged brutality

Princess Masiiwa

Lawyers representing the Gokomere High School pupils who were arrested on November 7 have given police a seven-day ultimatum to release names of officers involved in alleged brutality of some of the striking Form 3 pupils which reportedly left them with serious injuries.

In a letter dated November 10, 2021 addressed to the Officer-In-Charge Masvingo Rural Police Station, Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners gave police seven days to investigate and provide names of perpetrators in the alleged assault of the pupils, failure to which they will take further action.

The striking learners were arrested on November 7 and 8 accused of stoning the vehicle belonging to Acquanos Mazhunga and destroying windowpanes of the dining hall.

“We have instructions from their parents to the effect that the officers you sent to arrest the students badly assaulted them to the extent that some are in bad shape. We do have videos and pictures in our possession to that effect.

“The parents instructed to request that you investigate the matter within seven days and respond to us by giving names of the perpetrators and way forward. Failure, which we will take further steps without notifying you. We hope the above will not be necessary,” read part of the letter.

The pupils are reported to have attacked two police officers who had gone to the Catholic-run school for investigations into alleged theft of food items from the dining hall.

On November 8, some of the students were detained at Masvingo Central Police station and they were allegedly assaulted by police officers.

After the clash between the pupils and the two ZRP officers, it is reported that reinforcements on part of police were sent to help in the arrests and subsequent quelling of the riot.

Five school officials from both Gokomere schools are in court over alleged mismanagement of school funds.

The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) had to intervene, subsequently leading to the arrest of the five.

Gokomere High head Acquanos Mazhunga and his co-accused including the Priest-in-Charge Father James Magadzire among others are currently on bail awaiting trial, and they are said to be facing suspension until the matter is resolved in the courts.

Illegal mining activities threaten Rujeko D stands servicing

TellZim News
-
0
Illegal mining activities threaten Rujeko D stands servicing

Melinda Kusemachibi

Illegal mining activities along Rujeko-Nemamwa road will potentially delay servicing of Rujeko D stands, a project council is targeting to complete to ease housing problems in the city, a full council meeting heard recently.
Speaking during a full council meeting held at council’s Civic Centre offices on November 1, 2021 Alderman Selina Maridza said illegal mining activities pose a danger of disturbing progress in the proposed Rujeko D area, which may result in council breaching policy if they do not act to stop the activities.
“We as council are saying, we are in the process of servicing residential stands for Rujeko D suburb, but how are we going to achieve that due to the dangers posed by the illegal mining activities being carried out?” said Maridza.
Masvingo Mayor Cllr Collen Maboke also added that council cannot accommodate mining activities in town as it may potentially land them in trouble with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
“There is no way council can alterate policy by accommodating illegal mining activities in town. There is no need for us to abuse our office by trying to accommodate issues that are beyond the limits of our policy. There should be no resolutions going against council policy.
“Otherwise we are going to indirectly invite Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) to arrest us for corruption. If policy outlaws mining in town, who are we to reverse that. Rusape councilors once resolved to pass a resolution that was against policy and all of them paid the ultimate prize as they were arrested over the case,” said Maboke.
During the meeting, Ward 10 councilor Sengerai Manyanga in whose jurisdiction the area falls professed ignorance saying that he does not even know the exact area where such activities are taking place in the area meant for Rujeko D.
Ward 8 Councilor Augustine Chiteme stressed that illegal mining activities are happening in Ward 10.
“Councilor Manyanga, the illegal mining activities being questioned are in your ward. It is along Rujeko-Nemamwa road before Masvingo Teachers College turn-off deep in your ward. Let the issue be referred back to the committee for reconsideration for a resolution,” said Chiteme.
Deputy Minister of Finance and Zaka East legislator is alleged to be one of those owning mining claims in the area.
When Chiduwa was contacted for comment he could neither confirm nor deny the allegations of owning a claim.
“Vanhu vanopenga (people are crazy), you can confirm with the Ministry of Mines on those allegations,” said Chiduwa before dropping the call.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Mines Director Marshal Muzira could not comment on that issue.
“I am not authorized to speak to the media,” said Muzira.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said there have been no reports of illegal mining cases at police.
“There are no such cases of illegal mining activities in Rujeko D which have been reported at our office so far,” Dhewa said.
Sometime this year, Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba confirmed that residents are expecting the servicing of stands at Rujeko D to be complete so that they get their own properties.
Earlier this year, council told TellZim News said the servicing of the stands in question was scheduled to start in November 2021.

Chiredzi ups Malaria prevention strategy

TellZim News
-
0
Chiredzi ups Malaria prevention strategy

Thabiso Nxumalo

Chiredzi District has through the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) embarked on a door-to-door mosquito spray campaign under the theme “Leave no house unsprayed” in a bid to combat Malaria outbreaks.
Chief Neromwe born Clemence Madzingo confirmed the campaign and said that they will work on getting every house sprayed thus encourage residents to embrace the campaign as it is beneficial to them and will go a long way in reducing malaria cases in the Lowveld.
“If all goes well, we are not expecting any Malaria outbreaks in Chiredzi because we have a big team on the ground that is working tirelessly to leave no house unsprayed.
“I urge all residents to co-operate and embrace the exercise. I know most people say the spray has a bad smell but it is to their benefit. The spray is proven to be very effective and it gives full guarantee that the house will not have mosquitoes,” said Chief Neromwe.
Chiredzi District Medical Officer Dr Brian Dhlandhlara said this campaign is headed by the MoHCC and they are currently rolling out phase one of the programme and have already covered six wards.
He also added that the exercise was not compulsory hence, residents have an option to refuse the spraying process though he encouraged them to get their houses sprayed to avoid Malaria outbreaks.
“We are doing a door-to-door spraying campaign in order to avoid malaria this time around. We are currently rolling out phase one that includes Indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) and so far have covered six wards.
“Not everyone is accepting to have their house sprayed but it is only a few that refuse hence in that sense we are heading to a Malaria free Chiredzi because the numbers are going up,” said Dr Dhlandhlara.
Malaria remains one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in Chiredzi due to increased irrigation activities coupled with high temperatures.

Chipumho High decongests Zaka West education landscape

TellZim News
-
0
Chipumho High decongests Zaka West education landscape

Thabiso Nxumalo

Just a term and a half after becoming operational, Chipumho High School is showing growth potential as they advance their building initiatives meant to decongest secondary schools in Zaka West.
Chipumho High School’s responsible authority is Ropafadzo Apostolic Church under the leadership of Arch Bishop Michael Maredza.
Zaka District Schools Inspector (DSI) Samson Chidzurira said the school is a blessing to the district as it serves to decongest schools like Magura Secondary School that has an enrolment of more than 1200 learners.
“The school opened doors to learners in March 2021 and currently has two classes that are forms one and two.
“It has proved to be a shot in the arm as it has decongested secondary education in the area. Schools like Magura have proved to be major players in the area for a long time as they have 1200 pupils hence considering the new normal induced by Covid-19 restrictions which calls for a certain teacher-learner ratio balance in schools, this is a well-timed blessing,” said Chidzurira.
Ropafadzo Apostolic Church Education Secretary Forward Musemburi said Chipumho, which is the closest school in Maredza village in Zaka was focused on setting high standards in terms of education and infrastructure in the district.
“The school is the closest amongst other high schools from Maredza village and is approximately a kilometre away from Chipfuti Primary School which will be an added advantage for the pupils graduating from primary to secondary level.
“We currently have forms one and two. We are at window level with the other block that will cater for form three and four hopefully by next term. Toilets are fully functional and we are giving all subjects offered by Zimbabwe School
Examination Council (ZIMSEC) including practicals. We want to set high educational standards in the district, not only in terms of education but also in infrastructure,” said Musemburi.

Poor hygiene rocks Chitima market

TellZim News
-
0
Poor hygiene rocks Chitima market

Princess Masiiwa

Vendors plying their trade at Garikai fruit and vegetable market popularly known as Chitima are complaining over unhygienic conditions prevailing at the market.
The traders claim illegal dumping sites that have become common site pose a ticking health bomb as bad odour is now reception to their customers.
When TellZim News visited the area, Finest Mutsunemwe who had come to purchase some few food items, said the first greeting to anyone visiting the area is that of bad smell coupled with the one from nearby Mucheke stream with flowing sewage.
“On arrival at Chitima, we are greeted by the filthy and unpleasant smell that is dangerous to our hygiene,” said Mutsunemwe.
She also said the unpleasant smell from the sewage is not conducive at a place where foodstuffs are sold.
“Chitima market is not a healthy place to sell food stuffs because of the foul smell from the river,” she said.
Chipo Mukana also a vendor said they are not free to eat their food at the workplace because of the rotten tomatoes all over the place.
“We cannot freely eat our lunch because of the stinky and filthy rotten tomatoes and fruits that are thrown everywhere,” said Mukana.
She also said some customers are not comfortable buying fruits and food stuffs at a place that is unhygienic, therefore they are losing customers because of that.
“We are losing customers because some do not want to buy food stuffs at a place that stinks and is filthy. Council sometimes do not collect garbage thus leading to high numbers of flies at the market,” she added.
Peter Gudoshava who plies his trade at the same market said their health is at risk as many people share a single toilet.
“Dirty toilets are the order of the day here and that makes us vulnerable to diseases like cholera because of the flies,” said Gudoshava.
He also said despite the fact that they pay monthly rates to council, the latter neglects their welfare.
“We pay money to council but there are no improvements or solutions to such problems,” said Gudoshava.
Garikai fruit and vegetable market chairperson Tamisai Katini said council has been reluctant in heeding to their complaints of dirty toilets and uncollected refuse.
“We are facing so many challenges here because council is not doing their work to make sure that toilets are cleaned on a daily basis and some of the refuse has been uncollected for a very long time,” said Katini.
She also said about four weeks ago they had a meeting with council management and told them the problems they are facing but no action has been taken so far.
“We had a meeting with city council about four weeks ago and up to now they have not done anything to make sure that our problems are solved,” said Katini.
Council Acting Chief Environmental Health officer Ngonidzashe Mapamula said council makes sure that they perform all their duties every week.
“We do our duties every week and if we encounter any challenges, we collect the refuse manually,” said Mapamula.
He also said they are engaging ward 8 health clubs in reproducing part of the waste into money.
“We are engaging with ward 8 health clubs in reproducing part of the waste into money,” said Mapamula.
He also said the community have to take responsibility and avoid throwing garbage at unauthorised places and start blaming council.
“The community has to take full responsibility and avoid throwing litter everywhere and put the blame on council,” added Mapamula.

Climate change: The story of people with albinism

TellZim News
-
0
Climate change: The story of people with albinism

Courage Dutiro

People with albinism have been travelling a rocky path as they continue to struggle with the effects of climate change which has brought about weather patterns which are not favorable to their sensitive skin.
Extreme temperatures that often characterize the sudden changes of weather make life unbearable for people with albinism.
Albinism is a genetic condition that leads to a lack of pigmentation in the hair, skin and eyes, causing vulnerability to the sun and bright light.
Health expert and medical doctor, Dr Brighton Chizhande said people with albinism are disproportionately affected by the ultraviolet rays produced by the sun and they are major victims of skin cancer.
“Those with the condition are more vulnerable to ultraviolet rays produced by the sun. Their skin is too sensitive to sun exposure. Due to harsh temperatures caused by climate change they develop chronic irritation. These temperatures expose them to high risks of developing skin cancer more than those without the condition,” said Chizhande.
Climate change is regarded as a threat multiplier to most vulnerable communities mostly in developing countries that are still lagging behind in terms of adaptation and mitigation techniques.
Hamilton Muto (27) of ward 8 in Zaka district who has albinism and is battling skin cancer said he struggles to bear the brunt during summertime and ends up compromising his outdoor economic activities.
“High temperatures in summer time affect us very much especially those who do not have money to buy enough creams and other stuff that we use as people with albinism.
“I used to engage in informal trading but now am stuck at home because I developed a facial skin cancer that is eating up my cheek,” said Muto.
For Muto aforestation, reforestation and other activities are the only way to go when it comes to mitigation of global warming.
“People should normalize planting trees; they play a great part in mitigating climate change. The government should also set aside a team of doctors that will look after those who are facing challenges from diseases that emanate from climate change-related issues,” said Muto.
Environment Africa Monitoring and Evaluation officer, Laura Mlambo also weighed in saying climate change has presented extreme weather conditions such as heatwaves where high heat incidents and droughts are experienced.
“Climate change through intense heat and light events affect people with albinism. Through heat waves and drought conditions, people with albinism are sometimes deterred from those jobs that require them to work in the sun for long or even short periods, this affects work opportunities for them,” said Mlambo.
Mlambo added that rigorous climate change action must be taken immediately and issues to do with people with albinism must be mainstreamed in Climate Change Policy without fail.
“Responsible authorities should mainstream issues to do with people with albinism in the Climate Change Policy and programming. Social protection programs that cater for this group of vulnerable people and more rigorous climate change action itself should be increased starting now. Also, affirmative action in providing equal employment for people with albinism is a necessity,” said Mlambo.
High levels of coordination between government ministries and stakeholders at all heights can help to deal with climate change and its effects.
In the energy sector, use of renewable energy such as green energy and energy efficiency technologies has been lobbied to be one of the most efficient and sustainable way of mitigating global warming.
Climate-smart agriculture practice by farmers is also another way of adapting to climate change that can raise livelihoods as well as sustaining environmental honor.
Sustainable Development Goal number 13 (SDG 13) which calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts is among the ten focus goals that the government of Zimbabwe is prioritizing in implementing the seventeen SDGs.

GZU student to represent Masvingo urban at Miss Masvingo

TellZim News
-
0
GZU student to represent Masvingo urban at Miss Masvingo

Melinda Kusemachibi

25-year-old Angeline Zhou, a third year student at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) on October 30, 2021 brushed away stiff competition from 11 other contestants to win the ticket to represent Masvingo urban at the Miss Masvingo beauty pageant at a contest to be held on December 4, 2021.
Zhou who won Miss Heroes 2016 said she did not expect to win this one as competition was too stiff.
“This was unexpected, although I worked very hard, the competition was tough hence I was willing to accept whatever outcome because the experience on its own is a win for me,” said Zhou.
She also said that modelling was always her passion from a tender age, saying she remembers being fascinated by it as a little girl.
“Modelling has always been my passion and will forever be, being on stage makes me happy and I intend to pursue modeling as a career,” said Zhou
Eritha Chivhizhe (22) was crowned first princess while 22-year-old Judith Chimombe was crowned second princess.
Director and founder of Miss Masvingo Donovan Takaendesa expressed joy over the pageant’s success having run the show for the past eight years.
“This was Miss Masvingo urban grand running under the theme “Fighting against the spread of Covid-19” and the grand finale will be on December 4, 2021 at a venue yet to be advised.
“I am happy that the show was a success and we realised that there is a lot of talent out there. We have tried to be very professional in our adjudication so that the pageant remains credible,” said Takaendesa.
Last year Miss Masvingo 2020 was won by Catherine Mashavira popularly known as Melanin Black Queen.

Zimre residents appeal for Zupco buses

TellZim News
-
0
Zimre residents appeal for Zupco buses

Princess Masiiwa

Zimre Park residents in Masvingo are calling on authorities to bring in Zupco buses as they are facing transport difficulties travelling to and from town as the area is reported to have only four pirate taxis that ply the route.
Residents from the area are forced to walk the distance of around five kilometers to get to the low-density suburb from town.
Virginia Pedzisai a resident from Zimre Park said they walk all the way to and from work because of transport challenges and the few taxes operating in their area are taking advantage to charge exorbitant fares.
“Sometimes we are forced to walk all the way to work because there is shortage of transport. We walk because we cannot afford to spend a lot on transport every day,” said Pedzisai.
Precious Rugare a Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) law student said lack of Zupco buses is causing them to arrive late at school.
“Most of the time we arrive late at school because there will be not enough transport,” said Rugare.
Tanyaradzwa Chigura said the pirate taxis are very few to an extent that they end up walking to Rhodene to find transport.
“We walk all the way to Rhodene to find transport because even taxis are very few to cater for everyone staying in the area,” said Chigura.
Tendai Mavende appealed to responsible authorities to consider their plight by bringing Zupco franchised kombis, a solution that will go a long in ending these transport woes that has forced people to board expensive taxis which sometimes charge US$ 1 one way.
“I urge the authorities to bring in a few Zupco kombis because that could be the only solution to solve transport problems that have forced residents to board expensive taxis that charge US$ 1 to go to town,” said Mavende.
Zupco Masvingo area manager Rashy Mazarire said there are Zupco kombis that go to Rhodene and they will make sure that some of them will also pass through to Zimre Park.
“We have people’s request and we will make sure that some Zupco kombis that go to Rhodene will also pass through to Zimre Park,” said Mazarire.
Since the Covid-19 travel restrictions that resulted in the parastatal enjoying monopoly in the transport sector, more questions than answers have been raised over the capacity of Zupco to serve the nation as the sole public transport provider.

Chivi boy goes missing, family appeals for help

TellZim News
-
0
Chivi boy goes missing, family appeals for help

Rutendo Chirume

A Form 2 pupil at Masunda North Secondary School in Chivi is has gone missing since Wednesday November 03 2021, a few days after having an altercation with his teacher.

Jonathan Gomba’s father Daniel Matanga Gomba confirmed the development and appealed to members of the public to help if they have any leads on the whereabouts of his son.

He said Jonathan left home on November 3 to go to school but he never got there.

The father had not been home for a few days after he went to attend a funeral and the boy disappeared on the day he returned.

“On Monday I went to a funeral in Mazvihwa and left him at home. When I came back home on Wednesday around 3pm he wasn’t there and I just thought he was still at school. However, it got late and past the time he usually comes back and that is when we started getting worried.

We tried to locate him but failed and this prompted me to go to his school where I was told that he had not been going to school for some days despite him leaving home every day saying he was headed for school. I then reported the matter to Chivi police after 48 hours,” said Daniel.

He went on to say at school he was told that Jonathan had had an altercation with his teacher and was beaten by the school head and he suspects that could have been the major cause of him not going to school.

“We were told that Jonathan had an issue at school and one day he came home with a bruise on his arm and when we asked him he just said I was beaten by the teacher. I think that is the reason why he was no longer going to school. I however talked to the school authorities and they indicated that the matter had been settled so I don’t know what could have happened,” said Daniel.

Daniel said he suspected that he was afraid of coming back home in fear of being flogged saying he was so mischievous that he always had issues with his mother.

“I think he is now afraid to come back home, he always had challenges with his mother and I also think they could have had an issue when I was not around though her mother says there was no issue between them,” said Daniel.

If anyone sees him he or she can notify his father on 0775126126 or report to the nearest police.

1...373374375...958Page 374 of 958