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Insufficient funds hamper completion of MPH’s ICU and Renal Unit resuscitation

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Insufficient funds hamper completion of MPH’s ICU and Renal Unit resuscitation

Rutendo Chirume

Masvingo- Progress on construction works of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Masvingo Provincial Hospital has reportedly stalled due to lack of funds though the work was supposed to have been completed urgently to back up an overwhelmed Rujeko Covid-19 Isolation Centre.
The ICU ward whose construction started in January with promises that it was to be functional soon after to cater for Covid-19 patients is yet to be finished as a result of financial challenges while the renal unit as well is yet to be reestablished.
The twenty-one bed project is yet to be roofed.
Masvingo Provincial Covid-19 taskforce spokesperson Rogers Irimayi said that the structure could have been completed but donors who had pledged funding delayed the disbursement of funds thereby delaying the construction process.
“We are at the stage of putting touchups which include the ceiling, tankers and internal fittings. It is difficult to say when the project will be completed because the donors determine the pace but I believe the isolation center will be ready anytime soon and will be meant for severe Covid-19 patients,” Irimayi said.
Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamhu said that he had no idea when the project will be complete because the public works department has that information.
“I know that works are in progress but I cannot comment on the time frame because Mr Muzite the managing engineer at the site has that information,” Dr Shamhu said.
Contacted for a comment during the time of publishing Muzite texted and said he was in a meeting.
There is only one Covid-19 isolation center in Masvingo at Rujeko clinic with a capacity of accommodating only six patients.
After being shut down due to lack of functioning machines, the Renal Unit is also still struggling to get back to working.
Dr Amadeus Shamhu said that he hoped that by now the unit could have been functioning but the process is been slowed down due to lack of sponsorship.
“The process has been slowed down due to donors who would have slowed down or withdrew the sponsorship so that means we will have to wait for another sponsor in order to continue,” said Shamhu.
Currently kidney patients in Masvingo seek treatment in town from private surgeries like Makurira Memorial Clinic.

Water crisis hits Mashava

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Water crisis hits Mashava

Melinda Kusemachibi

A burst water supply pipe has resulted in a crippling water shortage hitting hard on Mashava residents, sparking fears of likely disease outbreaks.
Residents have reportedly gone for a week without running water in all suburbs forcing residents to rely on unsafe sources thereby risking contracting water-borne diseases.
Ward 33 Councilor Tawanda Dube confirmed the water shortages saying Mashava residents have gone for a week now without running water.
“So far there is no solution in place to address the challenge as we do not have equipments. We had a meeting with the local authority on how best we can articulate the crisis,” noted Dube.
He also said most areas in Mashava have been affected by these water shortages.
“Temeraire Drive, Temeraire, Eastvale in ward 5 and King mine, Weston lee in ward 33, schools and hospitals are affected by water shortages which have affected learning activities in most schools,” said Dube.
Residents who spoke to TellZim News said water challenges have affected the area and they are in fear of water borne diseases.
“Water is life and we now fear water borne diseases in our communities. The local authority have to do something about this,” said resident who refused to be named.
Long queues have been the order of the day at the few boreholes drilled by Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) though they were however condemned as unsafe for human usage.
Ward 5 Masvingo (RDC) Councilor Aleta Makomeke indicated that supply of water to these areas is catered for by the mine.
“I am sure the mine management especially the community service department are answerable to all water and sanitation issues for Temeraire and Eastvale suburbs can reflect on challenges they are facing to the water supply effect,” said Makomeke.
Makomeke also indicated that water shortage is not a new thing in Mashava.
“Water shortage in the entire Mashava area is not a new problem, intervention strategies have been put in place and it is still work in progress. This is the reason why government through the District Devolution Funds (DDF) supplied quite a number of water back up facilities in form of boreholes.
“In almost all ward 5 suburbs with the exception of Gaths Mine low and high density suburbs, other areas are under Great Zimbabwe University which is responsible for its tenants to access water,” said Makomeke.
Makomeke also added that boreholes were drilled in schools as back up facilities.
“Boreholes were sunk in schools as back up facilities for the institutions and communities. The other reason for installing these boreholes at schools was mainly for security reasons but the other wish is for all people from Temeraire and Eastvale communities to be free to get water from these water points,” added Makomeke.
Perennial water pipe bursts have been a major challenge in Masvingo province.

Zvishavane Businessman celebrates birthday with the needy

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Zvishavane Businessman celebrates birthday with the needy

Exsto Makunzva

Zvishavane businessperson Nyasha Mhazo decided to celebrate his 42nd birthday with the elderly at Jairos Jiri old people’s home on October 21.

Instead of throwing a party and receiving presents, Mhazo took his birthday as an opportunity to remember the needy and share with them whatever he could afford.

Coincidentally Mhazo shares the same birthday with his friend and Chivi businessperson Storneshed Chikambure popularly known as Huruyadzo.

The two donated groceries worth USD647-00 to the old people’s home. The groceries included mealie-meal, cooking oil, sugar among other items.

Nyasha Mhazo centre Hands over part of the groceries to Zvishavane Jairos Jiri Chairman Clinic Hlabano while Sarah Mhazo looks on

The event started at the local community radio station YaaFM where Mhazo where he also share the same birthday with coo-presenter Chishamiso Chigonde.

From YA FM a delegation of a few of the radio station staff, friends, relatives and Mhazo’s wife Sarah proceeded to Jairos Jiri centre where they had lunch with the elderly inmates. The lunch included packs chips and chicken from Chicken inn, drinks and a cake.

The inmates could not hide their joy as they enjoyed their meal.

Speaking to the Media on the side lines of the event, Mhazo almost broke down as he narrated how God raised him from humble beginnings to where he is now saying he was happy to celebrate his birthday in a different way for the first time in his life.

‘I feel very much happy to celebrate my life this way, something that I have learnt from my spiritual father prophet Emmanuel Makandiwa. He always celebrates his birthday with street children at City Sports Centre every year. Also considering my background, I saw it fit to give to the needy. Life was not that rosy for me when I was growing up. I did not even know where my father was. I grew up with my mother’s relatives and I remember very well after scoring four units at grade 7, the following year I had to repeat because the was no money for me to go for secondary education. However, that following year I went to stay with my sister and managed to go to Oravhi secondary school. On my first day at school I met a teacher by the name Chimuka who was new at the school and was coming from Cuba. After noticing my plight through my dressing but realising how intelligent I was, he volunteered to stay with me at the school and to pay for my school fees. After secondary education, I trained as a teacher and later did a degree in Music with Midlands State University (MSU). I then left teaching and started my own business together with my wife Sarah,” said Mhazo.

Nyasha and Sarah are the Directors of Nyasam Hardware and Nyasam Kitchenware located in Zvishavane. Mhazo says his background is the one that pushes him to share the little that he gets with others.

Jairos Jiri chairperson for Zvishavane Clinic Lawrence Hlabano said he was humbled by the gesture shown by Mhazo and his wife. ‘Am so humbled by the gesture shown by the Mhazo family. We accept this gift with much gratitude. Other people celebrate their birthdays with their immediate families and receive some gifts but this couple decided to do it with the needy and to give out gits instead. At times we even run short of Mealie meal and most of the basic needs but we thank God for this couple’, said Hlabano.

The couple promised to do more at the Home as this was just an eye opener.

Suspected lizard carrying Murehwa ‘sangoma’ nabbed

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Suspected lizard carrying Murehwa ‘sangoma’ nabbed

Melody Musuva

CHIREDZI- A suspected Sangoma from Murewa in Mashonaland East, Sadam Chakandiwana (29) was recently fined ZW$30 000 or serve two months in prison after being found guilty of moving animals without proper documentation by Chiredzi Magistrate Misheck Brian Munyaradzi for possessing a live monitor lizard at Chiredzi Bus terminus.
According to state papers, Chakandiwana was apprehended by members of the public on September 27, 2021, mainly touts at the bus terminus soon after disembarking from a bus from Ngundu.
Touts at the rank searched Chakandiwana after suspecting he had stolen a baby somewhere as the monitor lizard was making movements in his satchel.
The mob forcibly opened his satchel, found a large and breathing monitor lizard before taking him to a police base at the Old Bus terminus, where he argued that he wanted to use it for relish.
He was later found guilty for contravening Section 52, subsection 2 of the Criminal Law codification and reform act which incriminates removing animals or animal skins from place to place without papers and was fined ZW$30 000.
Tafuma Edwin Homera prosecuted.

Mwonzora’s party imploding

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Mwonzora’s party imploding

‘…I was never fired from MDC-T’

…Mwonzora spokesperson calls political violence mere theatrics for UN rapporteur

TellZim Reporter

Kudzanai Mashumba, who is at the centre of a violent incident that happened at the Media Centre in Harare recently has claimed that he was never fired by MDC-T and was told by Dr Thokozani Khupe to go and engage party President Douglas Mwonzora to air his grievances two weeks ago.
In videos that went viral on social media on October 21, Mashumba’s presser was disrupted by an angry mob that warned him against addressing journalists using the name of the party he was allegedly fired from.
On October 21, the Mwonzora led MDC-T distanced itself from Mashumba and said he was fired long back from being a party employee and his issue was at the labor court.
Mashumba however said he was never served with a termination letter by the party, saying employees at Harvest House were aggrieved by how they are being treated accusing Mwonzora of being responsible for running down operations at the party headquarters.
He alleged that he was instructed by Dr Khupe to go and engage Mwonzora on the salary issue, among others about two weeks ago, without success.
“I am the chief-of-protocol in the office of Dr Thokozani Khupe and my grievances are that as employees we are being treated like volunteers without contracts.
“I was never fired from MDC-T and I have been working in Dr Khupe’s office. Dr Khupe is the one who told me to go and engage Douglas Mwonzora to address how he was running Harvest House but I never got audience with him,” Mashumba said.
Contacted for comment, MDC-T Presidential Spokesperson Lloyd Damba said Mashumba was just performing theatrics, loosely referring to recent political events in Masvingo and Manicaland provinces where MDC Alliance is touring.
“Mashumba is part of the theatrics that are happening in the country and the drama that those who support him want to portray. We are aware of the meetings being held in private that are meant to derail our projects.
“He has long been fired from MDC and he has no right to speak for or on behalf of the party. He is not even chairperson of the Harvest House workers committee so he cannot speak for anyone,” Damba said.
He added that while he does not condone violence, he was waiting for the law to take its course if the case was reported, saying Mashumba was actually the one who beat up those who had confronted him during his speech.
Mashumba said he sustained some injuries from the fracas, and was admitted overnight at a private clinic as his ribs were injured.
“I was injured in the ribs and my doctor will produce a comprehensive report on the injuries that I sustained yesterday. I have reported the matter to police under CR Number 1593/1021.
“The person who assaulted me is Yvonne Musarurwa, and they also took my phone in a bid to see who was going to call me after the fracas. They were saying I was sent by Nelson Chamisa but that is very far from the truth,” Mashumba said.
Efforts to get a comment from Dr Khupe were fruitless as she was said to be out of the country.
Damba also dismissed allegations of political violence against MDC-A saying those were mere theatrics being performed mainly to influence the outcome of the visit by United Nations Special Rapporteur on Sanctions, Alena Douhan currently in the country and has met MDC-T party leaders.
“We do not entertain such kind of drama. Just because there is a visitor in the country then some people want to perform such kind of drama, to what end? We as a party are focusing on issues that benefit Zimbabweans and say no to these kind of silly theatrics,” Damba said.
Late last year Dr Khupe walked out of the MDC-T elective congress alleging electoral corruption by Mwonzora and his cronies, after which she was assaulted by alleged Mwonzora loyalists.

Traditional leaders committed to end child marriages

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Traditional leaders committed to end child marriages

Melinda Kusemachibi

Traditional leaders in Manicaland have reiterated their commitment in the fight against child marriages and gender based violence by out-lawing family practices like accepting bride prices.
Zimbabwe Council of Chiefs in Manicaland Provincial Chairperson Chief Chengeta Makumbe of Buhera whose district reportedly recorded the highest number of child marriage cases, GBV, and school drop outs indicated that upsurge in school drop outs has been attributed to child marriages, illegal gold mining activities and school fees challenges.
Speaking during a national symposium hosted by Simukai Child Protection Programme, Senator Chief Makumbe called for the banning of harmful cultural practices that perpetuate and reinforce early sexual debut, female genital mutilation, child marriage and teenage pregnancies.
“We are advocating for a revisit and upholding of laws that protect children especially girls from harmful traditional practices. We as chiefs commit ourselves to be ambassadors of ending child marriages and unsparingly use the social and public platforms to intensify campaigns,” said Makumbe.
The programme was done in partnership with Plan International through the 18+Project strengthening Civil Society to end child marriages in the regions of East and Southern Africa.
Chiefs Council president Fortune Charumbira highlighted that early child marriages, GBV are rising in most communities and they will advocate for customs that protect rights of children and victims of gender based violence.
“As chiefs we are against early child marriages in our communities and we urge people to defer against the odds of early child marriages and not to allow such kind of things in our communities,” said Charumbira.
Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Dr Sithembiso Nyoni said she is overwhelmed by traditional leaders’ gesture on committing themselves to fight child marriages.
“I am impressed that traditional Chiefs have committed to eradicate child marriages by joining the fight. You should carry on with the good work that was piloted in Manicaland and replicate the process in remaining provinces so as to fight child marriages in our country,” said Nyoni.
According to statistics recently availed by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Buhera District had 263 school drop outs while Nyanga had 32 out of 980 cases recorded in Manicaland this year.
Cases of rising child marriages have seen more people joining the fight against the menace following the death of 15 year-old Anna Machaya while giving birth at a Johane Marange shrine in Bocha in July.

Chamisa real game changer

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Chamisa real game changer

…as Citizens Convergence for Change tours expose Zanu PF

TellZim Reporter

MDC Alliance president Nelson Chamisa seems to be the real game changer in as far as opposition politics is concerned as evidenced by the ruling Zanu PF’s continued efforts, though in vain, to thwart the young leader during his Citizens Convergence for Change (CCC) meetings in Masvingo and Manicaland respectively, over the past two weeks.
Chamisa was here in Masvingo a fortnight ago when alleged Zanu PF supporters in Charumbira area attacked his convoy before he went to Manicaland where he was attacked again, raising fears that the 2023 general elections might be even more violent.
The opposition party leader who has been embroiled in a battle for the party name with Douglas Mwonzora seems to be on the radar of his political rivals despite losing the party name battle.
Addressing journalists recently, Chamisa said he is not moved by the attacks on his convoy but was shocked why Zanu-PF was panicking and attacking him.
“They can’t manage us, they can’t hold – we are not in any way shaken. We are the real game changers and we are determined to go forward and do what needs to be done.
“What shocks me is why they get so scared of a person whom they say is partyless, nameless, MPless and peopleless? I don’t understand why a nameless person as they suggest would cause such panic amongst them,” said Chamisa.
Alleged rowdy Zanu-PF activists blocked his motorcade in Charumbira area before stoning his vehicle and injuring some of his party officials.
In Manicaland, Chamisa was allegedly attacked and claims that a gunshot was fired at his vehicle.
However, Zanu-PF has rubbished the allegations accusing Chamisa of stage managing the attacks to get sympathy from western countries.
Speaking during a recent presser, Zanu-PF acting political commissar Patrick Chinamasa said the opposition leader wasn’t welcome in the areas which he was visiting therefore locals had to react.
“What I heard happened in Masvingo was that the opposition leader wanted to force himself on an audience which did not want to listen to him,” said Chinamasa.
Chamisa is on a countrywide Citizen Convergence for Change drive in which he is meeting the general populace mostly in Zanu-PF strongholds.

Employee drags Kyle Preparatory school to Labour Court

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Employee drags Kyle Preparatory school to Labour Court

TellZim Reporter

An employee at Kyle Preparatory school has taken the employer to the Labour Court over a number of allegations in a case set to be heard by a Labour Officer on October 26, 2021 at the New Government complex in Masvingo.

In a letter dated October 12, Kyle Preparatory head Magura Mhaka was invited to appear to answer several allegations among them unlawful salary deductions, refusing employees statutory entitlements like collective bargaining, no to holding works council meetings and absence of promotion policy as well as failure to have a proper grievance-handling procedure.

“In respect of which a notice of appeal or reference was made on the 12th of October, 2021 and to which you are party/ to which you have been joined as a party shall be heard before Labour Officer E Muzvidziwa,” read part of the letter.

However contacted for comment, Mhaka said he could respond to the allegations unless the reporter discloses the origination of the document outlining the allegations.

“Mariwanakupi document racho (Where did you get the document with allegations from). If you say one of my sources, I cannot understand that. I would only comment if it was from an official document directed to someone but if not then I cannot be able to assist you anyway,” said Mhaka.

The other allegations also leveled against the elite school’s administration are discrimination, forcing employees to sign documents against their will (under duress) and unilateral change of date of engagement.

Social leagues up preps for new season

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Social leagues up preps for new season

Fredrick Moyo

Mucheke Social League (MSL) teams are gearing up for the resumption of their league while waiting for dates for the commencement of the football season.
All sporting activities were given green light by Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC) to resume early September this year.
However, despite the fact that no dates have been set yet for social leagues resumption, clubs have started preparations in case dates are announced soon.
Speaking to TellZim News, Victoria Range Football Club Organising Secretary General and Communications Officer Neshias “Gums” Gumunyu said the team is training while players are having individual training as they await the resumption dates for the league.
“The boys are training; they are doing individual trainings to keep up the momentum as we are yet to be given the mandate to resume due to Covid-19 restrictions imposed.
“We are waiting for the signal from the MSL executive, who gets the nod from SRC to go through with all the process needed,” Gumunyu said.
Tauya Moyo, RCZ Dutch Football Club vice-captain said the boys were well prepared for the resumption as preparations are going well as planned.
Moyo also said their former player Godfrey Kuraone who is now abroad blessed them with a soccer kit that will be availed at the beginning of the new season.
“The Saints are now well armed and ready for the battle as we await the resumption dates.
“We also received a new kit from our former player Godfrey Kuraone and the kit will be revealed at the beginning of the season,” Moyo said.
Taurai Mudzviti, De-Siski team manager and sponsor said they were waiting for the league executive officers to give them the green light and dates for resumption of social soccer.
“As for now there is nothing going on we are waiting for a message from the league executives with the dates of resumption,” said Mudzwiti.
However, MSL chairperson Paul Charlie said they approached the SRC who told them to stop playing games and that players should be fully vaccinated as they wait for Division One to lead the way on how things are supposed to be done.
“We approached SRC who told us to stop playing games saying all participants should be fully vaccinated before the resumption of the league. As league chairperson we just urge our teams to be fully vaccinated as soon as possible so that nothing will stop us from resuming our games.
“On our last meeting, we agreed that we should wait for Division One to commence and see how they do their things so that we follow how they are doing it,” said Charlie.
It might be another wild guess for social leagues as also lower divisions D1, D2; dates are not yet set due to the Covid-19 induced restrictions.

Education 5.0 : Masvingo Poly turns guest house into lodge

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Education 5.0 : Masvingo Poly turns guest house into lodge

Princess Masiiwa

In trying to move in tandem with the government’s skills-based education better known as education 5.0, Masvingo Polytechnic College has turned its guest house into a lodge with the department of Tourism and Hospitality Management students offering services at the new facility.

Masvingo Poly principal   Engineer Callisto Muzongondi said they wanted their students to get first-hand experience of hospitality industry whilst at college so that when they graduate they will be assets rather than liabilities after graduation.

“Students in many College and universities are learning theory and they get into the industry without hands-on skills. This is the reason why we have decided to turn our guest house into a lodge. Our students with the guidance of their lecturers will be offering services so that after graduation they will be ready for employment,” said Muzongondi.

He went on to say  the college was planning on introducing  a restaurant and bar near the lodge so that they can offer good hospitality services to their guests saying the space is available and they are mobilizing resources towards the project.

“We are mobilizing more resources so that we can develop our lodge. We want to have a bar and a restaurant so that we will be able to offer all the hospitality services at the facility. We have the space and manpower here so once we get enough resources we will work on that project,”  Muzongondi added.

He also said they also offer other services like conferencing services for corporates, churches and other people who may need to hire venues for meetings.

“We can also offer conferences and provide catering services here. We have Wi-Fi at our lodges and conference rooms and we can also provide video conferencing facilities at very affordable prizes,” he said.

Apart from the tourism department, they are also in a process of equipping and developing the textile department so that they can have a clothing factory at the college.

“We have since acquired some machines for our textile department. Our aim is to empower the department so that we can manufacture all clothing requirements for the college here. We want to produce all our uniforms here. After that we will then grow into supplying local schools and other corporates in Masvingo and beyond,” said Muzongondi.

The lodge manager Abraham Muchingami a lecturer in the tourism and hospitality management department said their target  market  are government departments, corporates as well as travelling public as this helps them to safeguard the institution’s students.

“Our target market for now are government departments, corporates as well as travelling public so as to maintain sanity at the lodge,” said Muchingami.

He said they were in the process of acquiring a place near the Tugwi-Mukosi dam to construct a camping site so as to extend the department’s sphere of influence hoping that will also help to create employment for their students.

“We are in the process of acquiring a place near the Tugwi-Mukosi dam for a camping site to be run by the college through the department of tourism and hospitality. This will create employment opportunities for our students who would have graduated,” said Muchingami.

The lodge has eight ensuite bedrooms with self service facilities where guests can bring their own food and cook on their own. They also have an option of paying for catering service at small extra cost.

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