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‘Forex auction rates unrealistic’

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‘Forex auction rates unrealistic’

Courage Dutiro

The country’s foreign currency (forex) auctioning system introduced in an attempt to tackle the ever-rising inflation rate that is ravaging the country’s economy has unrealistic exchange rates, experts have said.
Kenneth Mureya an economic analyst said the economy of the country seems to be controlled by parallel (black) market exchange rates other than market forces resulting in abnormal exchanges.
“The reason why black market seem to be controlling the economy of this country is that our auction rate is not realistic. A simple sign showing that the market is not in equilibrium state are long queues for the US $50 that the Reserve bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has allowed for an individual to access from banks or bureau de change facilities,” said Mureya.
In Masvingo, this is witnessed by long queues that are usually at Bureau de changes and banks dotted around the city, where the US $50 is said to be usually accessed by black market money changers at the expense of ordinary citizens such as pensioners and civil servants.
Mureya also said the government should abandon the Zimbabwean currency to subdue the financial instability.
“Zimbabwe must for now leave the Zimbabwean dollar and join the Rand union which is not very strong as compared to the American dollar (USD) to at least stabilize the financial sector, though this comes with its drawbacks,” said Mureya.
Another economic analyst Vince Musewe said because of what happened in 2008, Zimbabweans now have lost trust in local currency, banks and have more trust in the USD.
“Zimbabwe receives about US $1 billion per annum on remittances from the diaspora. This money once it leaves the banking sector does not go back, people take their money and go to the streets and change it at a higher rate than they will get at the bank.
“In 2008 people lost a lot of money, there is fear of loss that is ingrained in the brains of Zimbabweans. There is always a distrust of local currency and more trust in US$, people are using US$ not only for transactions but also as a store of value,” said Musewe.
During the period 2007 -08 citizens would sleep at banks or wake up during the wee hours of the morning to get money at banks.
Musewe also said the auction-rate has done its work on arresting the rate of increase on parallel market because companies can go there and buy forex cheaper than they will from the streets but some people still go to the auction platforms and then resale it on the streets.
Also in Masvingo, it is alleged that some top Zanu Pf youth league members are among the impetuous people who are playing part in fueling the forex black market in the country’s oldest city.
As of November 16, 2021, the official government’s exchange rate was at ZW$105 to US$1.
It was also reported recently that RBZ boss Dr John Mangudya blamed social media for the instability of exchange rate.
When Bond notes were introduced in 2016, government said the two currencies US$ and ZW$ were at par.
As at November 5, 2021 shops at Mucheke rank were rating USD 1 to 180 ZW$, with illegal money changers operating outside most of Masvingo’s big supermarkets exchanging USD 1 to ZW$140 and USD 1 was going for 140 Rtgs (mobile money popularly referred to as Ecocash) on November 08.
Masvingo Consumer Council of Zimbabwe (CCZ)Regional Officer Ndumiso Mgutshini told TellZim News that the monthly breadbasket of a normal family in Masvingo is slightly above forty-one thousand (ZW$41 000)
Recently war veterans were arrested in Harare after they demonstrated against their monthly pensions which are currently pegged at ZW$ 16 000.
Prosper Chitambara an economist said the unrealistic nature of the formal forex exchange rate is driving the depreciation of the local currency.
“The auction rate does not fully reflect those market dynamics in terms of rising demand and limited supply of foreign currency. Therefore, what would be seen is the significant depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar on the black market that contributed to the widening of black-market premium rates.
“I think there is need for further liberalization of the forex auction market with respect to the exchange rate determination so that at least there is a greater involvement of market forces of demand and supply in terms of price discovery or the exchange rate determination on the auction market,” said Chitambara.
Collen Jonasi an economic analyst also said RBZ should increase the quantity of USD in its weekly auctions to avert the shortages.
“I urge RBZ to improve the amount of USD available for allotment at its weekly auctions. They should up their game in mobilising USD because there is still a shortage and as a result firms go to the black market to fill the gap,” said Jonasi.

Is November still sacred ?

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Is November still sacred ?

Melinda Kusemachibi

Known in African Traditional Religion practices and customs as ‘Mwedzi Wembudzi’, literally, the month of the goat or Mwedzi weBenzi (month of the fool), folks who believe in its sacredness hold that any contravention of the custom is taboo.
Carrying out any activity that it is deemed an abomination could bring bad fortune (death, accidents) to the land and its people while it is also believed that people should not marry during the month of November.
November or Mbudzi is a month in which no ceremonies or rituals may be done. If one intends to have a ceremony or event in this month, a spirit medium will have to intercede on their behalf. Even traditional courts close off.
It is believed that transgressors bring bad luck upon themselves. Weddings for instance, held in November are said to end in divorce as punishment for this abomination, with other ceremonies such as lobola negotiations, biras and tombstone unveilings largely prohibited.
In short, nothing, happens on the cultural front during the month of November, contrary to what the proliferation of other religious practices have brought in the current era.
Traditionalists concur that during this month the spiritual realm will be resting.
A traditionalist Sekuru Takura Tongwe of Zaka highlighted that rituals are not allowed to be done in November month.
“The month November ‘mwedzi wembudzi’ in shona is so sacred that all rituals and everything on socio-cultural front has to come to a standstill. The socio-economic aspects of everyone’s existence are believed to be linked to the spiritual world,” said Tongwe.
Paramount Chief Nemauzhe born Nelson Murandu from Chivi South said they still maintain the sacredness of the month and called for the upholding of such values and norms related to the African culture.
“Here in Chivi especially in my area, we still maintain the sacredness of this month. We call upon the younger generation to learn from our culture for the preservation of our values, customs and norms.
“What really happens is that we may have challenges as chiefs of having officers to enforce the upholding of such aspects of our culture. It might not necessarily be a matter of following different religious sects but as long as we are there, all the people in our communities should abide and seek the blessing of Chiefs and even approval if they can go ahead with such,”
He also said they also do not carry out any form of rituals during the month and even other related activities are suspended as well.
Mauka village head Phinias Kuchakanya indicated that partaking in any form of cultural ceremony during the month of November is a taboo.
“I would not accept bride in November, it is culturally wrong. In our village we do not do any rituals or allow couples to get married since it is taboo,” said Kuchakanya.
The traditional calendar of the Shona is based on the movement of the moon. Hence, the Shona calendar has 13 months in a year. The Shona believe that ancestral spirits rest during the month of November, known as mwedzi we mbudzi. During this month everything with links to the spiritual and ancestral world of Zimbabwean tradition temporarily ceases to function because ancestors will be resting
Today many people take the precision of traditional calendars for granted, unaware of the significance and impact of doing so. The African traditional calendar is based on the Earth’s rotation around the Moon.
The basics are that in November people don’t marry, they don’t perform traditional rites and so forth. But what has not been explained is: why is this so? And when does the traditional November start and end?
According to African tradition, this is the month that the ancestors do not deal with earthly issues but deal with Musiki, God, on various issues tabled before the ancestors during the course of the year.
However, Chief Murinye real name Ephias Munodawafa said he does not believe in anything about sacredness.
“I do not even know, I only heard about it when Negomo served Tsvangirai summons for marrying someone in November. To me that’s when the issue was popularized. In Masvingo it is something that was not popular at all. Nothing was exempted from being done just because of November. Anyway, let me say also hasten to say I am an Adventist and l do not believe in that,” said Munodawafa.
Assemblies of God Church Pastor Kimion Tagwirei said there is nothing taboo about marrying in November.
“Biblically, there is nothing spiritual or taboo about November month. On November 6, 2021 we had a wedding of one of our congregants in Bulawayo. November was just culturally declared sacred but biblically it has no sacredness thus all Christians who believe and subscribe to the Bible taken it like any other month. There is nothing wrong evil or taboo in marrying in November. It is viewed as wrong culturally by those who profess and propel culture,” said Tagwirei.
Should there be a violation, it is made good only by penance. In 2012, the late MDC leader Morgan Richard Tsvangirai was found culpable by Chief Negomo, Lucious Chitsinde, of breaking customary laws that prohibit families from performing marriage rites in the “sacred” month of November.
His marriage to Locadia Karimatsenga did not last and those who maintain this traditional custom think that the break up was due to Tsvangirai having broken customary codes.

MCC decommissions contaminated Hillside borehole

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MCC decommissions contaminated Hillside borehole

Kimberly Kusauka

Masvingo City Council (MCC) has decommissioned the Hillside borehole after water tests found out that the water was contaminated, which the city fathers felt posed a ticking health bomb to residents.
Masvingo Acting Chief Environmental Officer Ngonidzashe Mapamula said when such a case is reported the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) together with the city’s Engineering department take measures and samples to determine whether the water is clean and safe as well as ensuring that the problem is rectified.
“Hillside borehole is a project that we did with Christian Care, but if you move a short distance you see another borehole which we decommissioned because it was consistently producing samples showing that the water was not safe for human consumption.
“As for the remaining and functioning borehole we took samples together with the Engineering department and from the tests that we recently did, results showed that the water is safe for human consumption,” said Mapamula.
He said there are other plans to address water supply problems that will be done in due process.
“There are other things that need to be done in the near future but it needs the Town Clerk and the Engineer to comment on that, but in terms of health all that I have said is what takes place nationally not only in Masvingo,” said Mapamula.
Continuous power supply problems have also been one of the major contributors to the city’s water problems as the power outages have been blamed for the inconsistent pumping processes at Bushmead Water Works.
In June council said they were going to install an alternative (solar) power source at Bushmead Water Works, a project that is still in the pipeline.
Masvingo has been experiencing perennial water challenges in recent years due to the ever-growing population which is way above its pumping capacity and as of now they have resorted to water rationing.
The city has also witnessed the creation and expansion of suburbs which has come as a burden to the local authority as it struggles to cope with service delivery demands especially refuse collection and liquid waste management.
Sewer reticulation has also been a headache for the city fathers while the delayed Mucheke Trunk Sewer project is in progress and expected to be in operation by 2023.

Shot in the arm for Una Una

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Shot in the arm for Una Una

Fredrick Moyo

Masvingo United (Una Una) received a timely boost in their preparation for the coming Division 1 soccer season as they received 18 tracksuits, soccer jerseys, warm up and training bibs that were availed November 11, 2021 at Mucheke stadium.
Two individuals Topgear Mashoko and Godfrey Kurauone donated to the team maroon-coloured away kits with socks, green and orange bibs.
They also promised to provide match and training gear.
Speaking to TellZim News Masvingo United sponsor, Topgear Mashoko said he has a desire and wish that the team plays in the top fight league and that is what motivated him.
“What motivated me to give a helping hand to Masvingo United is that as a person who grew up loving and playing soccer, I saw it fit to give a helping hand and my wish and desire is that we have premier league in Masvingo that we grew up watching and following,” said Mashoko.
Club Chairperson and former Masvingo City Mayor, Hubert Fidze said the team is a community team and by that it has many sponsors and the donations will boost spirits in the dressing room and kindly appreciate the gesture.
“Masvingo United is a community team, it has many sponsors or donors, and we rely on the community.
“This donation we received today will boost the moral of the players and I would like to thank Mr Mashoko for the kind gesture and has promised to bring in more,” said Fidze.
He also added that they spoke with another sponsor who promised to give a helping hand.
“We also have another individual whom we recently contacted and said he will support us again with another kit,” he added.
Fidze also said he would convene a press conference and reveal the team’s budget to the community that will have auditors to manage the accounts.
“We are going to call for a press conference and reveal our budget to the community so that everyone knows where we are coming from and where we are going. This time around we are coming up with team auditors that will help us with the team’s books.
“What I want as chairperson is to have transparency, accountability, to be trusted by the community and all tenets of good governance in terms of running an institution like this club,” said Fidze.
Una Una head coach Ezekiel Mutoda also appreciated the kind gesture by the sponsors for the team.
“We are really happy with the donations as this will boost our morale as a team and we expect more, so that we perform well,” said Mutoda.
Masvingo united team captain and highly rated centre back Douglas Zvauya thanked the sponsors for coming in handy on behalf of the team which he said motivates the players.
“I would like to thank the sponsors for the donations that we received today on behalf of the team as this give us motivation,” said Zvauya.
Una Una shot stopper Henry Chitando also thanked the gesture from the sponsors.
Masvingo United has upped preparations as they await the resumption dates from the football mother board Zimbabwe football Associations (ZIFA).
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Premier Soccer league (ZPSL) kicked off last week after almost two years of absence.
The Platinum boys, Platinum Fc, Ngezi Platinum, Manica Diamonds, Black Rhinos, Chicken Inn, Herentals, and Bulawayo Chiefs are the only teams that managed to collect maximum points.
Meanwhile Bulawayo giants Highlanders, struggling Whawha Fc, newly promoted Tenax and Bulawayo City are in the relegation zone after their first matches.

ZHOCD youth introduces devolution cup in Masvingo

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ZHOCD youth introduces devolution cup in Masvingo

Kimberly Kusauka

Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) youths have introduced a Devolution Cup tournament in Masvingo province comprising of various disciplines like wheelchair tennis, basketball, netball, and tennis.
The inaugural tournament was held at St Don Bosco Primary School in Mucheke on November 6, 2021, where the churches engaged in sporting activities to bring social cohesion and community participation in devolution projects.
ZHOCD Coordinator Pastor Admire Mupwanyiwa said the tournament is the beginning of brighter days for Masvingo youths and pointed out that the next round for teams that did not get time to play on November 6, would be played for November 13.
“This is the first game and we will have the second game this Saturday before the final. We took participants from the Catholic Commission of Justice and Peace (CCJP), Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Union for Development of Apostolic and Zionist Churches in Zimbabwe, Africa (UDAVIZA) and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
“We have soccer, tennis, netball, basketball, and wheelchair tennis players of which some teams have already played, while the remaining will play this Saturday.
“As ZHOCD we are having church bodies coming together under a theme called Strengthening the role of the church in social cohesion and civic participation in devolution and developmental processes,” said Mupwanyiwa.
He said the tournament is a form of an awareness campaign against drug abuse, child marriages and increased crime rates among youths.
“This tournament is meant to raise awareness against child marriages, drug abuse and increased crime rates among youths.
“We are hoping that these games will open doors for sponsorship since we are using funds from our own pockets,” said Mupwanyiwa.
Technical Officer for ZHOCD Cup Tournament who is also Masvingo provincial chairperson for Wheelchair Tennis Association Moses Chitombo said the tournament is awarding youths an opportunity to display their talents.
“We are happy with this tourney because it allows our youths to showcase their talents in different disciplines which include wheelchair tennis and netball,” said Chitombo.
Sportsperson Reverend Elias Murairwa said they are launching the devolution cup in sports through the tournament and he has already identified the best players whom he is going to select to be in the provincial team.
“We have launched the devolution programme in sports and we have high hopes that this tournament will take us far. When I was moving around observing different disciplines, I managed to pick the best players who will form the core of our provincial team,” said Murairwa.
The next game will be played on November 13 at St Don Bosco Primary School.

Human skeleton found in Chivi Cave

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Human skeleton found in Chivi Cave

Fredrick Moyo

Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) said they have received information on the discovery of human remains on November 8 2021, in Dumbuhuru mountains, Chipeta village under Headman Gororo, Chivi.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa acknowledged that his office received the information.
“We received information that human remains were discovered in Chivi,” said Dhewa.
John Makufa (54), from Chengoro village, Headman Gororo, discovered the remains and reported the matter to police.
At around 1400hours police and other villagers went to the mountain where they discovered the remains that comprised of a human skull and a few bones inside a cave and it appeared to be a shallow grave covered with some stones.
Recently, a male adult body was found in an advanced stage of decomposition in a bush between Rujeko A and Masvingo CBD.
In another case ZRP is investigating robbery and sexual assault cases in which a 44 year-old Masvingo woman was robbed of cash, gadgets and other valuables while her daughter was sexual assaulted.
In a statement on ZRP Twitter handle, National Police spokesperson Assistant commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident that happened on November 8, 2021, in Mucheke suburb.
“The ZRP is investigating a robbery and indecent assault case which occurred at Mucheke, Masvingo on November 8, at around 01:00 hours, where a woman (44) lost cash amounting to US $200 and ZAR 11 500, cell phones, laptops, jewellery and other valuables valued at US $ 1 975.
“Eleven suspects armed with an unidentified pistol, wooden logs, iron bars and machetes stormed her house and demanded cash. One of the suspects sexually abused the complaint’s daughter (21),” read the tweet.
Of late, armed robbery cases have been on the increase in the country and Masvingo as a province has not been spared either with robbery cases in Mwenezi and with the shooting of Shongamiti-based businessperson Tafara Gudoshava.

Council to approach council school heads over non-payment of fees

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Council to approach council school heads over non-payment of fees

Melinda Kusemachibi

Masvingo City Council has resolved to approach heads at council-run schools amidst growing concern over complacency in paying school fees.
During a recent full council meeting, councilors resolved that the Director of Housing and Social Services convenes a meeting with school heads to discuss the complacency on timeous payment of school fees and remittance of school levies to council.
In a telephone interview, council Housing Director Levison Nzvura said he is yet to convene the meeting.
“We are going to have the meeting probably next week or later this week with the council school heads,” said Nzvura.
Contacted for comment, Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) Director Anoziva Muguti said low income has caused parents not to pay their fees on time.
“Considering the harsh macroeconomic conditions, some parents are even failing to have food on their tables. They are not able to pay council rates, electricity or having difficulties in doing so. It is not that they do not want to pay rates, but they cannot afford to do so because of low incomes,” said Muguti.
Masvingo Residents Forum (MRF) Chairperson Brighton Ramusi said economic hardships are the major problem causing parents not to pay up their fees.
“Parents are not paying their fees because of economic hardships being experienced in the country. The lockdown restrictions affected the hustles of residents particularly those who are in informal trading since most residents are not formally employed.
“Again, it is said the parents are supposed to pay fees even of last year when their kids were not going to school. They should find a way to make parents pay their fees on time,” said Ramusi.
Masvingo Service Delivery Residents and Ratepayers Association (MASDRRA) Secretary General Moses Mavhusa however said parents with financial challenges should visit social welfare.
“The report from council that parents are not paying fees is worrisome if that is true. As MASDRRA, we say it is a parental duty to pay school fees for their children. Those with genuine financial challenges can also visit the Department of Social welfare. The Covid-19 pandemic affected the old normal hence most parents were affected in terms of businesses and income generation. We therefore urge council to engage parents and work a way forward, they can implement payment plans,” said Mavhusa.
Chikato, Dikwindi, Rujeko, Runyararo, Shakashe, Francis Aphiri and Vurombo primary schools are the council-run schools.

Econet partners GRRA on women empowerment drive

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Econet partners GRRA on women empowerment drive

Tinaani Nyabereka

Telecommunications operator Econet Wireless has partnered Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) on a women empowerment drive to alleviate poverty among marginalised groups.
The two entities recently held a women empowerment campaign in Mkoba Ward 17 organized GRRA.
Speaking on the sidelines of the campaign, Econet Gweru Territory Leader, Allen Gororo said as an organisation they had the person aspect value, which they always consider when drafting life-changing initiatives for the vulnerable groups in society.
“We partnered GRRA and ward 17 residents because as an organisation, one of our greatest assets is the person aspect value. We strive to make a difference by empowering communities through awarding opportunities to vulnerable members of the society. We have a number of initiatives and scholarships which we offer to young girls. We have the Joshua Nkomo scholarship that caters for young women who want to continue with their studies, together with the Capernaum Fund for the orphans.
“I would like to encourage women to study technical courses because they are more rewarding, we want women in designing, programming and engineering other than being in commercial jobs only. So as women, I urge you to do more technical courses.
“As an organization, we also employ brand Ambassadors to market our products, these include lines, services among other things and at the end people are paid through commissions,” Gororo said.
GRRA Ward 17 Chairperson, Ignatio Makaza said it was important for women to utilize available land space for horticulture production.
“As Ward 17 structure, we saw it fit to capacitate women so that they adopt self-sustaining initiatives for themselves. We encourage them to venture into cooperatives as we have a piece of land which requires someone to help us ring-fence the area. As such, if we get someone like that we will venture into market- gardening projects,” Makaza said.
Highlighting the role of women in development, Ward 17 Councillor, Catherine Mhondiwa expressed gratitude to GRRA and Econet for helping women realize their strength in stirring social development.
“I am happy for women because instead of us sitting at home, we can now venture into initiatives which help generate income, be it through vending or farming.
“Coming to the issue of scholarships which are being offered by Econet, we would like the community to identify orphans who are failing to further their education so that they can be beneficiaries,” added Mhondiwa.
Ellen Chiware, a resident of Ward 17 however urged young girls in the community to embrace life-changing projects as this would help reduce cases of child marriages and poverty.
The campaign was supported by a sponsored netball and football game as advocacy against drug and substance abuse in Mkoba.

Outrage over alleged donation to First Lady’s project

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Outrage over alleged donation to First Lady’s project

Rutendo Chirume

Amid revelations on social media that Masvingo City Council had donated nearly ZW$1 million towards First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa’s Chambuta project, residents have expressed disgruntlement over the matter, demanding transparency on ratepayers’ money.
In an interview, Masvingo Mayor Cllr Collen Maboke confirmed that some funds were channeled towards Chambuta Orphanage and said that Masvingo City Council have adopted one of the houses at the orphanage and they are responsible for its rehabilitation as well as furnishing it.
“I am aware of the money which was given to the Chambuta Orphanage because it was an agreement made as a local authority since we have adopted one of the houses at the orphanage. It has been our responsibility to furnish and rehabilitate that house.
I am however not in a position to know the correct amount of money channeled towards that project. My job is to sign and chair meetings. The Town Clerk can answer some of the questions you have because the duties of the executive mayor were transferred to the clerk and I am only a ceremonial mayor,” said Maboke.
Residents however questioned why the decision was made without prior consultation, knowledge and consent of ratepayers by the local authority, saying there are more pressing issues bedeviling service delivery.
Masvingo United Residents and Rate Payers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba said it is time to take action against council’s diabolic actions to transfer residents’ hard-earned cash without their consent.
“As residents, we are so much appalled by the revelations that such huge amounts of rate payers’ funds were donated towards the First Lady’s project without our knowledge and consent. We feel this is a case of misplaced priorities. We have braved years of poor service delivery but the authorities find it fit to do such a donation. We demand an explanation as soon as possible and will not sit and relax when our hard earned money is being abused,” said Mtimba.
Masvingo Service Delivery Residents and Ratepayers Association (MASDRRA) secretary general Moses Mavhusa said he was not going to comment as he needed the full facts first.
“Where did you get that information about the donation from? We want facts first,” said Mavhusa.
A resident who preferred anonymity said council had disappointed and betrayed the people who gave them the mandate to make Masvingo shine.
“It is very disappointing that we have more serious issues which need to be addressed and if that amount had been transferred towards the betterment of the city, we would have been at another level,” said the resident.
Town Clerk Edward Mukaratirwa said the money went towards government’s project and it was not a donation.
“It is not like Maboke and Mukaratirwa just woke up one day and chose to send money to Chambuta. It was government’s proposal requiring us to refurbish that house and buy other things needed there,” said Mukaratirwa.
It is not the first time in which council has channeled ratepayer’s funds towards other projects.
Earlier this year, council was accused of transferring a huge chunk of money towards First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa’s cooking competition held at Masvingo Polytechnic without the knowledge and approval of residents.

TellZim partners city of Masvingo to promote access to information

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TellZim partners city of Masvingo to promote access to information

Kimberly Kusauka

TellZim Newspaper has engaged Masvingo City Council (MCC) to promote access to credible information that will go a long way in enhancing transparency and accountability in public resource and finance management for the benefit of residents.

During an engagement meeting organized by TellZim on November 12, 2021, Masvingo Mayor Councilor Collen Maboke said council is more than willing to ensure that credible information about projects and council operations reach out to residents timeously.

I want to thank TellZim for this engagement, I am sure that this kind of collaboration and partnership will go a long way in promoting information dissemination, accountability and transparency at council.

The meeting enlightened us on the importance of disseminating information in real time. I believe residents will also commit themselves to pay their bills in time if they have enough information on how council spend their monies,” said Maboke.

Masvingo Public Relations Officer, Ashley Jinjika said the meeting helped to close the gap that was there between local authorities and media on informing residents.

“The meeting was so insightful. It unearthed gaps between media and local authority. I personally think that such engagements are necessary for development of a city and also for us to have informed citizens,” said Jinjika.

TellZim Director and Editor Passmore Kuzipa said he was excited about the partnership with council in information dissemination a move he says will promote transparency, accountability and development.

“We are excited about this engagement and the possible synergies that were discussed that aim to promote access to credible information by residents. We believe that if people have information they will act from an informed position.

It will also contribute to residents paying their rates and bills in time and more importantly increasing transparency and accountability in public finance management in local authorities,” said Kuzipa.

He also said that as an organisation they are going to move to all seven districts of Masvingo as well as Manicaland and Midlands provinces to broaden the partnership.

“We want to take this initiative to other local authorities. We have seven districts and hope to reach out to every district as well as Manicaland and Midlands province.

“As a paper, we are a news organisation with a human face, we do not just tell the story but we also live it and as a result, we create platforms that enhance interaction of residents, councilors and council management,” said Kuzipa.

As part of the resolutions made during the meeting, TellZim News resolved that it will live stream post full council meetings and the discussions will be open for all media houses in Masvingo.

During the engagement meeting, it was also agreed there should be an engagement meeting between journalists in Masvingo and council where council management will explain in detail how they operate and their mandate so that reporters when they write their stories, they do it from an informed position.

It was also resolved that starting from this year, council will introduce municipal reporter of the year awards to promote municipal reporting by local media houses where adjudication and call for submission of stories will be done.

TellZim also offered space in the paper as part of partnering with council so that the latter brings information they need to be disseminated to residents from time to time making use of the dedicated space.

As a way of promoting access to council information, it was agreed that the council will be sharing press releases and press statements which will be shared across media houses.

The facilitators during the meeting Dr Last Alfandika and Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC) Vice Chairperson Jasper Maposa highlighted the importance of access to information and the role of the media in promoting development.

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