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Mwonzora distances self from Khupe aide violence incident

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Mwonzora distances self from Khupe aide violence incident

‘…Mashumba labor issue before the courts’

Kimberly Kusauka

MDC-T party leader Douglas Mwonzora has distanced himself and his party from former Thokozani Khupe aide Kudzanai Mashumba violence incident in which the latter attempted to hold a press conference purportedly on behalf of the MDC-T.

Mashumba is alleged to have tried to address the media this afternoon (October 21), in Harare on the pretext of representing the party, which was resisted by some party members and left property destroyed at Media Centre in Harare.

Contacted for comment, Mwonzora said he was not aware of press conference held and directed all questions to MDC-T presidential spokesperson Lloyd Damba.

“I was not aware of the press conference and investigations have been carried out, for more comments you can contact my spokesperson Lloyd Damba,” said Mwonzora.

Damba said Mashumba was once a party member and an aide to Dr Thokozani Khupe but was expelled and his case is now at the labour court.

“Mashumba was once our party member and Dr Khupe’s aid but he was expelled from the party and his case is at the labor court. He held a press conference with a poster that had a picture of the president and our party logo.

“He is an imposter and he involved himself in violence where he attacked party members who came expecting to be addressed by the president and it is evident from the videos circulating that he was the one who attacked a member,” said Damba.

He said they were not part of the violence that took place and one of their party members Yvonne Musarurwa tried to stop people from attacking Mashumba.

“We are not violent and if you look at the videos circulating, one of our members Yvonne Musarurwa was actually shouting so that people stop attacking Mashumba,” said Damba.

However, Damba said that the incident occurred outside Jurisdiction of harvest house so police have every right to investigate since the press conference was illegal.

In a statement issued by Mashumba, the party constitution has a period stipulated for one to hold a position and Mwonzora was supposed to leave office in 2019.

“The constitution of the party is very clear on the timeframe for any congress. The term of office for 2014 office bearers expired long back in November 2019 and one wonders how and why the current office bearers continue to exercise their functions,” read part of the report.

MDC-T also issued a statement on the commotion at the Media center saying that party youths and leaders were not involved in violence that occurred.

“The MDC-T has noted an incident that occurred at the Media Centre in Harare this morning. Whilst investigations are ongoing, we can fully confirm that our youths and their leaders were not involved in any form of violence,” reads part of the statement.

Last week MDC-A president Nelson Chamisa was attacked in Masvingo in Charumbira communal lands and also in Manicaland showing the level of political violence and intolerance currently obtaining in the country.

Fawez relaunches in Masvingo

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Fawez relaunches in Masvingo

Rutendo Chirume

MASVINGO – Forum for Women Educationalist in Zimbabwe (FAWEZ) a private voluntary organisation biased towards women in education was re-launched in Masvingo following its disappearance in the province for close to 20 years.
The provincial chapter was launched at a colourful event on October 15, 2021 at Victoria High School and was attended by representatives from all the seven districts among them District Schools Inspectors (DSIs), Inspectors, School heads and teachers.
All District School inspectors who were there pledged support to FAWZEZ saying it represented a noble cause that is worth their support.
The guest of honour at the event, FAWEZ national chairperson Dr Alice Tumbare said the organisation has a role to develop the nation and urged Masvingo Chapter to do sensitization seminars with community leaders against child marriages.
“Let us be visible, leave a mark wherever we touch. We need to engage communities and sensitize them against child marriages and promote gender equality. Let us not betray the trust bestowed on us,” said Tumbare.
National Association of Secondary School Heads (NASH) Provincial Chairperson Dr Edson Muresherwa said his organisation is also behind FAWEZ, which he said is motherly in nature.
“We as NASH and NAPH have the people; education is not done at the district or provincial office but in the classrooms where we are. Therefore, our support is crucial. I liked the organisation because it is motherly in nature and we are confident that it will produce great results,” said Dr Muresherwa.
FAWEZ national member Shylet Makomeke said FAWEZ as a voluntary organisation, will work towards emancipation of women as well as advocate for gender equality in schools.
She went on to say they would advocate for policies that ensure that the girl child is protected in schools, as they are more vulnerable.
“The objectives of FAWEZ are to make sure that there is gender equality between boys and girls especially in schools. We will go on to work with communities, researchers and other Non-Governmental Organisations for the development of the communities.
“As the adage goes, educate a women, educate the nation, we will strive to make it a reality by making sure that the girl child has access to basic needs like sanitary wear among other things to make them comfortable when at school like their male counterparts,” said Makomeke.
She went on to say they would want to carry out researches and find solutions to problems affecting both boys and girls in schools.
“After the release of ZIMSEC examination results, they release percentage pass rates which either show that boys performed better than girls or vice versa and it ends there. We however want to look at the causes and offer solutions to the problems,” she added.
FAWEZ is an affiliate to the continental board Forum for Women Educationists (FAWE) that has 32 member states headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya and Zimbabwe is a signatory.
It was once in existence in the province but died a natural death in the early 2000 and the re-launch is an effort to resuscitate the once vibrant organisation.

MDC-T on course to join POLAD

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MDC-T on course to join POLAD

Thabiso Nxumalo

A top party official of the Douglas Mwonzora-led Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) recently announced that they will be hopping on to the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) bandwagon anytime soon.
Giles Mutsekwa the party’s deputy chairperson said they have consulted and decided to answer to the call by government to join POLAD which was initiated by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Speaking at the provincial meeting held last Saturday at the party office in Rhodene, Masvingo, Mutsekwa said dialogue and unity was the solution to all problems being encountered in the country.
“Our statement is clear, we have sat down and discussed as the leadership and we now see POLAD as a positive move. Let it be known that we are not friends with Zanu PF but they are an important element in our struggle, we need them as much as they need us,” said Mutsekwa.
Mutsekwa also said as a party they were not ruling out the possibility of a Government of National Unity (GNU).
“This time around if the possibility of an inclusive government becomes a reality, we will make sure we do not get fully engrossed with the government duties and leave our party structures bare, we want to remain ready for anything as a party.
“We will also make sure that in issues to do with governance we are represented on all levels, down to councilors, If Zanu PF wins that particular ward, we want to instill a special councilor and vice versa,” Mutsekwa said.
Meanwhile, the Nelson Chamisa led MDC-Alliance has remained adamant that they will not join POLAD which they say is a group of those who lost elections but want to impose themselves on the electorate.

Residents demand improved services ahead of 2022 budget consultations

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Residents demand improved services ahead of 2022 budget consultations

Kimberly Kusauka

MASVINGO- Residents have implored the local authority to give number one priority to service delivery as the city is mulling 2022 budgets consultations which are expected to be rolled out soon.
The city has been facing a plethora of problems including water woes, poor refuse collection and sewage bursts which have been haunting the city for a long period.
Masvingo Mayor Councilor Collen Maboke said budget consultations were delayed by Covid-19 regulations but promised that the local authority will release the schedule soon.
“We could have started 2022 budget consultations by now but due to tight lockdown restrictions we had to shelve them. Consultations will start soon and we will announce dates once we are done as council,” said Maboke.
Masvingo Residents Forum (MRF) chairperson, Brighton Ramusi however implored council not to notify residents on the 11th hour ahead of consultations.
“Firstly, we would want council to inform us on the dates for the budget consultations a week before the intended date so that residents come in their numbers. We also want council to give us the budget after it’s done so that we can also scrutinize it,” said Ramusi.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson, Godfrey Mtimba said council has to consult residents when carrying out budget consultations and follow dictates of the law.
“As residents we feel that council should do effective budgets consultations by moving in each ward and asking residents on what they want to be included in the budget.
“Council should consider the Abuja Declaration that requires every country or institution to set aside 15 percent of its total budget to health because our health system, our local clinics are deteriorating and we do not have adequate medication,” said Mtimba.
Another residents’ pressure group, Masvingo Service Delivery Residents and Ratepayers Association (MASDRA) secretary general, Moses Mavhusa said the budget must account for hard currency transactions.
“The budget must include revenue being received in forex. As residents we must know how these funds are being accounted for. The revenue being generated from market stands should be transparently accounted for leaving no room for corruption,” said Mavhusa.
In 2020, the local authority hiked rates by over 500 percent for the year 2021, a move which did not go well with residents.

Youth organizations denounce alleged state-sponsored violence

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Youth organizations denounce alleged state-sponsored violence

Courage Dutiro

Various youth organizations have raised concern over the recent political violence cases that allegedly took place in Masvingo saying the violence violates the country’s constitution that allows the existence of multi-party political systems.
Youth Decide Zimbabwe director, Learnmore Munhangu described the events that happened in Masvingo as a primitive model of politics which is uncalled for.
“We denounce and condemn the unjust and primitive model of politics characterized by perpetuated and sponsored violence which happened in Masvingo. As young people, we are so worried because it seems as if the dark cloud of the past is still above us.
“As we fast approach the much-awaited 2023 general elections, we plead with government, all state agencies and political players to be tolerant and respect the constitution. We are a multi-party state. Elections must not divide us, but rather make us better and stronger as a nation,” said Munhangu.
He also urged youths to stay away from the barbaric type of politics that were founded by old ‘blood-thirsty’ political leaders.
“It is high time for us as young people to courageously reject and refrain from the old system characterized by politics of violence, politics of hate, politics of blaming each other and sloganeering and strategically locate ourselves as agents of national development and transformation.
“Our message to colleagues who are being used as instruments of violence is very clear. Do not allow the inventors of violence to make you useless. Attacking your fellow poor citizens for a loaf of bread is a clear sign showing lack of good sense and wisdom,” added Munhangu.
Social Democrats Association (SODA) executive director Tauya Chiname said all political parties in Zimbabwe should be accorded freedom to execute their political activities without fear of victimization.
“As social democrats, we do acknowledge that our country is a multi-party democracy, therefore all political parties should be allowed to execute their activities without being attacked. It is so sad that a ruling party is implicated in acts of violence. The so-called new dispensation has lost the trust of the general populace due to their nature of indicating right then turn left.
“We exhort the police service to investigate the violent acts that happened in Masvingo and bring the perpetrators to book. Zimbabwe belongs to us all and the police service is a construction of taxpayers’ money,” said Chiname.
David Mutambirwa a political analyst said Zimbabwe has a plethora of unresolved conflicts emanating from as far back as the Gukurahundi era and undisputed elections of previous years.
“The political intolerance which happened at Charumbira area in Masvingo is just a reflection of the deeply rooted symptoms of a vicious iceberg. Until a sustainable solution is found, we will continue to have an intolerance, political violence and structural violence in society. Rule of law should also be observed if we are to attain a peaceful and sustainable society where all citizens have respect for each other’s political views,” said Mutambirwa.
Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC A) Manicaland provincial spokesperson David Panganai said all the time and energy wasted in violence should be diverted towards something that can develop the country.
“We strongly condemn the barbaric attack on our MDC-A leader. Maturity, tolerance and soberness are cardinal virtues for civilized countries and Zimbabwe must never be an exception. We certainly can never develop in a brutal, anarchic, thuggery and violence against unarmed civilians by the state.
“All the energy wasted in violence and thuggery must be channeled towards sustainable development and improvement of the livelihoods of Zimbabweans to fulfill our liberation legacy. As MDC-A, we continue to say violence has no space in our modern world,” said Panganai.
ZANU PF Masvingo Youth Political Commissar Sengerayi Manyanga said what happened in Charumbira area has nothing to do with ZANU PF and its youths.
“ZANU PF had no hand in what happened in Sipambi area. People in that area were only demonstrating against sanctions that were asked for by Nelson Chamisa and team. Everyone hates sanctions, citizens are wallowing in poverty in rural areas,” said Manyanga.

‘Outcast suburb’ of 16 years: The story of Masvingo’s Garikai residential area

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Courage Dutiro

Residents of Garikai residential area in Masvingo urban have lived as ‘outcasts’ for 16 years after commissioning of the area and they feel city fathers are neglecting them by failing to offer social services other suburbs are enjoying.

Garikai housing scheme commissioned in 2005 after government launched the widely condemned operation Murambatsvina, a forced eviction programme which saw the demolitions of homes and informal businesses around the country’s major cities and towns.

In 2013, Masvingo City reportedly secured a US$2, 1 million loan from National Social Security Authority (NSSA) that it promised to use to connect Garikai housing project into the main city’s sewerage system. However, to date nothing has yet materialised and the whereabouts of that funding is shrouded in mystery.

The area is located a few meters from Masvingo city council’s dumping area that the local authorities are taking too long to decommission and residents said the site cast an unpleasant odour into the houses.

A visit to Garikai residential area by TellZim News revealed that people have resorted to the use of surrounding bushes and open spaces as toilets.

Residents are still using bush toilets and sharing fewer water sources installed during the construction of the houses in 2005.

Area committee chairperson Gertrude Mukokovondo said the unavailability of sanitation facilities in the area is a huge blow to local women who oversee family welfare especially during this era of Covid-19 and is posing a health hazard to the local people.

“Women are mostly affected by the poor situation here; they are the ones who stay at home most of the time. We have a serious challenge when it comes to hygiene. The few blair toilets that people used to relieve themselves are full forcing people to use bush toilets which has created a potential health hazard causing air pollution in the fly-infested area.

“The problem is doubled by shortage of water. Before the coming in of Covid-19 , Minister of state for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Masvingo visited us, saw our situation and we are still waiting for their action,” said Mukokovondo.

A local woman who identified herself as Svunurai Mugiyani said she is among hundreds of women who are living without a toilet in Garikai area.

“As women and mothers, we find it hard to live without toilets. We need toilets and access to clean water. Even though Covid-19 is not caused by open defecation, we are now fearing for other disease outbreaks like cholera,” said Mugiyani.

Ndaizivei Mutero, another woman who resides in Garikai said the responsible authorities seem to be neglecting and discriminating women.

“We wish to be like any other locations; we do not know the plans council have for us concerning the issue of water. We wish council could treat us like other residents in Masvingo urban.

We are being told to wash hands regularly but we cannot follow such regulations here. The community has 100 houses and we wake up at 3 am to fetch water at a single water point. Each family is allowed to fetch only two buckets,” Mutero said.

A male resident who requested to speak on condition of anonymity said the area seems to be unworthy in the eyes of those in power.

“The area is despised by many. No one wants to associate with this place maybe because it is a ZANU PF old dispensation project,” he said.

A senior male citizen in Garikai area said they are finding it difficult to live with the bad odour that come from the dumping site.

“Toilets here are a challenge; we have been talking about the issue since long ago. Even during the days of cholera, we have been living in fear. Council should provide us with a sewerage system. We are also appealing to local authority to deal with the issue of this nearby dumping site quickly. It is hard for a human being to live while breathing bad odour,” he said.

In English the word Garikai can be translated to mean ‘live well’ however Garikai residents seem not to be living well without water, toilets and with unpleasant odour from the dumping site

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Villagers in Lower Gwelo plead for health facilities, clean water

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Villagers in Lower Gwelo plead for health facilities, clean water

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru- Villagers in Lower Gwelo ward 8 areas are pleading for health facilities and clean water in the area as they have to walk long distances to access these services.
Speaking during an engagement meeting with Midlands Aids Society Organisation (MASO) on a community advocacy meeting last week, Southern Western Region Gender Network (SWRGN) Programs Officer, Albert Moyo said the only way to develop a community is by way of identifying its challenges first.
“To achieve development, we first need to identify challenges surrounding us then look for possible solutions and ways to address them. This can happen if we advocate more on these problems,” said Moyo.
A resident, Livingstone Moyo said there was need to increase health centres in the area as people were struggling and have to walk long distances to access such facilities.
“As ward 8 residents we appeal to government to prioritize our health as we are struggling to access health care due to distance. Our health care facility is 5km or beyond and for us to travel in cases of emergence is a challenge, as we cannot access the facility on time.
“We also need our clinics to be well furnished with maternity wards for mothers to be able to deliver well without any problems. Sometimes going to town is a challenge due financial constraints.
“Another thing is that we require the services of a dentist in our area because we struggle a lot with toothaches. We appeal for a mobile doctor who can visit frequently to offer dental services because we end up using harmful methods and tools like wires and sticks to remove rotten teeth,” added Moyo.
Ward 8 Councillor Siphiwe Moyo said access to service delivery is still hampered by a number of challenges as residents are failing to access clean water.
“As a community we are facing quiet a number of challenges. Access to clean water and health facilities remains a major challenge. We still have few boreholes in the area. We appeal to government through the Ministry of local government to come and install more boreholes so that we get clean water.
Then coming to our health facilities, the issue of distance is affecting villagers. At least we ask for each ward to have a well-established clinic so that travelling long distances can be minimized. As you can see here at Makepesi, we have a clinic but the next ward does not and people walk 5-10 km to this clinic,” Cllr Moyo said.
Gweru’s Assistant District Development Co-ordinator (DDC), Tarisai Mudadigwa said, as an office they had noted some of the challenges raised by the community.
“We have taken note of your concerns and we are going to reach out to the relevant authorities so that they will come and attend to the issues particularly water as it is the source of life.
“Also health is an important aspect and government should prioritize health always, so we are also going to forward your request to the relevant ministries so that we hear how best they can assist our community. We are going to work out on a feedback meeting and come back to you with the responsible authorities so that they can address the issues,” added Mudadigwa.

EFZ engages youth on child marriages, sexual abuse in churches

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EFZ engages youth on child marriages, sexual abuse in churches

Fredrick Moyo

MASVINGO- In an effort to reduce child abuse, Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe (EFZ) recently conducted a youth leadership training at Langhorne Presbyterian Church in Masvingo educating youths about Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), sexual abuse and child marriages.
The youth leadership program aimed at educating youths and making them aware of their constitutional rights in an attempt to curb child marriages and sexual harassment that youths face in churches.
EFZ Masvingo Co-ordinator, Bernard Katenjele said they were rolling out awareness campaigns equipping youths with necessary life skills on how to deal with abuse issues.
“This is an event where we are trying to equip youths and create awareness and the greatest thing that we have done is to make sure that we do awareness campaigns and we target youths educating them and also telling them that there are certain rights that they have that protects them from different types of abuse,” said Katenjele.
He also added that they are urging youths not to have second thoughts about reporting abuses even in churches.
“We are telling and encouraging youths in churches that whenever their rights are violated, they should go and report, so that they protect themselves from anything or anyone who violate them,” added Katenjele.
A youth who attended the event, Hepson Jangano said that training program was good for youths as they were taught about SRH and girl child empowerment.
“The training program came at the right time and we were taught about SRH, good health and also that the girl is equally capable just like their male peers,” said Jangano.
EFZ has also joined hands with Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC), Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) in fighting child marriages and sexual harassment in churches by writing petitions.

School teacher brutally assaults pupil over dirty classroom

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School teacher brutally assaults pupil over dirty classroom

Kimberly Kusauka

ZAKA- A St Engenas Zivavose High school teacher is in hot soup after an alleged fist fight with a Form 6 pupil on October 11, 2021, ended badly after the pupil sustained serious injuries on the face.
It is alleged that the teacher, Desire Chimwanza was whipping pupils for not sweeping the classroom and Tatendaishe Mverecha refused to be beaten.
Chimwanza allegedly started to assault the pupil using bare hands and clenched fists on the face and Tatendaishe suffered a swollen face.
Tatendaishe however reported the police and his father then approached school authorities for a mutual agreement but they reportedly refused to foot his son’s medical bills.
Thomas Mverecha, father to Tatendaishe told TellZim News that school authorities had failed to show a human face and that he was now seized with making sure that his child gets medical attention.
“The school administration refused to take my child to the hospital because they feared there will be need for a police report. I am now making sure that my child gets treatment at Ndanga Hospital since they are not forthcoming,” said Mverecha.
Sources within the school however, said the teacher was in the classroom beating everyone but Tatendaishe resisted and jumped on a desk where he fell and sustained injuries on his face.
“The pupil was not beaten by the teacher but he was trying to escape from the teacher and he climbed on a desk where he fell with his face and sustained injuries,” said a source.
When contacted for comment, School Head Willbert Dera declined to comment and directed all questions to Zaka District Schools Inspector (DSI) Samson Chidzurira.
Chidzurira however said his office had not received any complaint in regards to the matter from the school.
“I did not receive a report of that,” said Chidzurira.

Ritz night club turned into shopping complex

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Ritz night club turned into shopping complex

Thabiso Nxumalo

MASVINGO- One of Masvingo’s nightclubs popularly known as Ritz has now turned into a shopping complex after having been closed for over a year as a result of the Covid-19 induced national lockdown.
With over a year of non-operation, some Masvingo clubs like Liquids Bar and Viks Liquor Store were forced to stop operating.
Despite their forced closure, bar owners still had to pay rentals, service charges and electricity tariffs in anticipation of a quick return to business but it took the government over a year to allow them to resume, leaving other businesses on their knees.
One of Masvingo nightclub owners Jackson Chivanga who had to compromise and lease his club to grocery retail shop, Goshen Cash and Carry called upon government to avail financial aid to them to cope with the economic effects of Covid-19.
“It is my wish that relevant authorities engage us and give financial aid because this has been a tough year for our sector. We had to pay rent and other bills during the lockdown and that money was coming out from our personal funding and some of our colleagues did not make it through.
“We hope that we will also manage the first months of operation because a lot of bills have to be paid including some of the loans that were advanced to us to keep afloat,” said Chivanga.
Meanwhile, government on October 6, 2021, gave bars and nightclubs the green light to operate under strict Covid-19 regulations serving only fully vaccinated patrons.

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