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Residents Fume Over ‘Unsanctioned’ Use Of CDF

Service Delivery & Accountability

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September 7, 2021

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Residents Fume Over ‘Unsanctioned’ Use Of CDF

…demand funds should be usedLeslie Karumbidza/ Agnes Madechihwe

Leslie Karumbidza/ Agnes Madechihwe

CHIREDZI- Residents in the Lowveld town are up in arms with their legislator who they accuse of not consulting them and channeling Constituency Development Funds (CDF) allocation towards less important developmental projects.

Chiredzi West Member of Parliament, Farai Musikavanhu intends to use ZW$1 million of his CDF allocation to refurbish Tshovani Stadium to restore the facility to its heydays.

Residents allege that the legislator was prioritizing the sports facility for political mileage since he is patron of Chiredzi Stars Football Club (FC), who use this facility for training sessions and their Eastern region Division One home matches.

United Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers Association (UCHRRA) Advocacy Officer, Constance Chikumbo was quoted in the Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) July situational report, expressing residents’ displeasure over the intended Tshovani Stadium upgrade.

Chikumbo said there were more pressing issues which could help the community to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Chiredzi is at the apex of Covid-19 hotspots, therefore the money should be channeled towards efforts to manage the pandemic and purchase of infrastructure that would help to reduce its effects and spread of Covid-19 .

“We call upon all MPs in Chiredzi District to come together and help in the struggle to upgrade Chiredzi General Hospital and improve service delivery which is in a deplorable state,” said Chikumbo.

Contacted for comment, Musikavanhu however said there is no turning back in the Tshovani stadium upgrade which he says was approved by parliament.

“The refurbishment of Tshovani stadium was approved by Parliament and Chiredzi Town Council. Access to recreational facilities is considered a priority within the overall NDS1 program.

“I made a pledge in 2018 to assist council in refurbishing this key infrastructure which serves not just the urban wards of Chiredzi West Constituency but Chiredzi District at large. We planned this before my recent appointment as Chiredzi Stars patron,” said Musikavanhu.

Residents’ concerns come at a time when the district only has one referral hospital; Chiredzi General Hospital.

Some residents and villagers in rural communities walk for long distances to access healthcare facilities.

Access to healthcare is in a worrisome state in the Lowveld as Chiredzi General Hospital continues to use old and dilapidated infrastructure.

‘Government Rushes To Open Schools’

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September 7, 2021

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… As schools struggle to meet minimum WHO Covid-19 regulations

Rebecca Tshoga/ Ephraim Mutombeni (ZIMCODD CORA)

Teacher unions have condemned government’s move to open schools on September 6 amidst the Covid-19 lockdown saying it puts teachers and pupils at risk of contracting the deadly disease.

They said overcrowding during travelling in overcrowded transport is risky and complained that there was no adequate preventive measures in place in most schools.

The government gave green light to opening of schools in phases with exam classes having opened on Monday 30 August and non-exam classes the following week.

Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) President Dr Takavafira Zhou said schools are ill prepared for opening as there is no Covid-19 abatement equipment in schools.

“The health and safety of teachers and pupils is not guaranteed particularly because hay are ordered to conglomerate in schools with ancillary staff without Covid-19 testing.

“Congested hostels, high teacher-pupil ratio, no source of running clean water, no Covid-19 abatement equipment in schools cumulatively compromise their health and safety,” said Dr Zhou.

Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe National President Obert Masaraure condemned the rushed opening of schools, as vague claims of preparations do not reflect on teachers’ preparedness to teach, learner preparedness to learn, parents’ preparedness to fund education and schools preparedness in face of Covid-19.

“For the record ARTUZ is for education and our hope is that government attend to the fundamentals to enable our schools to safety and effectively open,” said Masaraure.

ARTUZ urges government to prepare adequate funding to Standard Operating Procedures in schools.

Enough resources for safe schools opening should be employed and ARTUZ also encourages schools to put in place Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety of learners.

Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED) Shylatte Mhike confirmed that PPE’s were put in place to ensure student safety.

Decongestion will be ensured by arranging that learners come on alternate days.

“We are expecting ZUPCO buses to be provided for students to avoid congestion, schools are also reminded to adhere to the provisions of the Standard Operating Procedures to ensure safety of learners and stakeholders,” commented Mhike.

…As parents, stakeholders react to ‘rushed’ schools opening

Dr Takavafira Zhou

Parents and stakeholders in the education sector have reacted to recent government directive to have a phased reopening of schools starting on the 30th of this month.
Examination classes will reopen on August 30, 2021 while other classes are expected to open on September 6, 2021.
Barely 24 hours after Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa announced an extension of the 14 days lockdown, cabinet decided to announce the reopening of schools, a development which came as a surprise to many.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president, Doctor Takavafira Zhou said government did not consult widely and ignored teachers concerns.
‘This is a ‘commandist’ move and it brews confusion. The government is inconsiderate of teachers’ welfare; they have stated that they will hold a meeting with teachers unions but they did not,” said Dr Zhou.
TellZim News also spoke to some parents in Masvingo who shared their sentiments over the development that caught them unprepared.
George Munetsi, an informal trader in Central Business District (CBD) said the tuition fees schools are charging is beyond the reach of many who mostly survive on vending.
“I sell sweets, maputi and fruits for survival so it is going to be hard for me to raise the fees. Local high schools are charging beyond the reach of many parents considering that many families are surviving on informal trading,” said Munetsi.
Nessia Chiremba who is a widow and has a child learning at St Augustine’s High School complained about the fees structure at her child’s school which is over ZW$55 000.
“My daughter is at a boarding school and I am supposed to raise ZW$55 700 in just three days. I do not know how I will raise that kind of money in just three days since the check in date is August 29, 2021.
“She wants groceries to compliment food which they get at the school’s dining hall. It is also that time of the month when I have to pay rentals so we hope the government intervenes and give a directive to schools to be lenient with us,” said Chiremba.
However, some parents are seeing positives in schools being opened which they say will reduce the issue of child marriages and unwanted pregnancies which are on the rise.
“It is the best thing to have schools opened because child marriages are rising and the girl child is facing a lot of risks daily. As for me, I was making some savings all along as I tried by all means to balance my finances in anticipation of schools re-opening,” said Gamuchirai Mangondoza.
Meanwhile, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Student Representative Council (SRC) president, Tapiwa Takavarasha bemoaned lack of face-to-face learning but said students got enough time to prepare for exams during online learning sessions.
“Obviously students did not get enough time for face-to-face learning but they had plenty of time to prepare considering they had online lectures and timetables were constantly shared with them,” said Takavarasha.
Most state owned and private tertiary institutions have called for mandatory vaccination of students in order to sit for their end of semester examinations.

Of Covid-19 And Child Marriages: Indigenous Churches Taken To Task

Human Rights

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September 7, 2021

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Of Covid-19 And Child Marriages: Indigenous Churches Taken To Task

Kimberly Kusauka

Recent weeks have seen an outcry by various civic society organizations over the continuous treachery acts by some indigenous and apostolic sects who have been committing underage girls to marriage in the guise of church doctrine.

Following the death of Anna Machaya (15) who died whilst giving birth at a Marange shrine on July 15, 2021 after her parents who previously are alleged to have initially offered her nine year old sister to the perpetrator for marriage, CSOs have intensified efforts to bring a halt to the doctrine.

As calls to end child marriages by CSOs became louder, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) went on to arrest Hatirarami Momberume (26) and the late Anna’s parents for their role in the unjustified act.

Momberume has since appeared before Mutare Regional Magistrate Lucy Mungwari, facing charges of murder and having sexual intercourse with a minor while Anna’s parents faced charges of obstructing the course of justice.

Civic society organizations have called for authorities to descend heavily on perpetrators and accessories to child marriages whom they have been watching break the law willy-nilly.

Girls and Women Empowerment Network (GWEN) Trust Director, Kumbirai Kahiya said they were monitoring church activities with a watchful eye in their efforts to combat child marriages.

“We have stepped up our efforts to address the issue of child marriages through various engagements with ordinary church members and their leaders.

“Our main focus is on Christianity and African Traditional Religion (ATR) groups where we teach them about women empowerment and educate them constitutionally enshrined rights for young women,” said Kahiya.

She went on to express her displeasure with the Johanne Marange activities which are in contrast with the dictates of the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

“We are not happy with what transpired at a Johanne Marange sect where a teenager died whilst giving birth. No one is above the law, everyone has to implement the law and the church must stop forced child marriages,” said Kahiya.

Rudo Magwanyata Advocacy and Influence Officer at Shamwari Yemwanasikana said her organization was engaging traditional leaders and male gender champions especially in rural communities.

“We carry out community based awareness campaigns where we include traditional leaders, councilors, Members of Parliament (MP) and churches educating them on the rights of the girl child and we also work with men and boys.

“We have realized that men can stand and be the ambassadors of the girl child rights,” said Magwanyata.

Shamwari Yemwanasikana has also introduced the World’s Children Prize (WCP) initiative in an effort to capacitate young girls who would have fallen prey to sex predators to have courage to speak out and notify relevant authorities.

Musasa Project Advocacy Officer, Rotina Musara said as part of their advocacy work, the organization has a pillar that speaks against toxic religious practices which expose young girls to child marriages.

“As Musasa we engage with religious communities and seek to find a common ground that does not enable toxic practices in the name of faith, while violating rights of girls and women.

“We engage various stakeholders so that they understand that freedom and the right to religion is supposed to be by choice not by force,” said Musara.

Amnesty International Membership Growth and Communications officer, Lucy Chivasa said her organization has been assisting victims with psychological and social support.

“When we come across cases where teenage girls have been impregnated and forced into marriages we seek the intervention of law enforcement agents. We assist parents of the girl to make police report so that criminals can be arrested.

“Currently there are ongoing campaigns of which most of them are online campaigns. However, we also have seasonal campaigns, for example in December we have the Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign,” said Chivasa.

Another 13-year-old, Violet Mushati was reportedly married on July 18, three days after Anna died during a church conference at the same Marange Shrine and her whereabouts are still unknown to date.

The apostolic sect has been caught on the wrong side of the law many times when it comes to child marriages and it is estimated that one in four girls are married before reaching the age of 18.

Canada Based Philanthropist Ploughs Back To Old Peoples Home

Local

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September 6, 2021

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Canada Based Philanthropist Ploughs Back To Old Peoples Home

TellZim Reporter

MASVINGO- A former intern at Mucheke Old Peoples Home has remembered the care home by donating food stuff and toiletries over the weekend.

His friend, Doctor Kudzai Masinire who handed over the groceries worth US$300 was representing Kudzai Baloyi who is now based in Canada.

Speaking during the handover, Dr Masinire said Baloyi had retraced his roots and has a keen interest in helping local charity homes.

“Baloyi is my friend and he hails from this location. He saw the way the old are living here and since he is now capacitated to help, he decided to plough back to his community. He bought these groceries and partnered with his friend who is based in Mutare. His vision is to do these donations two or three times every year,” said Dr Masinire.

Mucheke Old Peoples Home superintendent, Reverend Matopos Chaka thanked Baloyi for remembering them and putting a smile on the faces of the old.

“We are grateful for this kind gesture from Baloyi. He was once on attachment here and we worked well with him. He has made everyone here proud and we are forever grateful,” said Rev Chaka.

Baloyi is in the process of registering an organization that will focus on helping charity homes in Masvingo.

He is also reportedly luring others in Canada to contribute towards the upkeep of people in charity facilities back home.

Zaka Murder Suspect Threatens Witnesses, Plans To Escape

Court
Local

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September 6, 2021

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Zaka Murder Suspect Threatens Witnesses, Plans To Escape

Nancy Bayereka

The family of Patrick Munzwa Mucheni who was allegedly murdered by Tendai Pedzisai who was later released on bail has written to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) seeking reprieve as the suspect is allegedly threatening state witnesses.

In the letter, dated August 23 2021, the family lawyer Derreck Charamba of Ndlovu and Hwacha Legal Practitioners, alleges that the suspect was threatening eyewitnesses to the murder.

“We are reliably informed that the accused is seriously interfering with state witnesses at Chiredzana in Zaka, by threatening and challenging eyewitnesses in the matter.

“We have learnt that the accused rightfully sought and was granted bail with the High Court of Zimbabwe. His bail conditions include, non interference with state, inter alia,” reads part of the letter.

The letter further alleges that he wanted to skip the country with the help of some people in positions of power and the police.

“We are further informed that the applicant is preparing to evade the course of justice. Our clients are well informed that the accused wants to leave the country for an unknown destination and is therefore unlawfully and with the aid of public office holders and police, disposing his property to facilitate his flight from justice,” reads the letter

The NPA responded saying they have since engaged the High Court Registrar to engage Inspector Chidhakwa to look into the matter.

“We approached Masvingo High Court Registrar and we have attached a copy of the draft order to this response.

“We received your letter dated 23 August 2021 and we have also engaged A/Inspector Chidhakwa, the Investigating officer to look into the issues you raised.

“Once investigations are complete, there is a possibility of re-arrest for purposes of default of bail conditions enquiry,” reads the letter.

Sources from the area claim that Pedzisai is selling his cattle and is alleged to have bribed a number of people including the police to clear the cattle since he has no stock card.

They further allege that the deceased was a committee member of the Chiredzana Dip tank and had blocked Pedzisai from clearing his cattle at some point.

Circumstances leading to his arrest are that on August 2 2021 Mucheni and Pedzisai were drinking beer at a local bar when Pedzisai asked Mucheni to buy him a drink as token of appreciation for an earlier favour where he had helped the now deceased to rescue his cow which had been traped at the dip tank.

Mucheni is alleged to have said he had no money and this did not go well with Pedzisai who struck him with a chair on the head and he fell down. He was later rushed to Mashoko Mission hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Mucheni is alleged to have disappeared and later resurfaced and handed himself over to Zaka police with his lawyer.

Religious, Traditional Beliefs Major Hindrance For Aspiring Female Politicians

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August 31, 2021

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Religious, Traditional Beliefs Major Hindrance For Aspiring Female Politicians

…as women rights groups demand quality service delivery

Melinda Kusemachibi/Nancy Bayereka

MASVINGO- The political environment has always been deemed unfavorable for aspiring female politicians whose low participation has been attributed to religious and traditional beliefs that bar them from taking up leadership positions.

Speaking during a recent online meeting facilitated by Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ), Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) representative, Tawanda Mafuta said some religious sects were demonizing women who are active in politics.

“Women constitute more than half of the world’s population but their participation in electoral and governance processes that affect their lives is very limited or rather minimal.

“Some religious sects discourage women to participate in political and leadership processes quoting some biblical teachings, therefore, we often see low turnout of women in electoral processes,” said Mafuta.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Masvingo District Elections Officer (DEO), Gertrude Murumbi said the commission was leading by example as women occupy its top posts.

“The Commission is leading by example. This is confirmed by the balanced gender representation whereby, our chairperson is a female and there are female directors at the Commission. There is no male domination,” said Murumbi.

Meanwhile, WCoZ has teamed up with two other organizations to demand an end to dwindling service delivery, which they believe is mostly disadvantaging women and children.

Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) and Women in Politics Support Unit (WIPSU) have embarked on a programme, ‘Collective Action to Realize Equality’ (CARE) being funded by Womankind that is meant to capacitate women in demanding efficient service delivery.

Grace Sithole who attended a two-day virtual meeting organized by the three organizations meeting lamented delayed refuse collection and how it has fueled illegal dumpsites that are now a health hazard.

“The dumpsite in Sisk near the Border football ground is a threat to us and our children who pick up used masks and other objects which may be hazardous to their health. Council is not doing anything about the area so they must address this issue because it has become a health hazard,” said Sithole.

City of Masvingo Acting Assistant Welfare and Recreation officer, Chishamiso Mhizha encouraged residents to avoid illegal dumping of waste and compliment council’s efforts in refuse collection.

“Let us always report such cases to our nearest council offices and avoid littering as this affects all of us , so let us help each other and keep Masvingo clean,” said Mhizha.

City of Masvingo currently has only two functional refuse compactors that are not enough for the whole city that is growing.

Masvingo Councilors In Voter Education Drive

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August 31, 2021

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Masvingo Councilors In Voter Education Drive

…as ZEC intensifies media campaigns

George Chimwayange

As the 2023 harmonized elections draw closer, a number of Masvingo Urban councilors have confirmed that they have already embarked on a voter education drive which seeks to improve youth participation in electoral processes.

TellZim News caught up with some councillors who revealed that they were making frantic efforts to maximize youth participation which will likely improve voter turnout in the forthcoming elections.

Ward 1 Councilor, Alderman Selina Maridza said she is capitalizing on all social gatherings where youths will be gathered to spread the gospel of registering to vote.

“I am trying my best to bring awareness amongst the youth in my ward. Whenever I see a group of young people playing soccer, at shopping centres or at boreholes, I educate and encourage them to go and register to vote. I have assisted some of them to access national identity documents so that they can be able to register,” said Maridza.

Ward 10 Councilor, Sengerayi Manyanga said due to Covid-19 restrictions that bar people from gathering he has resorted to utilizing online media platforms to rally youths to vote.

“I am using social media platforms like WhatsApp and have created groups targeting youths in my ward so that I can encourage them to go and register to vote. Statistics show that the youth are not registering to vote so in almost every WhatsApp group, I urge youths to register to vote,” said Manyanga.

Deputy Mayor and Ward 6 Councilor, Wellington Mahwende said he has lined up sporting events to spread awareness but was waiting for the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions.

“I have lined up a number of soccer and netball matches for youths as a way to rally them to register to vote in 2023 so am just waiting for Covid-19 regulations to be relaxed. I have already bought new balls and kits,” said Mahwende.

Ward 8 councilor, Against Chiteme who is also a religious sect leader said he is capitalizing on that platform to implore those eligible to vote to go and register.

“Everyone should go out in their numbers to exercise their right and register to vote. I am also spreading the message through church platforms and through social media platforms because we cannot gather due to Covid-19 restrictions,” said Chiteme.

Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) Masvingo has also collaborated with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to intensify their voter registration campaign in rural areas.

ZEC Deputy Provincial Election Officer, (PEO) Maxwell Ncube said they are working with NGOs in spreading the message to the people in rural areas.

“We are working with a number of NGOs which are helping in spreading the message in rural areas especially where there is limited radio frequency. We have people who are doing awareness campaigns in rural areas,” said Ncube.

Some of the organizations which have been working on voter education campaigns include; Elections Resources Centre (ERC) and Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN).

ZEC Masvingo managed to register only 72 people across all the seven districts in June, where Gutu had 44 new voters, Masvingo registered 23, Chiredzi four, Mwenezi one while Bikita, Chivi and Zaka offices did not record any new voter.

‘No Donations Without Zanu Pf Approval’

Elections & Governance

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August 27, 2021

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Brighton Chiseva

Zanu PF Zaka District Coordinating Committee (DCC) has banned party members from doing charity work like donating goods without knowledge and approval from the DCC, sitting councilor and respective Member of Parliament (MP).

The move is meant to bar aspiring MPs and councillors from campaigning indirectly as has been the case.

In a communication that circulated in Zanu PF social media platforms, the DCC said failure to abide by new regulations by party members was going to attract disciplinary action.

“Members are advised not to distribute any donations, financial or material, without the knowledge of DCC or sitting MPs. This position was taken by the DCC in order to strengthen unity and peace in the party

“Distribution by non-state actors in our wards should be done with councillors who in turn inform their MPs. A violation of this position by Zanu PF cadres attracts disciplinary action over such. Anyone who wants clarity on this position can contact the DCC Chairman,” reads the memo.

However, Zaka DCC secretary for information Pepukai Chiwewe dismissed the communication saying they did not ban donations but as a party, they wanted to foster unity and development.

He said in the meantime, the party was only campaigning for the president so party members, councillors and MPs should work together to foster development and show a united front.

“We urged our members to do donations in presence of the MP or councillor so that we do not seem to be fueling divisions. That shows we are working together. Currently we are not campaigning for any other position. We are only campaigning for the president so there is no problem in people going together to do charity work and campaign for the president,” said Chiwewe.

However, sources within the party in Zaka district said this move was a result of fear among sitting councillors and MPs as aspiring candidates are already campaigning indirectly.

“The MPs are afraid of competition from aspiring candidates and they want to ban them from indirectly campaigning. A number of aspiring candidates have already started doing charity work in the constituencies especially in Zaka Central where there are a number of candidates,” said the source

Another source said sitting MPs in Zaka are afraid of competition and want to use their positions in the DCC and Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) positions to elbow out rivals.

Clemence Chiduwa of Zaka East and Davison Svuure of Zaka Central are DCC Chairperson and vice chairperson respectively.

Robson Mavhenyengwa of Zaka North is Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) vice Chairperson and Zaka West’s Ophias Murambiwa is the PCC secretary for Information.

Religious, Traditional Beliefs Major Hindrance For Aspiring Female Politicians

TellZim News

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August 15, 2021

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…as women rights groups demand quality service delivery

Melinda Kusemachibi/Nancy Bayereka

MASVINGO– The political environment has always been deemed unfavorable for aspiring female politicians whose low participation has been attributed to religious and traditional beliefs that bar them from taking up leadership positions.