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Prominent Masvingo gold miner succumbs to Covid-19

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Prominent Masvingo gold miner succumbs to Covid-19

Kimberly
Kusauka

Prominent Masvingo gold miner David Chaka succumbed
to Covid-19 early this morning at 24 Hour Medical Centre in Zimre Park after
being transferred from Rujeko Isolation Centre with breathing difficulties.

Chaka’s wife Shamiso confirmed the death to TellZim
News and said her husband passed on around 4am today at the private medical
centre after battling with Covid-19 for some days.

She said her late husband got sick a week ago and
was rushed to Rujeko Isolation Centre where he was immediately admitted and
placed on oxygen ICU, but his condition continued to deteriorate after which he
was transferred to 24 Hour Medical Centre.

“My late husband got sick a week ago and was rushed
to Rujeko Isolation Centre where he was immediately placed on oxygen since he
was having challenges in breathing.

“His condition was deteriorating by each day
and he was transferred to 24 Hour Medical Centre on Monday July 12 and we lost
him early this morning,” the wife said.

Masvingo Provincial Taskforce spokesperson Rogers
Irimayi said that Rujeko Isolation Centre as of July 12 had three admissions
who are all moderate and on oxygen.

“As of July 12 the isolation centre had five
admissions, with two having been transferred out, leaving three moderate
patients who are all on oxygen,” said Irimayi.

The late Chaka owned a number of gold mines in Bhuka
area and a mill along Bondolfi Road.

Chiredzi Council falls prey to ‘bogus’ car dealer

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Chiredzi Council falls prey to ‘bogus’ car dealer

Emmanuel Chitsika/ Ephraim Mtombeni CORA

Chiredzi Rural District Council is yet to receive a Toyota Fortuner vehicle it purchased for the Chief Executive Officer from Solution Motors, despite having fully paid for it last year, TellZim News has learnt.

The local authority may have fallen prey to the dubious vehicle supplying company Solution Motors, which made headlines in 2019 after failing to supply some vehicles to the Ministry of Agriculture Department of Irrigation after being paid.

The vehicle whose full payment by Chiredzi Rural District Council (RDC) was done in November last year is yet to be delivered, a development that has prompted the council seek legal action against the supplier following a resolution made after several meetings by the council Finance committee.

Contacted for comment on the issue, Chiredzi RDC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ailes Baloyi confirmed that council is having a challenge in getting Solution Motors to honor their promise by delivering the vehicle. 

“The first challenge we had as council was awarding the tender to Solution Motors because we did not get the opportunity to offer the tender to other vehicle suppliers. We were given reference that this supplier can do the job of which now we are realising that the company is not sincere in its operations.

“The supplier told us that they could not be able to supply the Toyota Fortuner we ordered as they no longer have the manual version. Instead we opted for the automatic as the only alternative left for us but still they did not deliver it. We have since engaged our legal representatives as a way of resolving the matter,” said Baloyi.

Baloyi also said Chiredzi RDC is not the only local authority having issues with Solution Motors as Mwenezi RDC is reported to also have bought a vehicle which was never delivered.

“We also heard the case of Mwenezi RDC whose vehicle was never delivered despite having paid for fully,” added Baloyi.

Solution Motors is allegedly owned by one Patrick Siyamwaya who is on record for allegedly assisting government departments, companies and individuals trying to avoid restrictions by the United States’ Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) after the imposition of sanctions and travel restrictions on Zimbabwean leadership.

In 2017 the Ministry of Agriculture Department of Irrigation awarded two tenders to Solution Motors, one for the supply of five single cab Nissan NP300 and five Toyota Hilux double cab vehicles while the other had a single SLG roller, two excavators, two tippers and a water bowser which the supplier failed to supply citing shortage of foreign currency to make the purchases. 

In Auditor General Mildred Chiri’s 2019 report, Solutions Motors was cited for its failure to deliver four vehicles worth over $200 000.

“There was no improvement on the issue of four (4) undelivered motor vehicles worth $207 540 by Solution Motors,” reads part of the report.

Another motor vehicle company, Cannon Motors was also cited by Chiri’s report for failing to deliver two vehicles to the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation since December 2017.

“I noted with concern non delivery of motor vehicles that were purchased by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation. The Ministry purchased fourteen motor vehicles in December 2017 valued at $617 863 from Cannon Motors (Pvt) Ltd T/A AMC Nissan. However two Nissan NP 300 single cab motor vehicles were not delivered to the Ministry. Consequently, this has negatively impacted the Ministry in carrying out its mandate as there is a shortage of motor vehicles,” read Chiri’s report.

NGOs critical to government operations during pandemics-ZIMCODD

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NGOs critical to government operations during pandemics-ZIMCODD
 Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) Tafadzwa Muguti

Emmanuel Chitsika

Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) has called on government to recognize the role of Non-Governmental Organizations as critical partners in pandemic situations following calls for NGOs to seek further clearance to legitimize their operations.

The call was made earlier this week in ZIMCODD’s weekly review after Harare Provincial Development Coordinator (PDC) Tafadzwa Muguti demanded NGOs to seek clearance from his office to legalize their operations in a letter addressed to a number of NGOs.

“During times like these where the world has been plagued by Covid-19 pandemic and its effects, it has become more critical than ever for government to collaborate and work with NGOs as opposed to shrinking the civic space further.

“It is not a secret that government regards NGOs as global players and any criticism of government’s shortfalls is treated as a move to destabilise the government,” reads part of the report.

The analysis report however urged government to appreciate the role NGOs play in the country in improving the livelihoods of the citizens.

“What is well known is that partnerships between government and NGOs can help strengthen health systems, the economy, livelihoods and serve lives, both in times of crisis and long thereafter. NGOs have been supporting the state with financial resources for many years and have continued to do so during this pandemic.

“NGOs have shown good capacity in providing information and support to different communities within Zimbabwe. For this reason they are trusted by those populations and people can listen to them and accept their offers,” the report further reads.

The directive by Muguti came in contrast to the High Court ruling by Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo in 2019 stating that District Administrators (DAs) had no business in the operations of NGOs after the nullification of operations of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) in Masvingo by DA Roy Hove.

The government of Zimbabwe has labeled NGOs ‘agents of regime change’ influenced by the West and Muguti accused NGOs of straying from their mandates stated in their respected Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).

In Masvingo, there was a letter which recently circulated on social media which was addressed to youth-led NGOs to do the same.

Land barons target Chiredzi expansion land

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Land barons target Chiredzi expansion land

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI– A Harare based company is allegedly targeting to sell 500 unserviced residential stands on the 750 hectares earmarked for the expansion of Chiredzi Town and Rural District Councils at US$2500 each, while the two local authorities gain nothing, TellZim News can reveal.

Full Life Open Arms Africa Investments (FLOAAI) did a feasibility study for the 750 hectares which is jointly owned by both councils and which they were given by government after they had ran out of expansion land.

Both councils jointly engaged FLOAAI and were hoping to begin servicing of the land as a precursor to the sale of the stands for residential, commercial and industrial purposes. 

In documents obtained by TellZim News, Andrew Chigudu  the Director of Projects and Planning at FLOAAI Pvt Ltd allegedly wrote to Audrey Madzima the General Manager of Enhanced Mortgaging and Housing P/L offering them a sale of 500 undeveloped stands measuring 240 and 300 square meters dated May 17 2021.

“Our company, Full Life Open Arms Investments (FLOAAI) Pvt Ltd hereby offer your company Enhanced Mortgaging and Housing (EMH) 500 undeveloped residential stands that measures 240 square meters and 300 square meters from our sub-division Layout (SL1109) approved on 15 March 2021 in accordance with memorandum of Agreement with Chiredzi Town Council and Chiredzi Rural District Council.

“We offer you these 500 undeveloped stands at a price of US$2500.00 each,” the letter reads.

EMH, allegedly responded asking for confirmation of the deal between FLOAAI and the two local authorities before it pays the USD1 250 000.00.

“We are kindly requesting for the following information with regards to a particular project being undertaken in Chiredzi. Project Status, Land Ownership details. Please note that we have been offered stands in the area with a sub division layout (SL1109) which was approved on the 15th of March 2021. You may refer to the email attached,” reads the letter from Madzima.

In an interview Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson Gibson Hwende said he only knows FLOAAI in relation to a feasibility study which it did for the 750 hectares of land and said he is yet to receive information that it is selling stands in the said area.

“FLOAAI did the feasibility studies for the 750 hectares and I am yet to hear of such developments but the said piece of land belongs to both councils and no way can a single council make such a decision and above all, government policy doesn’t allow that,” said Hwende.

Chiredzi Town Council is yet to give residents the green light to commence construction of houses at Melbourne Park as they are still to complete servicing of the stands.

Manyuchi shifts focus to upcoming bouts

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Manyuchi shifts focus to upcoming bouts

Kimberly Kusauka

MASVINGO-Having defeated Ugandan boxer Muhamad Sebyala last week at Flamboyant Hotel, World Boxing Federation (WBF) middleweight champion, Charles ‘Busy Bee’ Manyuchi is not resting as he prepares for two more fights slated for this year.

Although the exact dates for the two bouts have not been released yet, Manyuchi who is affectionately known as ‘Busy Bee’ will once again enter the ring on yet to be announced dates in September and November.

The boxing champion told TellZim News that he will be fighting in Dubai and Tanzania respectively before the year ends and is now waiting for communication from the promoters to map a way forward.

“My next fight is going to be held in Dubai sometime in September, followed by the one which will be hosted in Tanzania in November but the dates are yet to be announced. I am going to carry on with my career and I have no time to waste, because I regret the two years I wasted sitting on my talent.

“As of now I am waiting for the promoters to send me the contract so that I can start to prepare for the upcoming match,” said Manyuchi.

Commenting on his performance against the tricky Sebyala, Manyuchi admitted having a tough time in the ring exchanging jabs with the Ugandan.

“The fight was very tough as I did not expect the guy to go over twelve rounds, I thought it was my fight but the guy was very strong. During the fight I have learnt not to underrate my opponent. I also saw the need to keep on training so that I won’t have ring rust,” said Manyuchi.

Manyuchi also claimed the World Alliance Boxing Association (WABA) and the World Professional Boxing Federation titles (WPBF) titles after defeating Sebyala.

Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa gave Manyuchi a golden handshake of US$10 000 when he visited the state house to present his titles on July 8.

Triathlon Zimbabwe targets to improve talent identification, nurturing

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Triathlon Zimbabwe targets to improve talent identification, nurturing

Clayton Shereni

MASVINGO– Many sporting disciplines in the country haven’t been doing well when it comes the tapping and nurturing of young talented athletes who happen to be future stars, but Triathlon Zimbabwe (TZ) is now in a drive to do away the perception that the sport is for the elite. 

TZ is setting its eyes at expanding its base across Zimbabwe and make the sport more familiar in schools and other areas where the sport is little known. 

The sport has been attributed to the elite, but TZ is out to change that myth and make the sport more popular in high density and marginalized communities in Zimbabwe. 

This came out during an online Bonaqua Triathlon online familiarisation workshop held on Tuesday, July 6, when journalists interacted with the sport’s local leadership and sponsors to learn about the developments being made by TZ. 

Speaking during the workshop Triathlon Zimbabwe President, David Ellis said they were burdened by the need to tap into young talent and revealed that they were sending TZ representatives to schools across the country. 

“It’s something that we always have at the back of our minds. Aquathlon has become very popular in schools starting last year because it allows the kids to only do the run and swim element of Triathlon. We do send some of our representatives to schools to encourage the sport. We also have the duathlon aspect for the guys who do not like swimming which we are trying to push a lot. We have a few bikes that we have given to some local guys to try and encourage them,” said Ellis. 

These sentiments were also shared by Zimbabwe Olympic Committee (ZOC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Mudawarima, who said there is need to target young triathletes starting now so as to have enough to prepare for future international events. 

“With these kind of dedicated corporate sponsors we now need to look at some of the young talent which we have and directly support the talent. Working through with the sponsors we should be able to get certain athletes on scholarships. For long term impact we now have to look at the Under 13, 15 and 18 as we target the Paris 2024 event,” said Mudawarima. 

The most popular triathlon event in the country is the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup which is held at Troutbeck in the Eastern Highlands annually, with this year’s event expected to be held on September 25.

The event’s main sponsor is Bonaqua which has been sponsoring the event for the past four years, having taken over from Schweppes, another Coca Cola subsidy.  

TZ also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the City of Harare as it seeks to spread its wings and maintain infrastructure. 

Shameless: Council uses devolution funds for worker’ salaries

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Shameless: Council uses devolution funds for worker’ salaries
Chipinge Rural District Council Offices

Leslie Karumbidza

Chipinge Rural District Council (RDC) has been accused of diverting devolution funds to workers’ salaries while service delivery continues to plunge into a devastating state, a recent report by Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) revealed.  

The rot was exposed by the Public Resource Management Situational Report which was conducted by ZIMCODD, with the aid of Community Resource Monitoring Agents (CORAs) following a survey which was carried in 54 districts for the period May 2021.

 A number of residents who were part of the survey expressed their disgruntlement on the use of devolution funds, which they said have nothing to show for it while council workers are getting paid.

“These devolution funds are being diverted as payrolls to council workers yet roads are full of potholes.

“Sewer pipes are bursting on a daily basis and there is nothing to show for devolution funds received,” reads part of the report.

The report also revealed that since Cyclone Idai hit the town in 2019, roads are in a bad state despite the fact that a fifth of the devolution funds went to the department of roads.

“Since Cyclone Idai the roads have not been repaired or maintained, yet 20 percent of devolution funds goes to the Ministry of Roads and Transport. Projects initiated in 2020 are still incomplete such as the solar project and the water project.

“This resulted in some of the projects equipment’s such as solar panels and water pipes to be stolen as they were lying idle,” reads the report.

The report also mentions the case of mismanagement of social grants that were supposed to be disbursed to residents as a Covid-19 cushion, with an attaché at the social welfare department in Chipinge diverting ZW$91 000 to personal use. 

When contacted for comment, Chipinge RDC Chief Executive Officer Blessing Mamvosha said there is no such thing like the diversion of devolution funds to workers’ salaries, and he promised to call TellZim News back with the full detail.

CORAs have been capacitated to monitor, document and report the abuse of public resources at district level on a monthly basis.

The goal is to enhance citizen agency in public resources monitoring and to promote citizen participation in economic governance.

Covid-19 positive cases shoot up in rural Chiredzi

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Covid-19 positive cases shoot up in rural Chiredzi

Blessed Chauke

Covid-19 positive cases are shooting up in rural Chiredzi after Chikombedzi recently recorded nine more active cases from only one recorded last month bringing the total to 10. 

There are also reports that there are two more positive cases in Boli Muhlanguleni, a predominantly rural area in Chiredzi South.

A source who requested anonymity said that of the two positive cases from Boli Muhlanguleni, one is a nurse while the other one is a teacher who recently travelled.

“Of the two positive cases, one is a teacher and the other one is a nurse. The teacher was in Harare some few days ago, so maybe that is where he got the virus.

“These people who tested Covid-19 positive are not even quarantined or isolated but they are still at home with their families,” said the source.

Masvingo Covid-19 Provincial taskforce spokesperson Rodgers Irimayi said he has not yet received the information about the positive cases in Chikombedzi.

“I have not received that information yet. Let me get the statistics of that area first,” said Irimayi.

Chiredzi district has been on the hotspot map for almost a month and half, with the infection rate rising with each day. 

Covid-19 cases have been generally low in rural areas since the start of the pandemic, but the numbers have been increasing lately.

OK Masvingo donates to Mucheke Old People’s Home

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OK Masvingo donates to Mucheke Old People’s Home

Kimberly Kusauka

OK Zimbabwe Masvingo branch recently donated groceries worth $ZW 85 000 to Mucheke Old People’s Home, TellZim News can report.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, OK Masvingo branch Manager Shingirai Change said that it is OK’s culture to carry out a donation soon after the annual OK grand challenge promotion.

He said they chose the Mucheke Old People’s Home because they saw that they were in need especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“As OK Zimbabwe we carry out OK grand challenge annually and soon after the grand challenge we carry out a donation.

“We chose Mucheke Old people’s home because we saw that they were in need especially during the Covid-19 pandemic when the economy is struggling,” said Change.

Mucheke Old People’s Home Chairperson Pastor Kidson Maponga said he was overwhelmed by the donation since it is his duty as a committee member to provide food for the old people at the home, saying it is exciting when a local business gives back to the community.

“We are happy with the donation since it is our duty as Committee members to run around, making sure that the old people have enough food on their table.

“It is exciting that OK is giving back to the community by donating to the old people and this is the second time after they donated in 2019,” said Maponga.

Mucheke Old People’s Home Superintendent Reverend Matokos Chaka said the donation is going to help them for four to five months since they usually struggle to get enough food for the old people.

“The food might cover us for four to five months and we are more than grateful since we usually struggle to get enough food to feed the old people at Mucheke Old People’s Home,” said Chaka.

Currently there are 15 people at Mucheke Old People’s Home comprising of 10 women and five men.

They were all tested for Covid-19 on July 4 and they were negative.

Three elderly women collapse, die few hours apart in Masvingo

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Three elderly women collapse, die few hours apart in Masvingo

Terrence Ndowora

Masvingo residents were on Wednesday morning left dumbstruck after three elderly women collapsed and died in unclear circumstances only a few hour apart in Masvingo.

The three women, who were all over 60 years of age were all pronounced dead by health officials from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, who went to collect their bodies under very strict safety conditions.

Eye witnesses said one of the women, who collapsed and died inside a toilet at Landmark Bar in the Central Business District (CBD) had come from Summerton Resettlement Area and had asked for a toilet at Landmark Bar, only to be found dead minutes later.

Another elderly woman from Mucheke D high density suburb also collapsed and died, a few minutes after the first incident and health officials had to rush there to collect the body soon after collecting the first one.

In Runyararo West suburb, another woman was also found dead the same morning, bringing the number of these sudden deaths to three.  

Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incidents and said that post-mortem for the three bodies was underway at the time of writing.

There has been growing fears of a deadly Covid-19 variant which is suspected to have come from outside the country’s borders, with victims of the variant collapsing and dying within minutes.

There are reports however that all the three bodies tested negative to Covid-19 when tests were done.

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