By Brighton Chiseva

In a significant development, 30 out of 44 councilors at Zaka Rural District Council signed a motion to pass a vote of no confidence and removal of Chairperson Fungai Maregedze from her post.
The motion, written by Aleta Makomeke on May 5, highlights growing dissatisfaction among councilors with Maregedze’s leadership.
“I hereby move that the council of Zaka Rural District Council expresses a vote of no confidence against the council chair Councilor Fungai Maregedze due to her repeated violation of statutes and conduct unbecoming of a council chairperson as outlined in the constitution of Zimbabwe and the Rural District Council Act,” reads part of the motion.
Despite being penned over two weeks ago, the motion had not yet been acted upon, with sources revealing that it had been making its way through various channels.
The CEO allegedly took it to the District Development Coordinator (DDC) Gift Machukele, who then forwarded it to Local Government Director Roy Hove, and subsequently to Permanent Secretary in the office of the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr. Addmore Pazvakavambwa.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Makomeke said she could not comment on behalf of council, Machukele’s cell went unanswered several times.
Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa’s cell rang and as usual he dropped and sent a text message saying he was in a meeting. Dr Pazvakavambwa’s cell also rang and he dropped before sending a text message that he would call back later.
Notably, the motion is not along party lines, with four opposition councilors also appending their signatures in support of Maregedze’s ouster. Councillors accuse her of undermining the President by allegedly supporting councilor Zivanai Zvada, who is standing accused of undermining the President after forwarding a message in a ward group purporting a call to remove the President.
The motion argued that Maregedze’s presence in the WhatsApp group where the message was sent and her failure to condemn it suggests she supported those who forwarded the message.
“The council chair remains a member of the ward 24 WhatsApp group where Zivanai Zvada of ward 24 incited the public to engage in the 31st March 2025 protests and also called for the resignation of the President. It is quiet disturbing that the council chair continues to remain a member of the group. She is not moved,” reads part of the motion

They accuse her of dominating committee and full council meetings, overriding everyone, including management, in the process and that resulted in two senior managers leaving Zaka RDC.
“The council chair continues to dominate committee meetings hence stifling contributions from committee members creating an ‘I know it all syndrome’,” read the motion.
The feud between Maregedze and her deputy, as well as CEO David Majaura, has been simmering for some time. Councilors claim that Maregedze was overstepping her authority, interfering with the CEO’s duties, and undermining his decisions.
This has led to a breakdown in communication and cooperation between the council leadership and management, ultimately affecting the council’s operations and service delivery. The motion also notes that Maregedze tried to influence the ouster of the CEO but failed.
“The council chair was instrumental in influencing the suspension of the CEO without following proper procedure
The working relationship between Maregedze and the CEO deteriorated to the point where they cannot travel in the same vehicle, even when attending the same meeting. This has resulted in increased costs for the council, as they are forced to fuel two vehicles for the same meeting.
“Generally there is unjustifiable conflict between the CEO nad Council Chair. Relations are so bad that the two cannot travel in the same vehicle even for the same meeting,” reas part of the motion
Councilors also question Maregedze’s suitability for the role, accusing her of being elected council chairperson through her husband’s influence, who is an MP and Zaka DCC chairperson, despite having no experience in local authority operations. Maregedze is also accused of bullying other councilors in the councilors’ WhatsApp group.
Councilors were further angered by Maregedze’s statement that she could not work with her vice and the CEO, leading them to question who she could work with. When Maregedze sought to have the two removed, councilors saw it prudent to remove her instead, citing that she was impeding development in council.
The motion to oust Maregedze is seen as a culmination of these tensions, with councilors seeking to restore stability and effective governance at the council. The outcome of this motion will likely have significant implications for Zaka RDC’s operations and governance structure.
The motion which was leaked to TellZim News came out after Mavhenyengwa was tasked to convene a meeting with the council chair and her vice Svinurai Dawn Chivore to try and solve an impasse between them and preach unity among councilors. Mavhenyengwa’s meeting was after Chivore and had written a letter of complaint to the chief whip Livison Makwanye who also wrote a letter recommending Maregedze’s expulsion to Mavhenyengwa.
However, councilors argued that Mavhenyengwa was misled into believing that the feud between Maregedze and her deputy was causing all the drama, whereas it was Maregedze’s character that has resulted in the majority of councilors wanting to show her the exit door.

By Brighton Chiseva

A class of 24 students who were doing Survey and Geometric course, from Harare Polytechnic who were supposed to graduate this year are facing an uncertain future after the college forgot to submit their exam scripts to the examination board in time.
The college is allegedly forcing students not only to retake the project management module exam but also to postpone their graduation to next year.
The oversight was discovered during an exam board meeting, and despite efforts to negotiate, with the examination board, the Higher Education Examination Council (HEXCO) refused to accept the scripts, citing it was too late.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Harare Poly Public Relations Officer Admire Masuku referred questions to Hexco saying exam related issues fell under their jurisdiction.
“I suggest you engage Hexco on matters concerning examinations. That matter falls under their purview,” said Masuku.
However, one of the affected students and ZINASU Harare Provincial Legal Secretary Tom Kwashira confirmed the matter to TellZim News and said the college’s negligence had put their graduation at risk.
The students had already completed their coursework and were expecting to graduate in August. However, with the need to rewrite the exam, their graduation plans were now uncertain.
“We heard the college failed to submit our scripts to Hexco in time and they are now asking us to rewrite the same exam without considering that we come from different areas and some may be out of the country now waiting to return for graduation,” said Kwashira.
He said they would not accept to simply write without favorable conditions including reimbursement of all expenses to be incurred and that they will graduate in August.
“We will not accept to simply rewrite the exam without conditions. We demand answers and justice for those who were affected by the college’s failure to submit our transcripts on time.
“We also want the college to cover all expenses for travel, accommodation, and food for students who had already gone home waiting for graduation. They think they can sway us by telling us that we will not repay the exam fees as if it’s the only expense,” said Kwashira.
The students also demanded assurance that they would be allowed to graduate this year, considering the difficulties they would face in meeting the normal graduation requirements.
“It’s already challenging to graduate under normal circumstances, and now we’re being forced to rewrite an exam due to the college’s mistake. We need guarantees that we’ll be able to graduate this year if we agree to rewrite the exam,” said Kwashira.
Kwashira emphasized that Harare Poly and Hexco should take responsibility for their mistake and should not involve the students who did their part already.
“They should sort out their mess and consider the impact on our plans and time. If we don’t graduate, many will be inconvenienced,” said Kwashira.
The college’s failure to submit the transcripts has sparked outrage among students, who feel that they were being unfairly penalized for the institution’s mistake.
Sources said the college claims that the scripts were underneath another pile of projects and thought all were projects not knowing that there were exam scripts at the bottom.
It was only discovered after a board meeting and Hexco refused to accept the scripts. The college allegedly tried to negotiate to resubmit them together with the upcoming examinations but they also refused.

By Virginia Njovo

School heads in Masvingo province, particularly in Chiredzi, Masvingo, and Mwenezi Districts have reported significant improvement in school attendance due to a school feeding programme backed by Seeds For Future (SEFF).
Speaking to TellZim News during SEFF closure meeting at Urban Lifestyles Hotel in Masvingo, Musvovi Primary School head Rodiya Imbayago told TellZim News that the introduction of feeding programmes led to a notable increase in learners’ attendance.
“Since implementing the feeding programme at our school, I have seen a tangible improvement in learners attending classes compared to previous years. The food provided motivates them to come to school,” said Imbayago.
Beyond attendance, Imbayago said the project had also contributed to infrastructure development at the school.
“We have benefitted from infrastructure improvements. Even though the project is coming to an end, we were left with something tangible,” said Imbayago.
SEFF project manager, Joseph Matiza, said the initiative aimed to ensure food security in schools and communities among the six schools selected in the three districts.
“The SEFF project selected six primary schools in the three districts, Ndali, Mpinga, Musvovi, Fusira, Rata, and Matande, to pilot actions supporting the home-grown school feeding programmes to ensure children learn with full stomachs from a nutritious diet,” said Matiza.
Each school received support for solar-powered irrigation gardens, poultry projects, and fish farming to provide vegetables, eggs, and fish, enriching students’ diets with essential nutrients. Local communities contributed traditional grains for the cereal component of school meals, enhancing food security.
Matiza said the project also focused on community seed banks and agro ecological transition, enabling local communities to produce sufficient grains for both local and school needs.

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Town Council (CTC) Chairperson and Ward 3 Councilor, Jameson Charumbira, has launched the construction of public toilets at the Chiredzi Old Rank Flea Market and bus terminus.
Chrumbira told TellZim News that he decided to embark on the project as a response to calls from Ward 3 residents for improved water and sanitation facilities at the Old Rank.
He said he was utilizing both his council earnings and personal savings to fund the project, which addresses the urgent need for sanitation at the flea market and bus terminus that had been operating for decades without any ablution facilities.
“Vendors at the flea market have been relying on a single house toilet from a nearby residence, and they have been doing so for years.
“Chiredzi Town Council indicated that there were no resources to develop the facilities but a plan and a site for the toilet was there so that is what I am developing on,” said Charumbira.
He said the initiative stemmed from his commitment to addressing the community’s needs as expressed during a Ward 3 development meeting.
“It’s not that I have a lot of money, but I have the determination to help the community I serve,” he stated.
Charumbira also said he was collaborating with a construction company, Kayz Dikkers, based in his ward saying the partnership was bearing fruits.
“I am working with Kayz Dikkers for the construction of the flea market and toilets so I purchase material while they provide labor and expertise. I also have another contractor ready to build a different toilet for the Bus Terminus, which we will begin once the current project is completed.”
Chiredzi Town has two bus terminuses: the old and the new. The New Bus Terminus has a lavatory for bus drivers and staff, while the Old Rank has none.

By Staff Reporter

Masvingo City Council has admitted to using substandard paint for recent road markings, following backlash from the public over the markings that faded within two weeks.
Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe made the revelation during a press briefing held recently confirming that the paint used was of poor quality and had since been returned to the supplier.
The admission was made after concern was raised over the rapid deterioration of new zebra crossings and other markings, particularly on major roads like Josiah Tongogara Street.
“We have noted the concerns by residents about the paint used for road markings across the city. We returned all the supplies to the supplier after realizing the paint was of poor quality and not fit for purpose. We’ve asked for a better product, which has delayed progress on marking the roads,” said Tabe.
Council failed to provide the name of the supplier during the press briefing and said the procurement department were not present in the meeting
The issue came under the spotlight after TellZim News reported on barely-visible zebra crossings. The council’s attempt to redo the markings proved futile when they faded again in less than two weeks, drawing more criticism from residents.
Parents and residents were particularly alarmed by the fading markings near schools, raising safety concerns and questioning the value for money in council projects that fail to last.
In line with broader concerns about road maintenance, Tabe said the city had plans to buy a motorised grader using ZWL$5.2 million from the Zimbabwe National Roads Administration (ZINARA). The funds will also support regraveling 16 roads (totaling 10km) and pothole patching on 55 roads (1km total).
“The just ended rainy season left a trail of severe damage to roads and storm water drainage infrastructure in the city. For the year 2025 we have planned to purchase a motorised grader, regravel 16 roads with total chainange of 10km, pothole patching on 55 roads totaling 1km,” said Tabe.
Tabe also said council had plans to ring-fence funds from prepaid parking to maintain roads in the Central Business District as the one from ZINARA is not enough.
“The funding from ZINARA is not enough to cover the maintenance work that needs to be done to make our roads trafficable across the city. Part of the revenue being generated from pre-paid is going to ring-fenced and used for maintenance of roads in CBD,” he said.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo South Member of Parliament (MP) Tanatsiwa Mukomberi is making a tangible difference in the lives of his constituents through a series of impactful development projects on health care and education from his 2025 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation.

Speaking to TellZim News, Mukomberi said he had taken further steps to improve the health system in his constituency by directing a portion of the CDF towards establishing new health centres and sprucing up existing ones to improve access to the crucial service.
“We bought building material for Maregere Clinic at Tokwane Ngundu, for the completion of the staff house. CDF financed procurement of equipment and drilling for a solar-powered borehole to supply water at the clinic.
“In the meantime, we resolved to have a slab, and we will use tents to ensure that people can receive health assistance while constructing the superstructure. This way, nurses will have accommodation, and water supply will be readily available,” said Mukomberi.
Mukomberi said part of the CDF bought building material for Chisase clinic while construction of another clinic at Fusira in ward 27 was at an advanced stage.
“Window panes, doors, and locks have already been sent to finish the staff house at Chisase Clinic. At Fusira in Ward 27, we are constructing a clinic and recently sent cement to complete it. We are making final touches so that it can start operating,” said Mukomberi.
In terms of education, Mukomberi said part of the CDF was directed towards construction of new toilets and classroom blocks at schools in Masvingo South constituency.
“We provided materials for the construction of a block at newly established Ndumuke Primary in Kuchakanya area, including paint and everything needed for roofing, plastering, doors, and lock pads. Everything is now in order, and they are ready to start working on the project, which should be close to completion in few weeks. Cement was delivered to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Ward 31.
“We provided materials to build ablution blocks at Magudu Primary. The toilets there are in a poor state and pose a risk to leaners. At Ganyange, we constructed an ECD block so we delivered materials for roofing and cement for plastering and flooring for it to open,” said Mukomberi.
These projects demonstrate the MP’s commitment to leveraging CDF resources to drive meaningful development in Masvingo South.

By Tatiana Mhararira

Construction of the Runyararo Clinic maternity wing is on the horizon, following the completion and commissioning of the North West Clinic’s maternity wing recently.
This was revealed by Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe on May 8, 2025 during a press conference held at town house where he was presenting on the state of affairs of the city.
The mayor expressed plans to expand all council clinics, with Runyararo Clinic being the next priority after North West Clinic making significant strides in improving the maternal health in the city.
“We are in the process of constructing a maternity wing at Runyararo clinic that will serve Runyararo Suburb, part of Mucheke suburb and some urban settlements. This project will be completed in 2025 at a cost of US$ 50 000 excluding the equipment.
“The council has resolved to have maternity facilities at all the clinics hence in 2026 a maternity wing will be constructed at Rujeko Clinic,” said Tabe.
The establishment of the maternal wing will improve access to health care services in Masvingo City and reduce the distance travelled by residents to seek for the services to either North West or Mazorodze clinics.
The maternal ward will become the third council owned maternity wing in Masvingo after Mazorodze and Runyararo North west and will help decongest the existing health care facilities.
Recently the council completed the construction of a maternity wing at North West medical centre in Runyararo west suburb and the facility is now functioning with a carrying capacity to admit ten mothers.