Home Blog Page 52

Masvingo women challenge economic barriers with innovative projects

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo women challenge economic barriers with innovative projects

By Meditation Mposi

In a powerful display of resilience and unity, women from Masvingo Rural District Council ward 13 under the First Lady Widows Association and Saving and Credit Cooperation (SACCO) are making a living through various income generating projects.
The women recently gathered at Chikarudzo Business Centre on April 9 where they showcased their successes to motivate others.
The event was held under the theme ‘women participating in sectors of the economy without barriers’ where they showcased projects including detergent making, hairdressing and fence making.
Speaking at the event ward 13 councilor, Sarah Munemo said cooperatives empowered women and gave them independence from relying on their husbands.
“These projects empower women and relieved them from entirely depending on their husbands. They are now able to generate income to support their families. Widows as the only pillars of their families are now able to send their children to school through such projects. This reduces early child marriages, drug and substance abuse among children from underprivileged families.
She said they were hoping to generate more income from the projects and showcase their success stories at provincial level.
“Our aim is to generate more income so that we can be able to attend events at provincial level participating in our numbers because we are facing unfair competition with those in the urban. We wish to even host cooking competitions in our ward,” said Munemo.
Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Small and Medium Enterprise Development Officer Varaidzo Revesai encouraged women to register their co-operatives which she said would assist them in getting grants and loans amongst other benefits.
“I encourage you to keep on doing your projects to prevent financial conflicts in your homes and in community. Registering your projects makes you eligible for grants. There is a 20 percent which is set aside to give to women in business,” said Revesai.
SACCO Secretary Nyemudzai Mugochi said the projects which was started in 2022 was thriving with the cooperative acquiring a commercial stand.
“We formed SACCO in 2022 and registered it in 2024. We save US$5 per person every month and so far we have managed to purchase a stand and we want to build infrastructure for the projects. People in our group borrow money and return it with 20 percent interest.
“I am grateful to SACCO as we are now able to support our families, borrowing money and returning it on time,” said Mugochi.
Kumbirai Chinyere from New Look Saloon said their aim was to reduce early child marriages by equipping young women and girls with skills they can use to generate income.
“Our aim is to support young girls, especially those who did not excel academically. Empowering young girls keep them engaged and helps prevent early child marriages and substance abuse.
“If a woman gets into a marriage empowered it can help them in navigating issues of abuse and enable her to financially support her family. So far I have eight members which I am training,” said Chinyere.
Docars Mugabe from the fence making project said they had recorded success from their end as the group has already acquired two fence making machines from the time they started in 2024.
“We started the project in December 2024 and we are 60 members. We have managed buy two fence making machines and employed a person who do that for us,” said Chinyere.
Ropafadzo Dunira, a member of the catering team said they offer incredible catering services and were making a living out of it.
“We offer incredible catering services for weddings, birthdays, family gatherings. We started this project in 2021with the aid of our councilor. Our catering name is Lulu’s Events.
“Those who are in need of catering aid are free to conduct us,” said Dunira.

Residents slam Masvingo council over neglected roads

TellZim News
-
0
Residents slam Masvingo council over neglected roads

By Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo residents slammed Citycouncil for years of neglecting road maintenance especially in high density suburbs where some roads have become almost impassable following the heavy rains received this season making it difficult for motorists to navigate.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mutimba criticized the local authority for failing to address the long-standing issue.
“Council must improve the quality of road construction and maintenance. This is a recurring problem, every rainy season we see more potholes because they fail to conduct timely and durable repairs. They often do temporary and substandard work, using soil to fill potholes, which gets washed away with the rains,” said Mutimba.
A local resident Selestino Mutuna said the poor state of the roads was putting children at risk, as drivers now frequently veer onto sidewalks to avoid potholes.
“Motorists are avoiding Nyadzonya and Mugagao streets in Mucheke altogether because the potholes are just too many. This poses a danger to children playing nearby the roads as cars often have to veer off the road to evade the potholes. This has led to conflicts among motorists who are forced to share the limited drivable space.
“Even if there are no resources, it might be better for council to remove the remaining tar and level the roads as dust roads,” said Mutuna.
Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, accused council of neglecting infrastructure while focusing on less urgent matters.
“Our council always finds resources for chasing vendors around, but somehow there are never resources for crucial infrastructure like roads,” said the resident.
Masvingo Mayor and ward 4 councilor Alec Tabe acknowledged the dire situation and said the local authority was in the process of acquiring a grader for road works.
“We are aware of the situation in residential areas, and our engineering team is already working on it. We have noted particularly bad conditions in Mugagao and Maokomavi,” said Tabe.
Frustrated residents have turned to a ward 2 WhatsApp group to appeal for intervention from their local councilor.
“Our plea is for the councilor to help. These roads have been neglected for close to 20 years since we started developing these stands. They’ve never been serviced and are now full of holes. We are struggling to use our vehicles,” said one resident.
Ward 2 councilor Benson Hwata acknowledged the problem and said they had challenges with getting a grader for the repairs.
“Our main challenge is the unavailability of a grader. Once we secure one, we will begin road repairs. The roads are in terrible condition and full of potholes,” said Hwata.

Junior High excels in environmental debate competitions

TellZim News
-
0
Junior High excels in environmental debate competitions

By Staff Reporter

A team from Junior High School recently made a remarkable achievement in the Sustainable Environmental Conversational Trust Africa (SECTA) competitions held in Mutare last weekend

Out of 36 participating schools, the team secured an impressive third place, showcasing their exceptional debating skills and knowledge on environmental issues.

The Junior High School team impressed judges with their well-crafted arguments and presentations, demonstrating a deep understanding of environmental issues.

The team’s hard work and dedication earned them a certificate and a trophy, recognizing their commitment to environmental awareness.

The team patron Netsai Hove said the team’s achievement was a testament to their passion and commitment to making a positive impact on the environment.

“We are incredibly proud of their achievement and look forward to seeing them soaring to the next stage,” said Hove.

The Junior High School team’s achievement has earned them a spot in the regional SECTA competitions to be held in South Africa, where they will compete against the best teams in the region.

The SECTA competitions have been instrumental in promoting environmental awareness and education among young people, providing a valuable platform for students to develop their critical thinking, public speaking, and debating skills.

The Junior High School team’s achievement is a reflection of the impact of these competitions in shaping the next generation of environmental leaders.

The SECTA competition are aimed at promoting environmental awareness and education among youths, providing a platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions and debates on pressing environmental concerns.

GZU student raises university flag higher at Miss Ebony Pageant

TellZim News
-
0
GZU student raises university flag higher at Miss Ebony Pageant

By Tatiana Mhararira


A fourth year student at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) raised the institution’s flag high when she was crowned second runner up at the inaugural edition of the Miss Ebony pageant held on March 28, 2025 at Robbi Mupawose, Harare Show grounds.
Chengeto Kanyai (22) from Hurungwe was crowned Miss Ebony Zimbabwe 2025, while Samukele Dlamini (24) from Bulawayo secured the 1st Runner-up position and Lerato Masocha (23) representing Masvingo province, was named the 2nd Runner-up.
Masocha who is pursuing a degree in Logistics and Transport Management said her achievement came as a surprise saying she was not confident but being among the best has developed her desire to pursue modelling.
“I was overwhelmed when I was crowned the second runner up as I did not expect it. I am now more determined than before to take my modeling career to the next level by expanding my portfolio and showcasing my versatility. I am also passionate about using my platform to promote body positivity and self-acceptance among young women.
“I am excited to explore new opportunities and see my career taking me far,” said Masocha.
She encouraged upcoming models to prioritise their wellbeing highlighting the importance of balancing career demands and social life.
“Young people should know that self-love, self-acceptance and self-care are important in this journey. Take care of your mental physical and emotional well-being and never to give up.
“Balancing my modeling career and personal life can be tough, but I have learned to prioritize family, communicate openly with loved ones, and set clear boundaries and principles. It is not always easy, but it is essential for my well-being and happiness. Whenever I face negative criticism, I remind myself that opinions differ and not everyone resonate with me or my work .I focus on staying true to myself, my values and my goals .I also surround myself with positive people who encourage and support me,” she said.
Masocha said her passion for modeling was nurtured by her mother who encouraged her to pursue the dream.
“My modeling history is short dating back to 2024, by then I did not have interests in modeling but my mother kept on pushing and encouraging me to take part in modelling pageants. She has always been my number one supporter in this journey.
“I have always been driven to push beyond my comfort zone and challenge myself to grow. What inspired me was I wanted to get a deeper understanding of myself and my capabilities as it was an opportunity to develop my confidence, public speaking skills and learn from other young women, I decided to give it a try,” said Masocha.
Masocha said the Miss Ebony pageant was a valuable learning experience that helped her to learn and identify areas where she needs improvement.
“I enjoyed the boot camp because I kept on learning new things. I loved the farming lessons. However, I had some challenges which include self-doubt and criticism. There were times when I felt as if I didn’t qualify to be there, and my low self-esteem seemed to reinforce those feelings.
“However, the coaches discovered that I had the potential. They helped me understand that I deserved to be there just as much as everyone else, and that my unique strengths and qualities were valuable assets. Their guidance and support were instrumental in boosting my confidence and helping me overcome my self-doubt,” she said
Masocha said she hopes to expand her reach by collaborating with international brands and walking the runways of top weekly fashion programmes.
She said she was also inspired by Naomi Campbell, a British fashion model.
“Naomi Campbell is my role model in this industry. Her charisma, confidence, and unforgettable runway presence inspires me. She embodies the qualities I strive for as a model: poise, passion, and a commitment to excellence,” she added.
To keep up with Masocha’s latest achievements interested people can follow her on the following social media platforms Instagram that is ivymasocha777, Facebook its Lerato Ivy Masocha, tiktok @leeratoi21.

88-year-old man dies in inferno

TellZim News
-
0
88-year-old man dies in inferno

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

An 88-year-old man from Nhamo Village, Chief Nyajena, Masvingo, tragically lost his life in an inferno at his homestead on April 8.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Vhurande Nhamo to TellZim News and said investigations were still underway.
“We have a report where an 80 year old perished in an inferno at his home in Nhamo Village. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the fire,” said Inspector Dhewa.
The incident occurred around 1600 hours on April 8. Solomon Nhamo (66) visited his father, Vhurande, at his homestead. After a while, Solomon left, and Vhurande retired to his one-roomed house to sleep where he used a candle for lighting.
At around 0200 hours in the morning, a villager noticed smoke rising from Vhurande’s house, which was soon engulfed in flames. The villager alerted others, and they rushed to the scene. After breaking down the door, they managed to pull Vhurande from the burning building.
He was immediately taken to Nyajena Rural Hospital (Muchibwa) where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. Vhurande sustained severe burns and his body was refered to the Masvingo Provincial Mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Mwenezi teacher leaves home at midnight, hangs at school

TellZim News
-
0
Mwenezi teacher leaves home at midnight, hangs at school

By Richard Mukwenya

A Mwenezi teacher committed suicide by hanging himself on roof trusses at his school residence on April 6, 2025.
committed suicide by hanging self on the roof trusses at his school house on April 6.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Bothwell Marahwa (57), who was teaching at Musavarima Primary School in Mwenezi to TellZim News and encouraged citizens to share their challenges in order to get assistance than committing suicide.
“I can confirm a case of sudden death that happened in Mwenezi where a male teacher left home in the middle of the night and committed suicide in the early hours of the morning. I encourage citizens to share their challenges with others to get assistance on their situations,” said Dhewa.
Sorces close to the family said on the fateful day, around midnight, Marahwa left home and went to Musavarima Business Centre. Marahwa was later called by his wife Sakina Dziva (54) who wanted to know where he was and he assured her that he was nearby on his way back home.
After some time, Dziva informed her mother in law Janet Marakurova (78), who is Marahwe’s mother, that Marahwe had not yet returned home despite claiming to be nearby.
They then sent their grandson, Ashton Gava (22), to look for him. After hours of searching, Gava went to the teacher’s residence in the school cottages at Musavarima Primary School, which is near the family’s homestead. Upon opening the door Gava found Marahwe hanging from the roof trusses.
The matter was reported to Mwenezi police and the school head Justin Muchauki was notified. The body was taken to Neshuro Disrict Hospital for post mortem.

18-Year- old gets 90 Years for rape

TellZim News
-
0
18-Year- old gets 90 Years for rape

By Tatenda Sibanda

Midlands – A Gokwe teenager was last week sentenced to 90 years imprison for violating his three employer’s juvenile daughters, two aged six and one aged seven, in his room on different occasions.

Appearing before Gokwe Magistrate Stanley Mbanje, the suspect Markwell Machena was convicted with four counts of rape and sentenced as defined in the criminal law and codification chapter 9:12.

He will be 108 years old when he completes his sentence, assuming he lives to serve the full term without any reductions for good behavior or other mitigating factors.

The State led by prosecutor Tekera Fatuma told the court that the convict Markwell Machena, (18) of Village Machena, under Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South was employed as a domestic worker by the mother of the children.

It is alleged that during a period extending from 28 to 30 March 2025, Machena would lure the girls with mega snacks into his bedroom. While inside his room he would tie their legs and hands with ropes and raped them one after the other.

Matter came to light after their mother found them naked in Machena’s room and they revealed that they had been raped.

She had seen the suspect a few minutes earlier, leaving the room.The matter was reported to the police and the suspect was arrested

Una Una vows to return to PSL

TellZim News
-
0
Una Una vows to return to PSL

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Masvingo United FC popularly known as Una Una recently vowed to reclaim its spot in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) during a fundraising dinner held at Flamboyant Hotel on April 12.

The team’s Chief Executive Officer, Phillip Shumba said Masvingo United belonged in the top-tier league and promised to work tirelessly to meet the necessary requirements for promotion this season.

“We are in our 13th year in the lower divisions, which is not where the team belongs. The team deserves to be in the premiership, and our mantra for this year is ‘This is our year to redeem lost glory,” said Shumba.

Shumba emphasized the team’s potential, citing its massive following and ability to attract large crowds claiming that in terms of support the team was ranked fourth nationally.

“In terms of crowd pulling, Masvingo United FC is rated as the fourth best-supported club in the country and that alone shows the potential we have,” he said.

He went on to highlight the benefits of the team’s return to PSL which he said was beyond the football sport but also included employment opportunities and boosting local businesses.

“We want to see crowds return to Mucheke Stadium to witness thrilling matches between Masvingo United and Dynamos Football Club. This will not only benefit the team but also local lodges, hotels, and businesses for football is not just a sport but also a business that benefits a number of stakeholders.

Shumba added that the club aimed to provide opportunities for young players to earn a living through football, with 35 talented individuals currently part of the team and urged stakeholders at the event to support the team.

“The advantages are derived especially in terms of employment opportunities. That’s why we have 35 young players in the club. To everyone invited, we encourage you to contribute to the support and development of these young players,”

Masvingo United FC Spokesperson Owen Mafa assured fans that the team was back on track and invited women to join the committee.

“I want to assure our fans that the team is back and to women who are interested to join Masvingo United you are free to come and be part of us.  We are happy that we managed to hold a successful fundraising dinner and we are pleased with the turnout,” said Mafa.

The team’s executive committee includes notable figures such as Club Patron Hon Ezra Chadzamira, Club President Commissioner Stanely Kondongwe, and Chairperson Godwin Tavaruva, among others.

Masvingo United FC has a rich history, having gained promotion to the PSL in 2010 under Tanda Tavaruva’s tenure. The team won several trophies, including the ZIFA Unit Cup and Independence Trophy twice, OK Woza Bhora and even qualified for the Confederation Cup.

The club produced talented players like Ovid Karuru, Costa Nhamoinesu and Pardon Chinungwa, who played the Zimbabwe National Team.

With renewed determination and commitment, Masvingo United FC is poised to reclaim its spot in the PSL and bring glory back to the team and its fans.

Several business people who were present pledged to work with the team and prominent business person and football enthusiast Allan Sibanda pledged US$2000.

Tongaat seeks ethanol price hike amid rising production cost

TellZim News
-
0
Tongaat seeks ethanol price hike amid rising production cost

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI- Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ), a leading sugar and ethanol producer, is calling for an increase in ethanol prices due to escalating production costs.
The company’s concerns which were shared with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy during its visit to the Lowveld recently, come as the government maintains a stagnant ethanol price, sparking fears of reduced production and profitability
The committee was in Triangle to appreciate THZ and GreenFuel which are the sole companies producing ethanol which is used for fuel blending.
Addressing the committee at Triangle Country Club, THZ Managing Director Tendai Masawi said there was need to adjust the pricing of ethanol to meet the cost of production.
“The cost of production is going up almost on a daily basis and we know what has been happening to the two currencies that we are using at the moment. Our concern, which I really would plead, is that for four years we have not had a price adjustment for ethanol and it is clearly affecting our operations.
“We have salaries going up, spares, inputs in terms of energy going up ,sometimes we run with generators and we are still expected to supply the product which has been saving the country a substantial amount of foreign currency,” said Masawi.
Masawi said the company was producing 40 million liters of ethanol every year using infrastructure that was commissioned in 1980.
“We have an ethanol plant which has a nameplate capacity of 40 million liters running in close to 48 weeks in a year. The Ethanol plant was commissioned in 1980 and it is still operational and in very sound condition,” said Masawi.
The committee Chairperson, Vincent Sihlabo highlighted the need to enhance ethanol production industry which he said was saving the country’s foreign currency through fuel blending.
“We are doing an enquiry on the portfolio we are running so we wanted to appreciate these two companies which are producing ethanol which we are using for blending in our fuel.
This is important because we know that we have issues with foreign currency so this step which was taken by government that we sell blended fuel helps us to save,” said Sihlabo.

Man found dead in Majange

TellZim News
-
0
Man found dead in Majange

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

An unidentified man was found dead in Majange Street, Masvingo along Mushandike road on April 6 at around 06 00 hours.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of the unknown man and said they were still investigating matter.
“We have a report of an unknown man who was found dead along Mushandike road near Majange business centre. Investigations are underway to establish the identity and cause of death,” said Dhewa.
The informant, who works as a bar lady at Lagoon Nightclub said she saw the deceased when she was going home at around 06 00 hours and informed the police.
The body of the deceased had bruises on the forehead and cheek. His body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for post mortem.

1...515253...956Page 52 of 956