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400 learners, staff rely on unprotected shallow well, river

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400 learners, staff rely on unprotected shallow well, river

By Staff Reporter

Sazaume Primary School in Ward 29 of Zaka South Constituency is grappling with a severe water crisis affecting over 400 learners and staff for more than a decade.
The school has no reliable source of clean water, forcing leaners and teachers to rely on a shallow, one-meter deep, uncovered community well near the school during wet days.
The school head Wilfred Mutanda confirmed the sad development to TellZim saying the school relied on the river and efforts by other stakeholders earlier to sink a borehole failed as they only have dry holes.
“It is true, we have a water crisis here and we rely on the river and well, however, the responsible authority promised to drill a borehole when the water table subsides because currently it’s too high,” said the head.
Teachers who spoke to TellZim News said they were fetching water at an open well that is also open to anyone including cattle and other animals.
“Teachers and all the learners are currently relying on a shallow well that is open to anyone. Imagine if one decides to poison the well, there will be a disaster. If the well gets dry everyone at the school resort to the river and if it’s not flowing they dig small holes (Mufuku) to get water said the teacher.
This situation poses serious health risks due to potential water contamination. Consuming untreated water from these sources can lead to waterborne diseases,” said the teacher
Despite being established just after independence, Sazaume Primary has never had a safe, dedicated water source. The community borehole that previously served the school is said to have malfunctioned more than 15 years ago.
The school’s predicament highlights the urgent need for a reliable and safe water source to protect the health and well-being of learners and staff.
With no end to this crisis in sight, stakeholders called for immediate action to address this critical issue and provide Sazaume School with a sustainable solution to its water needs.
One teacher said it was a result of the dedication by the staff and the head that teachers stay at the school otherwise they would have left to f schools with better facilities.
The situation is however not peculiar to Sazaume as many other schools are in the same or worse situation.
Mukwirimba Primary School in Zaka North has an almost similar situation and a council report in the last full council meeting said the local authority would sink a borehole. The school will pay for the borehole on flexible terms.

ZCC Masvingo women’s league donates stationery to Alpha Cottages

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ZCC Masvingo women’s league donates stationery to Alpha Cottages

By Virginia Njovo

The Zimbabwe Council of Churches’ women’s league demonstrated its commitment to community support by donating stationery to Alpha Cottages Children’s Home in preparation for the new school term.
The initiative aligns with the ZCC’s mission to promote humanitarian intervention and civic engagement. Alpha Cottages, established to provide a safe and nurturing environment for children in need, benefits from this generosity, enabling its children to pursue their education with essential resources
The donation, handed over on May 8, included essential school supplies such as exercise books, khaki and plastic book covers, rulers, pencils, pens, mathematical sets, crayons, and calculators.
Speaking at the handover, ZCC Women’s League in Masvingo Urban leader Edith Runesu emphasized their ongoing commitment to uplifting vulnerable communities.
“As women, we feel it is our duty to extend our hands where there is need. Our focus is on reaching out to more communities in similar situations,” Runesu said.
Alpha Cottages Superintendent, Chishamiso Mhizha, expressed gratitude for the timely donation and also thanked Higherlife Foundation for covering school fees for their children and others across the country.
“We are grateful to the women of ZCC, who always remember us in our times of need. Thanks to their kind hearts, our children will be able to learn without difficulties.
“I want to also to take this opportunity to thank Strive and Tsitsi Masiyiwa for their philanthropic efforts. They support not only us but all children’s homes in Zimbabwe,” she said.
She however appealed for financial assistance to other stakeholders to help cover daily operational needs.
“We are struggling to pay our staff due to lack of sustainable income-generating projects. We’re seeking support for initiatives such as drip irrigation systems and expanding our small-scale piggery project,” said Mhizha.
Established in 1957, Alpha Cottages is currently home to 44 vulnerable children, 20 girls and 24 boys who rely on psychosocial support and the generosity of individuals and organizations.

In a separate act of kindness, prominent Masvingo businessman Tasanangurwa Marisa popularly known as Boss Marisa recently repainted the structures at Alpha Cottages and donated various essentials to the children in celebration of his son’s birthday.

Cambria Farm Landfill given new deadline to begin operations

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Cambria Farm Landfill given new deadline to begin operations

By Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City Council has issued yet another deadline for Cambria Farm to begin operations, following a series of delays and a premature commissioning. The latest target for the landfill to become operational is November 2025.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Town House on May 8, 2025, Masvingo Mayor Alec Tabe said the local authority will continue using the old Runyararo West dumpsite until they procure a new compactor for Cambria Landfill.
“Our dumpsite in Runyararo West suburb is in a deplorable state, and we are in the process of procuring a compactor for use at the Cambria Landfill. In the interim, we are covering and compacting waste at the dumpsite using a dozer every three months.
“However, we continue to face fierce fires, caused both by scavengers searching for recyclable materials and by natural gases released from decomposing waste. Our Fire Brigade remains on high alert to contain these fires. We expect to relocate to the Cambria Landfill by November 2025,” said Tabe.
Construction of the Cambria Landfill, located several kilometers outside the city, began a few years ago and was expected to provide a long-term solution to Masvingo’s solid waste management challenges.
The project was launched to replace the overburdened and environmentally hazardous Runyararo West dumpsite, which has long been criticized for posing health risks to nearby residents due to open burning, poor waste segregation, and lack of proper waste treatment.
Despite multiple announcements that the landfill was ready, the site has remained inactive due to incomplete infrastructure and delays in procuring essential equipment, including compactors and fencing. The facility was ‘commissioned’ in 2023 by vice President Kembo Mohadi, but operations failed to commence, raising concerns over project mismanagement and resource allocation.
Residents and environmental groups expressed frustration over the delays, citing the continued environmental degradation and health hazards posed by the current dumpsite.
Councilors on the other hand have raised concern too over the use of the Runyararo West dumpsite even in full council meetings.
Ward 2 councilor Benson Hwata has been on record for prompting councilors and management to spend a night at the old dumpsite for them to get an idea of the situation on the ground that residents were going through at the dumpsite.
Other councilors suggested that council fence the dumpsite to bar scavengers from accessing the dumpsite.. This however does not entirely solve the situation as residents will still be exposed o other health hazards from flies and unpleasant smells surrounding the area.
The compactor that has stalled progress at the dumpsite costs around US$700 000 and council was quoted saying they were not in a capacity to part with such an amount during a full council meeting last year.
Former mayor, Shantiel Chiwara got under fire by locals during her short stint in office after misinforming residents that council was no longer using the old dumpsite when council was in fact still using it.

Chivi goat project empowers youth, strengthens rural livelihoods

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Chivi goat project empowers youth, strengthens rural livelihoods

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

About 30 villagers in Wards 7 and 8 of Chivi North received 150 goats during a field day held in Zireva Village on May 8, as part of a broader Goat Value Chain (GVC) programme aimed at improving rural livelihoods and curbing social ills among the youth.
The project, spearheaded by Heifer International in partnership with the government of Zimbabwe, has been running since 2014 and has so far reached over 3,100 farmers, distributing more than 15,500 goats across multiple wards in the district.
Speaking during the field day, Makoholi Research Institute Head, Bondera Tererai said the initiative not only provided livestock but also empowered communities with agricultural training and entrepreneurship skills.
“Each year, 30 farmers per ward receive five goats, four females and one male under strict contracts and guidelines. We have also trained 3,500 communal farmers in goat health, production, and marketing, with a target of reaching over 30,000 across the district,” said Tererai.
Tererai emphasized the project’s inclusive approach, noting its special focus on empowering women and youth.
“The goat value chain project makes it possible for women and youth to own the project and realize benefits. Government has identified agriculture as one of the key anchors of economic growth and has lined up policy measures to grow the agriculture industry.
“Agricultural value chains are expected to play a crucial facilitation role towards national and Income security as we move towards vision 2030. I implore all smallholder farmers to ensure that for all rural projects for community development, women and youth empowerment remains a priority,” said Tererai.
Masvingo Provincial Director in the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Caleb Mahoya explained agriculture’s role in national development.
“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy. Linking communities to markets and promoting income-generating farming activities like this goat project will accelerate rural industrialization and drive us closer to achieving Vision 2030,” said Mahoya.
Ward 7 Councillor Walter Nyambi highlighted the programme’s social impact, especially among youth.
“This initiative helps to overcome financial challenges, as individuals can raise and sell goats as a source of income, benefiting many villagers in the district. The goat pass-on project empowers youth to fight drug and substance abuse by providing them with positive and valuable life skills.
“This programme has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of young people because it helps them in building confidence and self-esteem,” said Nyambi.
The project has trained community animal health workers who coordinate with veterinary officials, ensuring sustainable livestock development. Governance is overseen by local committees at the village, ward, and district levels.

Gweru City faces backlash over uncollected garbage

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Gweru City faces backlash over uncollected garbage

By Tatenda Sibanda

Gweru – The Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) has raised concerns over the alarming rate of uncollected domestic refuse in Gweru City and its impact on public health and environment.
In a letter to the Toown Clerk dated May 7 2025, GRRA Executive Director Cornilia Selipiwe expressed concern over the inconvenience and health risks associated with uncollected refuse to residents.
The letter was issued following weeks without refuse being collected as council sites a number of breakdowns on the refuse fleet among other issues, a situation which has left the community prone to diseases.
“The prolonged delay has led to overflowing waste on our streets, posing a serious health and environmental hazard to residents.”
“The uncollected refuse has attracted flies and rodents, emitted unpleasant odors, and created breeding grounds for diseases, “reads part of the letter
He also said the refuse buildup may also be one of the contributing factors to the recent bed bugs outbreak, increasing public health risks.
“The refuse buildup may also be contributing to an outbreak of bed bugs (Tsikidzi), as the accumulation of organic waste attracts pests into nearby homes, further exacerbating the public health risk.” he added
Meanwhile ward 5 resident, Arnold Moyo expressed frustration over inconsistency of bins collection.
“I think the city council has forgotten their priorities or they have other important issues to deal with but this. Now we are not sure of the bin collection time tables so we end up using our own money to hire private garbage collectors, “said Moyo
Residents have called on the city council to prioritize waste management and ensure refuse collection on regular schedules and inform the residents on any changes to mitigate the crisis.
Gweru City Public Relations Officer Vimbai Chingwaramusee was not available for comment.

Zaka South MP Chiduwa faces chop

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Zaka South MP Chiduwa faces chop

…As district recommends dismissal from DCC chair position

By Brighton Chiseva

Zaka South Zanu PF MP who is the District Coodinating Committtee (DCC) Chairperson’s fate is hanging in balance as the party’s Central Committee members, which is Zanu PF’s highest decision making board between congress, have called for his removal from district chair post over several mismanagement issues.
The three Central Committee members, namely Zaka Central and North MPs Davies Marapira and Ophias Murambiwa respectively and Nyaradzo Tachiona have since written a letter to the Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa calling for Chiduwa’s outster.
Contacted for comment Mavhenyengwa said he was yet to receive the letter.
However, sources said Mavhenyengwa had received the letter and was aware of the plot as well as he was in unison with the decision since he was part of Zanu PF Zaka party bigwigs.
“Mavhenyengwa was consulted but did not sign the letter since he is an ex officio member of the Central Committee by virtue of being provincial chair and also because he was the recipient of the letter but he is in agreement with the others,” said the source
Sources said Mavhenyengwa and Chiduwa used to be buddies but had a fallout since Chiduwa is now eyeing the Provincial Chairperson post .
Chiduwa as usual did not respond to questions send via text to his cell as his number was not reachable for comment.
However, TellZim News is in possession of leaked letter signed by the three and was reliably informed that Mavhenyengwa had received the letter.
In the letter, the trio raised concerns over Chiduwa’s gross mismanagement, failure to convene monthly meetings as stipulated in the party’s constitution, and alleged cover-up of disciplinary issues as reasons for their demand.
“In terms of Article 13 Section 156 of the Party Constitution states, “The DCC shall meet at least once every calendar month”. Unfortunately, the DCC chairman has failed to convene these statutory meetings from the time of his election. For example, the whole of 2024, the DCC met less than 5 (five) times.
“The only time the DCC met, was when the chairman wanted to discuss his wife’s alleged abuse of office charges that the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) had raised against her,” reads part of the letter.
They further alleged that Chiduwa had not organized any party programme as required of him by the constitution, a development that was affecting the smooth running of the party and fanning factionalism.
“Since his election in 2019, the DCC chairman has not coordinated any party programme to his name to mobilize party supporters and/or maintain presence, except provincial or politburo sanctioned programmes,” part of the letter.
The members have also accused Chiduwa of mishandling disciplinary issues, particularly those involving party members perceived to be close to him.
One notable incident involved known Zanu PF members who disrupted a handover ceremony of a new school bus by the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Hon. Torerai Moyo, on December 3, 2024.
Despite the incident being widely witnessed, including by senior government officials and traditional leaders, no disciplinary action was taken against the unruly elements.
“During the ceremony, known Zanu PF members who were visibly drunk, disrupted the programme by shouting obscene languages in the full view of everyone. No action or disciplinary measures were taken by the DCC chairman on those unruly elements and their handlers.
They also raised concerns over his failure to notify the district about two prohibition orders that were issued for two party members.
“Cde, Dick was issued with a prohibition order. It took him a long period to announce it to the full DCC. Cde. Mukawu was also issued with a prohibition order, to this day, the full DCC is not aware except for the rumors doing rounds in Zaka,” reads part of the letter.
The Central Committee members have raised concerns over Chiduwa’s alleged involvement in factional fights and divisive behavior.
They cited an incident where Chiduwa asked a Provincial Member of ZILIWACO, Juliet Chari, to leave a Women’s League inter-district meeting on April 12, 2025, despite her having an invitation.
The final straw came when Councilor Zivanai Zvada from Ward 24 was arrested for allegedly inciting civil unrest through social media after posting a message encouraging people to violently remove President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Despite overwhelming evidence, they allege that Chiduwa insisted on Zvada’s innocence, claiming his phone was hacked.
The Central Committee members have expressed disappointment in Chiduwa’s handling of the situation, stating that his actions had eroded the trust they had in him.
“By failing to report and raise alarm about such a treasonous message, that encourages rebellion or unrest in Zaka District, the DCC Chairman has indirectly or directly collaborated with clIr. Zvada in escalating conflicts, leading to the political leadership instability and disruption of council business,” part of the letter reads.
They also accused him of allowing one DCC member Manfred Mada of getting in bed with opposition by transporting opposition members to a funeral as well as disturbing smooth flow of events in the party.

Masvingo Mayor pledges world-class makeover for Mucheke Stadium

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Masvingo Mayor pledges world-class makeover for Mucheke Stadium

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Mayor Alec Tabe pledged to transform Mucheke Stadium into a world-class facility that meets Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) and FIFA standards by the end of his term in 2028, promising residents a lasting legacy under his leadership.
Speaking at a press conference at city council on May 8, 2025, Tabe declared the refurbishment of Mucheke Stadium a top priority for his administration, emphasizing both his passion for football and vision for community development.
“We are in the process of upgrading Mucheke Stadium to standards where it will host PSL matches as per ZIFA and FIFA guidelines. I love football to the core, and I will make sure that by the end of my term, I will leave a legacy behind where residents will look at Mucheke Stadium and see the work i did during my reign.”
Tabe revealed that the city was already mobilizing resources for the project and was in talks with several potential investors and extended an open invitation to more partners interested in contributing to the stadium’s transformation.
“The opportunity to partner in these investments is open to anyone. Currently, there are potential partners who have expressed interest, and negotiations are underway.”
Among those who previously expressed commitment is Prophet Walter Magaya, who had pledged to begin renovations by May 1, 2025, although details of the agreement remain unclear.
Earlier this year, Masvingo council officials toured Heart Stadium in Harare and Chahwanda Stadium in Kwekwe to study successful refurbishment models in preparation for the local project.

Teacher movement calls for industrial action over salaries

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Teacher movement calls for industrial action over salaries

By Staff Reporter

The Zimbabwe Teachers Remuneration Struggle Movement (ZTRS) has called for action to demand better salaries and representation for teachers across Zimbabwe ahead of schools reopening next week.
Interim President of ZTRS Zvikomborero Nyabadza said in a statement released on May 9, 2025, teachers were not supposed to report for work on the school opening day as a form of protest against poor salaries they were getting.
“As the second term approaches, teachers across Zimbabwe are gearing up for a show of strength and solidarity. On May 13, 2025, the scheduled opening day and until our demands are resolved, we the teachers of the Republic of Zimbabwe are being urged to stay away from work in protest of poor salaries and inadequate union representation.
“For far too long, teachers have struggled to make ends meet due to meagre salaries that have not kept pace with the rising cost of living. Despite their crucial role in shaping the minds of future generations, teachers have been left behind in terms of compensation and support.
“By staying away from work on May 13 until our grievances are met, teachers can send a strong message that they will no longer be silenced or ignored. It’s now time to see a dignified professional teacher and it starts with this collective action. The choice is yours but one thing is clear the time for change is now,” said Nyabadza.
Nyabadza added the situation was now being worsened by unions which were failing to represent their interests and demanded that teachers be respected in the country because of their duties.
“The situation is further exacerbated by the perceived ineffectiveness of teacher unions, which have failed to adequately represent the interests of their members. Instead of fighting for better working conditions and salaries, these unions seem to be more interested in collecting subscriptions than advocating for the rights of teachers.
“This stay-away is a call to action, a chance for teachers to stand together and demand better from their employers and union representatives. It’s time for teachers to be valued and respected for the critical role they play in society,” he said.
Nyabadza said the movement was not aligned to any union or political party but called on others to join the movement.
“Our movement is not aligned to any union or political party but we are inviting unions to come on board for a collective bargain.
“I talked to the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Torerayi Moyo this morning and he humbly assured me to address this as a matter of urgency when we informed him about downing tools,” said Nyabadza.

FC Hunters floating on top of the ERSL table

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FC Hunters floating on top of the ERSL table

…as dominant performance sets them apart

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL)’s Marondera based FC Hunters has maintained its impressive winning streak so far since the beginning of the season by grabbing maximum points in its first five games.
FC Hunters nicknamed Clever Boys is yet to record a lose this season setting them apart from other teams who have either won or lost some games giving the statement ‘the thrill of the hunt is not in the kill but in the challenge, preparation and chase a meaning since they are hunters’.
In an interview with TellZim News, former FC Wangu Mazodze coach and current FC Hunters coach John Nyikadzino who was the April ERSL coach of the month shared the secret behind the team’s success and how they adapted to different opponents.
“The secret behind our winning streak is that we are a small team which thrive on hard work and team discipline for the attainment of good results for each game played.
“As we face every team each week we take it as a new challenge that we will write on our wish list that we want to overcome. We do not have a small or a big team we just attack so as to get the best result just like hunters in the jungle,” said Nyikadzino.
Nyikadzino said they gave players motivation during training sessions and thrived to go beyond their weaknesses.
“We always encourage our players to see beyond Hunters FC and work for their best and for the best of the team that is why the team is on top. The motivation that we give our players is enough to keep them going.
“As a team we always work to improve our strengths and also work on our weaknesses so that we do better than last season. Our focus is on winning the ticket into the top flight Premier Soccer League (PSL),” said Nyikadzino.
FC Hunters was formed on March 20, 2020 as a social soccer outfit meant for tobacco farm workers and they use Rudhaka Stadium as their home ground.
It was initially registered with Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Mashonaland East Division 2 in the same year and pulled through to ERSL Division 1 in 2022.
In the ERSL, FC Hunters ended their first season on the seventh position with 43 points and last year (2024) they finished on fourth position with 58 points while Triangle United FC and FC Wangu Mazodze had 72 points, and a goal difference of 57 and 33 respectively which led to the promotion of Sugar Sugar Boys into the PSL.
Last season FC Hunters were named the region’s most improved team of the season at the annual ERSL end of season awards.
The Clever Boys’ last game was against the new Chivhu FC where they won 4-nil and Chivhu FC dropped to number 14 maintaining its 2 points.
FC Hunters’ next fixture is against Manica Diamonds U19 FC which is on number 13 with 2 points at its home ground.

Used condoms clog Masvingo City sewer system

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Used condoms clog Masvingo City sewer system

By Beverly Bizeki

Masvingo City is grappling with an unusual yet serious sewage challenge as used condoms are topping the list of items causing grit buildup and repeated sewer blockages while also crippling the city’s aging infrastructure.
Masvingo City Mayor and ward 4 councilor Alec Tabe made the startling revelation during a press conference held at the town house where he was presenting on the state of affairs of the city on May 8, 2025 and detailed how improper disposal of used condoms was causing a headache for the local authority.
“We’ve remove several bins worth of used condoms from our sewer system, which cause significant clogging and blockages. It’s unacceptable that people are disposing of these items in a way that’s putting unnecessary strain on our infrastructure. We urge residents to please dispose of condoms and other non-biodegradable items responsibly,” said Tabe.
He went on to say the high volume of grit was causing wear and tear on mechanical equipment at the raw sewage pump stations.
“Most of the mechanical equipment wears faster because of the high volumes of grit getting to the raw sewage pump stations. We continue to consistently swab the main sewer lines to reduce the volume of grit reaching the pump stations. We have budgeted to buy two new pumps in the year 2025,” said Tabe.
Speaking to TellZim News after the presser, Tabe said the situation was bad such that 5 to 6 bins of grit consisting mostly of used condoms were collected per week on average. He however said the city had an average 360 sewer blockage every month.
“The state of our sewage reticulation is fair with an average of 360 sewer blockages being attended to every month by the two maintenance teams that service the city. About 95 percent of the reported sewer complaints are addressed within a period of 24 hours,” said Tabe.
On the stalled Mucheke Trunk Sewer project, Tabe said construction was still at 76 percent with progress depending on the release of devolution funds from central government to finish the long delayed upgrade.

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