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Tugwi Mukosi master plan: 3000 more families to be displaced

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Tugwi Mukosi master plan: 3000 more families to be displaced

By Beverly Bizeki

More than 3,600 families in Chivi District could be forced to relocate as the government prepares to roll out the long-awaited Tugwi Mukosi Master Plan, which outlines major development projects around Zimbabwe’s largest inland dam.
According to the draft master plan released recently and is open to public scrutiny for a three-month period, 3,652 households in the Chivi and Masvingo districts areas are expected to be directly affected, most likely through displacement.
This potential wave of displacements comes in addition to the approximately 3,300 families who were displaced a decade ago and were relocated to Chingwizi in Mwenezi after flooding from the dam inundated the Tugwi Mukosi basin.
“For Chivi District, the concerned wards have a population of 38,644 while for Masvingo Rural District they have a population of 35,422. However, there are about 3,652 households which are more likely to be directly affected by the development in the Tugwi Mukosi development zone. Most of these households will be displaced,” reads part of the draft plan.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa however told TellZim News that displacement was the last resort as the government would want to reorganize the affected families in their communities.
“The main thrust of the government is on reorganization or rearrangement for affected families. Displacement would be a last resort. Government has a clear policy on the relocation of people affected by government programmes,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
The Tugwi Mukosi Master Plan lays the foundation for infrastructural, agricultural, tourism and urban development around the dam, which was commissioned in 2017. Government has long touted the area as a future economic hub for the southern region.
The memory of the previous displacements in 2014 remain fresh for many in the region. Then, families were hurriedly evacuated as dam waters rose, and many of them still struggle with inadequate infrastructure and limited access to services in their resettlement areas including access to education.
The master plan includes proposals for irrigation schemes, tourism lodges, fishery projects, urban housing development, and road upgrades, all aimed at turning the dam’s catchment into a multi-use economic zone.

Masvingo City on high alert as tsikidzi menace rocks other cities

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Masvingo City on high alert as tsikidzi menace rocks other cities

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Council has assured residents that council was fully prepared to deal with tsikidzi (bedbug) outbreak in its locality as the menace is spreading from Harare to other cities.
Msvingo City Director of Health and Enviromental Services Suzanne Madamombe said this while responding to questions, on the local authority’s state of preparedness in case of an outbreak, during a press conference held at the town house on May 8, 2025 where she assured residents that the likelihood of a bedbug outbreak in the city was low since it was clean, has efficient water supply as well as refuse collection systems on track.
“As a city we are well prepared. Tsikidzi is a sanitation borne disease meaning bedbugs usually manifest where there is no hygiene. In Masvingo we are proud to say that we have adequate water supply, our residents have water for doing their laundry as is required. The city’s hygiene is up scaled,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe emphasized the city’s preparedness for any potential cases, expressing confidence in their pesticide effectiveness.
“In the event that we get cases of bedbugs, we are able to spray (pesticides). A week ago we managed to respond to an incident that was reported. There is no need to panic, this infestation of tsikidzi started in 2024 so it is not a new breed that might not respond to the current pesticides that we have in stock, so in short we are quite prepared,” said Madamombe.
Mbare residents in Harare recently reported a surge in bedbug infestations, expressing frustration despite Harare City Council’s efforts to spray pesticides in response to the outbreaks.
Bedbugs are becoming a growing concern in cities worldwide and are primarily active during the night, especially between 12 am and 5 am as they seek to suck blood from sleeping humans by sensing carbon dioxide and body heat.
During feeding, bedbugs probe the skin for blood-carrying capillaries, often resulting in multiple bites. Feeding lasts about five to ten minutes, and they can go up to a week before feeding again.
Bedbugs can be found in mattresses, clothing, and luggage, leading to psychological distress, sleep issues, anxiety, and depression. Their resurgence poses a significant public health concern.
They are not just a problem in Zimbabwe but they affect families worldwide. 11 percent of French homes were reported to have been infested between 2017 and 2022 raising concerns ahead of the 2024 Olympics.

3 perish in head-on collision along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road

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3 perish in head-on collision along Masvingo-Mbalabala Road

By Andrew Zhou

A dark cloud hung over the Mashava community in Masvingo after a tragic head-on collision along the Masvingo-Mbalabala road claimed the lives of three men from the area, leaving families in deep mourning on May 7, 2025.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed the accident to TellZim News and identified the deceased as Emison Mangara (23), Evans Kwangwari (27), and Panashe Muganji (24).
Inspector Dhewa urged motorists to exercise caution, stressing the risks of speeding and overtaking at blind spots.
“We appeal to motorists to adhere to speed limits and avoid reckless overtaking, especially on blind spots,” said Insp Dhewa.
Circumstances are that on the day in question at around 1930 hours near the 51-kilometre peg, a white BMW, driven by Mangara with Kwangwari and Muganji on board, collided head-on with a white Shacman truck headed towards Masvingo.
The truck was being driven by Brighton Mukanjari (42). All three occupants of the BMW sustained fatal injuries. Their bodies were taken to Chivi District Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations.
A source close to the matter told TellZim News that the BMW occupants were allegedly chasing a pick-up truck following a misunderstanding at Craft Centre in Mashava.

The role of feedback in language learning and teaching

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The role of feedback in language learning and teaching

By Langton Chikaka

This paper seeks to define feedback in the context of language learning and teaching, highlight the role of feedback, its types and importance in the teaching and learning of languages.
Definition of feedback
Feedback is the process of sharing information about a learner’s performance, behaviour or achievements to help them understand their strengths and weaknesses, and to improve their future performance. Feedback takes various forms some of which are:
• Verbal or written
• Formal or informal
• Positive (praising strength) or constructive (identifying areas for improvement).
• Effective feedback is timely, specific, clear, actionable, respectful and focussed on behaviour not personality.
Feedback can be considered as a gift. It helps a person learn, grow and becomes their best selves.

The role of feedback in language learning and teaching

Research has shown that feedback has is crucial in the following ways:

Guides improvement
Feedback helps learners errors and areas for improvement it informs language development and progress.

Enhances accuracy
Feedback has a net effect on correcting linguistic errors and misconceptions. It promotes language accuracy and fluency.

Boosts confidence
Regular feedback encourages learner to take risks and try new language forms. In consequence, it develops linguistic confidence and self-assurance

Fosters reflection
Feedback, when given, encourages learners to reflect on language use and learning strategies. In one way, it develop meta-cognitive awareness and self-assessment skills

Supports teacher development
Feedback informs teaching practices and materials design. It helps teachers refine their instructional methods.

Types of feedback
It is essential for a language teacher to be conversant with different types of feedback. It should be noted that feedback is a vital tool for growth and improvement and it has various types. Feedback provides individuals with invaluable insights into their strengths and weaknesses, helping them to refine their skills and achieve their goals. There are several types of feedback, each with its own peculiar characteristics and purposes.

Positive feedback
This focuses on praising individual achievement and reinforcing good behaviour. This type of feedback boasts confidence and motivation encouraging learners to continue excelling.

Constructive feedback
This form of feedback identifies areas for improvement and provide specific suggestions for growth. Constructive feedback is important for learning and development as it helps learners address their weaknesses and develop new skills.

Formative feedback
This form of feedback is provided during the learning process, offering guidance and support to help individuals improve their performance. It has the advantage of helping learners stay on track and achieve their academic goals.

Summative feedback
This type of feedback evaluates individual performance at the end of a project or task providing a comprehensive overview of their achievements.

Peer feedback
This type of feedback comes from colleagues or peers. It promote the spirit of collaboration and team work as students learn from each other’s strength and weaknesses. This is one of the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) core values.

Self-assessment feedback
This feedback involves individuals evaluating their own performance, reflecting on their strengths and weaknesses and setting personal targets to be achieved.
It should be borne in mind that feedback is a powerful tool for growth and improvement, and its various types cater for different needs and purposes. By understanding and utilising these types of feedback can enhance their learning, performance and personal development.

The writer is an experienced administrator since 2005. He has worked and served as a school head at Mutauto, Holy Family secondary schools. Chapwanya, Hande and Makumbe High Schools. He is the c urrent Head Zimuto RCZ High School. He is former Provincial Head in Charge responsible for English Language and Foreign Languages from 2023 -2025. He is a holder of a diploma in Education, Bachelor of Education, Master of Business Administration and many other certificates and diplomas in administration.

16-Year-old takes own life over fear ofparental punishment

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16-Year-old takes own life over fear ofparental punishment

By Richard Mukwenya

In a heartbreaking incident, a 16-year-old girl committed suicide by inhaling a poisonous substance allegedly due to fear of punishment from her parents after she was seen with a man.
The teenager’s actions highlight the pressures and anxieties faced by adolescents as cases of adolescents taking their own lives continue to rise in Zimbabwe, sparking concerns about mental health support and the need for nurturing environments for young people.
The deceased Iris Musakanda from Musakanda Village under Chief Charumbira in Masvingo died upon admission at Masvingo Provincial Hospital after inhaling aluminum phosphide on April 26.
Masvingo Assistant Provincial Police Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, confirmed the death incident to TellZim News and urged parents and guardians to avoid using violence when disciplining children.
“I confirm a case of sudden death by poisoning that occurred in Masvingo, where 16-year-old Musakanda inhaled aluminum phosphide and died upon admission to the hospital.
“Committing suicide is not a solution. People should seek guidance and counseling before resorting to suicide. Parents and guardians should avoid violence and threats towards young children to help reduce suicide cases,” said Patinyu.
Circumstances are that on April 25 around 5:30 PM, Musakanda was seen by her uncle in the company of a man from the same village. The uncle approached them prompting the man to flee and leaving Musakanda alone.
Concerned about her behavior,Musakanda ‘s uncle went to her home the following day intending to talk to the girl and offer advice.
Fearing possible repercussions from her absent mother, Musakanda reportedly locked herself inside the house and inhaled aluminum phosphide, a toxic chemical commonly used to fumigate maize grain.
Minutes later, she was found in the dining room unable to speak and then collapsed. Alarmed, her sister called for help, and villagers attempted to render first aid before rushing her to Bondolfi Clinic. She was later transferred to Masvingo General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
Police investigations concluded that no foul play was suspected in the circumstances surrounding her death.
Recently, 14 year old Harare girl committed suicide allegedly after her boyfriend cheated her with another girl.
A form one leaner from Victoria Ranch in Masvingo also killed herself and left a controversial suicide note claiming that she was exhausted from being blamed for causing problems at home and at school.
Another 14 year old from Bulawayo committed suicide by drinking poison after a fallout with her mother who wanted to sell her Acer laptop.
A 10 girl year old from Bulawayo also hanged herself last year though reason for her decision was not established.

Shurugwi athletics club makes history with impressive medal Haul

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Shurugwi athletics club makes history with impressive medal Haul

By Tavonga Munyanyi

The Shurugwi Athletics Club recently made history with an impressive medal haul at the African Associated Mines-Shabanie Mine 2025 Track and Field event held from April 26 to 27 at Maglas Stadium in Zvishavane.
The club participated in various age groups and won four gold, six silver, and two bronze medals WHERE Twenty male athletes from Shurugwi participated.
The event was there to select a team that will represent Midlands Province at the Inter-Provincial Championship on June 7, 2025, at White City Stadium in Bulawayo.
Athletics clubs from across Midlands Province, including Great Dyke, Elite, Chegato, and Marian Junior Club, participated in the event.
Shurugwi Athletics Board Chairperson Akim Mwale told TellZim News that he was excited by the club’s performance and results.
“I’m thrilled with the boys’ performance. They did extremely well, and the number of medals we attained compared to the number of athletes we sent shows that Shurugwi has achieved a lot. My desire is to produce athletes competing at world-class events like the Olympics, and I believe that with time, we will reach the climax,” said Mwale.
Speaking to TellZim News, one male category under-18 discus gold medalist Tatenda Mhuri reflected on his achievement, urging athletes to boost their self-confidence.
“I’m very proud of this achievement. I worked hard, and I urge all athletes to believe in themselves and not hide their talents because no one can identify something that’s hidden,” Mhuri said.
Male category senior 400 meters silver medalist Andy Mangena said he didn’t expect to receive a medal saying the competition was tough.
“I wasn’t expecting to receive a medal though I had worked hard during training because the competition was quite tough,” Mangena said.
The Board Secretary Meka Zhowake commended the club’s commitment and invited all athletes in the district to join the athletics club.
“Our club did very well. I call upon all athletes in every corner of Shurugwi to join the athletics club. You’ll reach far if you identify and nurture your talent,” said Zhowake.
Shurugwi Athletics Club sponsor and KwaMahla Village Resort. Founder Simon Magumo Mahla expressed pride in the team’s performance saying the team put a spirited effort despite having been put together recently.
“We’re really proud of the team and their performance. Four gold, six silver, and two bronze is quite a feat. This team was only put together a few weeks ago, and credit goes to the recently formed Shurugwi Athletics Board, which has been scouting for talent in the district and schools,” said Mahla.
Mahla said athletics was a game-changer for Africans’ livelihoods saying it had transformed the lives of competitors in Africa, some of whom have defied their poor backgrounds to become global sporting brands.
“We’re proud to play our small part in unlocking this talent and putting Shurugwi on the map as a sporting region, akin to the Rift Valley in Kenya, which has produced the greatest long-distance runners the world has ever seen,” he said.
Athletes including Tinei Samkange, Tadiwanashe Manyere, Saviors Harirari, Tatenda Mhuri, Brendon Phiri, Denzel Madutsa, Mike Ngwenya, Andy Mangena, and Brandon Mangisi, the club qualified to be in the Midlands Provincial team.

Zaka small grain farmer holds field day, expects bumper harvest

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Zaka small grain farmer holds field day, expects bumper harvest

By Staff Reporter

In Zaka District, a 34-year-old farmer, Amiel Jekese, is reaping the rewards of his perseverance in growing small grains, a crop well-suited to the area’s challenging weather conditions.
After switching from maize and cotton, Jekese is now expecting a bumper harvest from his small grain fields.
Speaking during a field day held at his home on April 30, Jekese urged locals to priorities small grain farming saying they are guaranteed a better harvest even with little rains.
“I am expecting a bumper harvest here, I am food secure for the whole season. I have already harvested some, enough for the family and all you see now is surplus which I am going to sell.
“So I urge others to try small grain, this is the only way we can make a living here and achieve vision 2030. People think the President or MP will bring money to achieve, the vision but no, we work on our own to get what we want,” said Jekese.
He further encouraged schools and parents to make sure that they educate youngsters about the small grains saying he noticed that there were form four learners who do not know millet or rapoko.
“I would have loved you to bring your children here so that they learn from seeing. I have discovered that most school children only know the names but cannot identify the crops in reality.
“They would pass through here to Zaka High and St Joseph asking me if it was wheat of millet. They do theory but practically they do not know these crops,” he said.
During the field day, he took attendants through his entire journey saying he grew the sorghum type as a trial but had seen that it was viable.
He also explained that there was need to plant the tall type around to attract birds while protecting the shorter type. And warned farmers against the fall army worm.
“I planted this tall type as a way to protect the shorter ones from birds. When they come they go straight for the taller ones and I can easily see them even if I am at home. Farmers can also use bird repellant chemicals which work when mixed well.
Jekese’s journey began when he realized that traditional crops like maize were no longer viable due to erratic rainfall patterns.
Inspired by his upbringing and agricultural background, he opted for small grains, which require less water and are more resilient.
Working tirelessly with his wife, Jekese has successfully cultivated a hectare of rapoko and half a hectare of millet and his dedication has not gone unnoticed.

DAWA’s fight against GBV bears fruits in rural Mwenezi

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DAWA’s fight against GBV bears fruits in rural Mwenezi

By Cephas Shava

The Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa Network (DAWA) has achieved tangible success in its fight against gender inequality and gender-based violence (GBV) in marginalized communities of rural Mwenezi district’s ward 18.
DAWA, a community-based network founded and led by girls and young women, held a dialogue and project closure meeting at Rutenga Sub-catchment area offices recently, where stakeholders and beneficiaries shared success stories.
DAWA Mwenezi District’s Project Officer, Winnet Chakandinakira, said since the project’s inception in 2024, the organization had been connecting and training adolescent girls and young women, addressing sexual and reproductive health injustices and challenging gender inequality.
The organization started with 10 girls and increased the number to 20, empowering them through projects like gardening.
“Dawa started working in the District’s ward 18 sometime last year. We had been connecting and training adolescent girls and women. We address sexual and reproductive health injustices and challenge gender inequality.
“At inception we started by training ten girls and we increased the number to 20 focusing on empowering them through giving them projects like gardening. We empower them to go and further spread the message and educate their peers in their villages,” said Chakandinakira.
Ward 18 Councilor, Tawanda Muza, praised DAWA’s programs, saying they had brought significant changes to the community, including a reduction in GBV cases. However, he expressed concern that the organization was concluding its programs when the community still needed support, particularly in poultry and gardening projects.
“We have been working very well with Dawa and since the inception, it has rolled out several programmes for our girls and women with a lot of change being noticed in the community. The programmes were of great value as evidenced by remarkable changes like the reduction in cases of gender based violence.
“It’s unfortunate that the organization is seemingly concluding its programmes when we still need their support especially in poultry and gardening projects. The two projects, if they get support will go a long way in sustaining our young girls,” said Muza.
One DAWA programme beneficiary, 30-year-old Primrose Shoko from Rutoro village, said she had made a difference in her community after receiving training from DAWA. She imparted the knowledge to other girls and women in her village, who are now using it to transform their lives.
“I was among the first group of women who were trained by Dawa and after the training ,with the assistance of the village head I managed to gather several girls, women and I imparted the knowledge I had acquired on sexual and reproductive health injustices and issues of gender inequality.
“They are now using the knowledge to transform their lives and they are all happy that they were enlightened,” said Shoko.
Zion Christian Church Kumuka Kwevakafa (ZCCK) Bishop Lyphet Matenda-Mugaviri commended DAWA for its impactful GBV educative programme. The church has taken it upon itself to cascade the gospel within its congregation, giving DAWA trainees slots during church services to educate congregants on GBV. The bishop expressed joy over the positive testimonies of families whose lives have been changed due to these sessions.
“We give thumbs-up to Dawa for spearheading one of the most impactful gender-based violence educative programme in our community. As ZCCK we have taken it upon ourselves to cascade the gospel within our church and we regularly give Dawa trainees slots during our church services to educate congregants on GBV.
“I am happy that we have recorded remarkable positive testimonies of families whose lives have been changed owing to such sessions,” said the Bishop

Masvingo chess pros appeal for financial assistance to play in Kenya

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Masvingo chess pros appeal for financial assistance to play in Kenya

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Two talented learners from Masvingo, Zimbabwe, are appealing for assistance to participate in the Africa Schools Individual Chess Championship 2025, scheduled to take place in Mombasa, Kenya, from May 22 to 29.
A total of US$1600 is required to cover their airfare and other requirements to compete against top young players from across Africa in the Chess International Tournament.
The tournament offers a golden opportunity for the students to gain international exposure and experience, but financial constraints are hindering their participation.
The two are Shalom Hunda from Rufaro High who secured gold medal in under 15 girls and Rutendo Hwede from Temeraire High School who scooped bronze in under 17 in Chinhoyi recently.
Masvingo Chess Coach Moses Kujinga appealed to well-wishers for them to meet the May 5 deadline which requires participants to have purchased their tickets.
“We are appealing for US$1 600 to cover the airfare for Hunda and Hwede, who have qualified to participate in the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championships at Reef Hotel Mombasa, Kenya.
“We require US$800 per air ticket and we are calling for well-wishers and the government for assistance. Our main challenge is meeting the May 5 deadline where all participants are expected to have secured their tickets,” said Kujinga.
Kujinga said last year Hwede failed to participate in South Africa due to financial constraints and pleaded with the government to assist with sponsorship.
“In 2024, Hwede won a medal at the NASH competitions and was expected to participate in the Africa Chess Championship in South Africa. Unfortunately, she was unable to attend due to financial constraints. As a province, we require support to overcome these obstacles and ensure that our learners have the chance to represent our country in such tournaments if they qualify,” said Kujinga.
Temeraire High School indicated in a statement that the resources available for Hwede were not enough to cater for all her needs to be comfortable and presentable in such a highly esteemed tournament therefore their plea for support to sponsor her.

Masvingo’s top chef represents Zimbabwe at Turkish Gastronomy Expo

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Masvingo’s top chef represents Zimbabwe at Turkish Gastronomy Expo

By Staff Reporter

Masvingo’s leading chef, Rejoice Gundura, proudly represented Zimbabwe at the 2025 Colours of the World Fair held recently in Turkey, where she showcased her culinary talent at an international stage.
Gundura qualified for the prestigious expo after winning a provincial cooking competition in 2024 and later finishing as second runner-up at national level, earning her a place among the country’s top three chefs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the expo, Gundura expressed pride in representing Zimbabwe, highlighting the positive reception of the country’s cuisine by other cultures.
“I’m proud to be a Zimbabwean gastronomy chef. Our food is healthy and well-received. It was an honour to demonstrate how we prepare and serve our traditional dishes in real time
“I run a restaurant that serves gastronomy dishes, this is both my passion and my profession,” she said.
She also praised the Masvingo City Council for supporting First Lady Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa’s culinary programmes and encouraged fellow chefs to remain committed to promoting local gastronomy.
“I want to thank Masvingo City for their unwavering support of Dr. Mnangagwa’s initiative. We appreciate it as a city. I urge other chefs to keep the fire burning—as the Shona saying goes, ‘Hukama igasva hunozadziswa nekudya’ (Relationships are incomplete without sharing food),” said Gundura.
With seven years in business, 32-year-old Gundura is the force behind two of Masvingo’s popular restaurants Eland and Reflections serving the best traditional meals and braai.
The Colours of the World Fair, launched in Istanbul in 2022, celebrates global cultures through traditional performances, culinary exhibitions, handcrafted artworks, and more.
Zimbabwe is currently ramping up efforts to promote gastronomy tourism as part of its cultural and economic development strategy.

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