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Gwenhoro Dam fast running out of water

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Gwenhoro Dam fast running out of water

.…‘only
five months supplies remain’
Tinaani Nyabereka
City
of Gweru has rung alarm bells over its precarious water supply situation
following revelations that its main supply dam, Gwenhoro, will run dry within
the next five months.
Addressing
residents at the commissioning of two refuse compactors at council offices
earlier this week, Mayor Josiah Makombe revealed that the dam was only 26
percent full.
He
said the city needed urgent financial support to transfer pumping equipment
from Gwenhoro to Amaphongokwe Dam.
“Let
me advise you that Gwenhoro Dam is now at 26 percent which translates to only
five months’ water supply considering the consumption patterns. Amaphongokwe is
at 75 percent which is enough to take us an additional 12 months but our
pumping facilities there are broken down and we cannot utilise the resource.
“We
need  rehabilitation works at our
treatment plant and raw pump stations (Gwenhoro and Amaphongokwe) which need replacement
of obsolete pumping equipment and the repair of mainlines and major fittings at
a cost of US$10 million.
“The
city’s population of around 200 000 requires 60 million litres of water per day
plus industry demands 20 million litres which all adds up to 80 million litres.
Currently, we have an output of 40 – 43 million litres per day from Gwenhoro
and 1.5 million from White Waters Dam, giving us a total output of 43 – 44
million litres which is not enough for the city.
“So
with the deficit of 15 million litres per day, we cannot fill our reservoirs
and such high-lying areas as Haben Park, Mkoba Village and Ridgemont being the
most affected areas,” said Makombe.
The
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs, Larry Mavhima commended
Gweru City Council for acquiring the refuse trucks which he said will greatly
help to improve service delivery.
“I
call upon council to ensure the collection of refuse timeously and make sure the
heaping of litter in locations becomes a thing of the past. We don’t want to
suffer from such diseases as cholera again,” said Mavhima.

No congress re-run, declares Gumbi

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No congress re-run, declares Gumbi

Upenyu Chaota

MASVINGO – Disgruntled
MDC members who were left seething with anger after chaotic districts and
provincial congresses in Masvingo will have to live to fight another day after
provincial chairperson James Gumbi has dismissed rumors that there will be a
re-run for 20 districts on Saturday (May 11, 2019).
The
Masvingo provincial congress gave MDC leader Nelson Chamisa a torrid time after
it emerged that the provincial executive led by Gumbi had manipulated the
processes to their favor.
Members
of the Tongai Matutu-led team refused to accept the Gumbi executive and are
believed to be the ones behind the peddling of information calling for congress
re-run in 20 districts in the province.
The
Matutu team is at war with the Gumbi executive whom they say is illegitimate
and have vowed to organise parallel party programmes.
In
a statement, Gumbi said he was aware of some mischievous party members who are
sending falsehoods saying there will be congress re-run in 20 districts in the
province. 
“I
have noted with grave concern that there are some mischievous elements amongst
ourselves who are posting and spreading falsehoods on social media that there
are District Congresses to be re- done on May 11, 2019 in respect of 20
districts.
“I
wish to put the record straight that as the duly elected chairman of the province,
such utterances are not only unfounded but also falsehoods and wishful thinking
bend on misleading our esteemed members.
“Please
note that there cannot be a congress after congress,” said Gumbi.
Gumbi
warned that those found wanting will face disciplinary action.
Meanwhile,
Chamisa has put in place an appeals committee which will look into all cases of
disgruntled provinces after there was an outcry in Bulawayo.
There
has been no formal challenge from Masvingo.

Two Lundi High pupils drown in Runde

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Two Lundi High pupils drown in Runde

                                          The late Prism Mvere
Cephas Shava

MWENEZI – Two
pupils who were doing form six at Lundi Christian High School drowned in Runde
River on Saturday, May 05, in what some suspect to be a mermaid attack.
They
had gone to the river to do laundry and their lifeless bodies were retrieved
the following day.
Police
at Masvingo provincial headquarters confirmed the matter saying they had
received a report to that effect.
The
sciences pupils were identified as Prism Mvere and Douglas Maramba from Rutenga
and Chikombedzi respectively.
They
were day scholars lodging at the mission’s premises to attend holiday lessons.
Mwenezi
District Schools Inspector (DSI) Luckson Zanamwe confirmed the tragedy.
“The
two boys who were doing form six at Lundi High School drowned along Runde River
on Saturday and their lifeless bodies were later recovered the following day,”
said Zanamwe.
Reliable
sources at the school said pupils went to the river reportedly to wash their
blankets and clothes.
“They
left their place saying they wanted to do some laundry but they did not return.
When authorities were alerted, they searched for them at the river but they found
only their scattered laundry and a bucket close to a pool in the river,” said a
source.
A
concerted search by various authorities yielded nothing the whole of Saturday
only for the lifeless bodies to resurface the following day without any sign
the two could have been attacked by a crocodile attack.
Many
people who are familiar with the area now suspect that the two were seized into
the water by a mermaid.
“One
body emerged first but the other did not immediately appear until some rites
were performed. After the procedure, the remaining body emerged but with some
blood stains on the nose.
“They
are clearly victims of a mermaid attack. They are not the first people to fall
victim of such an attack at that place,” said a resident of Lundi business
centre.

Local artist gets international with jaundice film project

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Local artist gets international with jaundice film project

Courage Dutiro

A
Masvingo-based artistic director is helping to market the province through the
production of an educational short film that fights social stigma against
people suffering from jaundice and cerebral palsy.
Unworthy?,
which is being produced by Kudakwashe Zoromera, is expected to be released at
the end of this winter season.
Jaundice
is a yellow colouring of the skin which happens when a chemical called bilirubin
builds up in the blood. When too much bilirubin builds up in the body, the skin
and whites of the eyes look yellow.
Cerebral palsy is a group of permanent movement
disorders that appear in early childhood with symptom differing among sufferers
but including poor body coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles and tremors.
Zoromera,
who wrote and is directing the film, said the project was an attempt to tackle
head on all the society’s negative attitudes towards people with rare physical
and medical challenges.
“Unworthy?
brings out some vital knowledge of medical conditions as a way of fighting stigmatisation
and encouraging greater understanding.
“Society
often views people living with such conditions as outcasts yet these people are
just like any other individuals alive; with feelings, will-power and often
hearts of gold. The point is that people with such conditions deserve to be
treated like any other human being,” said Zoromera.
The
33-year-old artist revealed that the film stars Johnson Tevera, a boy with such
conditions, who undergoes painful biases in an ignorant and tolerant community.
Zoromera
said the project, which has a multi-racial cast, was now at pre-production
stage with the shooting stage expected to begin this week at places that are
beautiful and of cultural importance.
He
expressed optimism on the potential of film in the country, saying his own work
will also be aimed at convincing tourist to visit local attractions.

What goes around comes around: Grace Mugabe’s political journey 2014 – 2017

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What goes around comes around: Grace Mugabe’s political journey 2014 – 2017

Tatenda Murenjekwa
The
writer wishes to highlight Grace Mugabe’s political journey and her use of the
G40 cabal in dismantling the Zimbabwe African National Union for Patriotic
Front (Zanu PF). Apart from reflecting Grace Mugabe’s shortfalls, this series shows
the transition of power caused partly by Grace’s unwise public utterances.
Events that coerced Mugabe to resign such as the Solidarity march, military
intervention and the impeachment are also revisited.
The first lady that
never was
The
political journey that Grace Mugabe and the G40 cabal anticipated remained
elusive due to the military intervention to restore order in Zanu PF. The first
lady was presumably among the corrupt individuals who surrounded Robert Mugabe.
In her endeavour to be the Vice President of Zimbabwe, Grace Mugabe used
unorthodox means that amalgamated to the expulsion of Joice Mujuru and later
Emerson Mnangagwa.
Grace
Mugabe’s political profile had soared in the past few years as the 52-year-old
had positioned herself as her husband’s successor. While married to an air
force pilot, Grace met the much older president years ago when she served as a
secretary in his office. The couple have a 41-year age gap and Robert Mugabe
was still married to his first wife Sally when he met Grace. Sally, who was
suffering from a terminal illness, died in 1992.
Four
years later, Mugabe and Grace married in an extravagant ceremony attended by 40
000 people including former South African leader Nelson Mandela. Grace Mugabe
seemed to struggle to emerge from the shadow left by the president’s first
wife. She was later nicknamed Gucci Grace due to her extravagant spending and
twice use of diplomatic immunity as a shield from accusations of assaulting a
British photographer in Hong Kong and whipping a South African model with an
electric cord. An attempt to set up a dynastic succession prompted the
Zimbabwe’s military to finally step in.
Grace
was accused of being determined to succeed her husband and in the end proved
her husband’s downfall. The old adage that ‘a week is a long time in politics’
rang true for Robert Mugabe and his over-ambitious wife as the crowds gathered
at the Zimbabwe Grounds and at Freedom Square in the capital calling for
Mugabe’s exit. The tables have been turned and all of a sudden Zimbabwe has
experienced what others call a historic transition. In October 2017 Sakubva Stadium
in Mutare, Grace said she was not afraid of being shot by the army and this
infuriated the commanders. Mugabe survived that long because he had the backing
of the military even at the time when he lost an election in 2008 against
Morgan Tsvangirai. The army only intervened this time around because he was now
persecuting his war-time allies and threatening their interests. The general’s
positions were on the brink.
Grace
Mugabe used other politicians to further her political ambitions known as the
G40. This group included Walter Muzembi, Letina Undenge, Kudzanai Chipanga,
Chimedza Saviour Kasukuwere, and Patrick Zhuwao among others. Kudzai Chipanga
will certainly be a good example to the young people of Zimbabwe of how they
should not be used by politicians. While he had been making annoying statements
on behalf of certain senior officials, it was him who appeared on TV with a
bloodied and swollen mouth-not the senior politicians.
…To
be continued
The writer is a holder
of an Honours degree in History and is a product of Great Zimbabwe University
(GZU). He writes articles for educational purposes.

Venerated emblems: Totems as biological, historical and cultural icons

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Venerated emblems: Totems as biological, historical and cultural icons


Elizabeth Duve Dziva
The subject of
totemism is very wide, complex and normally results in more questions than
answers. The topic still remains necessary and worthy of an exploration so as
to have a clearer understanding of how we have been ignorant or rather
reluctant to preserve and conserve this very essential part of us.
From a general
perspective, a totem (mutupo/isibongo) is a natural object, animal, plant or
bird assumed as the emblem of a person, clan, family or group and gives a sense
of identity.
Connotatively,
totems are the symbolic significance of a being, an icon that we can turn to
for various essential reminders. Among the various legends accounting for the
origins of totemism, one has it that upon realising that they were multiplying
at an alarming rate, our Bantu forefathers chose emblems which even after
migration and expansion would help them identify their kinsmen. The choice of a
totem was guided by a survival instinct or otherwise the chosen creature would
be of some importance to their survival in the clan.
Totems are of
religious, historical and biological importance to individuals. Back then, so
strong were the beliefs in totemism unlike today when people of the same totem
marry, the deeper meaning of (kudya mutupo). In our culture that is considered
as incestuous since people of the same totem are of the same bloodline.
Punishments for such an acts ranged from paying a plain white cow called
chekaukama to cutting a finger or in acute situations, death. Not only is
marrying a person of the same totem a cultural abomination but also biologically
disapproved since there will not be genetic variation with consequences that
can be best explained by biologists. Hence, it is very important for
individuals before dating or engaging into serious courtship to know their
partners’ totems.
Today, very few
individuals can recite their praise poems yet they are not aware that totems do
not only carry a deep religious meaning but often carry important historical
information about a certain clan. Thus, totems are very essential sources of
history. Culture, history, identity and personality are intertwined. We should
always bear in mind that this world and everything about it does not belong to
us but to the generations ahead of us, hence there is no need to shy away from
such aspects of culture like totems. We must not deprive our successors of an
important aspect of identity by bringing to extinction something that we, as
the present generation, never invented. Let us avoid carrying the never-ending
blame of destroying such practices like totemism for they give one spiritual,
emotional and intellectual distinction.
Though it varies
according to individual beliefs, totems are of religious significance, it works
for others for it all comes back to what one thinks and believes.
Traditionally, it has always been believed that an individual carries the
traits of his or her totem, most applicable to animal totems.
Coster Manyowa
points that even Jesus Christ had a totem (Lion of Judah). Our Zimbabwe is a
multi-tribal country but it is very essential to note that those are just
dialects but we are one, with the same totems expressed in different languages
since we are of the Bantu origin. Some of the totems include the Lion (Shumba/Sibanda)
which has various classifications like Jichidza, Shumba Garwe, Shumba Murambwi,
Shumba Mhazi, Shumba Tembo. There is also the heart (Moyo) classified into
Chirandu and Zuruvi, the elephant (Zhou), the zebra (Dhuve/Dube), the pool
(Dziva), fish eagle (Hungwe), the pig or wild boar (Humba), cattle leg (Gumbo),
the eland (Mhofu) the buffalo (Nyathi), the monkey (Shoko), the porcupine (Ngara),
Impala (Mhara), the Sheep (Gwai), the mice (Mbeva), the fire (Moto), the ant
(Ishwa), the cow (Nkomo) among others. It is essential for us to be able to recite
our praise poems and those of our spouses hence passing the cultural practice
to our descendants.
Not knowing who
we are is our doom and the curse of black humanity. Let us not be blindly
ashamed of a very important part of us, for our sake and for the love of
infinite generations ahead of us.
The writer is an
archaeological and cultural heritage practitioner. The views expressed in this
article are entirely those of the writer and do not necessarily represent any
organisation.
Contact: duveelizabeth2gmail.com

Zinasu wins it all in GZU SRC elections

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Zinasu wins it all in GZU SRC elections

Courage
Dutiro

The Zimbabwe National Students Union (Zinasu) has finally
ended the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu) dominance of the
Students Representative Council (SRC) at Great Zimbabwe University (GZU).
Zinasu clinched at least seven key posts including the
presidency which they snatched from Zicosu’s Davis Mutazu.
Zinasu also won the positions of Secretary General, Minister
of Academic Affairs, Minister of Legal Affairs, Minister of Information, Minister
of Transport and Minister of Social Welfare.
Takudzwa Ngadziore was elected new SRC president, a
position which had been rotating between Zicosu and Coadesu.
Ngadziore managed 577 votes while his contestants Rudo
Mungwariri of Team Kunyanya got 415 and Nomsa Muranda of Zicosu won 259.
His other rival Charittone Manyau got 247 while Brian
Tinashe Charova got only 57.
The new secretary general is Chrispen Matose who also won
with an enormous margin.
Ngadziore told TellZim News that he was thankful to the
university for according them a chance to sell their ideas to students.
“We as Zinasu want to thank the administration for
allowing the voice of the students to be heard through the election. We also
want to thank the students for supporting us. We want to work to solve all the
major problems affecting us as students.
“We will include and treat everybody fairly and equally.
We are going to conquer together as Great Zimbabwe University students,” said
Ngadziore.
On transport problems facing students, he said the new
leadership will engage government through the Ministry of Transport and the
Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education.
“Government can find solutions for students the same way
they came up with the Zupco idea in response to urban transportation
challenges,” said Ngadziore.
The former SRC was a pact between the three main students
unions namely Zinasu, Zicosu and Coadesu after the 2016 election results were
nullified by Vice Chancellor Professor Rungano Zvobgo who cited the massive
irregularities that marred the voting process.
Positions
won by Zinasu in the current SRC elections
President….Takudzwa Ngadziore
Secretary General….Chrispen Matose
Minister of transport….Kudakwashe Muchini
Minister of Legal Affairs….Anesu Manyimo
Minister of Academic Affairs….Wadzanai Nyakudya
Minister Social Welfare….Rosemary Rusere
Minister of Information….Forward Chaibva

Masvingo considers privatising refuse collection

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Masvingo considers privatising refuse collection

Tendai Mange
With
only two refuse compactors servicing tens of thousands of households, City of
Masvingo is considering partnering private individuals and companies that own
capable vehicles in refuse collection work.
This
came out during the recent feedback meeting with Masvingo Urban Ward 1
Councillor Selina Maridza and Masvingo Urban Member of Parliament (MP) Jacob Nyokanhete at
People’s Shop close to Mucheke Bus Terminus.
“We
were in Bulawayo recently for the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF)
where we learnt that the Bulawayo City Council has partnered residents who own
trucks to carryout refuse removal work. We will soon also advertise so that
those who own lorries can come forward and help to ferry garbage to the
dumpsite,” said Maridza.
It
was also heard that the two council trucks doing the work – one of UD make and
the other made by FAW – were overworked and were, therefore, constantly
breaking down.
The
FAW truck, though less than three years old, is performing worse than its very
old UD counterpart and has been in Harare for several weeks now where it awaits
repairs to the tune of several thousands of dollars which council does not
have.
Maridza
urged residents to exercise the best possible hygiene habits by avoiding
littering and by burying organic waste underground.
She
said council hoped it would soon be able to relocate the problematic dumpsite
on the edge of Runyararo West and Victoria Ranch suburbs.
“We
have been given a new dumpsite but as you may know, government procedures take
very long to complete. People can keep some of their waste material in their
cars until they get to the next refuse bin rather than throw it out of the
window,” said Maridza.

Poorly maintained Zesa infrastructure endanger residents

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Poorly maintained Zesa infrastructure endanger residents

Diana Gondongwe
Residents
of Rujeko high density in Masvingo have complained that electricity
infrastructure in their area is poorly maintained, causing intermittent sparks
on transformers and overhead cables as well as irritating power failures.
Some
Rujeko C residents said frightful sparks on transformers and cable often
precede a power failure, with some visits by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply
Authority (Zesa) employees seemingly failing to make a difference.
“We
don’t feel safe having derelict equipment at our service. Transformers and
power cables are producing sparks and some poles no longer stand straight. I
don’t think Zesa has a regular maintenance schedule that really works. Their
electricity is becoming a danger to residents and their appliances,” said
Clayson Chimbidzikai.
Another
resident said he blamed poorly maintained infrastructure for the consistent
short-time power cuts that he said had damaged his refrigerator.
 “We have on and off electricity every week and
my fridge was recently damaged. But that is only a minor issue if we are to
look at the danger that non-maintained power lines and transformers pose to
children. They need to revisit the whole infrastructure network and diagnose
areas of possible faults rather than just wait to respond to power failures,”
said the resident.
Recently,
69-year-old Theresa Mathe of Hillside was electrocuted while pruning an avocado
tree which was in the way of the electricity line at her home.
On
December 30, 2018, 17-years-old Batanai Shava of Mukahamari village Ward 5 in
Mwenezi, who was waiting for his ‘O’ level examination results, was
electrocuted while crossing fallen electricity poles.
Over
100 houses in Rujeko spent over three months without electricity after their
transformer exploded on December 07, 2018.

‘Most Gweru housing schemes sitting on non-serviced land’

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‘Most Gweru housing schemes sitting on non-serviced land’

Tinaani
Nyabereka.

GWERU – Chiwundura
Member of Parliament (MP) Livingstone Chimina has lamented profiteering by land
developers whom he said were ignoring the need to service the land on which they
do their developments.
Speaking
at a Radio licensing workshop in the city last week, Chimina said a big mistake
was made when government allowed free reign on private housing schemes.
“People
are blaming Gweru council for developing land without servicing it but the
ministry is responsible and we now have some people in Woodlands living in the
dumpsite area.
He
defended City of Gweru, saying the authority had done much to help people
residing on non-serviced land to access some basic services.
“Gweru
council had to come in after realising most households did not have access to
water. Most of the land developers do not service the land as is the case with
Adelaide Park, KMP and Senga housing schemes. We are taking the issue to
parliament so that the minister can tell us the way forward on the matter,” said
Chimina 
Gweru
Urban MP, Brian Dube said community radios were an important asset which could
help in all related developmental issues.
“A
community radio is of importance because it empowers the people and it keeps
the society informed thereby giving people the power to make decisions wisely.
As a community, you must be aware and know what you want. In terms of
participation in decision-making processes, be involved,” said Dube.
Women
Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) Midlands chapter coordinator, Vimbai Nhutsve said
more than 10 radios were needed as challenges differed with each community.
“We
need more than 10 radio stations. The challenges of Gokwe are not the same as
those of Somabhula or Nkayi. It is high time government licenced community
radios for the welfare of communities.
“We
also call upon the responsible ministry and the board to revise their licensing
figures because it’s too much. Why charge $60 000 dollars and not a more
reasonable fee,” said Nhutsva.

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