By Staff Reporter

MASVINGO – Persons with disabilities have made a bold call for a quota system in all arms of government, including local authorities, Parliament, and the Senate, saying their voices and representation remain marginalised in decision-making structures.

The demand was made during the official opening of the Zimbabwe National Disability Expo held at Mucheke Open Grounds on Friday, June 26, 2026.

The event was presided over by Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who stood in for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Speaking at the event, the Special Advisor on Disability Issues in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Rossy Mpofu, called on the President to take advantage of the Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 (CAB3), which, among other things, seeks to allow the President to nominate 10 senators of his choice, and ensure that 50 percent of those appointees come from the disabled constituency.

“Our President, people with disabilities are appealing for a quota in the House of Assembly, a quota for youth, women. In the Senate, the 10 that would be appointed by the President, we need 50 percent,” said Mpofu.

She also appealed to the President for 10 vehicles to be allocated to the 10 provincial chairpersons for the disabled in the 10 provinces. She said that because of their disability, it was difficult for them to mobilise their people for meetings and for those with disabilities to travel and meet their leaders.

The vehicles, she said, would allow the chairpersons to travel to rural areas and other corners of the province to engage their members.

Senator Anna Shiri, who represents persons with disabilities, echoed the same sentiments, saying they wanted a person with disability in the youth quota and more representation in the Senate through the CAB3.

“The Senators who are going to be appointed by the President, I am confident that the President, fulfilling his mantra of leaving no one behind, all those with expertise will get into the Senate to add more expertise to develop our country,” said Shiri.

She also urged persons with disabilities to pursue education, own homes, marry, and live full lives like any other citizen.

Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira said Masvingo was honoured to host the expo and stressed that inclusion of persons with disabilities was no longer an issue of charity but a crucial pillar for development.

“We are honoured to host this important national event in Masvingo Province, a province that remains committed to inclusive and people-centred development. This principle compels us to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully included in development processes and are afforded equal opportunities to participate in and benefit from socio-economic transformation. This year’s theme, ‘Embracing Disability Inclusion in all Sectors,’ is a masterstroke for national prosperity and economic development, which calls us to shift our collective mindset. Disability inclusion is no longer just a matter of charity or social welfare; it is a fundamental pillar of robust national economies and social growth,” said Chadzamira.

In his address, Vice President Kembo Mohadi said people with disabilities were supposed to be included in decision-making processes, saying nothing meaningful about them could be achieved without their full participation.

“Most importantly, persons with disabilities must be active participants and leaders in decisions that affect their lives. Their voices, experiences, and aspirations must inform policy design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation. Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation,” said Mohadi.

He said the Second Republic remained unwavering in its commitment to building an inclusive, prosperous, and resilient Zimbabwe.

“Through Vision 2030, we seek to create a nation where every citizen has opportunities for self-actualisation, economic empowerment, and social advancement. Through NDS2, we are laying the foundations for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Through our alignment with Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals, we are contributing to the broader aspirations of Africa and the global community,” said Mohadi.

By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – Youths have called for increased access to safe abortion services, free sanitary
pads, and easier access to emergency contraceptives, arguing that restrictive laws and high costs
are contributing to cases of baby dumping, unsafe abortions, and teenage pregnancies among
young people.
The calls were made during a Parliamentary Youth Caucus dialogue held at Mucheke Hall on
June 23, 2026, under the SADC-PF Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), HIV and
AIDS and Governance Project.
The event brought together students, youth leaders, civil society organisations and local
authorities to discuss challenges affecting adolescents and young people.
Speaking at the event, youths said challenges affecting young people and urged policymakers to
consider reforms to expand access to reproductive health services.
One of the participants, Acknowledge Mawere from Bikita, said women and girls seeking
abortions should not be criminalized, adding that the lack of safe and legal options was forcing
some to resort to unsafe practices or abandon newborn babies.
He cited a recent case in Bikita District, Chikuku area, where a baby was reportedly dumped,
saying such incidents highlight the need for a review of abortion laws.
“Just recently, there was a case in Chikuku, Bikita, where a baby was found abandoned in a
toilet. These are the realities we are facing. Some may argue that abortion is murder, but sex is
also considered a sin, just as abortion is. If a person does not want a pregnancy, they should be
allowed to terminate it because no sin is greater than the other.
“Those who want to abort should be free to do so, and those who don’t want to should not.
People often resort to unsafe abortions because they don’t have access to these services. In
contrast, others carry unwanted pregnancies to term and end up abandoning babies out of fear,”
said Mawere.
Another participant, Fadzai Makuwere, said while abortion may not be acceptable to some, the
reality of young people’s sexual activity meant safe abortion access should be considered.
“It may seem unacceptable to some people, but we are living in a generation where many young
people are already sexually active. When an unwanted pregnancy occurs, they should be able to
go to a hospital and access safe abortion services because we have lost many young lives through
unsafe abortions.
“Unwanted pregnancies resulting from mistakes should be terminated safely if the individual
chooses to do so. We often tell young people to abstain from sex, but the reality is that
abstinence is not always effective. As parents, we failed it, so it’s unrealistic to expect young
people to achieve what we ourselves have struggled to achieve,” said Makuwere.

Other speakers also called for improved access to condoms and emergency contraceptives,
saying contraceptives should be freely available in communities and not only at institutions and
beer halls.
One youth, Bridget Marima, called for the distribution of free sanitary pads, particularly in
remote areas where some girls struggle to afford menstrual hygiene products, saying that some
girls were forced to use pieces of cloth during menstruation due to a lack of sanitary wear.
“My wish is that young girls from rural areas have access to free sanitary pads. Condoms are
given free, but you have to buy sanitary wear, which then causes children to use pieces of
clothes. These practices are said to be other causes of cervical cancer, all because they don’t have
money to buy those pads,” said Marima.
One of the panelists, and Glenview South MP, Tsitsi Tawomhera commented on the issue,
saying while pads and condoms cannot be placed in the same category because sex is a choice
while menstruation is natural, she acknowledged the point and said government should distribute
pads.
“We noticed that many people complain about the issue of pads and condoms, saying condoms
are given free whereas you have to buy pads. These two things can’t be placed in the same
category because sex is something you decide to do while menstruation is by nature. But I have
taken the point that the government should distribute pads because it’s something we as women
did not choose. We will represent the issue,” said Tawomhera.
Another participant from Mucheke Vocational Centre called for easier access to emergency
contraceptives, commonly known as morning-after pills, as part of efforts to reduce teenage
pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.
“We need morning-after pills to be free in schools just like condoms. We only have access to
condoms, but what about morning-after pills? We don’t have that US$3 to buy morning-after
pills, which may end up causing unwanted pregnancies. So let those pills be offered just like
condoms in schools,” said the participant.
In terms of condoms, youths called for distribution of condoms everywhere, even in taxis, not
only in schools or hospitals.
Participants also urged the government to prioritise youth-friendly reproductive health services
and ensure that young people have access to accurate information on family planning and
contraceptive options.
My Age Africa, an organization that has been actively advocating for policy reforms, previously
called for the need to address misconceptions around safe abortion laws and ensure young
women understand family planning and birth control.
My Age Africa also highlighted that young people who seek condoms are very few compared to
those who seek morning-after pills, indicating a need for more education so that young people
can make informed choices.

By Yvonne Mangani

MASVINGO – Three people died on the spot, and five others were injured when a Toyota Runx failed to yield and was hit by an oncoming Toyota Granvia at the 200km peg along the Mutare-Masvingo Highway on Friday, June 21, at around 4:10 pm.

Police said the accident occurred when Shepherd Kachasi (27), who was driving the Runx with three passengers on board, attempted to turn right in front of oncoming traffic. Prosper Rusike (71) was driving the Granvia with four passengers towards Masvingo when the collision happened. The Granvia struck the Runx on the rear passenger side.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that all three passengers in the Runx died instantly. The deceased have been identified as Lilian Muzvanyi (39), Isaiah Svikiro (46), and one other passenger whose identity is yet to be established.

All five injured victims, including the Granvia driver who was in a serious condition, were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Inspector Dehwa urged motorists to exercise caution and consider other road users, especially when turning across busy highways.

The bodies of the deceased were taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital mortuary for post-mortem examinations and the identification of the third victim.

By Staff Reporter

Bikita Minerals has doubled its school nutrition programme, reaching nearly 10,000 learners
across 17 primary schools in Bikita District this year – up from about 5,000 in 2022, after
distributing 14,000 kilograms of fortified Maheu during the second term of 2026.
The mining company reaffirmed its commitment to community development, saying nutrition
was the foundation for learning.
In its statement, Bikita Minerals said the programme was part of its continued dedication to
supporting local education, improving student welfare, and delivering sustainable community
development.
What started in 2022 with support for about 5,000 learners has now doubled. Nearly 10,000
pupils are benefiting this year, with Hozvi Primary School added to the programme as the
company pushes its socio-economic footprint deeper into vulnerable communities.
School heads and local leaders say the results were showing up in attendance registers and in
children’s concentration. The programme also runs alongside the Government’s national school
feeding scheme, adding another layer of relief for households stretched thin.
Ward 12 Councillor Brighton Mushekwa welcomed the consistency of the support, saying the
development was making a difference in the community.
“This initiative is making a tangible difference in our communities. Proper nutrition is essential
for effective learning, and by supporting our schools, Bikita Minerals is investing in the future of
our children. We are grateful for the company’s consistency and willingness to partner with
communities in addressing real needs that affect learners every day,” said Mushekwa.
Bikita District Schools Inspector James Mahofa confirmed Bikita Minerals’ input, saying the
mine was complementing the government and ministry’s efforts by providing a wash-down to the
school feeding programme that is already in schools. He said the Maheu was also nutritious,
making it part of a needed balanced diet.
“Bikita Minerals is doing a great job there. They are complementing our efforts. The drink is
nutritious, and after eating a hot meal, learners won’t just drink water, they now have a wash
down of Maheu,” said Mahofa.
Bikita Minerals, known for lithium extraction in the district, says the Maheu drive reflects a core
belief: long-term progress starts with human capital. The company is now exploring ways to
scale the model further through partnerships in health, education, and infrastructure.

By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO-A 23-year-old man from Muchaendepi Village under Chief Ziki in Bikita appeared
before the Masvingo Magistrates Court facing attempted murder charges after allegedly setting
fire to a family house occupied by nine family members including his parents, who narrowly
escaped death.
The accused appeared before Magistrate Bepura and pleaded not guilty to the charge and the
matter was deferred to June 29 for continuation of trial.
Prosecutor Liberty Hove told the court that on November 7, 2025, the accused allegedly
requested petrol at around 3:00 PM, claiming that his vehicle had broken down.
The State alleges that he later used the petrol to make inflammable devices before returning at
about 9:00 PM and setting fire to a two-roomed house belonging to his father, Lazarus Mugarwe.
The court heard that at the time of the incident, Mugarwe and his wife were sleeping in one room
while their children were asleep in another room.
As the blaze spread through the house, Mugarwe’s wife reportedly managed to escape and rushed
to the room where the children were sleeping. Upon reaching the room, she allegedly discovered
that the door had been locked from the outside. She unlocked it and rescued the children before
the flames could reach them.
According to the State, the accused moved away from the scene after starting the fire and
shouted words to the effect that he had fixed the family and that although they were not dead, the
conflict between them was not yet over.
The fire destroyed all household property and cash valued at US$754.
In his defense, the accused denied the allegations and told the court that longstanding disputes
existed between him and his family.
“We have issues before where i tried to discipline my younger brothers but my mother told me
that I had no child among them to discipline, that’s why they are accusing me,” he said.
He further claimed that on the day of the alleged offence he had been at Jecheche Business
Centre and only returned home late.