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ZPCS, ZNA ready for clash on pitch

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By Tatiana Mhararira

In a highly anticipated match Tenax FC, representing the correctional services will lock horns with Buffaloes FC backed by the army in a battle for crucial points in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) Division One on match day 10 at Chisamba grounds.
The two teams have a history of intense rivalry with Tenax FC recording a winning result in the previous season both at home and away games.
Buffaloes FC is currently positioned to challenge for the top spots and will aim to bounce back from past two loses and secure a vital win. Tenax FC aims to maintain and looks forward to maintain its unbeaten run in the previous 8 games.
Speaking to TellZim News, Tenax FC Vice Secretary General responsible for Media Liaison and Publicity David Marufu said they expected a tough match but expect a win.
“We are expecting a very tough encounter against our perennial rival in Mutare and this is a derby to us with fans setting eyes on this big match although statistics favour our side.
“Tenax has always been dominating these derby matches against Buffaloes and we are prepared to continue that dominance to defend our championship as we fight to retain Castle Lager Premier Soccer League to Mutare,”said Marufu.
Marufu said their motto and nickname gave them enough courage to face any opponent in the ERSL.
“Just as our nickname speaks for itself. We are the Lion (Chauya Chikara), our motto this season is Either We Win or We Win meaning we have told ourselves that nothing short of history will stop us from winning each game of the season. The motto and nickname serves as our source of motivation,” said Marufu.
Buffaloes team manager, Prosper Matizanadzo nicknamed Zhake told TellZim News that their previous matches did not go as planned but took the match against Tenax seriously.
“So far things have not gone according to our projections as we have dropped too many points in the matches that we had targeted to collect maximum points.
“In this match against Tenax we want to win. However we are treating this match cautiously as we last won against Tenax many years ago. They have been enjoying bragging rights ever since but with our new technical team headed by Kenny Kachara we will make it to the top,” said Matizanadzo.
Matizanadzo said they called upon their supporters for full support of the team during this match.
“We are calling upon our supporters to come in their numbers and witness the dawn of new era as we wish to turn tables against our bogey side Tenax in this latest battle of the Mutare uniformed forces,” said Matizanadzo.
Tenax FC is second placed on the ERSL log table with 24 points a point behind FC Hunters the log leaders with 25 points though Tenax FC has got a game in hand against Deportivo La Murambinda.
Buffaloes FC is on number 4 with 17 points, position it exchanged with Masvingo United which is now on number three with 17 points and a goal difference of 7.

Mentally unstable Bikita man kills mother

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By TellZim Reporter

The village of Manzungu in Chief Mukanganwi area, Bikita, was left in shock after a 42-year-old man killed his 62-year-old mother with an axe on May 28.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the murder of Mavis Dinha by her son Wonderful Vurande and urged members of the public to prioritize mental health care.
“I confirm the murder of Dinha on May 28 by and I urge members of the community with relatives who have mental challenges to ensure they receive medical attention,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Vurande had returned from South Africa on May 26, exhibiting signs of mental instability that went unaddressed and his behavior became increasingly erratic, with bizarre questions and aggression within the two days he was home.
The incident happened after Vurande had returned from Nyika Growth Point where he had gone with his stepfather but returned alone in the afternoon.
Vurande asked disturbing questions, including who had impregnated his sister two years ago and the answer he got did not satisfy him.
He then turned violent, destroying household items with an axe, chased his mother for about 2 km before killing her, leaving her with deep cuts on the head, back, and leg.
The matter was reported to the police and Vurande was arrested. The deceased’s body was taken to Silveira Mission Hospital for postmortem.

A school head with a difference

By Langton Chikaka, Head Zimuto High School

A trending head, or a thought leader, is distinguished from the ordinary by several key characteristics. They have a unique perspective, expertise, influence, authenticity sharp communication skills, visionary thinking adaptability and consistency. The best school leaders possess a combination of skills, traits and qualities that enable them to effectively manage and inspire their schools. To remain relevant the following are the school head’s currency.

  1. Know trends in education
    A school leader needs to be conversant with the latest educational trends. These include but not limited to: being knowledgeable about blended learning the rise of STEM/STEAM education and the increasing focus on social and emotional leaning. A good school head shares with learners, staff and colleagues how these trends are shaping the educational milieu and can share notes on ways to integrate them into their school culture. It can be noted that these trends reflect a broader shift towards student centred, innovative and inclusive approaches to education with a focus to preparing learners for success in the 21 century.
  2. Policy Update

A school head should always keep abreast with recent changes in educational policy e.g Education Amendment Act 2020, school based project the Heritage Based curriculum to mention but a few.

  1. Tech-Savvy

In this digital era, being tech-savvy is quintessential and a non-negotiable aspect of educational leadership. As a school head, one should be familiar with the latest educational technology tools and platforms and understand how these can enhance learning and administration efficiency.Share with learners, parents, staff and colleagues specific technologies you intend to use or plan to implement explaining how these (technologies) can support learner engagement, personalised learning or data driven decision making. Your ability to integrate technology into education demonstrates your commitment to fostering a modern learning milieu. You can advocate for using google sheet to compile, analyse and visualise data from learners,assessments, quizzes and examinations.

4.Equity focus

School heads by virtue of their positions enjoyed to address the critical issue of equity in education at their institutions. By requirement, school heads should appreciate and comprehend the importance of creating inclusive learning environments which cater for diverse student populations. A head who is a notch above others can look for strategies to close achievement gaps, support special education and ensure that all learners have access to quality education irrespective of their backgrounds. The Head’s appreciation, awareness and commitment to equity will demonstrate their capability to lead with empathy and social responsibility.

  1. Student Well Being

Handling learner’s well-being is a crucial aspect of a school head’s role. Together with staff and learners themselves, the school head should create a safe and supportive environment that foster a culture of inclusivity, respect and empathy. The school head must promote positive relationships and provide access to counselling services. In addition, the school head must foster a growth mind-set, encourage learners to view challenges as opportunities for growth, encourage health habits, exercise and mental wellness. Effort should be made to stay informed about learners’ needs and regularly address learners’ wellbeing needs.
While there are many traits, skills and qualities which can propel a school head to prominence, the five which have been given space in this article distinguished excellence and mediocrity.
The school head who possesses the five traits can easily create a dynamic, supportive and inclusive learning environment, driving learner success and school excellence.

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.

Zaka man kills wife for urinating in beerhall

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By Tatiana Mhararira

A domestic dispute turned deadly in Zaka when a man allegedly killed his wife for urinating in a bottle store leading to a heated argument between the two.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed to TellZim News the murder of 43-year-old Esther Dhokotera of Shenjere Village under Chief Nhema in Zaka and encouraged people to avoid solving misunderstandings when drunk.
“We have a report whereby Esther Dhokotera was killed by her husband Freddy Zimombe(53) of the same village.
“I urge members to avoid solving disputes under the influence of alcohol and to also accept the intervention of third parties,” said Inspector Dhewa.
On May 15, 2025, the couple went to drink beer at Muchabve bottle store, Chevhu business centre.
On May 16 at around 0200hrs Dhokotera was drunk and she urinated in the bottle store. Zimombe got angry and started beating his wife.
Some people tried to stop him from beating wife. He then dragged Dhokotera outside and continued beating her with his fists and left her lying on road. He went home to sleep and returned next morning only to find his wife dead.
A report was made to police leading to the arrest of Zimombe. The body was taken to Ndanga Hospital Mortuary for post mortem.

Mberengwa man gets 45 years for murder, attempted murder

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By Rangarirai Shanyurai

A 32 year old man from Mandiva Village under Chief Nemauzhe, Chivi was sentenced to a deterrent sentence of 45 years behind bars after being convicted of murder and attempted murder.
Tawanda Kubvoruno was sentenced by the High Court sitting in Gweru on May 20.
In a statement on its official X handle, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe stated that on September, 29 Kubvoruno acted violently against Dumiso Donga (32) and his friend the now deceased, Francis Sibanda (30) at Oasis Night Club, Mberengwa Turn-Off Business Centre.
“On September 29, 2018, at around 0030 hours, a violent altercation broke out at Oasis Night Club, Mberengwa Turn-Off Business Centre between the now deceased Francis Sibanda (30), his friend Dumiso Donga (22) as well as Kubvoruno and his accomplices over an undisclosed issue,” reads part of the post.
Kubvoruno ordered Donga and Sibanda to leave the night club after displaying a knife, later on followed and ambushed them.
“The offender brandished a knife, prompting Donga and the now deceased Sibanda to leave the night club. As Donga and Sibanda made their way to another night club, Kubvoruno and his group followed and ambushed them, throwing stones at the two.
“Kubvoruno caught up with Donga and stabbed him once in the chest, causing him to collapse. When Sibanda knelt to assist his friend, Kubvoruno stabbed him six times once on the head and five times on the back and kicked him in the head with a booted foot before fleeing the scene. Sibanda died on admission at Mberengwa District Hospital and Donga was treated at Mpilo General Hospital,” reads part of the post.

SEFF benefits 6000 in Masvingo Province

By Virginia Njovo

As the Seeds For Future (SEFF) project comes to an end in Masvingo Province, marking the end of a three-year partnership between the government of Zimbabwe and the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the project is said to have transformed lives benefitting around 6 000 people from the province.
Speaking during a closure meeting at Urban Lifestyles Hotel recently, SEFF Project Manager Joseph Matiza highlighted a key milestone, the unification of women’s groups through establishment of local chapters for the Rural Women Assembly (RWA).
Matiza said the groups had empowered women to influence policies affecting local food systems and address social, health, and economic issues.
“In each project district, the RWA identified public agenda items needing attention, leading to several prioritized pilot actions, two Early Childhood Development (ECD) classroom blocks at Ndali and Mpinga Primary Schools in Chiredzi district, mother’s waiting shelter at Maranda Clinic in Mwenezi, the construction of a primary health center at Fusira Business Center in Masvingo to reduce travel distances for healthcare access, especially for pregnant mothers,” said Matiza.
A new community seed bank was constructed in Mubagwashe and another rehabilitated in Mpinga, enhancing farmers’ access to local, adaptable seeds for improved productivity, food security, and nutrition.
One of the project beneficiaries, Kesia Zonke expressed gratitude for the SEFF project and said it had promoted self-sufficiency among the beneficiaries.
“We thank SEFF for this project as we have ventured into self-sustainable initiatives that will support our financial stability for years to come,” said Zonke.
Shashe Agroecology Chairperson Elizabeth Mpofu praised the Italian government for supporting SEFF and requested more sustainable projects, assuring that the initiative would continue.
“We want to thank SEFF and its partners for equipping us with a sustainable project which we promise to sustain,” said Mpofu.
AICS country manager Paolo Enrico Sertoli expressed gratitude for the cooperation received during the period of project implementation.
“I am grateful to all institutions, organisations and individuals who made the SEFF initiative possible, a special word of thanks goes to Masvingo Community whose energy, ideas and perseverance have been the true engine of this project’s success.
“Together we have planted seeds of hope knowledge and opportunity, AICS and the Italian Development Cooperation reaffirm their full commitment to continue this journey together towards a future that is more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable,” said Sertoli.
Rural producers of paprika and sesame have also become shareholders in two private companies, Papri-Afrika and Ses-Afrika. These companies operate aggregation and processing plants within a multi-service centre established by the project in Rutenga, with additional co-financing from other development partners.
The intervention has linked rural farmers to value-added local and export markets, increasing their revenue. In the past year, farmers marketed 78 and 274 metric tonnes of paprika and sesame, generating over $400 000 for approximately 6 100 farmers.
It also positively impacted rural beneficiaries through various programmes, including, school-managed vegetable gardens, and poultry initiatives for home-grown school feeding programmes, weir dam construction, establishment of micro-irrigation schemes, rehabilitation of community seed banks for traditional grains and improved market linkages for dry-land grains, oilseeds, and irrigated crops
SEFF project was implemented by a consortium led by COSPE, being partnered by Terredes Hommess Italia (TDH), Sustainable Agriculture Technology (SAT), Women and Land in Zimbabwe (WLZ), Community Technology Development Organization and Rete Semi Rurali (RSR), with the support from the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development.

Musakanda garden project transforms lives

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

A government-backed nutrition garden in Musakanda Village, Masvingo West, has become a model of rural transformation, empowering local families with food security, income, and skills development.
Established in 2022 through the support of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and local MP Ezra Chadzamira, the Musakanda Nutrition Garden has a dedicated group of 20 farmers who run the project, now equipped with drip irrigation and a fish pond.
The garden vice chairperson Joseph Mandava said the initiative had significantly improved livelihoods in the area, despite early challenges in managing farming responsibilities.
“The garden has helped community members in improving livelihoods as people are carrying out income generating projects. Previously, we lacked knowledge on how to balance working on this garden with our individual fields but now we can manage our duties effectively. Managing both means we get to increase our income,” said Mandava.
He commended ARDA for technical support and noted that the installation of a drip irrigation system had boosted productivity but also highlighted critical equipment failures.
“One of our Jojo tanks got damaged when it fell, and now we are operating with one. We are also using a filter that is too small. These issues affect our efficiency, and we appeal to authorities to assist us,” he said.
The garden’s produce, including rape and other vegetables, is sold locally, with proceeds going directly to the farmers.
Another beneficiary said the project had brought men and women together, creating a sense of unity and purpose in the village.
“Thanks to this project, we are able to pay school fees, buy food and even engage in fish farming. We also appreciate the reliable water supply, which has reduced the burden of fetching water from far away,” she said.
She also commented the Member of Parliament, Chadzamira and Councilor Petros Jorodhani for ensuring the project’s continuity.
Masvingo West Ward 11 Councilor, Petros Jorodhani thanked government for 12 boreholes they received and said they community felt relieved after intervention from the MP and the President.
“We thank our local MP Chadzamira and President Mnangagwa for the development. We got 12 boreholes in the ward so we have access to clean water.
“We used to have a water crisis since we have no dams to irrigate the crops in our gardens but we now feel relieved because of the boreholes. We have five gardens watered by solarized boreholes from government,” said Jorodhani.

Toilet crisis hits Jerera Growth Point

By Brighton Chiseva

Travelers, vendors, and flea market traders in Jerera Growth Point are facing a dire sanitation crisis, with over a thousand people forced to share a single, overwhelmed toilet.
The situation has become so desperate that people are now resorting to using the toilet’s back area, raising serious health concerns and fears of a potential disease outbreak in Ward 19.
Councilor Albert Mazvanya confirmed the crisis to TellZim News and promised to follow up with council management to at least put efforts to reopen a currently closed toilet and alleviate the pressure and bring some relief to the affected community.
“The issue of toilets is a matter of concern and urgent attention is needed to avert the pending problem. We have a new toilet in Tagona Market which has already blocked because there is no running water and the influx of people.
“The other one near flee market is very filthy and record blockages regularly. The only better toilet is the one near the council Beerhall, that one is better because it is being used by few people who have keys since it is managed directly by vendors from the flea market. The one that used to be a pay toilet is a bit far from the people so they don’t normally use it. So I will engage the management to see how best we can help the situation,” said Mazvanya.
One resident who spoke to TellZim News said the toilet in the rank was overwhelmed by locals and travelers saying people shun getting inside and usually relieve themselves behind it.
“The only toilet working in the rank is overwhelmed, it’s dirty that no one can set foot inside. It’s used by travelers and since there is no light inside, they go behind market stalls and behind the toilet. The vendors and those who operate food outlets will have to clean every day before operating and at times they leave it. Imagine serving food in such an area.
“We wonder why council and other relevant authorities are playing with people’s lives, allowing such to happen. The toilet is very old and need renovations to put in a new system,” said the source.
Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Zaka RDC Chief Executive Officer David Majaura said he was not in office and would respond when he comes back after a few days.
However, other sources within council said the vendors were to blame, the toilet was handed over on May 2 and they manage it on their own so they were failing to do so.
The source further said another challenge was that of mix up in the market, the vendors were mixed despite what they sell creating confusion amongst the vendors who cannot coordinate themselves.
“We handed the new toilet to Tagona Market executive on May 02 for use by traders. They manage it on their own. The pay toilet is used by traders free of charge.
“However, another challenge is the mix up of vendors in the market, those who sell vegetables are mixed with those who sell clothes and other. So it is difficult for them to coordinate. The side we allocated vendors as council is organized but the side where MPs and Councilors allocated is chaotic. They would simply give people numbers without considering what they sell,” said the source
One vendor who spoke to TellZim News on condition of anonymity said though they were given authority over the toilet, there was no water rendering the toilet unusable and said the pay toilet that they were allowed to use was a bit distant and often closed.
“We cannot use the toilet because there is no water, how can we manage the toilet without water. We pay rates to them so they should provide proper facilities so that we manage. The pay toilet they gave us is a distant and is often closed so people don’t use it, they simply go behind the toilets.
“At night they come in here and mess giving us a headache to clean every morning, it’s only a matter of time before we record a catastrophe,” said the vendor.

ZAFM Jeremiah church ordains new Bishop

By Valentine Makufa

One of the many Zion Apostolic Faith Mission Churches, Jeremiah (Z.A.F.M) headquartered in Shindi area in Chivi recently ordained Ropafadzo Jeremiah Shava as its new bishop following the death of the former leader, Bishop Jaison Jeremiah Shava.
The new Bishop was ordained by Archbishop Dr. Jameson Pedzisai of Z.A.F.M (Andreas) at the ordination ceremony that took place on May 17, 2025.
Speaking at the ceremony, Archbishop Pedzisai described the ordination as a significant milestone for the church.
“Now that I have ordained and anointed Ropafadzo Shava, the work of the Lord will now move smoothly with the new leader. Today marks a new beginning for the church,” said Archbishop Pedzisai.
Sarudzai Shava who is sister to the newly ordained Bishop said she was happy that they had filled the leadership vacuum left following the death of their father saying it had led to several members leaving the church.
“I am so happy that we now have a new leader. Since our father fell ill and later passed away, the church had no active leader. Some members later joined other churches but I am confident that new Bishop will gather the lost,” she said.
Bishop Ropafadzo Jeremiah Shava is the son of the late Bishop Jaison Jeremiah Shava who had a polygamous family which led to divisions in appointing the heir.
One pastor from the church, Amos Bvurire, said the selection process was not easy but expressed gratitude for the ordination of the new bishop.
“I am very happy with the ordination because it was not easy. There were conflicts that even required court involvement. But we have now managed to ordain the rightful bishop,” said Pastor Bvurire.
The late Bishop passed away on March 26, 2025, in his eighties after a prolonged illness. He was laid to rest on March 30, 2025.

Congregants following the proceedings during the ordination of the new Bishop

GZU secures first win of the season

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By Andrew Zhou

Great Zimbabwe University FC (GZU FC) finally tasted victory in the Eastern Region Division One league, defeating Tongogara United FC in a thrilling match played at the Gathsmine Stadium on Saturday 24 May 2025.
The first half ended goalless, with both teams creating scoring opportunities but unable to find a breakthrough. GZU FC’s persistence paid off in the second half when they scored the only goal of the match.
The lone strike from Aflred Muluku in 71 minutes, gave GZU FC a well-deserved win, marking their first victory in the ZIFA Eastern Region Division One league.
The visitors tried to mount a comeback, but GZU FC’s defense held strong, securing the well-deserved win. The team showed great determination and teamwork.
GZU FC’s Head coach Taurai Mabaya, praised the team’s determination and teamwork, highlighting their defensive solidity and clinical finishing.
“In the first half we played against the wind and we managed to defend and secure a draw however, in the second half we managed to score our first and winning goal of the match,” said Mabaya.
Mabaya further said team was still working hard to continue winning more games and said their first win boosted the confidence in the team and the fans who were cheering throughout the match.
“We are working extra hard so that we will win more games. This win is a morale booster and we want to maintain the form,” said Mabaya.
GZU FC fan, Eddmore Makuyana (Smoko), expressed his delight with the team’s latest win saying the team should finish the season at a better position
“We are really happy with the win and we are confident that our team is going to continue to win. Maybe we will end the season in the top four of the league,” said Makuyana
Makuyana’s sentiments reflect the growing optimism among GZU FC supporters, who were excited about the team’s prospects this season.