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Gutu couple ties knot in joyous celebration

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Gutu couple ties knot in joyous celebration

Staff Reporter

A Gutu young couple of Shingirai Mazonde and Tendai Musasa exchanged vows in a joyous wedding ceremony held at the local Catholic Church in Gutu’s central business district on Saturday.
The church service was followed by a vibrant celebration at Hubvumwe Lodge, along the Chivhu road, where friends and family gathered to shower the newlyweds with love and gifts.
Renowned comedian, artist and Events Director David Mubaiwa of the Sabhuku Vharazipi fame played a significant role in making the wedding a success, entertaining guests with his quick wit and sharp tongue as the master of ceremonies.


Vharazipi’s humorous takes on the bride and groom had the guests in stitches and while still conveying heartfelt messages.
The Mazonde and Musasa families came together to celebrate the union, with electrifying speeches wishing the couple well in their future together.
The wedding was a memorable day for the young couple, who were showered with gifts and presents by their loved ones.
The celebration was attended by guests from various parts of the country, who praised the couple’s love and commitment to each other. With Sabhuku Vharazipi at the helm, the wedding reception was a night to remember, filled with laughter, music, and joy.

Tugwi Mukosi to get three new irrigation schemes

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Tugwi Mukosi to get three new irrigation schemes

By Tatiana Mhararira

The recently availed Tugwi Mukosi Master Plan has revealed plans aims to transform Masvingo’s agricultural sector by establishing three new irrigation schemes spanning 3,852 hectares two in Chivi and one in Masvingo District.
It also seeks to expand the existing Banga Irrigation Scheme from 64 to 195 hectares and the developments is expected to enhance food security, promote agricultural productivity, and support local economic growth.
The two in Chivi District will be in Ward 24 (Gororo) and one in Ward 34 of Masvingo District, to begin tapping into the dam’s 40 000 hectare irrigation potential.
The schemes will be established in phases of 20, 30, and 50 hectares while every household will get 0.5 hectares despite the province’s glaring irrigation deficit and long-standing food insecurity.
“The site targeted for the Gororo Irrigation Scheme has already been identified by the department of irrigation. The proposed plan involves a phased rollout of the scheme, covering 20, 30, and eventually 50 hectares, with each household allocated 0.5 hectares.
“Vast tracks of irrigable land in ward 34 of Masvingo District can also be targeted for irrigation because the drainage system in the area does not pose potential pollution and erosion to the Tugwi-Mukosi dam,” read the statement.
Tugwi-Mukosi Dam has the potential to irrigate approximately 40,000 hectares in the Lowveld region, making it a key element of Zimbabwe’s agricultural development strategy. In addition to supporting irrigation, the dam is expected to generate clean energy through a planned 15-megawatt power station.
Despite this potential, the province has 69 637 hectares under irrigation, 65,403 hectares are dedicated to sugar estates leaving only 4 234 hectares, about 10 percent of the dam’s capacity used for crop irrigation in the province. Chivi District, which shares the dam with Masvingo, has only six functional communal irrigation schemes covering a mere 272 hectares, despite also having access to Muzhwi Dam.
The government faced criticism for perceived misplaced priorities, particularly regarding plans for another massive project, Tende-Runde Dam which is expected to irrigate over 35,000 hectares and supply water to South Africa before utilising Tugwi-Mukosi.
Government officials have consistently spoken of transforming the province into an irrigation hub, with the envisioned greenbelt focused on producing citrus, sugar, and maize.
The implementation of the Tugwi-Mukosi Master Plan is expected to turn Chivi into a vibrant agricultural center, boosting food security and enhancing livelihoods for local communities.

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.

Mutirikwi Hydro Power Plant boosts Masvingo City water supply

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Mutirikwi Hydro Power Plant boosts Masvingo City water supply

By Staff Reporter

Masvingo City has achieved a stable water supply, thanks to the commissioning of the Mtirikwi hydro power plant, which has ensured a constant power supply to the Bushmead water works, according to Masvingo City Mayor.
The mayor, Alec Tabe, was speaking during a first-quarter briefing at council, crediting uninterrupted power at Bushmead Water Works for the improved service delivery.
“The water supply situation in the city has greatly improved following the commissioning of the Mutirikwi Hydro Power Plant. The Bushmead Water Works Plant has been having uninterrupted electricity supply therefore treatment and pumping of water to the reservoirs has been consistent.
“On average 23 megaliters per day is being supplied to the city and all properties are receiving water for an average of nine hours daily,” said Tabe.
Tabe reported that the city was now delivering an average of 23 megaliters of water daily, with households receiving water for up to nine hours each day.
In addition to improved supply, Tabe said the quality of the treated water continues to meet national and international safety standards.
“The quality of our treated water meets the minimum standards for drinking water set by the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) and the World Health Organisation (WHO),” he said.
Despite the progress, the city is still battling significant losses of treated water due to non-functional water meters and aging infrastructure — a challenge that cuts into revenue and efficiency.
To tackle the issue, Tabe said council resolved to ring-fence part of its water and sanitation revenue for critical upgrades.
“Council has resolved to ring fence part of the water and sanitation revenue and utilize it for replacement of non-functional meters, installation of pressure valves as well as replacement of old pipes and valves in the pumping mains and reticulation,” said Tabe.

400 learners, staff rely on unprotected shallow well, river

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400 learners, staff rely on unprotected shallow well, river

By Staff Reporter

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

ZCC Masvingo women’s league donates stationery to Alpha Cottages

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ZCC Masvingo women’s league donates stationery to Alpha Cottages

By Virginia Njovo

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

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

Cambria Farm Landfill given new deadline to begin operations

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Cambria Farm Landfill given new deadline to begin operations

By Beverly Bizeki

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

Chivi goat project empowers youth, strengthens rural livelihoods

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Chivi goat project empowers youth, strengthens rural livelihoods

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

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

Gweru City faces backlash over uncollected garbage

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Gweru City faces backlash over uncollected garbage

By Tatenda Sibanda

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

Zaka South MP Chiduwa faces chop

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Zaka South MP Chiduwa faces chop

…As district recommends dismissal from DCC chair position

By Brighton Chiseva

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

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