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Masvingo North: Where chiefs defy the odds

TellZim Reporter


MASVINGO
– About two months ago there were celebrations by the general populace following the ruling by two High Court judges based in Bulawayo and Masvingo that traditional chiefs must not dabble in politics.
The High Court rulings were timely as the nation prepared for the watershed general and presidential elections slated for July 30.
What was more interesting on the matter was that National Chiefs’ Council president, Chief Fortunate Charumbira, who openly declared allegiance to Zanu PF during a meeting with former President Robert Mugabe in Bulawyo last year, was given an ultimatum to apologise to the nation for the reckless utterances.
Chief Charumbira, however, defied the High Court by declining to publicly apologise to the nation. More interestingly, chiefs have continued to flock to Zanu PF events particularly in Masvingo where they even chant slogans at Zanu PF’s Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meetings.
It is the people’s hope that one day chiefs, particularly their president will be charged with contempt of court. Maybe one day!
The unrepentant behavior of chiefs is an affirmation that they are Zanu PF appendages.  In fact the recent Isuzu twin cabs vehicles which were doled out to chiefs make them feel like they owe Zanu PF in a big way; little do they know that they deserve much better than that from any government of the day.
However, some of the chiefs who are yet to get the vehicles are really bitter and they are not sure if they would ever receive them after elections. The situation is even getting worse in Masvingo North where the chiefs frustrations seem to be increasing due to the alleged arrogant conduct of the incumbent legislator Davis Marapira, who is also the ruling party candidate in the forthcoming elections slated for July 30.
Masvingo North has more than four chiefs namely Zimuto, Musara, Chikwanda, Mugabe and Murinye. The majority of these chiefs have a sour relationship with Marapira whom they accuse of being arrogant and disrespectful. Marapira has denied these allegations though.
The chiefs also say Marapira should go to his rural home area which is Zaka as they want candidates who were born and bred in Masvingo North to be given chance to contest.
“There will be a lot of surprises this time around; we assisted politicians who are arrogant and disrespectful to win in 2013, but that will not happen this time around. We have also realised that for any meaningful development to take place, we need an MP born and bred in the constituency,” said one chief who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation.
“We have seen other chiefs receiving vehicles but the majority of us in Masvingo are yet to get the cars. Maybe those who were prioritised are the ones who will mobilise votes for Zanu PF because some of us will take a back seat,” said another chief.
Marapira won the ticket to represent Zanu PF after the ruling party controversially disqualified candidates like Pascal Mudzikisi who seemed to have more supporters than the deputy minister. Other Zanu PF candidates accused Marapira of conniving with the provincial party leadership to disqualify candidates that appeared to be favourites ahead of him.
Mudzikisi has since filed his papers at the nomination court as an independent candidate and it appears more chiefs have a soft spot for him. Even disgruntled Zanu PF members are rallying behind Mudzikisi.
Marapira has lost grip in Chief Zimuto, Musara, Mugabe and Murinye areas. The resettled farmers in Summerton also seem to have lost faith in Marapira due to his alleged bullying tendencies. Farmers claim that they had been threatened several times by the deputy minister that they will lose their farms if they do not vote for him in the forthcoming elections. Marapira, however, denies these allegations.
His stronghold now is the area that stretches from Roy to Mbungo estates where he enjoys support from his in-laws, the Mutendis who command a huge following from their Zion Christian Church (ZCC).
Mudzikisi probably needs to seriously engage the chiefs, headmen and village heads in Masvingo North so that they assist him in terms of strategy.
Though chiefs cannot publicly declare their displeasure with Marapira and Zanu PF for fear of victimisation, they are really fed-up and they want a new legislator. They say they are ready to work with any candidate who puts the interests of people of Masvingo North first regardless of political affiliation.
“What we want is development of our area and we do not care who brings that development. After all these candidates from other parties and independent ones are all our children – we should treat them equally and fairly,” the chief said.
The chiefs’ comments seem to be accommodating Mudzikisi, whom they feel was unfairly disqualified from the Zanu PF primaries.
Mudzikisi must capitalise on this disgruntlement so that he has the blessings of these chiefs – it is an open secret that traditional leaders have a lot of influence on the electorate.
He really needs to work the ground; understanding the needs of the electorate. TellZim News established that Mudzikisi is gaining ground in areas like Summerton, Zimuto, Musara and Chief Mugabe areas. However, he is said to be not visible in the rest of the constituency. He therefore needs to employ an inclusive approach if he really wants to win the seat.
Speaking to TellZim News in an interview, Mudzikisi said he was a development-oriented person aiming to develop his home area.
“I was born and bred here in Zimuto; this is where my umbilical cord was buried. My aim is to develop and assist my fellow brethren. We are doing a number of income-generating projects which I am sure will continue to benefit the people even after elections,” said Mudzikisi.
Mudzikisi is a charted accountant and a successful businessman.
Marapira said his relationship with chiefs is intact and those saying otherwise are just bend on soiling his name but it will not work.
“People will say things in this election period but at the end of the day the people will decide. I have never threatened anyone and the people are not foolish, they will not be swayed by cheap politics.
“I have been helping the people in my constituency and I will keep doing so while other people keep taking low blows,” said Marapira.politics

Mugeji haunts former club Una Una

Faustino Mugeji

…as Pirates, Bikita Minerals register rare wins

Clayton Shereni

Faustino Mugeji came back to haunt his former pay masters, Masvingo United, by leading Eastern Region Division One debutants, Zero One One FC to a 1-0 win at Mucheke Stadium last Sunday.
Zero One One captain, Samson Mukaro was the hero of the day as his side’s goal made all the difference two minutes into the second half.
The youthful side frustrated Una Una on several occasions, with Tendai Makanjera proving to be difficult for their midfield.
Mugeji recently joined the Chatsworth-based outfit after leading Una Una back into division one. He then left Una Una in pursuit of greener pastures at Masvingo Pirates at the beginning of 2018 season.
In an interview after the match, Mugeji said he was happy with the win though his team could have done better.
“We played well as a team and there was a good combination from the back to the strike force. We, however, missed a lot of glorious chances though we managed to get a goal. We will get back to the drawing board and prepare for our next assignment,” said Mugeji.
The Una Una game was Mugeji’s first game as Zero One One’s interim coach after taking over from Morris Mukwiti who was promoted to the club’s technical advisor post.
“Our young boys are so determined. So far, they have played exceptionally well and this is good. With this kind of play, nothing can stop us from playing in the much coveted Premier Soccer League (PSL) in two seasons to come,” Mukwiti said.
The weekend also produced some unexpected results as Bikita Minerals FC triumphed 2-1 over division one big guns, Tenax FC.
Masvingo Pirates registered their first win of the season in nine matches after beating Gutu FC 3-1 at Paradise Stadium.

Chiefs honour Mwenezi RDC CEO Chivanga

Albert Chivanga

Cephas Shava

MWENEZI – Seven local chiefs last week organised themselves and presented a gift to the Mwenezi Rural District Council (RDC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Albert Chivanga in recognition of his appointment to the post last year.
The chiefs said they wanted to honour Chivanga as the first person from Mwenezi to occupy that key management office.
The traditional leaders; Negari, Chitanga, Neshuro, Mawarire, Murove, Maranda and Mazetese presented Chivanga with a lamb last Monday at Mwenezi RDC offices, Neshuro growth point.
Assistant District Administrator (DA), Martin Musakanda and Mwenezi RDC chairperson Samuel Masukume were also present.
Speaking to TellZim News afterwards, Chief Negari said Chivanga’s appointment had done the district pride.
“We presented our gift because when he was appointed last year, we did not have a chance to congratulate him collectively as chiefs. We are happy because our own son is now occupying that powerful post and we are confident he is capable of taking care of the district’s developmental needs,” said Chief Negari.
On his part, Chivanga pledged to continue working on developmental projects so as to uplift local people and improve service delivery.
“I am humbled by this gesture from our chiefs. These are our parents and leaders whom we respect very much. Now for them to come to me with a gift is something that has made me really proud,” said Chivanga.
Chivanga was born and bred in Mativenga village under Chief Neshuro. He was appointed substantive CEO in mid-2017 after performing better than six other candidates who also wanted the same job.
He took over from Stanslas Mavesere who had retired after serving the council for several years.local

Traditional medicine, the better alternative to cancer treatment

Newton Mudzingwa

Beatific Gumbwanda

Cancer is not new to our humankind as it has always existed for many years, with our ancestors using traditional herbs to cure all cancerous ailments of their times.
In Africa, contemporary knowledge on cancer points an accusing finger to fast food outlets whose means of food preparation and preservation have been argued to be unhealthy.
Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that tend to proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, in some cases, to metastasize (spread).
In many countries, skin cancer is the most common type of malignancy for both men and women but the second most common type of cancer in males and females globally is prostate cancer and breast cancer respectively.
Newton Mudzingwa, a senior traditional medical practitioner from the Herbal Wellbeing Clinic, says traditional medicine is the only fully effective way to fight cancer in Zimbabwe.
“Scientific cancer management gives an average of 2-5 percent success rate as compared to 60 percent globally for traditional medicine. In a nation like Zimbabwe, curability rate of cancer can go up to 80 percent based on people having sufficient knowledge of food types,” said Mudzingwa.
Mudzingwa says while traditional medicine seems to be gaining respectability elsewhere, most Zimbabweans are still steeped in Eurocentric backgrounds that prevent them from taking an alternative approach to health and wellbeing.
“Cancer is a single disease. It is named after the part of the body it has affected, for example, breast cancer on the breast, cervical cancer on the cervix, skin cancer on the skin and lung cancer on the lungs.
“Traditional medicine works better if the person has not been exposed to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgical procedures. It’s good to know your body in order to cure cancer at its early stages.
“Our nation is under siege from new cases of cancer that are not being treated due to lack of knowledge on the scientific side. With traditional medicine, cancer is curable and it has existed for many years and was treated using traditional medicine,” said Mudzingwa.health

Angry Zaka parent assaults school head, SDC chair over injured pupil


Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – Manyiri Primary School deputy head, school clerk and the School Development Committee (SDC) chairperson were recently assaulted by an angry parent whose grade six pupil, Brian Mutasa, had been injured in a soccer training session.
The matter was not reported to the police because the victims are afraid of further victimisation by the feared parent.
Sources in the area said they were afraid of the pupil’s father who happens to be the area’s village head and a traditional healer.
Zaka acting District Schools Inspector (DSI) Beaula Shambambeva confirmed the incident, saying she had since visited the school.
“Sport is part of the new curriculum. If a pupil gets injured, parents and the school should work together so what the parent did is uncalled for because teachers will now be afraid to help the child and other pupils.
“We are happy, however, that the school played its part in shouldering the medical expenses of the injured pupil,” said Shambambeva.
Sources said when the boy was injured, the school rushed him to Mashoko Mission Hospital where he was referred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital before being transferred to Harare.
“They were working together with Sabhuku Mutasa but the relationship turned sour when the school failed to send transport fees in time when the boy was discharged from hospital in Harare. His father is known to be very harsh,” said a source.local

Zimbabwe microfinance excellence awards launched

Rachael Mushosho

Shingirai Vambe

HARARE – The Zimbabwe Microfinance Institution (ZMFI) last week launched its inaugural microfinance excellence awards at Jameson Hotel where institutions that have excelled in the sector for the past 15 years in areas of working with women, establishing in the rural market and those embracing the digital platforms as the country is headed towards a cashless economy.

ZMFI which works with both the micro finances in Zimbabwe and the RBZ has taken another step in recognising micro financiers who have done well in past years on compliance, resilience and transparency.
With all 190 micro financiers on board, the institution hopes to motivate micro financiers to work towards the goal of developing the country through financing of small projects and the informal sector.
ZAMFI board chairperson Patrick Mangwendeza said the micro finance has come of age and results should be seen through executing befitting programmes.
“Today we are launching the Microfinance Excellence awards to reward excellence to the sector and the public at large. The awards are a way of encouraging hard work and inculcate positive competitive spirit within the sector as we learn from other institutions,” said Mangwendeza.
The RBZ representative at the occasion Rachael Mushosho commended the step taken by ZMFI as a milestone achievement since the Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are helping to drive the economy in the financial sector.
The awards are set for November this year and nominations will be in progress soon as the benchmarks are put in place since there are on their final stages with key stakeholders participating to make the awards a success.

Dzimbahwe Traditional Dance Group scoops Chibuku Neshamwari provincial trophy

…to represent Masvingo province at nationals

Anesushe Mamhute

CHIREDZI – The Dzimbahwe Traditional Dance Group last Sunday scooped first prize of the Chibuku Neshamwari 2018 provincial dance festival and will represent Masvingo Province on August 4 in Mutare for the national competitions.
Chibuku neshamwari last weekend celebrated its 55 years in style at the biggest beer garden in Zimbabwe, Chigarapasi, where ten traditional dance groups showcased their cultural dances.
The groups included Dzimbahwe Traditional Dance group, Muchongovoyo dance group, Bira Dancers from Hippo Valley Estates and Chigarapasi Traditional Dance group among others.
All ten dance groups managed to showcase their cultural talents in form of Hoko of the Xangani culture, Majukwa, Bira and Muchongoyo among others.
Dzimbahwe Dance group put up a good show and their efforts paid as they bagged $500 as the first prize and a China trip.
Muchongoyo Dance Group came second and bagged $300 while Bira dancers came third and got $150.
The hosting group, Chigarapasi Traditional Dance Group came forth.
Each participating team was given $100 for attending the festival.

2018 elections: People with disabilities who registered as candidates

Vengai Kurunzirwa
Henry Chivhanga

Moses Ziyambi 

MASVINGO – Three people with disabilities last week successfully filed their papers with the nomination court to contest in the upcoming elections, raising hopes that the disability community will have a greater voice in issues of governance.
Henry Chivhanga will contest for the Chivi Central parliamentary seat on the MDC Alliance ticket. He will have to beat five other competitors; Ephraim Gwanongodza of Zanu PF, Esau Menganai of NCA, Joseph Chijaka of MDC-T (Khupe), Brighton Sharara (PRC) and Cleopas Mbangure of ZIPP for him to make it to parliament.
Chivhanga has worked with the disability community for a long time and his commitment to a friendlier public space for people with disabilities can be seen in the work he has done as leader of the Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (Dact).
There is Mucharairwa Mugidho who is the alliance’s women’s quota proportional representation candidate for Masvingo.
Rasphine Gudo is representing the coalition as a senatorial candidate for Manicaland province while Dennis Mudzingwa is a candidate in the Midlands.
In Masvingo Urban Ward 5, Vengai Kurunzirwa will contest against such candidates as Daniel Mberikunashe of MDC Alliance, Wanzai Chimwayi of Zanu PF and Admire Mufamba of People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC).
Kurunzirwa has a remarkable record working to improve the conditions of people with disabilities, and has made a mark himself as an articulate speaker during the course of the Young Voices community project.
The community project was meant to improve awareness and understanding of disability issues especially among traditional leaders and other influential community leaders.
In Ward 7, sight-impaired Jori is contesting as an independent candidate against Richard Musekiwa of the MDC Alliance, Talent Majoni of Zanu PF and others.
Asked what he wanted to achieve by running for political office, Kurunzirwa said it was time for change, pledging to champion disability, youth and women’s issues in council.
“People with disabilities need a fairer representation in council so that their issues can be articulated better. We need public places and buildings that are friendlier to us and that can only be achieved if we give it attention right from the planning phase. Corrective measures have to be made on all existing public buildings and other infrastructure so that their use is not discriminatory.
“I however do not intend to be a councillor for one particular group alone, but would work for the good of all the residents. The vendor policy needs to be revised so that we don’t chase around our parents who are trying to make a living on the streets without providing a suitable alternative market place for them,” said Kurunzirwa.
When asked about his own personal thoughts on the increased interest to seek political office by people with disabilities, Chivhanga said the new trend was encouraging.
“For the first time, there is a clear demonstration and evidence of the willingness to mainstream persons with disability into politics in the MDC Alliance. It was difficult to reach where we are so we congratulate our coalition for this feat and, as the disability fraternity, we are really encouraged by that gesture.
“I urge the people of Zimbabwe to support people with disabilities in the elections. They have the merit, skills and capacity to deliver,” said Chivhanga.
Disability activist, Nasper Manyau said she hoped all candidates with disabilities will win so that they will be in a better position to drive change.
“We have a long way to go. The government must domesticate the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities if we are to have the kind of fair opportunity and representation that is desired. There is need to urgently meet the President so that we engage each other on the importance of these issues,” said Manyau.politics

Manicaland teams top eastern region PSL promotion race

Luke Masomere


Clayton Shereni

Race to play in the much decorated Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) next season has heated up as teams in the Eastern Region Division One league are doing their best with the games about to reach mid-season.
Teams from Manicaland have been dominating the lower league and are enjoying a wider gap at the top of the region’s league.
Manica Diamonds, Tenax CS FC, Green fuel and army outfit Buffaloes FC occupy the top four positions respectively leading the race of securing the premiership ticket for Manicaland province.
Luke Masomere’s Manica Diamonds FC are on pole position with 26 points from 10 matches followed by Tenax and Greenfuel who both tie on 22 points and Buffaloes on the fourth spot with 19 points from the same number of games.
Masvingo teams have for the past five years struggled to bring back premiership football to Mucheke Stadium despite having many teams formed in recent years.
Masvingo Pirates, United Lions and Masvingo United have struggled to reach top form since both teams are on 10 points and trapped in the bottom half leaving PSL hopes for Masvingo clubs in jeopardy.
For the past few years, Manicaland teams have proved to be the big guns in the eastern region although the teams have failed to make a mark in the country’s top league.
Speaking to TellZim News Manica Diamonds head coach Luke Masomere said the race is still on considering the two teams behind them are trailing by only four points but his team has been playing exceptionally well.
“The competition is very stiff and we are leading by four points ahead of Greenfuel and Tenax so we have to maximize points every game and so far we have been consistent,” said Masomere.
Matchday 10 saw log leaders Manica Diamonds thrashing Masvingo United 3-1 while Greenfuel were held to a one all draw by Zero One One FC while Bikita Minerals FC succumbed to a 4-2 loss against Buffaloes.sport

Voters think local govt elections not that important, new report finds


Clever Taperamoyo

MASVINGO – The We Pay You Deliver (WPYD) Consortium on Tuesday, June 19, launched a local government election survey report titled ‘The Uncertainty of 2018’ whose findings point to low interest in local government elections.
Different political players, council officials and other stakeholders attended the launch at Urban Lifestyle Guest House in Rhodene.
The report is a result of a survey conducted in Bulawayo, Harare, Chitungwiza, Gweru, Mutare and Masvingo between August and October 2017.
The report highlights that the electorate and political parties do not attach as much priority on local government elections as they do on the parliamentary and presidential vote.
Some 53.1 percent of respondents felt the harmonisation of elections affected the importance of council elections.
It also shows that in the upcoming elections, the local government vote will be split between the Movement Democratic Change (MDC) and Zanu PF at 23.3 and 15.1 percent respectively. Some 50 percent of participants were afraid to answer questions.
In his presentation, Davison Muchadenyika, one of the researchers, touched on such areas as councillor performance ratings and voter preferences, prioritisation of local government elections and the role of civil society, mayor`s functions as well as  the future and credibility of the electoral process.
“Political parties are urged to prioritise council elections by fielding candidates with a traceable record of public service commitment or excellence in other sectors,” Muchadenyika said.
Speaking at the same event, Dr Takavafirei Zhou said the findings were critical in interpreting voters’ attitude towards the country’s electoral processes.
“The major problem is the politicisation of local council. We do not have political sanity in Zimbabwe though we appreciate the effort taken in coming up with this report. Our real challenge is on leadership; we need to have a paradigm shift from politics to potential, where the electorate chooses councillors with potential not along partisan lines,” Dr Zhou said.
City of Masvingo mayor, Hubert Fidze said councillors appreciated the effort behind the research and its importance in providing scientific information to policy makers.
He also urged all councillors and aspiring councillors to familiarise themselves with the report.
The WPYD consortium partners include Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA), Combined Harare Residents Association (CHRA), Habakkuk Trust and Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA).