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Female voters ‘hiring’ babies to jump Qs

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Female voters ‘hiring’ babies to jump Qs

TellZim Reporter
There are reports from many polling stations in Masvingo province that some women are ‘lending’ babies to each other or hiring them for a small fee so that they can be allowed to jump slow-moving queues.
There is a provision allowing nursing mothers be given preferential treatment at polling stations such that they are not required to join the ordinary queues.
TellZim News has, however, gathered that this facility is being abused by some women who are allegedly ‘hiring’ their friends, relatives and even strangers’ babies for this purpose alone.
There was pandemonium at Shakashe Primary School polling station AB this morning when a woman was asked to go out and join the slow-moving ordinary queue following suspicions that she had hired a baby. The baby had cried uncontrollably but the woman failed to calm him down and give him suckle.
At Sally Mugabe Preschool, Gutu Central Ward 34, there were loud complaints from agitated voters who alleged babies were changing hands.
Similar reports were received from Ward 4 Masvingo Urban and Jerera growth point, Zaka Central, where hiring a baby was said to be costing US$5.
At Dikwindi Primary School, Ward 6, a well-known kombi driver faked blindness so that he could be allowed to jump the queue. He was busted by other voters who shouted him away as he was about to get into the polling station.local

Shambolic voters’ roll angers voters

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Shambolic voters’ roll angers voters
         A meandering queue at Runyararo primary School

…mixed up names not in alphabetical order
TellZim Reporter
Many voters at polling stations in Masvingo Urban are being send from pillar to post as their names cannot be easily found in the voters’ roll.
The problem is more noticeable at Shakashe Primary School, but also at Rujeko Primary School, where the polling stations are divided into four and three respectively.
At Runyararo Primary polling station, Ward 4 – which is divided into six – many people were recorded as turned away because they had got into the wrong queue.
At these polling stations, many people complained they had been told to join a new queue because their names could not be found in a particular sub-polling station’s roll.
“This is my second queue and I have been here since 06:30. I think they want to frustrate us into leaving before voting,” said one young woman who claimed to be a first time voter.
Another voter said he was surprised that his polling station was different from his mother’s, although they shared the same surname.
“We got into polling station AA and my mother was allowed to vote there, but I was referred to another queue, although we share the same surname,” said the voter.
Presiding officers also acknowledged that they were facing enormous problems due to mixed up names.
“We had expected to find the names in alphabetical order but everything is mixed up. It’s taking too long to find a voter’s name but we are doing our best. We understand the frustration in the queues,” said one presiding officer.
At the Rujeko Admin polling station, one voter said it took him a solid three hours to get into the booth.
There was, however, virtually no queue at the Civic Centre at around noon, with 186 having voted in A at 11:58 and 200 in B as at 10:00. There were three assisted voters and 16 turned away voters in A, zero assisted voters and eight turned away voters in B.topnews

Why I am contesting as an independent

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Why I am contesting as an independent

…disabled aspiring Cllr speaks on why he didn’t join any party

Brighton Chiseva
Aspiring councillor for Masvingo Urban Ward 5, Vengai Kurunzirwa said he decided to contest as an independent because seeking a ticket from any political party entails humiliation and involvement in dirty politics.
Kurunzirwa, who is wheel-chair bound, said many political parties lack empathy for people with disabilities, meaning that he would still have been subjected to the same chaotic processes that marred primary elections.
“Some of us cannot hustle and tussle. If you look at the manner in which the biggest political parties conducted their primary elections, you would see that they are not a good home for people with disabilities. In some instances, there was a lot of pushing and shoving as well as savage fist fights that I would not be able to do,” said Kurunzirwa.
He also said many people in political parties see a disabled person seeking a political party ticket as a charity case.
“They look down upon you and think you are just there to beg, and not to offer anything tangible. They do not believe we are capable people who can deliver if given a chance,” said Kurunzirwa, who is an accountant by training.
“If a partisan candidate wins, he or she would first seek to serve those from his/her own political party but if – as an independent – I win, I would quickly move to serve the community that elevated me. I would not beholden to anybody and it’s only the people who can recall me if they feel I am not doing the job well,” he said.politics

No joy for political violence perpetrators, police warn

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No joy for political violence perpetrators, police warn

Ass Comm Makedenge

TellZim Reporter
Authorities will strongly oppose bail and seek the fast-tracking the trial of perpetrators of political violence before, during and after the July 30 elections, a senior officer in the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo province has said.
Speaking at a Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA)-organised discussion between the police and journalists on Friday, July 27, Assistant Commissioner Crispen Makedenge – who is responsible for police operations in the province – warned against provocation, intimidation, violence and other forms of electoral malpractice.
“As police together with other relevant stakeholders, we are going to speed up the finalisation of cases of politically-motivated violence. In Masvingo, we already have special courts set-up by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) together with the National Prosecution Authority (NPA) to deal decisively with political violence without fear or favour,” Ass Comm Makedenge said.
He said police will strongly oppose bail for those implicated in political violence as a way of sending a serious message to would-be offenders. Ass Com also called for greater cooperation and understanding between the police and media for the safety of journalists and the wider community this election time.
At another press discussion organised by Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ) later in the day, candidates contesting for the Masvingo Urban parliamentary seat hailed local media for giving them fair coverage.
“We appreciate TellZim News, Hevoi FM and Wezhira Community Radio for allotting us space in their programming and covering our campaigns,” said Francis Nyakurita, who is standing on a People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) ticket.
National Patriotic Front (NPF) candidate, Michael Taderera thanked local journalists for what he said were their remarkable objectivity.
“The work you are doing is good. I have received fair coverage right from the day of the nomination court. There is, however, room for improvement so that people can make more informed choices on election day,” said Taderera.
The sentiments were echoed by Herbert Chikosi, who represented MDC Alliance candidate; Jacob Nyokanhete, as well as by Sam Chapfundza, who is running as an independent.
Meanwhile, Zanu PF was more visible than any other party today, July 28, with loud yet peaceful campaigning and roadshows around the city.local

ZIPP leader appeals for Masvingo vote

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ZIPP leader appeals for Masvingo vote

The Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP) leader, Dr Blessing Kasiyamhuru in Masvingo CBD

Bothwell Chabarika
The Zimbabwe Partnership for Prosperity (ZIPP) leader, Dr Blessing Kasiyamhuru has made an appeal to Masvingo residents to vote for him in the forthcoming July 30 harmonised elections.
Kasiyamhuru said this after he met with TellZim News reporters in the CBD on Thursday July 26, 2018 when he was touring the city, as part of his campaign.
The ZIPP president promised a number of positive change to the country if people voted for him, pledging to bring development to Masvingo by recognising the city as a tourism hub.
He also promised to prioritise the upgrading of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway, saying Masvingo deserved better than it was currently getting.
“We want to build a Zimbabwe that will be in a position to export rather than to import and we are looking forward to make Masvingo a tourism hub that will be a centre of attraction to people from various areas of the world. We are looking forward to reducing traffic jams in Masvingo by creating better road networks. Masvingo is a special city,” said Kasiyamhuru.
The youthful politician promised to put to an end all problems that Zimbabweans are facing at the moment. He mentioned the issue of the economy and the joblessness that he said will be put to an end once he got elected as president.
The 45-year-old opposition leader said he acknowledged the contribution of the older generation in gaining the country independence from white minority colonial rule, but pointed out that the future was now more important than the past.
Kasiyamhuru told TellZim News that he regarded Masvingo as his home since he attended school at Gokomere CPS and secondary schools.top news

Salvation Army preaches peace ahead of elections

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Salvation Army preaches peace ahead of elections

Bothwell Chabarika

The Salvation Army has added its loud voice to ongoing calls for a peaceful pre and post electoral environment this year.
This comes after political leaders and the Zimbabwe Council of Churches (ZCC) made similar pleas as the nation approaches the intensely-contested elections.
As part of its own efforts, the Salvation Army in Masvingo has erected a massive billboard close to Exor fuel station with a message ‘Zimbabwe my home, I choose peace’.
A peace video on peace has also been created and posted on YouTube from where some have downloaded and shared it on various other social media platforms. The video can be reached on the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xrtrfqD_Mw.
Addressing mourners at the funeral of devouted church member Samson Muzvanya recently, Salvation Army Masvingo Division divisional commander, Major Luckson Chimbalanga called upon the church faithful and the broader society to work for peace.
Major Chimbalanga said elections will come and go, but people will still remain as neighbours.
“Elections come and go, but we remain neighbours in our communities. We will still need to use the same table to sell our vegetables on the market even if we differ on political standpoints. We will still need one another tomorrow.
“My word to you is, let’s maintain peace in the country and let’s avoid fighting even though we have differences. We should respect each other by preparing to vote in peace. Go out to vote in peace, celebrate in peace and accept the results peacefully. Zimbabwe is our home,” said Major Chimbalanga.

We want a better Chivi post elections, says Tizai

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We want a better Chivi post elections, says Tizai

Tedfed Tizai


Bothwell Chabarika

CHIVI – Zanu PF aspiring councillor for Ward 12, Tedfed Tizai says his motive for running for public office is to put his ward as well as the entire district on the right trajectory for improved living conditions.
A former police officer, Tizai says if he gets into council, he would push for policies that make life easier for people in the communities.
“I am geared for development and I dream of making Ward 12 a better place to live in. I have a lot of projects and plans and I am looking forward to bring a new style of leadership and representation to this ward. I am receiving positive responses from all villagers so I will repay them by being a listening representative with no political bias on issues that affect the people,” said Tizai.
He said he would prioritise road upgrades, building of more dip tanks, building of new clinics and satellite clinics, and better access to clean water for domestic use.
“We also need well-equipped council-run schools as well as small dams to help women and the youth to start income-generating projects. We need to fight corruption in council and in the communities so that nobody is left behind when developmental plans are made and implemented,” said Tizai.
The aspiring councillor promised to work for harmony after the elections, as a way of creating communities at peace with themselves, with improved prosperity being the result.
“There is critical need for a bridge across Tokwe River around Chemombe crossing area which links Chivi and Mushandike. People living there have trouble crossing the river to the other side during the rainy season,” Tizai said.
Tizai is contesting against Jemetius Muchiro of the Peoples’ Rainbow Coalition (PRC) and Gladys Chigova of the MDC Alliance.
The aspiring councillor is tipped to replace the incumbent of over a decade Annacolleta Chihava whom he thrashed in the primary elections.politics

‘No councillor can do it alone’

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‘No councillor can do it alone’

Clever Taperamoyo

Masvingo Urban MDC Alliance Ward 4 aspiring councillor, Godfrey Kurauone and his rival from Zanu PF, Tavara Mudukuti will again lock horns for the second time on July 30, having faced off against each other for the first time in 2013.
The two met at Charles Austin Theatre on July 20 for a Tell Zimbabwe-organised public dialogue, with Kurauone seeking to make a point that he was still the right man for the job, while Mudukuti was out to present himself as a suitable alternative.
Kurauone told the audience that no individual councillor can take credit for any development as decisions are made collectively.
“We got into office in 2013 when council did not have a single vehicle as all had been attached following a costly labour dispute. In no time, we put our different political affiliation as councillors aside and cooperated in our efforts to retool. My own efforts in all this are there to see.
“Ours is the only city council which is up to date in terms of employee salaries and we have bagged 23 awards of service delivery.
In my own ward, I was instrumental in the establishment of a carpark that is being operated by the youth, with proceeds helping to sustain their livelihoods. The project was hijacked and made to benefit only Zanu PF-aligned youths, but I said fine, they are still residents of the ward,” said Kurauone.
Kurauone said his next priority would be to see maternity wards being added to Runyararo Clinic as well as the building of a secondary school in the ward.
On his part, Tavara Mudukuti emphasised unity of the people across political lines, engaging the youth in planning, creation of temporary employment for the youth, sporting activities for all residents, corporate engagement and consultative leadership as the tenets of good leadership.
“In my community, some young people are abusing drugs because there is no recreation for them, and they are not being given enough space to be successful. There are many areas in which council could help for example by giving them priority when employing even on a part time basis.
“We want to create sporting facilities in the ward, we also want to have a consultative board that includes the residents. We want to engage business people to support the development of the wards. I will also play an oversight role in the development of ward 4,” Mudukuti said.politics

Zvishanane Cllr Ferreira builds netball pitch for Izaya Park

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Zvishanane Cllr Ferreira builds netball pitch for Izaya Park

Jose Ferreira


Darlington Kanyongo

ZVISHAVANE – Zanu PF Ward 6 Councillor Jose Ferreira recently parted ways with US$400 which he put into the building of a netball pitch where games of a tournament he sponsored last week was held.
Zvishavane ZRP, Zvishavane Prison and Izaya Park netball teams took part in the games that were played on the new pitch in Izaya Park.
Each team walked away with a full netball kit which was donated by the councillor who is campaigning to retain his council seat in the July 30 elections.
ZRP won all their matches against Izaya Park and Prisons, making them the queens of the tournament, and walking away with a US$60 in cash prize.
Prisons got US$40 for finishing on second position, while Izaya Park got US20 for finishing up on third.
Speaking to hundreds of people at the close of the tournament, which was also used for the official handover of the pitch to the Izaya community, Ferreira said the tournament will continue even after the elections
“I am very confident that even after the elections, this tournament will continue. It is my small way of contributing to the development of sports talent in our communities,” said Ferreira.
Rosemary Siziba, an Izaya Park player, said she was happy to have a good pitch on which to practice and spend her time.
“I am very happy that now we have a netball pitch right here at our door step. We now have a good place at which to practice and expend our energies,” said Siziba.politics

Robust voter education in Chipinge

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Robust voter education in Chipinge

Voter education material in Chipinge

Knowledge Mhlanga

CHIPINGE – Many activities pointing to robust voter education are happening in the district, with diverse materials educating the public on the July 30 harmonised elections now a common sight.
The streets and buildings are plastered with campaign posters especially of the two dominant political parties, MDC Alliance and Zanu PF urging the people to vote.
The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) has also deployed personnel that are travelling even in the countryside giving free information on the elections.
They are also handing out fliers with information addressing some of the frequently asked questions regarding the first poll to which is to be held using a biometric voters’ roll.
At a funeral service for Batsirai Mlambo Magaisa in Mwazoonei Village, Ward 17, under Chief Musikavanhu last week, Zec agents were given an opportunity to address the gathering and answer some questions.
Some voter education material written in the vernacular Ndau can also now be found everywhere, with the messaging mainly being centred on what is and what is not required on voting day.
Over the past weeks, teachers and other civil servants have been undergoing training so that they will be able to work as the official Zec poling agents.
Social Media platforms such as Facebook pages and WhatsApp are also proving to be important platforms to spread voter education messages.

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