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N.A.C to host Music Gala at Mucheke

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N.A.C to host Music Gala at Mucheke


Tiyani Hahlani

MASVINGO – National Aids Council (NAC) will on June 23 hold an HIV musical gala at Mucheke stadium as part of the organisation’s initiative to disseminate information through music. 
The event which will run from 9am to 5pm will see an array of dancehall and gospel artists sharing the stage whilst HIV related services will be provided on the day.
Some of the artists who will perform include Seh Calaz, Baba Raah, T. Makwikwi, Blessing Shumba, Alchemy among others.
NAC monitoring and evaluation officer Munorwei Munyikwa said the involvement of musicians will assist in capturing the attention of many people since music appeals to listeners of different genres.
“NAC’s mandate is to provide measures to combat the spread of HIV and management, coordination and implementation of programmes that reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS,” said Munyikwa.
 Munyikwa said admission will be free and a variety of health services including diabetes testing, cancer awareness, STI and TB screening services, HIV testing, family planning among others will be provided.entertainment

Is govt ready to address MSM in prisons?

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Is govt ready to address MSM in prisons?

Dr David Parirenyatwa


Theresa Takafuma

Zimbabwe has made remarkable strides in the fight against Aids-related deaths, with HIV incidence rate dropping to 0.5 percent in 2017, while 86 percent of those infected are on anti-retroviral treatment.
The country is well positioned to achieve the 90-90-90 Agenda, which speaks to 90 percent reduction of new HIV infections, 90 percent reduction in stigma and discrimination and 90 percent reduction in Aids related deaths by 2030.
There however, seems to be wide variations across provinces, districts and most importantly in key populations, who include sex workers (both male and female), small scale miners, people with disabilities, prisoners, and men having sex with men (MSM), among others.
Men having sex with men, as acknowledged by UNAIDS, is one of the four main key population groups critical in ending Aids by 2030 and statistics show that the HIV prevalence rate in prisons countrywide is more than double the national prevalence rate, sitting at 28 percent compared to 13 percent nationally.
These statistics go to show that there is sexual activity going on behind prison walls and according to UNAIDS, prisoners and other incarcerated people are particularly vulnerable to HIV but lack adequate access to services.
In Zimbabwe, the issue of condom distribution in prisons has always been a bone of contention as well as the acknowledgement that men are having sex with men even outside prison walls, which adds to the national HIV risk.
Speaking at a National Aids Council (NAC) media workshop in Chinhoyi recently, Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, said that despite having achieved a lot in improving awareness on HIV, there is more to be done to achieve the 90-90-90 targets, which includes engaging the men having sex with men.
“Let us not be ashamed of identifying the key populations and hot spot districts where HIV is more prevalent. Children, young people, long distance truck drivers, prison services and men having sex with men,” he said.
“There are men having sex with men. We were previously adamant and resistant about men having sex with me but let us talk about it. We need to address that in order to achieve our 2030 target,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
Dr Parirenyatwa said incidence, key populations, testing and treating, as well as treatment coverage is what is important in HIV response and stigma should be eliminated.
Speaking at the same occasion, Director of Aids and TB unit in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Owen Mugurungi said men are relatively difficult when it comes to testing and treatment of HIV.
“There is low uptake of testing among men and nearly half of men and young people (15-24years) living with HIV do not know their status,” said Dr Mugurungi.
These are the same men who might also find themselves in prison, as anyone can end up being incarcerated.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service (ZPCS) health services director, Dr Evidence Gaka, however said challenges in prison health care such as nutrition, lack of testing equipment and human resources capacity makes it difficult for effective HIV response and the documentation of men having sex with men behind bars.
“We do not have documentation to suggest that men are having sex with men in prison and issues to do with sexual assault and rape in prison are an administrative issue than a health issue. We cannot say whether or not it is happening,” said Dr Gaka.
NAC Key Populations Coordinator, Jeremiah Manyika said men having sex with men (MSM) have no available data on size estimation and data on HIV prevalence is scanty.
“Prison inmates’ data is limited although a research done by ZPCS with support from NAC and UNODC has shown that HIV prevalence is around 28% among inmates which is about twice that of the general population,” Manyika said.
NAC in partnership with ZPCS will soon embark on a survey of Zimbabwe prisons which will likely determine the stage at which an inmate gets infected during incarceration and that will be remarkable in the fight against Aids related deaths in Zimbabwe by 2030, but that will depend on the government’s willingness to leave no one behind in HIV response.local

Cash in on macadamia nuts- Chipinge farmers urged

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Cash in on macadamia nuts- Chipinge farmers urged

Minister challenges Chipinge farmers to refocus

Stephen Ephraem in Chipinge

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa has challenged Chipinge farmers to put much focus on the production of macadamia nuts as they have the potential to bring the much needed foreign currency.
 Mutsvangwa said this last week while touring the Enhoek Estate which owns the Buzi Tea Company in Chipinge.
“Chipinge has the potential to bring the much needed foreign currency and this is only possible if farmers put more focus on macadamia nuts production.
“Macadamia nuts has a readily available market and our farmers should capitalise on that,” said Mutsvangwa.
Mutsvangwa urged established entities to empower upcoming farmers so that they can grow and realise their own potential.
“I appeal to big companies to sub contract A1 and A2 farmers so that the area has an increase in macadamia nuts production,” said Mutsvangwa.
She urged the Chipinge community to desist from stealing from macadamia nuts farmers as there are many reported cases of theft in the macadamia fields.agriculture

Mohadi in attempt to heal Zanu PF divisions in Gutu East

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Mohadi in attempt to heal Zanu PF divisions in Gutu East

Vice President Kembo Mohadi

Precila Takabvirakare

GUTU – Vice President Kembo Mohadi has urged Zanu PF supporters to shun intra party violence, saying divisions caused by the party’s chaotic primary elections should not continue to be a cause for instability.
Mohadi was speaking at Dewure High School, Gutu East, where he had gone to announce the beginning of the election campaigns, and to try and heal the deep tensions caused by the controversial re-election of Berita Chikwama as Zanu PF’s parliamentary candidate for the constituency.
Mohadi said controversies were in no way a new thing as they have always existed from way back, with people always finding the means to settle down and unite.
“We want peaceful elections but to achieve this, we have to be united as Zimbabweans, we do not want people without discipline. Do not fight; what are you going to lose if you do not retaliate? Zanu PF is Zanu PF, do not fight for it, it is not for individuals, it will never fit into your pocket because it is not your property. But you can fit in its pocket because you are nothing,” Mohadi said.
He urged traditional leaders to help unite people and reduce political violence by positively using the influence they have in communities they lead.
“I know it is a very big challenge to be able to unite people but I am asking chiefs to help us in that regard so that we can attain fair and credible elections,” Mohadi said.
He urged candidates who won in the recent by-elections to show total loyalty to the party, saying some of the candidates still harboured G40 sympathies.
There was an outbreak of serious political violence in Gutu East after Chikwama was confirmed at the winner of the party’s shambolic primary elections, with many people alleging she had rigged the process.politics

‘Mentally challenged’ Gutu man up for raping elderly woman

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‘Mentally challenged’ Gutu man up for raping elderly woman


Precila Takabvirakare

MPANDAWANA – Tanaka Mukoni (21), who resides in Mupinga village under Chief Chiwara, was arrested by the police on May 30 for allegedly raping Shingairai Chiwayo (64).
Mukoni appeared before Gutu Magistrate Victor Mahamadi facing the charges of rape as defined in Section 65(1) of The Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.
He was ordered to go for mental examination and to apply for bail at the High Court.
It was the State case that on the day in question, at around 23:00 hrs, Mukoni went in Chiwayo’s bedroom where she was sleeping alone.
Chiwayo switched on her cell phone light upon hearing that an intruder had gotten into her room but she was ordered to switch it off and not even scream or else she would be killed.
She then switched off the light and Mukoni removed her blankets, pulled down her pant to knee level, unzipped her trousers and had sexual intercourse with the victim once without her consent.
After the act, Chiwayo then disclosed the matter to her daughter who accompanied her to the police to make a report, leading to the arrest of the suspect.
Samuel Magobeya prosecuted.local

Under fire prison officer gets reprieve

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Under fire prison officer gets reprieve

Chamisa holds Mhlabera’s hand at the rally

…as Chamisa promises him promotion if MDC Alliance wins

Anesushe Mamhute

CHIREDZI – MDC Alliance presidential candidate, Nelson Chamisa last week praised the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) officer, John Mahlabera, stationed at Buffalo Range Prison, who is in trouble at work for social media comments interpreted as supporting the youthful opposition leader.
Mahlabera is set to appear before a disciplinary hearing for undermining President Emmerson Mnangagwa after posting a message on his Twitter account begging Chamisa to come address a rally in Chiredzi.
“Come to Chiredzi my President”, Mahlabera allegedly tweeted in response to Chamisa’s rally at Jerera growth point earlier on.
Addressing thousands of party supporters who thronged the Tshovane Stadium in Chiredzi over the weekend, Chamisa said as President, he would make sure that Mahlabera gets his job back if he wants it, with the possibility of getting a promotion.
Chamisa also gave Mahlabera an immediate option of joining his security team if interested in the job.
“I heard there is a prison officer who got into trouble for saying Chamisa should come to Chiredzi. The job he was fired from will be his again from August 1 with the possibility of promotion.
“Things change and if Mahlabera chooses not to take his job and walk with the president, it’s all up to him.
“From today onwards, I will be working with Mahlabera by my side till elections. It is also up to him to continue working with me after the elections or return back to his job after we take over the government,” said Chamisa.local

Manicaland State University School of Agriculture and Engineering earmarked for Rusape

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Manicaland State University School of Agriculture and Engineering earmarked for Rusape

Monica Mutsvangwa


Shingirai Vambe

Rusape – Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs Monica Mutsvangwa on Monday handed over Wakefield Farm to the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education for the construction of the Manicaland State University School of Agriculture and Engineering.
Mutsvangwa said Manicaland had waited for long to have a state university and they have made the first step in the right direction to make sure that the university is constructed.
The university will apply the multi campus model and other campuses will be dotted around the province in places such as Nyanga, Chipinge and Rusape with the main campus in Vumba.
“We have lobbied for a long time for us to have a state university for our people and it seems the time has come. This multi campus university will ensure that university education is accessible to our people here in Manicaland.
“We have already identified land for other campuses and the construction is expected to start once all the logistical preparations are in place,” said Mutsvangwa.
Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education Professor Amon Murwira applauded the role played by Mutsvangwa in facilitating the land for the construction of the state university.
Murwira said the ministry aims at providing an educational system that exposes the potential in people through innovation.
“Universities should be a place of hope.  Here in Makoni, agriculture is practiced at par excellence hence the establishment of the school of Agriculture and Engineering,” said Murwira.agriculture

My Age Zim bags Southern Africa award

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My Age Zim bags Southern Africa award

My Age executive director Onward Chironda poses with the trophy and the certificate

Clayton Shereni

Masvingo – A Masvingo based youth organisation, My Age Zimbabwe, has been honored with a Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Africa Trust award at the inaugural Zimbabwe Adolescent Activism Awards ceremony held in Harare recently.
My Age was named the best organisation in innovative information and advocacy on Youth and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in Southern Africa.
Speaking to TellZim News, My Age Zimbabwe founder and executive director, Onward Chironda, said the award will go a long way in setting the organisation’s base and spread its wings all over Africa.
“The award will bring more resources and help set up our organisation’s base all over Africa since now we are also operating in Zambia.
My Age is an organization which deals with issues of gender, health, gender based violence, youth participation in elections and governance processes.local

We don’t need Mashonaland vote—Zanu PF chair

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We don’t need Mashonaland vote—Zanu PF chair

President Emmerson Mnangagwa


Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – The Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairwoman Aligirnia Samson made startling revelations that her party can do without the Mashonaland vote as long as Midlands, Matebelaland and Manicaland rally behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Samson said they were tired of having affairs in the ruling party centralised to Mashonaland provinces while other provinces had to play second fiddle.
She said Masvingo now has a major stake in the ruling party affairs with President Mnangagwa being from the province.
Addressing hundreds of supporters at Batanai in Ward 27, Samson said Masvingo province is now governing Zimbabwe and people in Masvingo should go in their numbers to vote for their son, Emmerson Mnangagwa, as they had been tired of voting for people from Mashonaland only.
“There is no need for someone to tell you who you are going to vote for. We all know we are going to vote for our only son Emmerson Mnangagwa who comes from our province in Chivi district there.
“For the past years we have been suffering a lot while voting for Mashonaland guys where our former president came from.
“We should only be worried of whether Midlands, Matabeleland and Manicaland are going to support us,” said Samson.
Samson said Masvingo, despite being the oldest city in the country, has seen little or no meaningful development over the years because the people in Mashonaland looked after themselves.
“Now is our time and we are going to see meaningful developments if we vote for President Mnangagwa. People in Mashonaland may feel side lined but it’s now time for Masvingo to shine.
“Even if Mashonaland chooses not to vote for people outside their province as they used to enjoy with Mugabe, Zanu PF will win resoundingly with other provinces,” said Samson.local

SMAWUZ denies connivance with Tongaat Hulett

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SMAWUZ denies connivance with Tongaat Hulett


TellZim Reporter

Sugar Milling and Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe (SMAWUZ) has denied allegations by the Zimbabwe Sugar Milling Worker Union (ZISMWU) that it connived with Tongaat Hulett in ‘ripping off’ its members.
In a statement responding to allegations raised by ZISMIWU that some unions were conniving with Tongaat Hullet to swindle workers, SMAWUZ said no workers will have their dues deducted without following due process.
TellZim News last week published an article in which ZISMIWU had petitioned Tongaat Hullet on allegations that workers had been having their unions’ money deducted without notice.
“As SMAWUZ we categorically deny that an employee had his union dues deducted without having him sign a stop order form. This would be the only case out the thousands of our membership.
“As far as we are concerned, all our members joined the union through voluntarily signing stop order forms which authorise the employer to deduct through the check off system in terms of the Labour Act.
“There is no way the said employee would have his salary deducted of union dues if he had not signed a stop order form,” reads part of the statement.
The statement further dismissed the allegations that another union SPMWUZ was acting in any connivance with Tongaat Hulett.
SMAWUZ also condemned ZISMWU for allegedly wanting to have a monopoly over Tongaat Hulett workers.local

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