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CIO harass EU observers

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CIO harass EU observers

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI – In an act of unprofessionalism and overzealousness, a member of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO) allegedly harassed accredited European Union (EU) election observers who are in Chiredzi district, Masvingo province for a pre-election ground scanning.
This week, a CIO operative identified as Innocent Ncube is alleged to have harassed two EU observers; Christophe Menou from France and Fridarike Santner from Austria who are in Chiredzi district on an observer mission ahead of elections slated for July 30.
It is alleged that Ncube interrogated Menou and Santner, forced them to surrender their passports and EU badges that he then photocopied before handing them back.
Though the matter was not reported to the police, Santner confirmed the development to TellZim News and said she had since communicated with the EU Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Philippe Van Damme over the matter.
“Yes, we got harassed and we have since lodged our complaint with our office. You can get in touch with the ambassador he will furnish you with more details,” said Santner.
Efforts to get comment from Van Damme were, however, fruitless by the time of going to print.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa is on record encouraging international election observers to come and observe the upcoming elections, saying the new government had nothing to hide.
Although Ncube himself could not be reached for comment but the District Intelligence Officer for Chiredzi, Joseph Urimbo tried to water down the allegations saying that was not the way the organisation operated and hastened to say he was yet to receive that complaint.
“What I know is that our officer was invited to a Joint Operations Command (JOC) meeting and the meeting went on smoothly.  If that incident happened after the meeting, I wouldn’t know because we have not received any complaint at our offices. However, I still need to confirm but that is not the way we operate,” said Urimbo.
Opposition political parties have in the past castigated the often arrogant and sometimes wayward behaviour of some CIO operatives, saying their record of intimidation was a bane for free, fair and credible elections.top news

People With Disabilities Speak Out on the Informal Sector at ZCIEA Townhall

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People With Disabilities Speak Out on the Informal Sector at ZCIEA Townhall

ZCIEA President,Lorraine Sibanda, addresses vendors on the importance of engaging the political candidates(seated behind her) on informal sector development

Shingirai Hwande
The Zimbabwe Chamber of Informal Economy Association (ZCIEA) in partnership with the Centre for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) hosted a town hall meeting on 13 June 2018 where informal traders ,who included are large community of people with disabilities (PWD), interacted with aspiring candidates for the 2018 harmonised elections at Mucheke Hall in Masvingo.
The town hall meeting was attended by local vendors, cross border traders, aspiring candidates and other interested parties. The informal workers had the opportunity to ask questions after each aspiring candidate presented his/her manifesto, a blue print which outlines the party’s policy and procedure in tackling certain issues.
During the Masvingo townhall one of the vendors asked People’s Rainbow Coalition (PRC) aspiring councillor for Ward 2, Kamurai Mutendi:
“Why do elected councillors implement policies without the consulting residents and vendors?”
In response, Mutendi assured the audience that his party will involve vendors in implementing policies that affect their (vendors) livelihoods.  Although Mutendi promised to give free education and free medical services to people with disabilities once elected, they still expressed their concerns and complaints in relation to the way they (PWDs) were being treated in the informal sector.
“Disabled people in the informal sector are always abused and stigmatised, hence their contribution to the economy is undermined,’ stated one of the PWD participants.
The people with disabilities thanked ZCIEA for organising such a forum which gave them a voice to speak against stigmatisation and for their concerns to be heard by the aspiring councillors and parliamentarians as people contributing to the economy through informal trading.
ZCIEA and CIPE are centred on promoting better and sustainable livelihoods for less privileged people who economically strive to make a living. ZCIEA was established in 2002 and it seeks to lobby and advocate for issues affecting informal traders.  CIPE is based in Washington DC, United States of America and it also works with partners to find locally driven solutions to problems that affect the lives of millions of people.ZCIEA hopes to hold these political candidates accountable to the promises they made during the townhall. Speaking during the event, ZCIEA President Lorraine Sibanda said,
“it is important that we meet with the candidates and know what they are willing to do for us. We need to know what measures they will put in place when they are in power and we, as an organization will be there to see that they fulfill the promises that they made today.”
The Masvingo townhall was the first of the five townhalls to be held by ZCIEA across Zimbabwe this June.local

Chirima High pupils victimised over TellZim story

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Chirima High pupils victimised over TellZim story

…as more allegations against school head emerge
Brighton Chiseva
BIKITA – Following the recent publication of a story by TellZim News titled ‘Chirima High pupils up in arms against school head’, some ‘A’ level children have been forced to write reports as they are suspected of leaking the story.
The story, which revealed allegations of mismanagement and abuse of school funds by Chirima High School head, Henry Mugwira, has opened floodgates of more complaints against him.
It has now been learnt that there is now a big witch hunt targeting teachers and pupils who are suspected to have leaked details to TellZim News.
Sources said dozens of form six pupils have been asked to write reports on the matter and there are teachers too who have also drawn Mugwira’s ire.
 “Acting on the headmaster’s instructions, the deputy headmaster and the senior master asked most ‘A’ level pupils to write reports and name those who leaked the information to the media.
“There is widespread fear among pupils because they could be expelled from school for an offence they did not commit,” said the source.
Meanwhile, another parent has since came forward claiming that he was forced to transfer US$60 to Mugwira’s EcoCash wallet after his child lost an ‘A’ level accounts book in 2015.
“We contributed towards the purchase of the book which was quoted at King Jays bookshop at Nyika growth point but the book was never bought. For several times, I called the bookshop to find out if the book was indeed bought but was told it was never bought. I have always doubted that the book could cost that much,” said the parent.
When contacted for comment, Mugwira played hard to get at first, but finally admitted the school had launched an investigation after bare facts were laid before him.
“People are trying to tarnish my name by falsehoods. There is a teacher I suspect is spreading these falsehoods so that he can take over the job perhaps.  Investigations are underway to get to the bottom of the matter,” said Mugwira.
Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED) Zedius Chitiga was not available to comment as he was said to be out of town.education

Chirima High pupils up in arms against school head

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Chirima High pupils up in arms against school head
Chirima High School head, Henry Mugwira

…’school head uses personal EcoCash number to receive school fees’

Brighton Chiseva
BIKITA – Chirima High ‘A’ level pupils are up in arms against their school head, Henry Mugwira, whom they accuse of misusing school funds.
The pupils have since resolved not to attend morning assemblies as part of their protest against the alleged abuse.
Sources told TellZim News pupils are complaining that the school head uses his personal EcoCash number to receive school fees and there is no meaningful development taking place.
“Pupils complain that the school head does not immediately give receipts when one has paid his/her fees. There are suspicions that he takes the money for his own personal use first and then replaces it when it is convenient for him,” said the source.
Others said Mugwira does not buy original textbooks, but employs his people to do photocopies that are then given to pupils.
“The photocopied textbooks are hardly readable. We pay money so that the school can buy original books but the head always takes the cheaper route and pockets the balance,” said one parent.
Others complained that for a long time, the school has made no progress on completing its sciences laboratory project.
When contacted for comment, Mugwira denied knowledge of the allegations and said everything was going on smoothly at the school.
“There is nothing like that here and everything is fine. Those telling you that want to tarnish our good reputation. We were recently audited and we are in the process of electrifying our school.
“Of course, pupils do complain about other issues here and there but we talk and iron out their concerns and move on,” said Mugwira.
Bikita acting District Schools Inspector (DSI), Chioneso Maradza said she was yet to get the report and will do investigations to establish what was going on.
“I have not received any report from Chirima. I was there today (Tuesday) monitoring examinations, but I will do investigations soon,” said Maradza.local

2018 elections: People with disabilities who registered as candidates

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2018 elections: People with disabilities who registered as candidates
Vengai Kurunzirwa

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 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.top news

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

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Angry Zaka parent assaults school head, SDC chair over injured pupil
Image result for beaula shambambeva pic
Beaula Shambambeva

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

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

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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).local

WCoZ, City of Gweru in service delivery talks

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WCoZ, City of Gweru in service delivery talks

Tinaani   Nyabereka.
GWERU – The local chapter of Woman Coalition of Zimbabwe, (WCoZ) last week tabled a list of service delivery grievances that it said should be urgently attended to by Gweru City Council if imminent serious health problems are to be prevented.
Speaking at a meeting held with council officials at Town House, WCoZ director of finance, Edgar Mwedzi pointed out many service delivery shortcomings including erratic water supplies, saying urgent measures had to be taken to address the crisis.
“Erratic water provision is a big problem. Discussions we have held with residents revealed that most tapes are dry during the day, with water coming only around midnight every day. The quality is also deplorable as the water is rusty in colour and has flying objects.
“Some households have dug unprotected wells that pose serious health challenges as the water is not treated and the wells are also a breeding ground for mosquitoes. There have been reported cases of young children losing their lives after falling into the unprotected wells,” said Mwedzi.
The organisation also called for a more regular collection of refuse to stop the sprouting of undesignated dumpsites.
“Council has been failing to collect refuse as often as it should. This has led to a sprouting of undesignated dumpsites in the city’s high density areas of Mkoba, Ascot, Mambo, Mutapa and Senga.
“Besides being an eyesore, the dumpsites are also a potential source of such diseases as malaria as well as other water and airborne diseases caused by mosquitoes and houseflies. The undesignated dumpsites also contribute to the blockage of drainage systems in the city,” said Mwedzi.
City of Gweru director of health services, Wilson Chivasa said council was well-aware that most households had no bins and that most residents were failing to separate waste from source. 
“We are aware that most residents have no bins and they are failing to properly manage waste disposal. On fears of a malarial outbreak – Gweru is a non-malaria zone. We, however, have a rapid response team which is always ready to investigate any cases of possible disease outbreaks,” Chivasa said.
He appealed for the coalition to help educate people on waste management and water conservation.local
    

Chiwa threat: Sleepless nights for Zanu PF in Chiredzi West

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Chiwa threat: Sleepless nights for Zanu PF in Chiredzi West

Darlington Chiwa

Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Incumbent Chiredzi West legislator, Darlington Chiwa, who automatically expelled himself from Zanu PF by registering to contest as an independent after losing to Farai Musikavanhu in the primaries, is giving the ruling party sleepless nights in the constituency.
Sources in the ruling party told TellZim News that many bigwigs will soon visit the town to try persuade Chiwa to withdraw from the race.
Local party leaders are also going out of their way to discredit Chiwa, with Musikavanhu last weekend addressing a rally in Ward 27, Triangle, where the anti-Chiwa diatribe reigned supreme.
The meeting was attended by the provincial leadership of the party and several war veterans.
Chiredzi war veterans’ chairperson, Killer Makuni branded Chiwa a sell-out, saying the MP had proved beyond doubt that he was not loyal to the party.
“We should only be following Zanu PF not independent candidates. Chiwa should come to apologise to us war veterans in order for us to accept him. Pasi naChiwa,” said Makuni.
Chiwa and Makuni clashed last year, with the former opposing wholesale invasion of Tongaat Hulett’s sugarcane plantation for resettlement purposes.
Speaking at the same meeting, the party’s provincial vice chairperson, Ailes Baloyi said Chiwa had no vote in Chiredzi West as all people were going to vote for Zanu PF only.
“This (Ward 27) is where Chiwa has a strong base and we want to assure you that he won’t get anything. People will be voting for Zanu PF not independent candidates,” said Baloyi.
Provincial chairperson, Ezra Chadzamira also threw his weight behind Musikavanhu, describing Chiwa as an untrustworthy individual who faked love for Zanu PF.
“We watched him for a long time as he pretended to be one of one of us. On nomination day, we saw him coming to register as a candidate. So if you are Zanu PF, disassociate yourself with Chiwa and work with Musikavanhu,” said Chadzamira.politics

‘Rutenga Housing Cooperative secretary disappears with US$24 000’

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‘Rutenga Housing Cooperative secretary disappears with US$24 000’


Cephas Shava

MWENEZI – Rutenga Housing Cooperative (RHC) secretary, Lackson Nezira has reportedly disappeared with US$24 000 contributed by about 500 Rutenga home seekers, TellZim News has learnt.
Believed to be now hiding in South Africa, Nezira is said to have accessed the money by forging the signatures of two other signatories to the cooperative’s Steward Bank Account.
The money is said to have been transferred to several other accounts, with some reportedly moved out of the account via RTGS on different occasions.
Masvingo police spokesperson Insp Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed that the case was reported in August last year but could not give further details.
Sources privy to the matter, however, said a docket had already been opened against all the signatories.
Repeated efforts by TellZim News to contact Nezira failed as his mobile phone was not reachable.
“There is Nezira, the treasurer and the chairperson but it is Nezira who forged his colleagues’ signatures,” said a source.
Other sources said one of the other two signatories has also fled after learning that the police were now looking into the matter.
Several victims of the alleged loot expressed despair, saying they were not likely to recover their money.
“The cooperative was legally registered and we put our hope in it because we believed in the competency and trustworthiness of Nezira, our own son from Mwenezi. Since the end of 2016, I contributed a total of US$450 hoping that by the end of December this year, I would have finish all the payment and have a stand of my own,” said one victim.crime

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