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SDA Church donates solarized borehole to Zaka community

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SDA Church donates solarized borehole to Zaka community

By Meditation Mposi

The Seventh Day Adventist Church (SDA) recently donated a solarized borehole to Munjanja Village, ward 18 in Zaka Central Constituency on February 23, 2025.
The donation came at a time when the community was in dire need of water for domestic use and animals.
Zaka District SDA Pastor Patson Magobola said the project was a reflection of the Church’s Mission to share the love of Christ through acts of service and compassion.
“As a church, we are humbled to be able to provide the solarised borehole to Munjanja community, a gift that will bring life, giving water to those who need it most.
“This project is a reflection of our Church’s mission to share the love of Christ through acts of service and compassion. We pray that this borehole will be a blessing to the Munjanja community and a reminder of God’s love and care to his people,” said Magobola.
SDA Zaka District Chairperson and Jerera Central SDA Church first Elder Euvencio Hungwe said they were moved by the biblical verse in the book of James about faith and works.
“Our Church was moved by faith and desire to serve. We were inspired by the word of God in James 2 verses 17 to 26 which says faith without works is dead. The borehole represents more than just water but hope for a brighter future, for a healthier community and hope for healthier children.
“Funds were contributed by members of the Church and we are happy because the spirit of giving has nourished our souls. Above all we hope our gesture will be a vehicle for evangelism to prepare souls for the second coming of Jesus,” said Hungwe.
Ward 18 councilor Hakufiwi Hakufiwi thanked the SDA Church for relieving the community and urged the church to expand its support to the entire constituency.
“One solarised borehole was donated to Munjanja community by Seventh Day Adventist Church after realizing serious shortage of water in the Village.
“I urge members of the Seventh Day Adventist Church not to tire and end with this but to also extent their love and support to the entire constituency,” said Hakufiwi.
Munjanja Village Head Philip Munjanja said they were happy as a community and said the donation had eased water challenges in the area.
“The church drilled 50m and we had to put an effort and paid for extra 30m to make them 80. We then got a pump, solar panels and a Jojo tank from the church and now people have clean water. We are happy and wish the church well ,” said Munjanja.

Chiredzi RDC commissions fire tender, road equipment

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Chiredzi RDC commissions fire tender, road equipment

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI- Chiredzi Rural District Council (CRDC) recently acquired road construction machinery including the Belarusian Fire Tender which the local authority said would go a long way in fighting veld fires in the district.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony at CRDC Head Offices recently, CRDC Chairperson Aspect Mashingaidze said the equipment, motorized graders and tippers, was going to be used for road rehabilitation across the district.
He said the district was at risk of fires which could emanate from burning of sugarcane during harvest and at times get uncontrollable and the fire engine will be handy.
“I want to thank the President for the devolution initiative which is empowering local authorities. Here in Chiredzi, we are a farming community for both crops and wildlife and the fire tender will help us fight fire hazards. We burn sugarcane during harvest and sometimes the fire might be uncontrollable.
“We also have the grader and tipper which are currently deployed at Sango Border Post where we have more than 800 kilometers of road under rehabilitation,” said Mashingaidze.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe who was the guest of honor said the government availed fire tenders to every local authority in order to fight the spread of fires.
“Fire tenders should be distributed to all local authorities in order to fight fire across the country and most were delivered to the respective councils. We are now going to embark on training of the operators,” said Garwe.
Veld Fires are common in Chiredzi during sugarcane harvests as well as during the beginning of farming seasons in communal areas.
CRDC is home to various National Heritage sites including game parks and conservancies which are at risk from veld fires which originates from surrounding communities.
The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Park (GLTCP) which includes South Africa’s Kruger National Park, Mozambique’s Limpopo National Park and Zimbabwe’s Gonarezhou National Park which is to the South Eastern side of the lowveld, Malilangwe Conservation Trust and the Save Valley Conservancy, are all housed by Chiredzi Rural District Council, which makes them responsible when it comes to veld fires from the surrounding farming communities.

Kamangira set to participate in the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup

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Kamangira set to participate in the Bonaqua Triathlon Africa Cup

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Prominent Zimbabwean triathlete, the Lightning Bolt of Triathlon, Milton “Khama” Kamangira (54) is set to participate in the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup on March 8, at Troutbeck Resort in front of Lake Nyanga.

The Bonaqua Africa Triathlon 2025 is poised to be a spectacular showcase of talent, determination and athletic excellence as senior Elite and Junior triathletes from across the globe converge to compete in a thrilling battle across the swim, bike, and run disciplines.

Kamangira confirmed that he will be competing in the Bonaqua Triathlon African Cup and said he was participating in the tournament to inspire others and representing his company Schweppes Holdings Africa Limited (SHAL).

“The 2025 Triathlon season will mark my fourth year competing in the Bonaqua Triathlon African Cup as part of the Corporate Team Challenge. Each year, my excitement grows as I look forward to representing my company on a bigger stage and being part of the incredible Zimbabwe Triathlon family.

“What keeps me coming back is the unique combination of camaraderie, personal growth and the thrill of pushing my limits alongside inspiring teammates and competitors. The sense of achievement and pride in representing my company, while contributing to the vibrant triathlon community, makes this event a highlight of my year

“The combination of the serene environment, the camaraderie among teammates and the thrill of competition makes every race day special. These moments, big and small, are what make the triathlon journey so rewarding and keep me coming back year after year,” said Kamangira.

He said the greatest benefit he gets from the tournament was improved physical and mental fitness due to exercises.

“My greatest gain from participating in the Triathlon Corporate Challenge has been achieving and maintaining overall body fitness. Taking triathlon seriously has motivated me to train daily, ensuring I stay in peak condition to tackle the challenging terrain at Nyanga, commitment to fitness has not only improved my physical health helping me avoid concerns like high blood pressure and diabetes but has also become a powerful way to de-stress.

“Running, in particular, has become my escape from the daily pressures of life, allowing me to clear my mind and recharge. Professionally, the discipline and resilience I have developed positively impacted on my work ethic and ability to handle challenges,” said Kamangira.

Kamangira said he was thriving to win a top spot and urged all corporates to join.

“I am aiming for the top of the podium and I won’t be taking it easy. This year, I’m fully focused on bringing my A-game and leaving everything on course. Winning is not just a goal it’s a mind-set and I’m determined to make it happen.

“I encourage all corporates, individuals, running clubs, gym clubs and fitness enthusiasts to join us in Nyanga. This event is not just about competition it’s about coming together as a community, challenging ourselves and having fun while celebrating fitness and teamwork,” said Kamangira.

In a statement, Coca-Cola Companyindicated that the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon 2025 showcased young athletes aiming for Olympic success amid intense competition and high stakes.

“These young athletes represent the future of triathlon and their performances in Bonaqua Africa Triathlon 2025 will be a testament to their potential to shine on the Olympic stage in the years to come.

“As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo continues, the Bonaqua Africa Triathlon 2025 takes on added significance. For many athletes, this event is a crucial opportunity to earn valuable points and strengthen their chances of qualifying for the Olympics. The stakes are high, and the competition will be fierce, promising edge-of-the-seat action for fans and spectators,” part of post reads.

 The tournament will have athletes from Austria, South Africa, Japan, Morocco, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Germany, France, Greece, USA and beyond, the event celebrates the diversity and universality of triathlon. As athletes compete for points and pride, the event will serve as a stepping stone to the 2026 Winter Olympics, adding an extra layer of excitement and significance,” other part reads.

A triathlon is an athletics competition in which each competitor takes part in three events: swimming, cycling, and running.

Masvingo pensioners demand seat in State Pension Fund Board

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Masvingo pensioners demand seat in State Pension Fund Board

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Masvingo pensioners asked for a seat in State Pension Fund Board during a public bill hearing at Civic Centre, Masvingo on February 25.
Pensioners said the bill gave the parent minister too much power to appoint board members excluding the pensioners themselves and said at least two members of the board should be pensioners.
Former legislator and Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) National Coordinator Harrison Mudzuri challenged clause 10 and 11 of the bill and said they two needed to be changed.
“Clause 10 grants the board investment powers, while Clause 11 allows the minister to issue policy directions. In clause 11, there are twelve board members and out the twelve, nine are appointed by the minister and we feel it’s not proper.
“We think six members should not be appointed by the minister because the appointer is the disappointer. The appointed plays to the tune of the appointer accordingly. The board must be elected by majority and we should have at least two pensioners in that board,” said Mudzuri.
He said the pay outs for pensioners were supposed to be enough for them to survive after retirement since most of them ended up looking for other jobs to make ends meet instead of resting.
“Pension benefits should have a bench mark so that retired civil servants would benefit because they might end up doing other work instead of resting,” said Mudzuri.
Retired Shakashe Head Alexander Mashenjere said pensioners were suffering as the pay-out was too little as compared to what others used to get and the monthly salaries they were getting could not cover essentials.
“I served in Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for 37 years and retired in 2023. My pay out was equivalent to US$600 but long back others were getting better.
“We urge the government to review pension pay-outs regularly because the standard of living for many is declining,” said Mashenjere.
Another pensioner Tinos Mamboko said he struggled after getting his pension pay-out in local currency that was losing value every day.
“We are struggling to survive, we get US$30 per month and that is not enough for basics. We end up removing other services like medical aid and funeral policy from the budget.
“The situation is getting worse by the country’s high inflation rate which has seen the value of local currency falling and this is not fair considering the number of years we have been in government,” he said.
The Parliamentary Portifolio Committee on Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare chairperson Tendeukai Matara who was chairing the hearing said the bill sought to ensure that pensioners live a decent life after retirement.
“The State Service (Pensions) Bill, 2024, aims to establish a centralized State Service Pension Fund, enhancing financial security for retired state employees. It ensure a that members enjoy a decent standard of living in their retirement.
“The Fund will provide for payments of pensions, gratuities and other benefits in respect of retirement of persons employed by the State. The Bill aligns with international social security standards and consolidates pension management under a unified framework,” said Matara.
The State Service (Pensions) bill consists 38 clauses and Clause 1 provides for the short title and commencement of the Act. Clause 2 defines key terms such as approved service, pensionable emoluments and Fund.
Clause 3 establishes the State Service Pension Fund, centralized for the payment of pensions and other benefits to members and dependents. Clause 4 outlines the composition of the Fund, comprising contributions from members and the State, investment income, and other accruing sums.

Pedestrian killed in horror crash on Mutare Masvingo Road

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Pedestrian killed in horror crash on Mutare Masvingo Road

By Meditation Mposi

A pedestrian was hit along Mutare Masvingo Road by a black Honda fit which was driven by the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Zaka North Ernest Mudavanhu (56) of Pangolin Masvingo on February 24 and died on the spot.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death and encouraged drivers to exercise all road regulations while driving.
“I confirm the death of Tafara Tasakara (33) of Nongerai Village, Chivi who was hit by a car while crossing the road. I urge drivers to exercise due care and attention on road and pedestrians are also urged to check the roads before crossing,” said Dhewa.
On February 24 at around 1915 hours at 290 kilometer peg along Mutare – Masvingo Road, Tasakara was crossing the road from northern direction to when he was hit by Mudavanhu’s car.
He sustained severe head injuries and died on the spot. The body was taken to Masvingo Provincial Hospital for postmortem.

Delta donates US$10 000 towards cancer fight

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Delta donates US$10 000 towards cancer fight

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Delta Corporation recently donated US$10 000 to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe (CAZ) for prisons in Masvingo Province to conduct breast, cervical and prostate cancer education as well as screening to inmates.
Cancer is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with delayed diagnosis often resulting in poor health outcomes.
In a press statement, Delta Corporation indicated that inmates faced challenges in accessing medication and said the partnership was going to benefit inmates in Masvingo Province
“Incarcerated individuals face unique challenges in accessing timely and equitable health care services, including cancer screening.
“To address the disparity, CAZ in partnership with Delta Corporation offered breast, cervix and prostate cancer education and screening services to inmates and prisoners at the following prisons, Masvingo Remand, Mutimurefu, Gutu, Bikita, Zaka, Chiredzi, Chikombedzi, Mwenezi and Chivi prisons/satellites with support from Delta Corporation,” part of the statement reads.
The campaign was meant to empower inmates with information around cancer and more than 200 were screened.
“The campaign started with breast, cervix, and prostate cancer education sessions in a bid to empower the participants with information on prevention and early detection to reduce morbidity and mortality from cancers.
“Breast education equipped the participants with skills on how to conduct a self-breast examination and what to look out for. A total number of 282 women and men were screened,” reads the statement.
Delta Corporation Limited General Manager Corporate Affairs Patricia Murambinda said the grant from Delta enabled them to empower communities to combat cancer through education, screening and evidence based interventions which improved lives of patients.
“This project has enabled us to take a step towards empowering communities to fight against cancer, which is a major public health concern.
“The provision of education and screening will assist in cancer prevention and improving the quality of life of cancer patients, their families and communities through timeous, sustainable and evidence-based interventions and this has been made possible through a generous grant from Delta,” said Murambinda.

Masvingo City loses US$483K non-revenue water in January

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Masvingo City loses US$483K non-revenue water in January

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Council non-revenue water headache continues with the local authority losing US$483 492.19 in January only.
This was revealed in the Public Works and Planning Committee minutes dated February 10, 2025 that almost 50 percent of treated water fell under non-revenue water for January only, due to leakages and stuck meters.
“It was reported that the non- revenue water for January was 48.71 percent which translated to US 483 492.19.
“It was reported that the discussion on ways of reducing non-revenue water would be made at the combined meeting of the Public Works and Planning and Finance and General Purposes Committees,” reads part of the minutes.
Previous reports show that Masvingo City Council lost millions of dollars in non-revenue water as the estimated figure in October last year ranged towards US$5 million. This shows continuity in the loss of treated water as by October the rate was 43 percent and now the city is fast approaching 50 percent which is half of the treated water.
Speaking during a full council meeting on February 24, ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa said if the matter remained unattended Masvingo City Council would be broke.
“If the issue of non-revenue water continues to come in these meetings without tangible resolutions, the local authority will become bankrupt in no time as the percentage is rising, in 2024 before year end we lost almost US$5 million in non-revenue water ,” said Muchokwa.
Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mutimba told TellZim News that the continuity of these loses had become a matter of concern to the residents.
“The continued loss of treated water has now become a matter of concern to residents as the huge amount would be used in other areas of concern. As MURRA we urge City Council to come up with lasting solutions to this problem, proper planning and immediate implementation to curb these losses as WASH is prioritized even in budgeting procesess,” said Mutimba.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Council Mayor, Alec Tabe said they had plans in place to mitigate the challenge which he said was mainly caused by illegal connections.
“As Masvingo City we noticed illegal connections in the commonage might be the major problem and stuck meters which leads to wrong estimates.
“Therefore we are trying our best to attend to the leakages as well as doing zone metering where we check the billed water versus the amount of water which has been delivered to that area,” said Tabe.
He also said urged residents to pay minimum charges when they get water through bowsers for events as that water was classified under non-revenue water.
“We are also encouraging residents to pay minimum charges when given bowser water on funerals and other incidents as that water falls under non-revenue water though it is already in our system of treated water,” he added.

Councillors lock horns over Croco motors boom gate

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Councillors lock horns over Croco motors boom gate

By Virginia Njovo

Tensions ran high during Masvingo City full Council meeting on February 24 as councillors continued with a debate over the Mucheke Rank resolution where they had opted for a boom gate at Croco Motors as a way of revenue collection as well as controlling the buses which pass through the ancient City.
In the January full council meeting, councillors had resolved that the Old Croco Motors rank be transformed into a pickup point and would install a boom gate to generate revenue for old Mucheke Bus Terminus renovations.
Mucheke Bus Terminus was abandoned over a decade ago, with long distance buses going to Harare or Bulawayo using the Old Croco Motors as rank. Those going to the east use Metro Peach Downtown rank and the issue has remain unsolved for years.
Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa said it would be useless to put a boom gate at Croco Motors saying there was need for a lasting solution in contrast to the January resolution.
“Council should adopt long lasting solutions when it comes to the removal of buses at Croco Motors. The boom gate resolution is not practical, its better we gazette a US$1 000 fine for those who use Croco Motors. I am sure this will scare and force them to use the Mucheke Rank which is our main goal,” said Muchokwa.
Ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga said it was almost impossible to remove business operators at Croco Motors instantly.
“Do you think it is easy to remove Inter Africa or Stallion Cruise buses who use Croco Motors as their rank? It is better to implement the boom gate resolution rather than bringing new ideas every meeting we won’t go anywhere,” said Manyanga.
Deputy Mayor and ward 5 Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe who was chairing the meeting supported Manyanga saying the resolution should stand.
“We all support resuscitation of Mucheke Rank but I think it is better if we install a boom gate at Croco Motors and get money for renovations of Mucheke Bus terminus rather than bringing new ideas that are contrary to previous resolution,” said Mberikunashe.
Ward 1 councillor Sabina Chikwangwani said vendors were doing cat and mouse games with the municipal police in town because they followed the buses and said if the Mucheke Rank was resuscitated the vendor menace will be reduced in town.
“Buses should go back to Mucheke terminus where residents can do their business and pay rates here. Where do you think they will get the money as they are being chased by municipal police in town, some of them are of old and they lose their stock everyday so we cannot put a boomgate there,” said Chikwangwani.
The Mucheke terminus was expected to be refurbished through a build-operate-transfer (BOT) system, copying Gweru’s Kudzanayi bus terminus model, but failed to materialize and buses continue using the Central Business District (CBD) for pick-ups and drop offs.

Masvingo residents bemoan state of roads

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Masvingo residents bemoan state of roads

By Virginia Njovo

Residents from ward 5 in Masvingo have expressed frustration over the poor state of the roads in the ward and town which worsened following recent rains received, demanding urgent attention and repairs.
Speaking during a ward feedback meeting organised by TellZim News on February 26, at Building Brigade Hall, one resident said roads in Ward 5 needed attention as it had become dangerous to drive due to potholes.
“Roads in this ward have turned into mini dams, the potholes have not been attended to for quite some time and it’s now not fashionable to drive around because the roads are in a sorry state,” said one resident.
Another resident said there seemed to be no effort from council to address the persistent problem.
Ward 5 councillor who is also deputy mayor Daniel Mberikunashe said efforts to rehabilitate the roads were in vain due to continuous heavy rains.
“State of roads across the city is bad and we cannot do anything to rehabilitate them due to continuous rainfall. It will be a stupid idea and waste of resources at the same time to continue attempting to rehabilitate the roads while it rains, we would rather wait for the dry season to do touch ups.
“We have tried to rehabilitate roads in our ward, we tried to put gravel in the potholes but it has been washed off by continuous rains,” said Mberikunashe.
Mberikunashe urged residents in his ward not to put sacks with sands on roads as it disturbed smooth movement of cars.
“As we are waiting for rains to stop I urge you not to put sacks on roads, it might work as an alternative but the way we put them will end up blocking smooth movement of cars,” said Mberikunashe.

Poor perimeter wall designs spark conflicts

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Poor perimeter wall designs spark conflicts

By Richard Mukwenya

Masvingo City Ward 5 residents have called on the local authority to crack down on home owners who did not leave sufficient openings on their perimeter walls, leading to flooded yards and simmering tensions among neighbors.
The issue has been made worse during the recent prolonged rainfall with residents saying others poorly design walls directing runoff into their yards.
Speaking during a feedback meeting organised by TellZim News on February 26, at Ward 5 Building Brigade Hall, one of the residents said inconsistencies in perimeter wall openings were disadvantaging those trapped between as it often caused flooding in residential areas.
“Some of us are living with neighbors who disadvantage us when it comes coexisting with each other. Some of us are divided by next door perimeter walls and during this raining period some have created openings on the corner of their walls to control the flow of water which then comes to our premises.
“Some do not leave the openings on their walls and leads to clogging in our yards as water is trapped and we cannot create openings on one’s perimeter wall,” said one resident.
Responding to the matter, ward 5 councilor Daniel Mberikunashe said residents must consult council to get points to make opening to allow movement of water and report residents who have not created such openings.
“As the law states, no one is allowed to block water movements on their premise, water should be allowed to flow freely. When one is constructing a dividing wall on their land, they should consult council to get assistance on points to create openings to allow water movement out of their premises.
“If one does not create these opening on their walls report immediately to council and they will legally take action to create openings, this is an advertised and approved law to follow,” said Councilor Mberikunashe.
Residents also pleaded with council to collect refuse on time due to the growing trend of theft of bin liners in their ward.
Residents said theft of bin liners was anti-progressive as it polluted the environment giving health club members responsible for cleaning the environment a double job.

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