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Women raise concerns over increased maternal fees

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Women raise concerns over increased maternal fees

By Tatiana Mhararira

Women in Masvingo have raised concerns over the hike of maternal fees at council clinics which were increased to US$25 from US$6 saying it was not affordable for most of the residents, as the fees do not match with services provided at the clinics.
Speaking at a community engagement organized by Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) on March 28, 2025, ward 1 resident Thandiwe Moyo said most women could not afford the maternal fees charged with services beyond the price charged.
“Council has raised the maternal fees but we are not getting services worth the price because there is no food at Mucheke clinic for those who would have given birth, patients have to get food from home.
“There are no needles, no oxygen tanks in most cases they use the ones from Masvingo Provincial Hospital and also there are no blankets. We appeal to authorities for services to match with the new fee,” said Moyo.
Another woman also said the resident doctor was not always available which was problematic when it comes to consultations.
“The doctor at Mucheke clinic is found on Wednesdays only and we appeal with the authorities to have the doctor available throughout the week because if one fails to book for consultation on Tuesday that means one will see him the next Wednesday,” she said.
In his response, Masvingo City representative Tinashe Chamwaita said the council will be advised on the short time availability of medical doctors at Mucheke Clinic.
“I will advise council so that we also get more doctors to assist at Mucheke clinic because the one we already have is a volunteer. So maybe we might need others to be included in the budget so that they assist ill residents at the expense of the city council,” said Chamwaita.

Fierce battle within ZANUPF as Gutu East by-election looms

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Fierce battle within ZANUPF as Gutu East by-election looms

…as 2023 independent candidate Vhengere seeks to contest under ruling party ticket

By Beverly Bizeki

A fierce contest is brewing within Zanu PF as five candidates vie for the vacant Gutu East parliamentary seat ahead of the party’s primary elections. The seat fell vacant after the Zanu PF legislator Benjamin Ganyiwa was early this year expelled from Zanu PF for alleged disloyalty, which included holding unsanctioned meetings and participating in a WhatsApp group that criticized leadership. He was also accused of fostering factionalism by engaging with individuals beyond the district and name-dropping senior party leaders.
The Zanu PF primary election race features a mix of seasoned politicians and new contenders, all eager to secure the seat. The candidates interested in competing in the Zanu PF primaries include Kudzayi Mashuro, Charles Munganasa, George Vhengere, Zvarevashe Masvingise, and another candidate identified as Zimhunga.
Both Mashuro and Vhengere participated in the 2023 party primaries, which resulted in Ganyiwa being selected as the Zanu PF candidate. Vhengere subsequently ran as an independent in the general elections but unfortunately lost to Ganyiwa. Now, Vhengere is back, seeking to contest under the Zanu PF ticket. However, it remains uncertain whether the ruling party will allow him to participate in its primaries, as party rules state that anyone who runs as an independent automatically expels oneself from the party.
Munganasa, a new face in the race, currently serves as the Zanu PF Masvingo Province Youth League Secretary for Administration and is a former CEO of ZBC. His position within the party may work to his advantage, especially in appealing to the youth in the constituency. Speaking to
TellZim News, Munganasa expressed his readiness to contest if given the mandate, emphasizing his confidence in his leadership abilities.
“Zanu PF has protocols and procedures we must observe. We are yet to submit our CVs for the primaries. However, if the people ask you to lead, you must heed their call. If the people send me, Handina kufanana naMoses aikakama, ndinoenda (I am not like Moses who stammered; I will go),” said Munganasa.
Mashuro, another aspirant, lost to Ganyiwa in the 2023 Zanu PF primaries. In 2018, he stepped aside for Beritha Chikwama. Mashuro reaffirmed his interest in contesting for the Gutu East by-election and expressed hope for victory.
“I am still interested in contesting for the Gutu East by-election. I am hopeful that I will win,” Mashuro stated.
However, Mashuro’s lack of popularity within party structures, compared to Munganasa, could be a significant disadvantage. He appeared during the lead-up to the 2023 elections but then went silent until resurfacing for the by-election.
Ward 14 Councilor Zvarevashe Masvingise is also eyeing the seat but has remained tight-lipped about his intentions, stating he would provide an update when appropriate.
“I cannot comment on the matter now, as I am not allowed to speak to the press, but I will provide an update when the time is right,” Masvingise said.
Masvingise may have the advantage of being a ward councilor, as he is frequently present in the area, which could translate into local support.
Another candidate with past popularity is Vhengere. His support base grew in 2023, but he was ill-advised to run as an independent, which led to his expulsion from the party. If he is granted permission to contest under the Zanu PF banner, it would mark a significant departure from party norms.
Vhengere allegedly won the Zanu PF primaries before the 2023 elections, but the party disqualified him due to procedural issues regarding his membership transfer from Manicaland Province. His actions not only sparked controversy but also exposed factionalism within Zanu PF, raising concerns about vote splitting in the constituency and deepening the rift between him and the party.
As the by-election approaches, the Zanu PF primaries are expected to be highly competitive, with each candidate working to secure party support in a politically charged environment.

George Vhengere

ERSL kicks off this weekend

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ERSL kicks off this weekend

By Tatiana Mhararira

The Eastern Region Soccer League (ERSL) Division 1 2025 season is set to kick off on April 5-6, on different venues across the region.
The 2025 league will be called the Pacific Storm ERSL after securing sponsorship from the company following years of running without a sponsor.
The Pacific Storm sponsorship unveiling match will be against FC Wangu Mazodze and Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service’s Tenax FC scheduled for April 5 at the home of football Mucheke Stadium.
The unveiling sponsorship match delay caused a derby between the two rivals Masvingo United FC and FC Wangu Mazodze to be postponed to a later date.
The derby is one of the biggest matches in the season for football enthusiasts in Masvingo who are eager to see how the teams will display their football during the first and the biggest match of the season.
The derby’s was postponed last week leaving football lovers looking forward to the new match day to be announced as the two have signed new executive members and also new coaches who are expected to push the teams into the PSL.
In the opening match Tenax FC was to play against the new Deportivo Murambinda FC and the match was cancelled to pave way for the clash with Mazodze.
Other teams that will play on the opening match day include Manica Diamonds U19 which will play against Rusitu Tigers FC.
Chivhu FC will host Buffaloes FC and St Pauls Musami will have GZU FC, Hunters will play against JM Busha 54, Renco Mine will host Destiny Stars and Tongogara FC will host Mutare City Rovers.
The league introduced three new teams this season namely Deportivo La Murambinda, Chivhu and Tongogara FC.
The new teams join other teams in fighting for the PSL ticket which was grabbed by Triangle United FC last season and FC Wangu Mazodze finished second followed by Tenax FC.

Councilor arrested over ‘Mnangagwa must go’ post

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Councilor arrested over ‘Mnangagwa must go’ post

By Brighton Chiseva

Zaka ward 24 Zanu PF Councilor Zivanai Zvada is languishing in cells following his arrest on April 1 for incitement to commit public disorder after forwarding a ‘Mnangagwa a must go’ message in a ward WhatsApp group on March 31.
He appeared before a Zaka Magistrate on March 3, and was remanded in custody to March 7, for bail application.
Zvada allegedly forwarded an X post by political activist Never Masweraseyi, which called for the removal of President Emerson Mnangagwa, in a WhatsApp group called ward 24 development agenda.
Though the Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa told TellZim News that his office was yet to receive the report, this publication was reliably informed that Zvada was taken in the evening after attending a full council meeting
The group was originally created by Zaka RDC CEO David Majaura as a ward development group and was later taken over by Zvada after he was elected ward councilor and had been using it as an official WhatsApp channel for communicating with the ward.
Sources privy to the matter said Zvada forwarded the message on Monday 31, on the day that was meant for demonstration and remained there for the whole day until he deleted it in the evening after being warned by fellow group members.
“He posted the message early in the morning and people discussed about it in their inboxes but no one alerted him. He was later told about it and went on to delete the post in the evening,” said the source.
What is interesting is that Zvada posted the message in a group created by David Majaura, the Zaka RDC CEO, with whom he has a complicated history.
Zvada was a key figure in the push to remove Majaura from the council, adding a layer of complexity to the story.
Contacted for comment Majaura said he was in court and would call back later. Several attempts to get his comment were futile as his cell was either not available or unanswered.
Zvada is one of the constituency coordinators for Zaka South MP Clemence Chiduwa and is an ally to Council Chairperson Fungai Maregedze who is Chiduwa’s wife in the heavily divided Zaka RDC.
It is worth noting that his arrest wasn’t an isolated incident. Recently, a 31-year-old police officer, Milton Murairwa, was arrested for posting a similar message on a WhatsApp group for police members. These arrests highlight the government’s efforts to crack down on dissenting voices, particularly on social media.
Another former Chiredzi Zanu PF councilor Tarusenga Makamba was arrested for a similar charge after sending an audio in a WhatsApp group saying Chikomo cheHwedza Chatsva.

Zaka RDC CEO survives chop as councilors divide

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Zaka RDC CEO survives chop as councilors divide

By Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA – A plot to ouster Zaka Rural District Council Chief Executive Officer David Majaura by a faction of councilors led by the council chairperson Fungai Maregedze failed to materialize as other councilors felt that the way it was being executed was unprocedural.
Sources said the councilors had a caucus meeting which was led by Zanu PF Zaka District Central Committee (DCC) member and former Zaka central legislator Paradzai Chakona delaying the starting time of the full council meeting held on April 1.
“The councilors had a caucus meeting before the full council meeting, some councilors raised the issue that had been recommended by the HR committee to fire or suspend Majaura over alleged incompetence.
However, they failed to produce the allegations and the other councilors felt the proper procedure was not being followed,” said the source.
Another source said the faction had resolved to smuggle another copy of the committee resolution with the recommendations and all councilors were supposed to adopt the recommendations but that failed.
“They had printed another copy with the recommendation and attached it to the proper HR committee report. However, sensing other councilor’s feelings at the caucus meeting, the committee chair Livison Paradza removed the page and the matter was never brought up,” said the source.
Chakona who was in the meeting probably to make sure that the recommendations sailed had no option than to watch as the meeting progressed.
Maregedze had earlier confirmed that the matter had been deliberated in the HR committee and was waiting deliberation in the full council meeting but failed.
Contacted for comment why the recommendation was skipped in the full council, Maregedze said the committee felt that there were some areas that needed to be addressed first before the action.
“The committee felt that there was an area with some loopholes so they wanted to address that first,”said Maregedze
Contacted for comment, on the Zanu PF party’s position with regards to Zaka RDC which is dominated by their councilors, ZANU PF Masvingo Provincial Chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa said they were yet to get a report from Zaka DCC to have a position.
“As a party, we are still to hear from Zaka DCC then we give you a position,” said Mavhenyengwa.
The clashes between councilors in Zaka is a manifestation of broader factional fights to control Zaka District between Zaka South MP who is also the party’s DCC chairperson and Maregedze’s husband Clemence Chiduwa, Zaka Central MP Davies Marapira.
Majaura and Maregedze have been at each other’s throat over council operations with each accusing the other of interference with each other’s work.
The development has detrimental effects to the district which has seen less development in the past years.
In 2016, Chakona who was still MP tried to influence councilors to fire Majaura whom he said was hired by the MDC council of 2008 to 2013.

Junior Primary School shines at Masvingo Tennis Gala

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Junior Primary School shines at Masvingo Tennis Gala

… Cements reputation as sporting powerhouse

BY Staff Reporter

Junior Group of Schools’ Junior Primary School (JPS) in Masvingo has once again demonstrated its excellence in sports, following its triumph at the Masvingo Junior Tennis Initiative gala held recently.

The win follows another stellar performance in the elite schools’ athletic competitions held in Gweru a few weeks ago.

The school’s tennis team emerged victorious at the Masvingo Junior Tennis Initiative gala, claiming the prestigious trophy.

The tournament drew 10 teams, each with 12 players aged 6 and above with JPS team demonstrating exceptional skill and teamwork, outplaying their opponents to take the top spot.

The team featured the youngest player at the tournament Tatiana Machida who is in stage 1B (Grade 2) who won the best upcoming junior tennis player medal.

Other participants included Shekinah Dhlakama, Keagan Tachiona, Kayler Chikavhanga, Makatendeka Manhopi, Liam Mafanya, Godknows Zhou, Aydin Matasva, Mbawathle Muchenje, Nokutenda Govo, Anotidaishe Mbaura, Atipaishe Nyandoro and Cailey Mudube

Junior Group of Schools Director Noah Marima said the win was a testament to the schools commitment to producing best results in all aspects.

“The win is a testament to our commitment to producing best results in whatever we do be it in academics or sport. We are proud of the team and its coaches as they have proved to be a force to recon having won again in Harare last year,” said Marima

The latest achievement adds to the school’s growing list of accolades, including the Private School of the Year 2024 Award at the Sundrive Business Awards, Businessman of the Year Award for the school’s director, and excellence in the national tennis tournament in Harare, where four learners from Junior brought home medals.

The school’s commitment to sports development is evident in its state-of-the-art sports facilities, which provide students with a conducive environment to hone their skills. The school’s sports program is designed to foster teamwork, discipline, and healthy competition among students.

Gutu school dominates Spelling Bee competitions

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Gutu school dominates Spelling Bee competitions

By Tatiana Mhararira

Church of Christ run Living Proof Academy from Gutu won the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee Masvingo Zone 1 competitions held at the school on March 18, 2025.
The school Vice Principal and Spelling Bee Club Patron, Tinashe Marecha shared the school’s remarkable journey to becoming champions of the Masvingo Zone 1 Spelling Bee Competition and said determination had earned them the success.
“In 2024, we were at the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee Competition with a small team of four learners. Although we didn’t secure top-ten positions, the experience sparked our determination to improve. This year, our Spelling Bee Club worked diligently, often until 2100 hours and during weekends, to refine their skills.
“To ensure our participants were well-prepared, we conducted several rehearsals in front of our learners and staff members. We also utilized online resources, such as watching last year’s finals from Wise Owl High School on YouTube, to provide our learners with a realistic understanding of the competition. Each learner was provided with the official word list from the Spelling Bee organizers,” said Marecha.
Marecha said he was the proud of the achievements as a smaller school and thanked the stakeholders who contributed to the school’s success in the competitions.
“As a new school, with less than 300 learners and only three years of operation, we were not expected to pose a significant challenge to more established schools. However, our victory has sent a clear message that we are a force to be reckoned with.
“Our sincerest gratitude goes to our School Principal, Ushe Paradza for his unwavering support, as well as to our teachers, the entire Living Proof High family, and parents for their unrelenting encouragement. We eagerly anticipate representing Masvingo Zone 1 at the national level and making our mark on the Zimbabwe Spelling Bee Competition,” said Marecha.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zimbabwe Spelling Bee, National Coordinator, Enny Chomsora said the competition was highly competitive as learners and coaches prepared well for the tournament.
“The learners did an outstanding job, demonstrating exceptional preparation and dedication to the event. They thoroughly studied the wordlist, and it paid off, with most of them acing every word in each round.
“I extend my sincerest gratitude to the coaches for their tireless efforts in guiding the students to success and the top 10 junior and top 10 senior learners will represent the Masvingo region in the national finals this September. We wish them all the best,” said Chomsora.
Chomsora said they had challenges however with people who had disputes with the judgement.
“The problems we got during the competitions were those of people who had disputes with the judges’ judgment so there is a dispute desk for those with disputes. The decision from there will be final,” she said.
From Juniors’ side, Matidaishe Kurauone and Delight Mbizanah from Tshovani Primary scooped the first and second position respectively and Chiredzi primary had five of its learners in the top ten.
National Zimbabwe Spelling Bee will have hundreds of learners participating and the winners will proceed to Africa Spelling Bee competitions with different countries with winners going to USA for the SCRIPPS USA spelling bee competitions.
Out of 17 participants from the host school, 7 leaners qualified for the national tournament namely Makomborero Chiredzi, Beverly Banda, Kudakwashe Muzofo, Tawananyasha Chizodza and Daisy Rugwinya with Dorcas Chitingwiza and Faith Makonese winning gold and silver medals respectively.
The tournament had 14 schools with a total of 192 participants and the following schools were in attendance primary schools being Chivhu Junior, Gutu United, Tshovani, Sandon Academy Junior, Chiredzi, Melbourne and St Antony Junior.
High schools included the host, Assisi, Rufaro, Hippo Valley Estate, Sandon Academy Senior, and St Antony Senior.
Zimbabwe Spelling Bee is an educational program where learners compete in spelling competitions.

Chivi farmers’ embrace traditional grains farming

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Chivi farmers’ embrace traditional grains farming

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Farmers in Chivi District of Masvingo have shifted their focus to traditional grains, resulting in a 34 percent increase in planting of small grains.
Speaking at a field day in Kumbirai Village ward 12, Chivi Central, Agriculture and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Chief Director Leonard Munamati said farmers in the district had responded positively to cultivation of traditional grains and called for those with threshing machines to facilitate the processing of traditional grains.
“This year, we discovered that farmers in Chivi have increased the cultivation of traditional grains by 34 percent. Farmers in regions 4 and 5 have responded to the recommendation that they plant traditional grains, as these crops are more resilient to lower rainfall.
“The yield from traditional grains is considerably better than that of maize in Chivi. Farmers now understand the importance of nutrition and as a government, we encourage those who have threshing machines to come and facilitate the processing of traditional grains,” said Munamati.
Munamati said the number of hectares cultivated had increased compared to the previous season indicating that farmers were heeding to the advice from government.
“We have seen an increase in number of hectares dedicated to traditional grains including rapoko, sorghum and millet. This trend is not only evident in Chivi but nationwide.
“Our farmers are saying let’s focus on these crops, which are more tolerant in areas with less rainfall. We are witnessing a return to traditional methods of promoting small grains among farmers,” said Munamati.
Speaking at the event, Chivi Central Member of Parliament Exevia Maoneke urged farmers to fight poverty through farming and take it as a business.
“We encourage members of the community in Chivi Central to cultivate small grains with the support of Extension Officers to help combat poverty through farming.
“We faced challenges due to erratic rainfall, but those who planted small grains have seen good yields. Compared to previous years, this year we received sufficient rainfall and achieved excellent yields.
“We urge farmers to cultivate their crops with the intention of doing business. Through agricultural training, members of the public have come to understand that cultivating traditional is beneficial,” said Maoneke.
Klein Karoo (K2) Salesman Starchily Mpofu said small grains cannot be easily affected by pesticides and suits areas that receive low rainfall.
“These small grains are not easily affected by diseases and they have better drought tolerance. Over the year, small grains can survive with rainfall of about 500 millimetres, which allows for better yields.
“During harvesting, one can get six tonnes per hectare if there is adequate rainfall. Additionally, some K2 small grains varieties take 110 days to get a successful yield,” said Mpofu.

Incest, abuse: man rapes own mentally challenged daughter

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Incest, abuse: man rapes own mentally challenged daughter

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

In a case of incest and sexual abuse, a 52-year-old man from Gutu was recently arraigned before the courts for raping his own 26-year-old mentally challenged daughter who also has visual and hearing impairments.
The perpetrator, who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity was sentenced to 20 years behind bars by Masvingo Magistrate Innocent Bepura for the heinous crime.
In his defense, the accused however denied the charges saying the complainant’s mother was fabricating the story to get rid of him so she could stay with her boyfriend.
He argued that on the day in question, he went to the toilet and realized that his daughter was inside and went behind the toilet to relieve himself. He was however convicted after full trial.
It was the State’s case as presented by Prosecutor Liberty Hove that on December 2024 at around 0600 hours, the complainant went to the toilet to relieve herself and the accused followed her.
A few minutes later, the complainant’s mother went to the toilet and found the accused raping the complainant.
She allegedly confronted the accused who told her to leave him alone and she went away crying and later informed other community members.
One of the villagers reported the matter to the police which led to the arrest of the accused.

Bikita man fatally axes wife over infidelity

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Bikita man fatally axes wife over infidelity

By Meditation Mposi

A 48-year-old man from Foroma Village, Chief Mukanganwi in Bikita axed his wife to death after accusing her of infidelity on March 17, 2025.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of 43-year-old Chiedza Marapiro to TellZim News and urged members of the public to desist from using violence in solving disputes.
“I confirm the death of Marapiro who was axed by her husband Antony Foroma after a misunderstanding where he accused his wife of infidelity. I advise the public to desist from use of violence when solving disputes and to involve third parties in settling conflicts,” said Dhewa.
On March 15, Foroma and Marapiro had a misunderstanding with the former accusing his wife of cheating on him. Marapiro is said to have assaulted her husband, stripped him naked and burnt his clothes during the fight.
Foroma walked through the village naked and a fellow villager offered him a pair of trousers and he disappeared for two days.
Foroma later returned home on March 17, at around 0500 hours and the couple had a misunderstanding again where Foroma accused Marapiro of cheating on him. Marapiro then left for Nyika Police Post to report Foroma for physical abuse.
In rage, Foroma took an axe, followed her and found her before she had arrived at the police station. He then struck his wife once on the upper right eye with the axe and she fell down groaning, bleeding and died on the spot.
Villagers who witnessed the incident reported the matter to the police, who arrested Foroma and Marapiro’s body was taken to Silveira Mission Hospital Mortuary for postmortem.

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