CHIREDZI – Chief Tshovani last week launched the Tshovani Day which is hoped will help avoid succession disputes while reuniting clansmen living in both Zimbabwe and South Africa.
Tshovani Day was launched on the September 24 at Chief Tshovani’s homestead in Chiredzi where all the five families of the Tshovani clan were gathered.
Chief Tshovani admitted that succession disputes were a headache for all chiefs therefore it was prudent that he and his kinsmen work to avoid that.
He also said the reunion was a huge step to solidify family bonds of the Tshovani bloodline while resuscitating critical elements of Xangani culture which he said was under attack from outside influences.
“This day is going to help us as a clan to shun succession disputes as each member will get to know the chieftainship hierarchy. There are many problems involving juju in some chiefdoms as people often fight over succession so we want to avoid that in our clan.
“Our family members in South Africa lost some of their cultural values and this day will help them learn the culture they have lost over the years,” said Chief Tshovani.
Chief Hlomela of Giyani in South Africa, who is a Tshovani kinsman, said he was happy to reunite with his extended family members since the passing away of their ancestors.
He also said they migrated to South Africa as while running away from wars in Zimbabwe a long time back.
“Tshovani Day has reunited us with our family members in Zimbabwe and we have to regain our lost culture and bonds. We are planning to celebrate the next Tshovani Day in Hlomela Village, South Africa,” said Chief Hlomela.
Chiredzi East Member of Parliament, Denford Masiya, who is also a member of the family, said they had chosen September which Zimbabwe declared culture and heritage month, and being the month in which Heritage Day is celebrated in South Africa.
“We are here gathered today at Tshovani homestead to reunite with our family members from South Africa. We have managed to utilise the culture and heritage month as declared by the government of Zimbabwe while incorporating it with Heritage Day in South Africa,” said Masiya.

Lloyd Shunje

It is show time in Masvingo, it is show time once again in the eastern highlands with the Masvingo Show Society and Manicaland Agricultural Show Society bringing to life their respective show grounds for the popular fares.
The Masvingo 2017 edition of the Masvingo Agricultural Show is running under the theme ‘Transforming and Sustaining Economic Growth’, while the Manicaland edition is going by the theme ‘Sustainable Industrial and Agricultural Innovations Through Renewable Energy’.
Both shows will be held from 27 September to 01 October and are expected to attract many people due to improved conditions at both venues.
Manicaland Agricultural Show Society provincial administrator Edmond Nhenguke said he was impressed with the level of preparations which he said were likely to attract more people to the showgrounds than ever before.
“All sectors of the economy including agriculture, mining, arts and manufacturing have shown interest in the exhibition. The interest is pleasing this year and we expect a bumper crowd to grace this show,” said Nhenguke.
Zimbabwe National Association of Diary Farmers National Oscar Award 2014 winner Robert Franklin will be exhibiting under the commercial farmers category.
The mining sector is expected to make a comeback after a long absence from previous shows with the newly-formed Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), Redwing Mine and Dorowa Mine expected to exhibit.
In entertainment, Zim Dancehall lovers will have a memorable weekend as Winky D, Freeman and Killer T are expected to grace the occasion while local musicians from will also light up the show.
Mutare-based gospel artist Blessing Shumba, Diamond Kid, Jusa Mupostori and the man of the moment Caff will perform at the show.
It is also the same story in Masvingo where the Masvingo Show Society has taken time to prepare for what is to be one of the best shows.
Such big organisations as Tongaat Hullet, Tanganda, Nyaradzo Group and Moonlight Funeral Services will be there.local

MASVINGO – The recent panic over perceived looming inflation and the subsequent panic-buying of products in some places has already started to taken a toll on local authorities’ ability to purchase water purification chemicals and ensure a seamless supply of the precious liquid.
The city councils of Gweru, Masvingo and Mutare have for long not been able to meet the adequate daily water requirements of their residents.
In a full Masvingo city council meeting held on Monday, it was heard that suppliers of water chemicals had communicated an increase in treatment chemicals.
It was also heard that the suppliers had reduced the validity of invoices to 24 hours thereby putting more pressure on city fathers who often do not have the capacity to settle bills within such a short period of time.
Council treasurer Thandiwe Dube told the meeting that it was no longer business as usual.
“It is now difficult to give assurance on how business will continue because our water treatment equipment suppliers have communicated that they now need cash upfront for all deliveries. They have also highlighted that prices have doubled.
“They have explained that if they stick to original prices, they won’t be able to restock. All quotes are also now valid for one day, a challenge which needs council to quickly make resolutions so as to maintain a consistent supply of chemicals,” said Dube.
Worried councillors also questioned whether the panic would not affect the planned purchase of new service delivery vehicles, to which Dube replied that no communication has been received on that issue.
“The state procurement board approved Willowvale Motors as supplier of the vehicle and they haven’t made any indications on that but I don’t think it will get to that. I think we should wait and cross the bridge when we get there,” she replied.
City of Gweru Town Clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza told this publication that the panic was real but said she could not provide finer details as she and the council director of finance were out of office.
“We have heard of the current panic but I am attending a workshop out of town. We have not yet managed to get in touch with our suppliers to get their position.
“As a city, we are currently on a move to restore optimum service delivery so we will not let this panic disturb us. We will implement swift measures in response to the situation so that we continue on a good drive to restore Gweru’s pride,” Gwatipedza said.
City of Mutare mayor Tatenda Nhamarare could neither confirm nor deny that there were new challenges, saying he will give a detailed comment later.
“I have heard about the fears but for me to comment on how it might affect service delivery in Mutare, I need to be in office. So you should call me when I am back in town so that I give you confirmed details on challenges we could be facing,” Mhamarare said.
No further comment, however, could be obtained from him by the time of going to print.
Upon return to Zimbabwe on Monday from the UN Summit he had attended in America, President Robert Mugabe said the inflation panic was deliberately caused by malicious individuals who wanted to incite people to rise against his government.local