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Over 700 graduate at Mutare Poly

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Dr Godfrey Gandawa

Lloyd Shunje

MUTARE – The Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Dr Godfrey Gandawa last week presided over Mutare Polytechnic’s 28th graduation and prize giving ceremony.
Out of the 716 graduates who were conferred with certificates and diplomas, 417 were males while 299 were females.
Speaking at the event, Dr Gandawa said advancements in technology require lecturers to undergo some extra training so that they will be well-versed in all areas they are expected to master.
Gandawa said his ministry will soon come up with a policy which will compel and make it mandatory for lecturers to undergo industrial attachment so that they interact with the latest technologies.
“Students go out on industrial attachment where they familiarise themselves with modern technologies and when they come back, they will be way ahead of their lecturers in as far as technology literacy is concerned.
“The ministry will soon make it mandatory, through policy, for all lecturers to undergo industrial attachment as a condition for their employment.
“Lecturing staff must attach themselves to industry to acquire requisite skills that will allow them to produce a competent and relevant graduate because technology in industry is fast changing,” Dr Gandawa said.
Mutare Polytechnic principal Poniso Watema said the institution was working to set up a vehicle canopy production centre.
“The institution embarked on consultations on registration of patents and trademarking for a project in the production of vehicle canopies.
“Ultimately the institution hopes to train students in canopy production who in turn will start their own business through a business incubation process. Five lectures have undergone training in this regard,” said Watema.education

City council partners Masvingo Poly in property survey

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Mayor Hubert Fidze

Nyasha Marumbi

MASVINGO – City of Masvingo has partnered Masvingo Polytechnic to launch a property survey as a means to clear the way for improved service delivery for residents
Objectives of the survey centre on enumerating all property in town, to document all properties and to make recommendations on improving service delivery.
In his speech at the launch of the survey on Thursday last week, City of Masvingo Mayor Hubert Fidze said the partnership between the city council and the polytechnic will help to improve service delivery.
“My council has decided to carry out a property survey for the whole city. In a bid to improve service delivery, urban local authorities are carrying out peer reviews to assess each other on the quality of services being consumed by residents. These services vary from provision of water, liquid waste management, refuse collection, housing delivery, e.t.c.
“For my council to offer efficient service delivery, it requires accurate data but available data on the ground is either incomplete or outdated and this has justified the carrying out of this survey,” said Fidze.
In order to achieve the objective of improved service delivery, Fidze said, council should tap into the expertise that exists at Masvingo Polytechnic.
Masvingo Polytechnic principal Evans Musara said the college was in full support of the partnership and will work to ensure it success.
“I also want to assure you that the team has all the requisite competencies and experience to see to it that this project is done to the satisfaction of our partner and all other stakeholders in this project,” said Musara.
He also urged all residents of Masvingo to co-operate with the enumerators who will be visiting their properties by providing all the information requested.local

Tennis: Masvingo wins floating trophy in jnr tourney

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The Masvingo junior tennis team poses for a photo after the tournament

Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – The province recently outclassed many rivals and won the floating trophy after scooping 13 gold medals, 13 silver and six bronze medals the Junior Open Tennis Tournament played at Kyle College recently.
The Tournament was sponsored by Tam Chattered Accounts and Zimbabwe National Waters Authority (Zinwa).
The guest of honour at the tournament former Masvingo Sports Club president and successful businessman Setfree Mapuvire who thanked local organisers for a job well done.
 “I hear there are players from Botswana here, this shows that Masvingo Tennis Club is growing. To participants, I urge you to maintain your good characters that will help sustain your talents,” said Mapuvire.
Masvingo Tennis Club coach Privy Fanisai was happy with her club members’ performance saying it all goes to the spirit of hard work among the players.
“The players made us proud and I hope they will keep the spirit and continue winning in the next tournaments,” said Fanisai.
Masvingo Tennis Club officer responsible for marketing and publicity Pikisai Mhizha said the club wanted to attract more participants regionally and make the event bigger.
“We want to improve the tournament by attracting more participants. We are engaging potential sponsors and some bigger names have promised us their support. We hope that next time, the tournament will be bigger.
The Masvingo provincial team was made up of players from Masvingo Tennis Club and Dash Allan Club while their competitor came from everywhere including Bulawayo, Harare, Mashonaland East, Midlands and Manicaland provinces while others came from as far as Botswana.
Masvingo dominated in Red Ball boys category where it scooped all medals and in Orange Ball boys where the team scooped gold and silver. It also had the same medals in Red Ball girls doubles.
Under 14 doubles Harare Open winners Deborah Mhizha and Chloe Chiweshe did it again by winning in the same category.sport

Voter registration exercise must begin now

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The credibility of any democratic electoral process depends on its openness and the degree to which all eligible people are able to participate in it. As the country hurtles towards the crucial 2018 general election, it is important that political parties, civil society and the media work hard to ensure that as many people as possible get a chance to cast their ballots. However, that can only be achieved if all potential voters are given ample time to register because without registering, one cannot vote. We are therefore surprised that there seems to be no concern that the voter registration exercise has not yet begun though we could just be six months away from the election (remember there have been hints of an early election). It is in light of this that we feel the voter registration exercise must begin now so as to avoid disenfranchisement of any section of the electorate. In 2013, there were widespread allegations that the government denied many people the right to vote by allocating fewer registration resources to perceived opposition strongholds especially urban areas. It is therefore imperative for opposition political parties and pro-democracy movements to push for the immediate opening of voter registration or else there will not be enough time for everybody to register and the horrible 2013 will repeat herself. People in urban areas will be the most disadvantaged by a short registration timeframe because of their work commitments that may leave them very little or no time at all to spare for such exercises. Opening the voter registration now will also give the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) some time to assess the reliability of the new system known as BVR. If this system is not put to test early, the country would be in for a big shock if that system proves to be ‘unreliable’ at the last minute. That would mean reverting to the old discredited Tobaiwa Mudede voters roll, with all its ghost voters. We put ‘unreliable’ in quotes to highlight the fact that we are fully conscious of the implication of that word in light our Machiavellian politics that will most likely undermine that registration system if it is deemed to be a threat to the ruling party.comment

MDC-T must have primary elections

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Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) leader Morgan Tsvangirai announced that his party will not go for primary elections ahead of 2018 general elections and even bragged that he would personally hand-pick the senatorial seats candidates. We must say what a shame!
The party is widely accepted as a pro-democracy party and one would wonder why Tsvangirai and his top allies want to exhibit such dictatorial tendencies now. Tsvangirai has been on record accusing President Robert Mugabe of being a dictator but, as it appears, the MDC-T leader is the actual dictator because Mugabe has never barred Zanu PF from going for elections.
To say primary elections would divide MDC-T is lazy thinking. MDC-T members have the right to elect candidates of their choice at primaries, candidates that will represent them at the 2018 general elections but Tsvangirai wants to take that right away while hiding behind a finger. People can only be divided if they do not have a strong leader and Tsvangirai is to blame for the mess in the party; primary elections are not to blame.
His thinking confirms that he is indeed weak, both physically and intellectually, and banning primary elections will not help his situation. He should rather allow MDC-T members to exercise their right by voting for candidates of their choice. Imposing candidates, like what Tsvangirai said would do on senatorial seats, is even more disastrous as it may lead to a protest vote.
Tsvangirai therefore, must stop imposing candidates and be a true democrat. Zanu PF would go to party with his silly miscalculations and that might cost MDC-T heavily next year.  It is high time Tsvangirai finds real problems that are dividing the party instead of banning primaries.
Many former MDC-T supporters accuse Tsvangirai of being a dictator and this recent announcement seems to vindicate them. It is a fact that contenders seldom find common ground easily and if that is then taken as a problem, then Tsvangirai will simply impose his own favourites and get away with it. We call upon Tsvangirai to lead by example and be a true democrat.local

Zifa brings football administration course to Masvingo

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Wilson Mutekede

Nashe Mahachi

The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) will hold a two-day football administration course for its Eastern Region at OcZim Lodge in Masvingo.
The course happen on September 9 – 10 with over 40 participants set to take part as part of the mother body’s plan to equip all the club administrators across the country.
The course will be conducted by Premier Soccer League (PSL) CEO Kennedy Ndebele and Zifa technical director Wilson Mutekede.
Regional secretary general, Wisdom Simba said a total of 48 participants had confirmed their participation.
“So far, a total of 48 participants have confirmed their participation. It is important that all the club administrators are fully equipped with full knowledge and skills to run the clubs effectively.
“We had a minimum target of 50 participants but I think there is room for more. We are having enquires from other regions. It is for eastern region but we are not closing the door for other regions.
“This is the first training which will be involving the whole region after a successful one we did in Chipinge in May this year where a total of 26 participants attended,” said Simba.
On his part, Mutekede, who is also one of the trainers, underscored the importance of the administrative courses.
“As Zifa, we are focusing on coaching and administration. This course is open to every club administrators and all those who are aspiring to lead and administer clubs. We have designed such courses for them.
“We are going across the country doing the same programme and we will be in Midlands the first week of soon. We are not closing doors on anyone from other regions, they can join us if they want. The cost is $20 and we feel it is affordable,” said Mutekede.
Some of the notable participants that will attend include Buffaloes’ Arnold Gatsi, Elisha Chirashanye from Tenax FC, Owen Sango from The Africa Trust and Loice Tsvaki from Mwenezana.sport

Zvishavane vendor murdered over razorblade

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Vendors during Dhalas funeral procession


Exsto Makunzva

ZVISHAVANE – A subdued mood characterised the burial of local vendor and avid Shabanie Mine FC supporter Mensheviks Goromondo Moyo, popularly known as Dhala, who was allegedly murdered by one Decent Maphosa after a misunderstanding over a razorblade.
His body was brought to the place where he used to display his wares in front of Edgars store with mourners singing Bvaru-Bvaru songs and condemning Maphosa for the alleged murder.
The procession slowly moved through town before heading for Mandava cemetery where the body was laid to rest.
Maphosa’s father was overwhelmed by grief such that he failed to give TellZim News a comment and referred all questions to other family members that however failed to give any comment as well.
Dhala was stabbed last week allegedly by Maphosa after a misunderstanding involving a razorblade and the injuries he sustained became the cause of his death.
It is alleged that the deceased had found a customer who needed a screen guard on his phone but Dhala did not have a razorblade needed to do the job so he asked for it from another vendor who however refused to lend him.
Maphosa, who worked closeby, reportedly then shouted on top of his voice, mocking Dhala for apparently being a ‘beggar’ who never had all the tools of work.
This is said to have cause a fight between the two with Maphosa later producing a knife and using it to stab Dhala on the back, an attack which killed him moments later.local

Zvishavane Tailors Cooperative holds first AGM

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Zvishavane Tailors Cooperative members


Exsto Makunzva

ZVISHAVANE – Members of the Zvishavane Tailors Cooperative are beaming with confidence in the future after successfully holding their first Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Zvishavane recently.
The cooperative, which was formed on July 26, 2016, comprises 17 members but many more tailors are showing interest of joining the cooperative.
Speaking at the meeting, Zvishavane district business and cooperative development officer in the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises and Cooperatives Development, Toverengwa Chitanda applauded the dedication and commitment shown by members.
“I am humbled by your commitment and dedication, you have started something that is unique in the whole of the Midlands province. You need to be faithful and honour your subscriptions.  I have noted a lot of positives in your cooperative from the short period you have started,” said Chitanda.
He further said that the group was one of the fastest growing cooperatives in the province and encouraged members to keep the momentum, highlighting on how a cooperative should operate.
Speaking to TellZim News, Zvishavane Taylors Cooperative chairperson Timothy Mudoti Mukomberanwa said the cooperative had since asked the Zvishavane Town Council to provide land for the setting up of a factory.local

Hundreds graduate at Dadaya National Youth Service centre

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…centre to be renamed after the late Rutanhire

Shumirai Zhou

ZVISHAVANE – The Minister of Youth, Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Patrick Zhuwao last week presided over the graduation of 218 youths from the Dadaya National Youth Service centre and said plans were in place to rename the centre after deceased national hero George Rutanhire.
Rutanhire, who is said to be the ‘godfather’ of the National Youth Service, died on August 19 and was buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare.
Zhuwao also said there were plans to establish youth centres in every constituency in order to promote youth empowerment.
 “There are plans to open up youth centres in every constituency under the name Youth Economic Empowerment Centre and these centres would feed vocational training centres with graduates.
 “We are planning to rename Dadaya School after the late godfather of the National Youth Service, George Rutanhire,” said Zhuwao.
Commander of the Dadaya training centre Commandant Mavhiki explained the aims of the training and the programmes the trainees were doing as well as the challenges encountered during the course.
“We have 218 trainees who are graduating; 182 males and 76 females and amongst these trainees, we have two degree holders, five diploma holders and several holders of national certificates.
“The training emphasised entrepreneurship programmes that are aimed at creating economic champions out of trainees. The centre grooms youths into patriotism,” said Mavhiki.local

Parirenyatwa laments shortage of midwives

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Graduates listen to Dr Parirenyatwa’s address at Midlands Provincial Hospital

…says maternal mortality rate still high

Itai Muzondo in Gweru

GWERU – The Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa has lamented the shortage of midwives in the country saying the crisis has resulted in high maternal mortality rate.
Speaking at a graduation ceremony at Gweru Provincial Hospital where nurses, environmental health officers and midwives were caped, Dr Parirenyatwa said government was making efforts to ensure that all trained health professionals get work.
“The total number of midwives in the country is just over 6 000 and I am not happy with that figure; we still have a gap and we need some more. We have a gap because the maternal mortality rate is still high. We really need more midwives.
“Of 1 459 environmental health officers in the country, only 860 are employed. We are also trying to take them in to man the country’s entry points and have them as port health security officers.
“Also in place is a move to employ all the nurses we train. Of the 4 000 that have been unemployed, we have since taken up 2 000. We will take in more though all will be done in phases. We really shouldn’t have unemployed nurses in the near future.
 “This graduation is a milestone to progressive health service delivery for Midlands and Zimbabwe at large. Our numbers of graduates continue to increase and their footprints will be visible in the quality of health care that will be provided in the country,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
He applauded Gweru Provincial Hospital for what he said were continued efforts to improve the delivery of health services.
Dr Parirenyatwa also toured and officially opened the hospital’s refurbished Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Cervical Cancer Screening Facility and Multi-Purpose Sports Facility.
A total of 369 students received certificates for completing their studies; 213 of them being nurses while 90 were midwives and 66 were environmental health technicians.health,top news