By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo’s German twin city, Kernen, recently donated US$15 000 to Masvingo City Council which they used to purchase clinical equipment.
The donation bought a water tank, solar system, and an autoclave for Runyararo Clinic, as well as a dryer and washing machine for North West Medical Centre.
Speaking at the commissioning of the equipment on March 13 at the Civic Centre, Masvingo City Council Mayor Aleck Tabe thanked the people of Kernen City for their generosity in supporting the city’s healthcare services.
“We are grateful for the US$15 000 donation to our health department, which allowed us to acquire essential clinic equipment, including a 6.5kV solar system, a 10,000-liter water reservoir, and a heavy-duty autoclave.
“This donation will significantly enhance healthcare service delivery in our city and improve the lives of our residents. We deeply appreciate the trust and commitment shown by our partners in Kernen City who worked tirelessly to make this donation a reality,” said Tabe.
Tabe said the equipment would help the clinics meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
“This donation is more than just equipment, it is a symbol of the strong partnership between our cities. It represents our shared values of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.
“The water reservoir will ensure a reliable water supply, promote water conservation, and improve hand washing hygiene. The solar system will provide consistent energy, ensuring the proper storage of vaccines and uninterrupted healthcare services. The autoclave will strengthen infection control measures, enhance patient safety, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, and help our facilities comply with WHO infection prevention standards,” he said.
Masvingo City Council Health Director Suzzane Hazel Madamombe emphasized the long-standing relationship between Masvingo and Kernen City, which dates back to 1984 and has resulted in numerous development projects.
“This partnership has greatly contributed to our city’s infrastructure. In 1988, it facilitated the construction of Alpha Cottage, Bondolfi Teachers’ College dining hall and kitchen, and a craft center, among other projects. These twinning programs continue to play a crucial role in our city’s growth,” said Madamombe.
She said the newly donated dryer and washing machine at North West Medical Centre would help reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
“Previously, we had to wait several hours for linen to dry, but the dryer will now significantly speed up the process. Additionally, having these machines allow us to reduce the number of general workers needed, instead of requiring three or four staff members, we now need just one,” she said.
Ward 3 Councilor Maxwell Madhuna said the donation symbolized the commitment to collaboration between the two cities.
“Today we are here celebrating a significant occasion, the donation that symbolizes our commitment to collaboration. It is said that blessed is the hand that gives and we are all here thanking that blessed hand.
“We express our gratitude for this donation and the positive impact it will bring to our city. This supports our journey towards achieving sustainable development goal number three which focuses on ensuring good health and wellbeing,” said Madhuna.

By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo veterinary supervisor, Everet Haskes, is fast gaining recognition for his diverse talents in the performing arts with special interest in music, poetry, drama, writing and dance proving that science and art can go hand in hand.
Born in 1982, Haskes said his passion for music, poetry, drama, writing, and dance started while in secondary school where he would preach, dance and act in dramas.
“My journey started way back in secondary school, where I would preach during assemblies, recite poems, dance, and act in dramas. When I was in Form Four, I wrote a play titled ‘Zvowoenda Munyika.’ The drama aimed to discourage my peers from drug abuse and promiscuous behavior as we were about to finish our Ordinary Level exams. I played the role of a nightclub dancer who lured unsuspecting victims into the life of drugs and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ultimately leading to their downfall,” said Haskes.
He said his talent became evident when he participated in a beauty and dance competition at his school after his friend, Edmore Magura, paid the $5 entry fee, believing in his potential and won the first prize out of sixty competitors.
Haskes attended Mhungudza Primary School before proceeding to Mushandike High School. He later enrolled at Mazowe Veterinary College from 2011 to 2013.
His career journey began at Tsungai Trading in Masvingo, where he was later promoted to oversee Harare branches in 2006. In 2003, while working at Tsungai Trading, he collaborated with Munyaradzi Munodawafa on a song titled Messiah Huyai, but financial constraints prevented them from recording it.
In 2009, he joined Mhandamabwe Animal Health Centre as a Veterinary Extension Officer. By 2022, he had risen to the position of Masvingo supervisor, overseeing the Masvingo South region.
“Later, while working in Mhandamabwe, I wrote another song titled Tsika, but again, I couldn’t record due to lack of funds. I also wrote Hondo ne January Disease after witnessing the devastating loss of cattle due to the January disease outbreak. As a vet officer and a patriotic Zimbabwean, I saw this as an opportunity to educate the public on disease prevention, symptoms, control measures, and the importance of dipping their cattle,” he said.
Determined to make a difference, Haskes eventually recorded a song called Mutoriro, warning against drug abuse.
“The song discourages people from using harmful substances like cocaine, ‘dombo’ (crystal meth), and broncleer, which lead to death, violence, imprisonment, and deteriorating health,” he said.
He also released a track titled ‘Transformer’, inspired by his admiration for a woman he describes as having an angelic beauty.
“In the song, I compare her to a powerful transformer—she lights up the world when she is at her best,” he said.
Haskes said his latest song, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, promotes sustainable farming practices and expressed his to create a music video for the song.
“The song highlights the benefits of the Pfumvudza method, including minimal soil disturbance, low input requirements, and high yields. It aligns with our President’s Vision 2030 by educating farmers on best agricultural practices, expected harvests, and productivity measurements. I would love to create a music video for the song if I secure funding,” he said.
Haskes also expressed his desire for sponsorship to acquire musical instruments, as he currently hires equipment for his performances.
“If I can get support, it would help me grow as an artist and continue using music to educate and inspire others,” he said.

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Delta Corporation, a leading beverages company commissioned two by four fully furnished blocks classroom blocks and ablution facilities at Mudzengi Primary School, a satellite-rural school in Chirumanzu district in the Midlands Province on March 10.
As part of its tradition for the past 25 years, Delta commissions two classroom blocks every year and this year, Mudzengi Primary was the recipient.
The event was officiated by Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Owen Ncube.
Delta Corporate Affairs General Manager, Patricia Murambinda said in a statement, the company was committed to giving back to the community and they recognized the importance of education in the lives of citizens.
She said the project was a testament to the company’s dedication to supporting education and empowering future generations.
“This significant investment in education infrastructure is part of Delta’s commitment to giving back to the community and promoting academic excellence. We are thrilled to handover these state-of-the-art classrooms to Mudzengi Primary School.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, we recognise the importance of education in shaping the future of our nation, and we are committed to supporting initiatives that promote academic excellence,” said Murambinda.
The classroom blocks have modern amenities and furniture as well as ablution facilities to provide a conducive learning environment for learners.
Over the past 25 years, Delta has assisted 20 primary schools across eight provinces. In Matabeleland North the schools that benefitted from the programme were Tschongogwe, Siyachilaba and Mucklenuck while in Matabeleland South the beneficiaries are Simpane and Fairview.
In Midlands’s province the beneficiaries are Kushinga, St Faith Munyamana and Mudzengi while in Masvingo Shonganiso and Chihambakwe benefitted.
Nehumba, Rukangare, Mutsamvu benefitted in Manicaland while Mamvuramachena, Muchedza, Cheuchi in Mashonaland West.
Magamba, Murongwe and Sanya benefitted from Mashonaland Central Province and Nyamakuyo in Mashonaland East.