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Cottco in US$5.8 million arrears, ordered to clear debt

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Cottco in US$5.8 million arrears, ordered to clear debt

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI-The Cotton Company of Zimbabwe (COTTCO) has registered an accruing debt of US$5.8 million dollars in payment arrears and has been ordered to clear the debt before the end of the 2025 farming season.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development recently toured the Lowveld region together with Cottco, the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA) and the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) to monitor the cotton input distribution system.
During the tour, the committee established that there was low morale among cotton farmers due to non-payment after delivery, with a debt of about US$5.8 million dating back to 2023.
Speaking during the tour, legislator Saul Maburutse, who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries Water and Rural Development said they had established that farmers were ready to produce for their nation and Cottco admitted to owing farmers millions which they promised to pay before end of the 2025 marketing season.
“We have been touring the Lowveld to witness the input distribution system as well as establish whether the inputs are really reaching to farmers.
“AMA has introduced the new system to register farmers which is called the Biometric system which will prevent double dipping by cotton farmers. We are here at GMB Chiredzi and there are only 6 tons of fertilizers and cotton farmers are yet to get the fertilizers.
“Farmers are willing to produce cotton, especially here in the Lowveld where there is little rainfall but problem is they are still being owed their 2023 cotton payments of which Cottco is admitting the debt,” said Maburutse.
AMA Chief Executive Officer, Clever Isaya threatened to revoke licensing Cottco up until they have paid farmers their dues.
“There is outstanding payments by Cottco as there is a legacy debt of about US$5.8 million which is owed to farmers although deliveries for last season has been cleared.
“So in our discussions with Cottco today, we have been given assurances that farmers will be paid before the onset of 2025 marketing season so farmers can be rest assured that the legacy debt will be cleared.
“As AMA we are not going to license companies who owe farmers to ensure that no cotton will be taken from farmers without payment,”said Isaya.
Cottco, where the Government has about 32% of shares, has been enjoying free Presidential inputs whilst other contracting cotton companies had been paying for the inputs and were paying farmers in time.

Triangle United FC midfielder scoops top ERSL Award

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Triangle United FC midfielder scoops top ERSL Award

By Rangarirai Shanyurai/ Beatific Gumbwanda

Veteran midfielder Ali Sadiki of Triangle United FC scooped the top Eastern Region Soccer League Award after landing the 2024 season soccer star-of-the-year award while his coach Luke Masomere was voted Coach-of-the year last Saturday (December 14) at a colourful event held at Triangle Country Club.
Speaking to TellZim News, Sadiki said he felt honoured to receive the top award especially after winning the league’s sole ticket into the Premier Soccer League (PSL).
“I feel motivated by the recognition and am happy about winning the league which allows us to compete in the PSL come 2025. I have received many awards in my life, but this one is particularly special in Division One.
“The awards I have received before include two Chibuku Super Cup, four PSL Awards, two Bop cup award and the FC Platinum player of the year in 2012.
“I still feel I have the legs to carry me forward and the way some people push you shows they still believe in you. I promise to make our fans happy as our squad has shown how good a side we are,” said Sadiki.
On his part Masomere said he was delighted that his side was crowned ERSL Champions ahead of Wangu Mazodze FC after having joined the team mid-season.
“I feel great after working so hard for the remainder of the season. I came here midway through the season and we did well as a team. I am happy for myself and the rest of the team to be crowned the champions of the 2024 season,” said Masomere.
ZIFA Chief Executive Officer, Yvonne Manwa, who was the guest-of-honor at the ceremony thanked the ERSL executive for organizing such a colorful award ceremony and thanked football sponsors for growing national football.
“I want to thank the sponsors of these teams because it was through their efforts to sponsor grassroots football that enabled our warriors to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
“We should work hand in hand in order to improve our teams and the national team as well. The Eastern Region is more organized and the standards of the awards is really good,” said Manwa.
Several players received awards including Tawanda Chatiluka from FC Hunters who was the first runner-up, Destiny Stars’s David Chirandu the second runner-up while Junior Peter Mushure from FC Wangu Mazodze and Eddy Kanyangu from Manica Diamonds were also among the league’s best 11.
Junior Mushure of Wangu Mazodze FC won the golden glove award whilst Tadiwa Mambudzi of Mutare City won the golden boot.
Munyaradzi Bakayawo was crowned the referee of the season with Tanaka Masawi being the first Runner Up while Machekecha Wekeni was Second Runner-Up.
The Best 11 of the season comprised of Ali Sadiki, Junior Peter Mushure of FC Wangu Mazodze, Tawanda Chatuluka of FC Hunters, David Chirandu of Destiny Stars, Bennedict Musana of Chiredzi Stars, Clive Madande of Rusitu Tigers, Leon Ngwenya of Renco Mine FC, Theophilous Musiye of Huku FC, Malvin Dumbura of Tenax, Aldridge Mubango of Buffaloes FC, Eddy Kanyangu of Manica Diamonds and Tadiwa Mambudzi of Mutare FC.

Luke Masomere

City Fathers approve Masvingo City’s US$35 million budget for 2025

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City Fathers approve Masvingo City’s US$35 million budget for 2025

By Beverly Bizeki

Councillors recently approved Masvingo City Council’s proposed US$32.5 million budget for 2025. The budget is largely prioritizing completion of on-going projects before starting new ones.
Chairperson of the Finance Committee, Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa confirmed the approval of the budget which is running under the theme; ‘Improving Service Delivery for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, saying top priority goes towards Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).
“The approved budget allocated 55percent towards water, sanitation and hygiene projects while Social Services were awarded 16 percent, with the Administration costs gobbling 19 percent of the total budget. The remaining 10 percent was allocated to improving roads, public safety and security,” said Muchokwa.
There are 20 key projects that are targeted to be completed in 2025 and one of the major ones is establishment of a solar plant at the Bushmead Waterworks – about USD$5.5 million has been budgeted for the project. If successfully completed, the solar project will solve the water crisis that is currently bedeviling Masvingo City as well as stopping the ever ballooning electricity bill.
Water meters and telemetering equipment was allocated US$260 000 while water and sewer pumping equipment has been allocated US$165 000.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance Spokesperson Godfrey Mutimba said they were happy with council’s decision to prioritise WASH projects.
“As residents we are happy with council’s decision to prioritise WASH projects as their major projects in 2025. Water and sanitation has always been something that we needed to be priority number 1. We are facing severe water shortages, sewer bursts and hygiene challenges and council deciding to allocate 55 percent towards the project is in order. Residents also wanted council to prioritise water augmentation but in this budget council has only budgeted for money to do surveys and feasibility studies which should have been done a few years back. We wanted them to come up with a budget for a proper and commencement of the augmentation project as a whole because this means that next year we are not going to have the project running so it is not in sync with what residents are expecting,’ said Mutimba.
Mutimba also applauded the prioritisation of procurement of sewer and water equipment as the city had continuous sewer bursts.
“We are also satisfied with the allocation of procurement of about US$165 000 in buying sewer and water equipment that is in order because we are struggling to address sewer bursts and sewer blockages in the city. The available equipment is now archaic and dilapidated hence continuous bursts so we are happy about that,” said Mutimba.
Council also allocated US$1m for servicing of Rujeko D stands, US$800 000 for Morningside Low Density Stands, US$550 000 for WestView Industrial Stands and US$200 000 for Runyararo West stands.
As council also gives priority to ongoing projects, Mucheke Trunk Sewer is set to get US$400 000 with another US$400 000 allocated towards procurement of the new landfill equipment.
At least $50 000 has been allocated for the construction of a maternity wing at Runyararo West Clinic while a new ambulance was budgeted for $60 000. Council also plans to construct an infectious diseases hospital up to the slab level in 2025 and about $50 000 was set aside for that project.
Mutimba, however, said council was supposed to bring the draft budget to residents for scrutiny before adoption and bemoaned lack of implementation of income generating projects by council as proposed to ease the burden on the already struggling ratepayers.
“As residents we are a bit concerned with the budget adopted by council, when they came to us they did not have a draft so they came to collect views from residents and they promised to come back with a written draft so that residents will review and scrutinize their contributions if they have been captured accurately but they did not do that. When we make processes we must make sure that we fulfill them,”said Mutimba.
Masvingo City’s water supply at Bushmead Waterworks pumps about 30 megaliters of water per day which is 18 megalitres shy of the current demand pegged at 48 megaliters per day.

MCC embarks on client satisfaction survey

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MCC embarks on client satisfaction survey

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Council dedicated days between December 17 up to December 27 2024 for a client satisfaction survey from its stakeholders and ratepayers as a way of getting feedback.
The local authority hired Sixth Sense Consulting (Pvt) Ltd to conduct the survey that is intended to gather feedback from its clients in terms of service delivery.
Masvingo City Council Communications and Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika told TellZim News that the survey will help the council to make informed decisions so residents were urged to participate.
“The survey is being done for the improvement of service delivery as well as getting feedback on where we are lacking as a local authority.
“The survey will be conducted through door to door interviews targeting residents and ratepayers, so we encourage all stakeholders to participate in the survey and provide their valuable feedback,” said Jinjika.
The survey was however disputed by some residents saying it was a waste of money to hire a private company to do the survey which they could do on their own.
Masvingo Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) spokesperson Godfrey Mtimba said the local authority should have done the survey on their own rather than hiring an external partner.
“These are deals which are meant to benefit some individuals, they could have done this themselves, only training will be required for one to conduct an interview and anyone from council could do it. This clearly shows there is someone behind who will directly benefit.
“Hiring a consultancy is expensive, it is only sucking ratepayers and residents’ money and they will later complain that the local authority doesn’t have enough money to fund crucial services in the city,” said Mtimba.

26 institutions benefit from Mayor’s Christmas Cheer

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26 institutions benefit from Mayor’s Christmas Cheer

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Twenty-six institutions benefited from Masvingo City Mayor’s 2024 Christmas Cheer fund at an event held at the town house on December 19.
Speaking at the event, Masvingo City Deputy Mayor and Ward 5 Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe said they celebrated the community’s commitment to helping others, reflecting on how the community unites them through shared experiences.
“We are here not only to celebrate our shared commitment to uplifting those in need but also to recognize the power of generosity and compassion that resides in each one of us.
“As we embark on this journey of giving, let us take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of community. A community is more than just a collection of individuals; it is a tapestry woven together by our shared experiences, our collective challenges, and, most importantly, our willingness to support one another,” said Mberikunashe.
He said the cheer fund was a beacon of hope for several people in the community, and every dollar donated would go a long way in positively impacting people’s lives.
“The Mayor’s Cheer Fund serves as a beacon of hope for many families and individuals in our community. It provides essential resources to those who are struggling, whether it be through food assistance, educational programs, or emergency support. Every dollar donated will go directly towards making a significant impact in the lives of those who need it the most,” said Mberikunashe.
He encouraged continuous support for the Mayor’s Cheer Fund to help neighbors thrive and foster a lasting culture of giving.
“Your contributions, no matter how big or small, are vital in ensuring that our community remains strong and resilient. Together, we can help our neighbors overcome challenges, provide for their families, and foster an environment where everyone can thrive. We wish that everyone tells the next person that it is necessary to donate towards the event.
“Let’s also remember that our efforts do not end with a single donation. They are a call to action, inspiring us to continue spreading kindness and support throughout the year. I urge you to share the message of the Mayor’s Cheer Fund with your friends, family, and colleagues. Together, we can build a culture of giving that extends far beyond today.
“The Cheer Fund is an ongoing event; we can continue to bring our donations, and they will be directed to the relevant people throughout the year,” said Mberikunashe.
Disability Amalgamation Community Trust (DACT) Director Henry Chivhanga thanked those who donated towards the event and encouraged the beneficiaries to share what they got with others.
“I would like to thank the City of Masvingo, business organizations, golf participants, and members of the public for donating to the underprivileged. Those who failed to get an opportunity to deliver their items, feel free to come. I urge those who received from the cheer fund to share with others in need in their respective areas,” said Chivhanga.
Institutions that benefited from the cheer fund include Ngomahuru Hospital, Henry Murray School for the Deaf, Copota School for the Blind, Alfred Walter Hostel, Ratidzo Zimcare Trust, Alpha Cottages, Mucheke Old People’s Home, ZACH, NDPZ, National Council for Disabled Persons, Zimbabwe Parents of Handicapped Children, Zimbabwe Association of the Visually Handicapped, M. Hugo Primary, Jairos Jiri Association, Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital, Copota Secondary School, Henry Murray School, Copota Workshops, Masvingo Provincial Hospital, Alpha, Disability Amalgamation Community Trust, Pioneer Cottage, Masvingo Wheelchair Tennis Club, Mucheke Cloakroom (squatters), two pupils from Vurombo Primary School and Mucheke High School, as well as the people who have no fixed abode—the squatters at Mucheke Bus Terminus.

Zanu PF bans Chiwenga loyalist MP Bhila

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Zanu PF bans Chiwenga loyalist MP Bhila

. . . issued with month long prohibition order for undermining ED Govt

Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – Two Zanu PF Masvingo Members of Parliament (MPs) were recently slapped with prohibition orders, barring them from attending any party meetings, amid escalating factional battles within the ruling party in the province.
The prohibition orders were handed to Chiredzi North MP Roy Bhila who is the Provincial Secretary for Finance and Gutu East MP Benjamin Ganyiwa, barring them from party programmes for 21 days.
Both Bhila and Ganyiwa are believed to be loyal to the Vice President Constantino Chiwenga faction which reportedly seeks to stop President Emmerson Mnangagwa from extending his rule beyond 2028.
Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe confirmed the development, saying such orders are issued when one is accused of violating the party’s constitution, where the accused would subsequently appear before a disciplinary hearing to defend themselves.
He said the two MPs’ issues had nothing to do with the 2030 slogan or alleged factional wars but rather an indiscipline case per individual.
“I can confirm, prohibition orders were given to Chiredzi North and Gutu East MPs. The orders are not expulsion letters but just an order to compel the accused to stop participating in party programmes until they appear before a disciplinary hearing where they would defend themselves,” Chiwewe said.
Bhila was accused of violating the party constitution and is facing three counts—he is set to appear before the disciplinary committee.
“The Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Disciplinary Committee met on 12 December 2024 and resolved to issue you with a Prohibition Order, in terms of Article 36, Section 528, of the ZANU PF Party Constitution,” read part of the order.
Bhila is facing three counts, the first being of uttering statements that could bring or have potential to bring or has a consequence of bringing the name of the party and/or its leadership into disrepute.
“In your address at an open discussion hard talk meeting on service delivery and council operations of Chiredzi Town Council where you uttered that Chiredzi Town Council should revert back to its original expansion zone “kunjanji kuma sewerage kwamakapa vanhu minda yenzimbe kusina mvura.. endai munotora ikoko and leave ward 29 alone!” This behavior as a Member of Parliament is uncalled for. You should be seen embracing development but you use destructive language inciting the public against government programmes,” reads the charge.
“You intentionally insulted and threatened to destroy Mrs Mabhiza during a public meeting and her husband calling him a ‘big fool’ and “zibenzi chairo”. The party expects highest level of discipline from its members and insulting members at party meetings is uncalled for. Zanu PF embraces solidifying families of its members so the language you used on a fellow member has a negative impact to the image of the party. The language destroys families and end up discouraging members to attend party meetings,” reads the second charge.
On charge three, he was accused of insulting and denigrating another member where he and his team attacked fellow party members.
“You deliberately and intentionally sent your team to attack Cde Timothy Fozokai and damaged him. This behavior is not and will never be condoned by the party Zanu PF. You did this at a ward rally at Fever Shame in Ward 17 Chiredzi North and the case was reported to the DIO simply because the complainant respected the party, he did not report to the police but you acted as if nothing happened. As the report reached this office we were left with no option other than coming out with this charge.
“On 30 May 2024 your team went on to attack Cde W. Foromera, Ward 3 youth member at Judea Manjirenji turn off and reasonably caused damages to him.
“Therefore the prohibition order means that you shall cease acting in any or represent or hold office within the party, until the provincial capacity or Disciplinary Committee has made a determination,” read the order.
All your actions are contrary to the dictates of the Party Constitution as stated in Article 3 Section 19 (1-7),” reads part of the prohibition order.
Asked for comment Bhila acknowledged receipt of the prohibition order, saying he would follow what the party decides and will remain a loyal party member, supporting Mnangagwa and his 2030 agenda.
“I follow what the party decides, if it says go then I will go. I will remain resolute and loyal to the party, I will continue supporting the Party and the President and push for the 2030 agenda,” said Bhila.
Masvingo Province recently resolved to punish anyone who is against the ‘2030 vanenge vachipo’ slogan and recently one Zanu PF councilor Brighton Mushekwa from Bikita was verbally suspended for refusing to chant the slogan.

MP Mutodi pleads to pay $30 maintenance as ex-wife demands $1.5k

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MP Mutodi pleads to pay $30 maintenance as ex-wife demands $1.5k

By Beverly Bizeki

Zanu PF Member of Parliament for Bikita South, who is also a businessman and a lawyer, Energy Mutodi has proposed paying US$30 monthly for the upkeep of his child in court, where his ex-wife had sued him for maintainance at Masvingo Civil Courts.
Mutodi’s ex-wife had demanded that he paid US$1 500 monthly for their six-month-old child, which Mutodi argued he could not afford due to low income, but could only pay US$30.
Masvingo Magistrate Isaac Chikura however after assessing submissions from both sides ordered Mutodi, who is also into land development, to pay US$80 for child support after the child’s mother, his ex-wife, Polite Dhiyo failed to defend her request for US$1 500.
Dhiyo, who claimed that she was married to Mutodi under customary law but later divorced said the child was conceived and born during the time when they were married but Mutodi had failed to support the child financially since birth.
In his defense, Mutodi through his legal representative Collen Maboke claimed that he had a low income considering he had seven other children whom he was taking care of and one was enrolled at National University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Mutodi also justified his US$30 offer stating that his monthly income averaged US$40 after deductions for the past five months against the substantial earnings claims made by Dhiyo.
He further claimed that he was married to another woman for whom he had financial obligations to fulfill hence his offer of US$30.
Mutodi also provided proof to the court that he was paying for the child’s school fees as she is enrolled in a crèche.

Kondongwe appointed ZPCS commissioner

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Kondongwe appointed ZPCS commissioner

By Perpetua Murungweni

Masvingo prominent businessman Sternly Mhande Kondongwe was appointed as the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services Commissioner on December 19, 2024, by President Emmerson Munangagwa.
Kondongwe was appointed alongside five other commissioners, namely Rosemary Kanonge, Simon Madzimure, Albert Mandinika, Chipo Mandela, and Utloile Silaigwana.
Kondongwe said he was humbled by the appointment as a commissioner and would be happy to serve his nation.
“There is a population of around 16 million in Zimbabwe, and being chosen to be a commissioner means a lot, and I’m humbled. I am happy to be serving my country, and I would like to thank the President, who saw it fit to appoint me, so I will continue serving the country,” said Kondongwe.
He promised to make sure that the commission serves its purpose as mandated by the constitution and to work towards the betterment of correctional services.
“It’s a constitutional requirement that the ZPCS must have this commission, and we are mandated to oversee the operations within the correctional facilities. We don’t do the everyday operations work, but we sit as a commission, and most of our work is policy work,” said Kondongwe.
He said as a commissioner, his main focus was on the rehabilitation and reformation of inmates.
“My priority will be on the rehabilitation of inmates. I am going to make sure that those facilities are habitable, and I believe we cannot develop them all at once, but I think we need to start from somewhere. There is a need to redo all the facilities, and as the commission, we are going to make sure that our prison services will improve.
“We are going to facilitate production improvement at prison farms to have adequate food for the inmates. As a commission, we are going to promote human rights within prisons and ensure that inmates are treated with dignity,” he said.
Before his appointment, Kondongwe had been running charity programs, where he sets seven days aside every year for helping those in need, and he has in the past helped Masvingo’s Mutimurefu Prison through his ZPCS charity programs.
He served for six years as a committee member of the Provincial Committee for ZPCS. During his time on the committee, he managed to implement a number of projects, such as fisheries and farming, and lobbied for pivot irrigation at Mutimurefu.
Kondongwe is a 49-year-old business entrepreneur who runs motor vehicle services and sales in Masvingo, Bulawayo, and Gweru, Byword Logistics, Jadecon Construction and Engineering, as well as Jadecon Foods.

Female Teacher Pioneers Boxing judging

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Female Teacher Pioneers Boxing judging

By Perpetua Murungweni

In a significant milestone for women’s empowerment in sports, a female teacher from Zaka, Tambudzai Dera (40), has emerged as a pioneering force in Zimbabwe’s boxing refereeing, challenging stereotypes and inspiring change.
Dera, who teaches at Mutonhori High in Zaka, continues to inspire as she officiated at another international boxing tournament in South Africa on December 6, three months after making history in Zambia where she officiated as the only female referee.
Speaking to TellZim News, Dera said the opportunity will boost her credibility in the boxing industry and drive her career forward.
“Officiating a World Boxing Council (WBC) match this year for the second time is humbling. This opportunity will not only enhance my skills but also boost my credibility and reputation within the boxing industry, driving my career forward.
“The opportunity means the world to me as it validates my hard work and dedication, as well as expanding my horizon and broadening my perspectives in the boxing field. I am happy to be representing my country and other female judges worldwide for the second time, and this is not going to be the end,” said Dera.
Dera said apart from the international tournaments, she also got a chance to officiate a national tournament that was held in Harare.
“I am proud of the achievement that I have made so far. I got a chance to officiate three tournaments: two international and one local in February which was held in Harare,” said Dera.
Overcoming gender biases and stereotypes is still her goal, and with the support from family and friends, she is fulfilling her dreams.
“Overcoming assumptions that women can’t excel in male-dominated spheres like boxing judging is still my goal. I am going to overcome this through my performance by demonstrating my skills and impartiality through consistent and accurate judging. In this sport, I focus on sport, not gender, thus emphasizing my passion for boxing and judging, rather than my gender,” she said.
Dera was the only female referee at the tournament out of four, two South Africans and one Zambian. The tournament was WBC match between Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Parents, Churches urged to openly speak about HIV with Adolescents

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Parents, Churches urged to openly speak about HIV with Adolescents

By Meditation Mposi

Parents and churches have been urged to normalize conversations about HIV, AIDS, and sex-related issues with teenagers.
This came up during a provincial symposium on connecting adolescent girls and young women for HIV prevention, organized by MyAge Trust in partnership with Development Agenda for Girls and Women in Africa (DAWA).
Apostle Ngonidzashe Mutume of the Presbyterian Church said prevention of HIV among adolescents had to be advocated for in churches, saying it was better to have healthy sinners.
“It is weird for a Pastor like me to talk about ways of preventing HIV to adolescent girls and young women in a church, but the truth is that the world has changed and parents must adapt.
“No matter how we teach our children in churches to abstain, they still go behind our backs and fornicate. Parents in churches must be taught on how time has evolved and must be open to talk about prevention measures with their children to curb HIV in order to have healthy future generations and a bright future.
“It is better to have healthy sinners than sick saints,” said Mutume.
One young woman, Nothando Nyamukangaira, who was present at the workshop concurred, saying education was supposed to start with the elders who would then cascade it to the youths.
“I think our parents need to be educated on being open to their children about HIV prevention methods. For example, in terms of condoms, a number of parents are not comfortable teaching their children how to use them.
“Parents must be open and encourage their young adolescent girls and young women to use preventive measures in order to curb HIV,” said Nyamukangaira.
Another young woman said health workers were supposed to be easy to approach if people wanted to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS.
“Nurses in hospitals must be easy to approach and they must be confidential with our information. You find out that if you go to a hospital and ask for PEP, the attitude that an adolescent gets is very uncomfortable,” she said.
Tarisai Maregere from My Age said the use of activism and theater was essential for HIV advocacy and had been working for them as an organization.
“Using art such as drama, music, poetry is essential in delivering messages among adolescent girls and young women in communities.
“There are essential keys to know when advocating for HIV prevention: knowing the targeted audiences, knowing the goal, the channels to use for the information to reach everyone, and knowing the root causes of high rates of HIV among adolescent girls and young women in communities,” said Maregere.
Yvonne Ndoga from Pangaea Zimbabwe emphasized the use of new, emerging HIV prevention methods and urged young women to embrace them.
“Adolescent girls and young women are encouraged to use biomedical (the use of medical interventions to reduce the risk of HIV transmission) HIV prevention methods to prevent the risk of HIV infection as well as by people living with HIV to prevent them from transmitting the virus to others.
“There are types of biomedical HIV prevention which are Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), Treatment as prevention (TasP). PrEP is used by people who do not have HIV before they are exposed to HIV, PEP is used by people who do not have HIV and they use it after being exposed to HIV, TasP is used by people living with HIV to prevent it from spreading to their partners.
“PrEP has types which are Oral PrEP, a pill containing antiretroviral (ARV) that can be used if one is HIV negative to prevent HIV. There is also the Dapivirine Vaginal ring (PrEP ring) which is inserted in the woman’s vagina for a full month and replaced every month.
“These biomedical methods are given for free in Hospitals and adolescent girls and women are encouraged to use them to prevent HIV,” said Ndoga.
Several other organizations, including the Ministry of Health and Child Care, ZIMACE, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Jairos Jiri Association, and the Ministry of Youth, among others, were also present.

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