Home Blog Page 91

Shot in the arm for Zaka’s Jinjika School

TellZim News
-
0
Shot in the arm for Zaka’s Jinjika School

By Meditation Mposi

After 24 years with only three classroom blocks, Jinjika Secondary School in Zaka is witnessing first signs of development as there are plans to construct another block.
Earlier this year, TellZim News wrote a story about Jinjika Secondary School which is Ward 33, Zaka North and was in dire need of more classroom blocks as the only available classrooms accommodate few people forcing the school to drop its enrolment.
In an interview, Zaka North Member of Parliament (MP) Ophias Murambiwa who chairs the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Primary and Secondary Education said there were preparations for the construction of another classroom block.
“We are planning to build blocks at Jinjika. We are waiting for the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) that we have applied for, and once we receive funds, construction of the classroom block will commence.
“So far bricks, river and pit sand have been ferried to the school though they are not enough and more will be mobilized.
“The bricks are not yet enough for a classroom block. Parents and the community will help us with labour, river and pit sand for construction,” said Murambiwa.
The School Development Committee (SDC) Chairperson Alerta Magombedze said preparations for construction were underway.
“Preparations of building another classroom block are underway and with the available bricks we managed to put on the box since they are not enough. Bricks and cement are not enough therefore we are waiting for external assistance since the school is struggling.
“We have since gotten support from our MP Hon Murambiwa and Zaka Central MP honorable Marapira (Davies).Hon Marapira gave us lorry to transport bricks helped with sand and Honorable Murambiwa gave us a lorry to carry farm bricks which were made by the parents.
She also said the school was in need of roofing material for one teacher’s house that was constructed but the school was failing to pool resources to finish construction.

Confusion mars GZU’s 18th graduation preps

TellZim News
-
0
Confusion mars GZU’s 18th graduation preps

…venue changed 4 times

By Tatiana Mhararira

The changes in graduation venue for the Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) 18th graduation ceremony set for tomorrow (November 1, 2024)  was marred with a lot of confusion disrupting plans for both graduands and guests.

Initial communications indicated that the event was going to take place at Mashava Campus which is about 45 km from Masvingo City after the official opening of the university’s Mashava hospital but later changed to Main Campus.

However it is alleged that state security agents raised concerns saying the area would be difficult to provide maximum for President Emmerson Mnangagwa during the graduation ceremony.

Contacted for comment on the venue changes, GZU Director of Information and Public Relations Anderson Chipatiso said he was occupied and students should go by what is written on the last communication issued.

In the first notice that was issued early October the graduation had been set to take place at Mashava campus on the October 31 but was however, moved to the university main campus and was to be held on November 1.

Shortly after the issuance of the second notice, a third notice was released indicating that the graduation had been moved back to Mashava Campus.

“GZU advises graduands and guests that the 2024 graduation ceremony has been moved from Thursday, October 31, 2024, to Friday, November 1, 2024, at Mashava Stadium,” read part of the notice.

However, on the eve of the graduation, another notice was issued indicating that the ceremony had been moved back to the Main Campus and that rehearsals would also take place there.

“GZU wishes to inform all stakeholders that the venue for the 18th graduation ceremony scheduled for Friday, November 1, 2024, is the Main Campus,” the notice read.

Some of the graduands aired their displeasure on GZU Facebook page expressing their state of confusion.

“With this state of confusion I can safely say University of Confusion not University of Choice,” said student

Another comment read “What is left is for us to be told to stand up during the ceremony, the new venue for the graduation ceremony is Mashava campus. Sorry for the inconveniences caused.”

“Next time prioritize graduands and guests the inconvenience is just unnecessary,” read another comment.

“GZU is acting like is under the influence of drugs the confusion and disorder is too much” another comment read.

“I’m confused I don’t know where exactly I should go for the graduation ceremony Mashava Campus or Main Campus,”

“If the University is facing venue challenges allow the graduation to be conducted using zoom meeting and people will attend the event in the comfort of their homes,” another comment read.

The conflicting announcements have created confusion among graduands and guests, raising questions about the reasons behind the venue changes, the decision to move to Mashava Campus, and the last-minute confirmation of the Main Campus as the final location.

Mai Patai, King David release new single

TellZim News
-
0
Mai Patai, King David release new single

By TellZim Reporter

Gweru – born Gospel Artist Respina Patai popularly known in the music circles as Mai Patai recently collaborated with gospel music newcomer King David real name Bravemen Chizvino formerly known as Baba Harare and released a new single titled Hakuna Anoramba.
Speaking to TellZim News Mai Patai said the single signified God’s authority over everything quoting the biblical book of Revelations.
“The title’s theme is inspired by the word of God in Revelation 3 verse 7, which says ‘To the angel of the church Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David, What he opens no one can shut and what he shuts no one can open’. It reflects God’s authority and control over circumstances, affirming that nobody can oppose his plans.
“The idea is to inspire people through this song that if God is intending to raise you or call you to do his work no one can be against him. Let the world talk or assume negativity but when God decides no one can stop his plans,” said Mai Patai.
The song comforts and encourages everyone who is at the brink of losing hope in life that God is there for everyone and every situation.
“This song ministers to everyone and it uplifts the spirit of those who might lose hope in every circle of life,” she said.
The track is already trending on social media, with fans praising the musicians for the track which is loaded with divine content.
Mai Patai expressed her gratitude to fans for the support, stating that she is overwhelmed by their support which she said pushed her to do more.
“I appreciate my fans for their tremendous support, I’m very thrilled and motivated and feel that I should do more,” she said.
She thanked King David, her producer Cymblex, her video director Hasting and God for making the production a success.
Mai Patai released six albums namely Mazambara, Mabhiravira , Makanaka , Samulena , Punish the Devil and Watch and Pray and has three singles namely Ndinoda Kuona , Nzira Dzekare and Hakuna Anoramba.
Mai Patai is pastoring at Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe, Harare.

Come for consultations – Council urged

TellZim News
-
0
Come for consultations – Council urged

By Own Correspondent

Villagers from Mutasa Dristrict Council’s ward 18 have urged the local authority to prioritise consultative meetings in order to promote participation by ordinary members of the society.
Speaking during a community dialogue meeting organized by TellZim News, members of the public said they were worried by the fact that they had never been involved in budget consultation meetings and urged the ward Councillor Johanne Mandirangana to make sure the local authority comes to the people.
“We have seen government coming down to us for budget consultations and we make our contributions to national budget but surprisingly we have never seen our local authority doing the same here.
“We have always seen you (Councillor) here and we do meetings with you and we are happy with you thus far- however, your council has not managed to come down for budgets reviews. We are surprised with new levies and taxes that are just imposed on us without consultations,” said Village had Chauruka.
Villagers said there were a number of projects and activities that they would want to see local authority executing.


Councillor Mandiringana said he was happy to hear people’s views and promised to do his best in addressing concerns raised. He also urged the Ward Development Committee (WDCO) to be very active and be ready to do their work.
“I can’t be everywhere or the council may not be represented at every level however, your Ward Development Committee – the people I introduced to you when we started this meeting must be there always to push for our interests as a ward. Those people must be active to promote healthy dialogue between you and local authority. I will be happy as Councillor to always have this committee come for follow-ups and suggestions of the things that we must do together,” said the councilor.

Villagers from Mutasa South’s ward 18 during a dialogue meeting at Chidazemba Primary School

…as pregnant women travel 12 km to nearest clinic

Speaking at the same event, locals told the Councillor that there was need to fast-track the completion of a clinic being constructed at Chidazembe Primary School since expecting mothers were travelling almost 12 km to the nearest health facility.
“We appeal to you to help that we finish our clinic as soon as possible since expecting mothers are travelling very long distances for services. In many instances, women are walking for 12km and we think this is not good,” said village head Chauruka.
Other villagers also raised issues of human wildlife conflict saying they were facing challenges from wild animals like warthogs that were invading their fields and destroying crops.
“We are failing to get better yields because of wild pigs. Right now the yams we planted are being eaten by the pigs. The mealies that are almost ready in gardens are being eaten and even in the fields when we plant, they will also come, so this is affecting our yields,” said one villager.

Car theft on rise in Masvingo

TellZim News
-
0
Car theft on rise in Masvingo

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Police in Masvingo have expressed concern over the increase in reported cases of motor vehicle theft this year following reports of two motor vehicles stolen over the past weeks.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said this while confirming the recent theft of two motor vehicles that occurred on the weekend of October 18, 2024 and urged car owners to be careful.
“Cases of car theft are on the rise in Masvingo. We have a report of two vehicles that were stolen over the past few weeks though the police managed to recover them.
“On September 13, a motor vehicle was taken from Victoria Ranch and on September 20 another vehicle was stolen from the same area. Another one was stolen on October 7.
“I would like to urge car owners to put security measures in place to avoid car theft or make it easier for police to track like putting car trackers, alarms and lockable garages. Trackers will make it easier for the police to track stolen vehicles whilst alarms and locked garages scare away thieves,” said Dhewa.
He said the stolen vehicles belonged to Clayton Nyakanyanga (34) whose car was stolen along Leopold Takawira Street near Windows Hardware, valued at approximately US$4500. The other one belonged to Rashid Mutsvaire (35) that was valued US$3500 and was stolen at Mucheke Rank.
Circumstances are that on October 18 at around 1120 hours Nyakanyanga left his black Honda fit vehicle parked near Windows Hardware, Masvingo CBD while the car keys were on ignition.
Nyakanyanga went into the hardware to make a purchase, only to discover upon his return that the vehicle was missing and he reported the incident to the police.
During the investigations the police received information indicating that Tinashe Moyo (24) had been seen driving the stolen vehicle.
On the second incident, a Toyota Sedan Sprinter was stolen at Mucheke rank and was found in possession of Ephraim Chivenge (19) from Masvingo Industrial Street and Nickson Chizengwe (24) from Majange Street.
It is reported that on October 18, Mutsvaire from Zimuto Street parked his Grey Toyota Sedan Sprinter near Chifamba shop in Mucheke and locked it before going to his homestead. The following day at 0900 hours he found the vehicle missing and reported the incident.
The police received information about the two suspects at Yeukai attempting to tow another vehicle using the stolen vehicle and they were arrested.

Masvingo poet set to release collection

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo poet set to release collection

By Tatiana Mhararira

A Masvingo poet Tecla Nyengeterai Mwoyo is set to release a poetry anthology which she says was meant to promote Zimbabwean culture, with the project running from end of October to December 2024.
Mwoyo said the anthology is state funded and learners from primary and secondary schools as well as college students will be contributing their work in it.
She said after the success of her first poetry album ‘Voiceless’, she was inspired to work on the second project which she said is meant to equip people from various ages with poetry skills as there are many talented people out there with most of them lacking kills.
“Following the success of the ‘Voiceless’ album, I am working on my upcoming project called My Hearty Zim Culture Poetry Anthology running under the theme ‘The best way to understand a different culture is to live among’.
“The anthology aims to equip leaners and students with necessary poetry skills in promoting shared standard of interactions, to enable Zimbabweans to embrace their culture with pride, to promote multiculturalism and to facilitate translation of indigenous languages used in anthology into English Language being supplementary tourism industry efforts,” said Mwoyo.
Mwoyo said each province will have its own poetry book and there were some key outputs which she aimed to see after the launch of the anthology.
“The key outputs of the anthology include increased responsiveness from schools covering all ten provinces to district levels, technical facilities, raised awareness and publication of information,” said Mwoyo.
Mwoyo is a poet registered with the National Arts Council and can perform on a number of events including local and international events.
Some of the poems on the ‘Voiceless’ album include Dear God, Valentine, I’m sorry, Girl Child, Dzimba Dzemabwe, Kutenda, Wandakada, Kubaira Zanhi and Ndakatamba nepwere.

2 more awards for Junior Enterprises

TellZim News
-
0
2 more awards for Junior Enterprises

By Virgina Njovo

Junior Enterprise which runs a thriving Driving school, two private schools and a security company won two more awards at the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce (ZNCC) Masvingo Chapter at Flamboyant Hotel recently.
Junior Driving School was crowned MSME of The Year while Junior Enterprises Director Noah Marima won the Businessman of The Year award.
In Septermber, Junior Primary School was recognised as the Best Private School while Marima was crowned Entrepreneur of The Year at the Sundrive Annual Business Awards.
Junior Driving School was crowned Outstanding Driving School at the Masvingo Agricultural Show.
Marima was named Outstanding Business Personality in 2020 at the Megafest awards while Junior High School bagged the Diamond Award in 2022 cementing the enterprise as one of the best in the province and beyond.
Speaking to TellZim News, Marima said he was humbled by the awards which he said were a testament to the organisation’s quest for excellence.
“These awards are not just a testament to my hard work, but also to the incredible support I’ve received from my team and colleagues.
“They came as a reminder that our efforts are making a difference, and as Junior Enterprises, we are honoured,” said Marima.
Junior Driving School has also been named best in the Motor Trade Industry several times at the Masvingo Agricultural Show.
One of Junior Driving School Drivers recently came third in the driver-of-the-year competitions held by the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe (TCSZ) recently.

Rains threaten Mucheke, Chimusana Bridges completion

TellZim News
-
0
Rains threaten Mucheke, Chimusana Bridges completion

… as financial hurdles delay progress

By Perpetua Murungweni

The long-stalled Mucheke and Chimusana Bridges projects have suffered another setback ,with construction crushing to an end due to financial challenges.
With Masvingo town having received first rains on the evening of October 23, continuous delays could draw back the work as rains could fill in excavations that had already been done at the two bridges.
Construction of the Mucheke Chevron Bridge and Chimusana Bridge commenced in June this year and was expected to be completed by next year February.
However, progress at both bridges seem to be slow and Ministry of Public works Engineer Shadreck Kativhu confirmed the slowing down of progress claiming it was due to financial challenges.
“Currently we are experiencing financial constraints, but will notify you once our funding situation improves. We are awaiting for disbursement of funds through the timelines are unclear,” said Kativhu.
Timelines remain a maze as responsible authorities are failing to provide information as well as the amount of money to be used for the projects. Kativhu refused to comment on completion timelines and way forward since they were struggling with finances before referring this reporter to Engineer Zindoga from the head office who also failed to comment referring questions back to Kativhu.
“Procedurally I am not allowed to comment on that, Engineer Kativhu can assist you,” said Zindoga
Ministry of Public Works routine report seen by this publication however indicated that the construction of the Mucheke Chevron Bridge was expected to be completed in February 2025 and gave an outline of the bridges.
In their 2012/13 budget, Masvingo City Council had proposed US$800 000 for the widening of Chimusana Bridge and in 2014 council then indicated that the same project needed at least US$2.5million. The council, then under the late Town Clerk Adolf Gusha claimed that the money that was proposed in the 2012 council budget was never collected as residents failed to pay their bills.
In 2018, government cancelled a tender to modernize the Harare-Masvingo-Beitbridge highway that had been awarded to Austrian firm, Geiger International and awarded it to five local companies namely Masimba Holdings, Exodus and Company, Fossil Contracting, Bitumen World and Tensor.
In 2022 Masimba Construction Company was then contracted to construct additional bridges on Mucheke River in Masvingo which were aimed at reducing congestion along the Masvingo-Beitbridge highway under the Emergency Road Rehabilitation Programme (ERRP 2).
Recently, Masimba Holdings issued a notice on the closure to traffic of Chimusana Bridge starting from September 17, saying it was meant for the continuation of the Harare-Beitbridge roadworks, but to date, the bridge is yet to be closed and there is no progress.

Village heads bemoan water challenges in Mutasa

TellZim News
-
0
Village heads bemoan water challenges in Mutasa

By Own Correspondent

Village heads in ward 18 of Mutasa District are appealing to the government to intervene and solve water challenges affecting the area.
Speaking to the ward councilor Johanne Mandiringana at a TellZim News facilitated interface meeting recently, village heads said although they were happy with government interventions in many areas, they were appealing for a lasting solution to water problems.
Village head Onias Chasauka said people from his village were walking several kilometers in search of clean water for drinking and other domestic uses.
“I am faced with serious water problems in my village. Women and children are walking over five kilometers looking for water to drink and often they end up fetching unclean water from rivers. We are sitting on a health time bomb because of the obtaining situation,” said Chasauka.
Nyakurima Village head also weighed in saying the situation was no longer bearable and suggested that the solution may be obtained if they are assistance in getting pipes that can be connected from main water pipes that take water from Pungwe River to Mutare.
“We do not have water at Shamhu shopping center, business is highly affected there and yet there is an option of diverting water from Pungwe River to our community,” said Nyakurima.
Councilor Mandiringana said he was not aware of the dire situation as explained by village heads but promised that the issue would be treated with urgency and priority it deserves.
“You see the reason why these dialogues are important, I now have a full picture of water woes in this area and I will go and approach our Member of Parliament (MP) for assistance. We must never allow people to drink unclean water or let them walk long distances to get water. I promise you that we are bringing a solution soon,” said Mandiringana.
Mandiringana said with the help of local MP Misheck Mugadza, a number of boreholes including the one at Nyakatsapa garden were drilled but said due to the time of the year, water was generally becoming a challenge.
“As you already know, a number of boreholes were drilled here but some of those boreholes are dry because the water table is generally low during this period of the year,” said Mandiringana.

Normal to above normal rainfall expected this season

TellZim News
-
0
Normal to above normal rainfall expected this season

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

The Meteorological Services Department has issued its seasonal rainfall forecast, expecting above normal rainfall across Zimbabwe for the majority of the 2024/2025 season.
Southern Africa Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF) confirmed the forecast, which is expected to benefit agriculture, water resources and economic development.
Parastatal Agritex and the Zimbabwe Farmers Union (ZFU) have urged farmers to gear up for the upcoming rainy season in anticipation of successful harvests.
Speaking to TellZim News, Chiredzi District Agritex Officer Tongai Bodi said farmers were supposed to gear up for the farming season which he said would be different from last year’s.
“We anticipate normal to above-normal rainfall, suggesting that this season is expected to be better than the previous one in terms of agricultural prospects. Farmers are encouraged to commence farming when there is sufficient rainfall, reaching a minimum of 30mm.
“In areas like Chiredzi, we advise them to begin planting their initial crops or small grains such as sorghum, millet, groundnuts, and cotton. The commencement of the season is indicated by a rainfall of 30 mm and there shouldn’t be 20 consecutive dry days.
“We do not encourage farmers to cultivate with light rainfall amounts less than 30 millimetres. For instance if there is accumulative rainfall within ten days this indicates the possibility for them to begin farming,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of farmers collaborating closely with their Extension Officers to receive comprehensive advice and guidance before commencing farming activities once the season begins.
“We urge all farmers to collaborate with their Agricultural Extension Officers and Agronomists to receive guidance on identifying the signals that mark the beginning of the rainy season. This assistance is important in determining which crops to plant and when to plant them,” said Bodi.
ZFU Masvingo District Chairperson Chrispen Chiuswa said farmers were showing signs of preparedness and the union urged them to implement conservation farming.
“Farmers are demonstrating evident readiness by applying manure in their fields and some have already begun implementing Pfumvudza or Intwasa. We advocate for utilizing the initial rains to speed up land preparation and ensure preparedness.
“The Union is recommending the adoption of conservation farming methods like Pfumvudza and Nhimbe system to enhance agricultural sustainability,” said Chiuswa.
Chiuswa added that modern farming demanded careful planning and timely decision making.
“In the present agricultural environment, farming is a successful industry that demands careful planning. Farmers need to think ahead and buy necessary resources quickly. This way of thinking allows them to take advantage of chances, gain benefits and guarantee a stable future,” he said.

1...909192...956Page 91 of 956