Home Blog Page 949

Masvingo beef producers petition government over crocodiles

0
By Upenyu Silent Chaota

Masvingo Beef Producers’ Association (MBPA) has handed a petition to the Provincial Adminstrator (PA) Felix Chikovo today (Friday) demanding the government’s intervention in controlling crocodiles terrorizing the Mazare community.
The chairperson of MBPA Robert Makado said the government was responsible for all wild animals attacking domesticated animals and people in Masvingo. He said the victims including relatives of the young boy who was killed by crocodiles this week no longer had confidence in the department of National Parks and Wildlife Management.
In a letter directed to the PA dated 20 February 2015, the association expressed disappointment over the way in which the National Parks handled wild animals especially crocodiles, lions and hyenas in Masvingo.
 “Our major obstacle is the way in which the National Parks and Wildlife Management’s response to the carnivorous wild animals which includes lions, hyenas, leopards and crocodiles which have created havoc throughout the province”, part of the letter reads.

                           Robert Makado
The association postulates that over 40 herds of cattle worth a whopping $20 000 have been killed by crocodiles alone which habitat the pools of upper Mutirikwi river in the Mazare area.
The letter also addresses the notion that the outbreak of these wild animals has led to the outbreak of rabies in livestock emanating from hyenas and jackals.
“Even the department of Veterinary services is overburdened by the poor actions of national parks through the costly control of rabies spread by the roaming hyenas and jackals. The Summerton are of Masvingo district has lost a number of herds of cattle from the disease”, confirmed the letter.
The letter addressed that areas like Chartsworths, some parts of Gutu, Mashava and Gunikuni areas of Masvingo district  have large groups of hyenas feeding on the local communities’ livestock both big and small.
Communities along the Save valley conservancy of Bikita district are said to be losing a big number of cattle to lions coming from the conservancy.
Masvingo beef producers wants the people who lost their livestock to these wild animals to be compensated.
“We wish the government intervenes so that it awakens the department of National parks. They need to make decisions which balances game keeping and defending the masses not being ineffective, shocking, lazy, misguided and retrogressive they have been thus far”, concludes the letter.Local

Crocs kill one in Mazare

0
By Upenyu Silent Chaota

A sombre mood engulfed the Mazare community of Gutu under chief Musara this week as crocodiles that were terrorising the area since last year attacked and killed a 16 year old boy Shingirirai Mangwengwe who was herding cattle on Monday.
On the fateful day, Mangwengwe who was protecting his herd from getting to the river where crocs have been marauding decided to stand by the river side which led to the crocodile attacking him from behind.
The crocodile pulled him into the water and consumed half of his body. The remains of his body were  found the following day floating on top of water.


Villagers are blaming the department and National Parks and Wildlife Management for not taking action when the villagers reported about these cunning crocodiles.
 “We reported this matter a long time ago but the National Parks was relaxed and never took any action. The crocodiles have been attacking our cattle but it was better than now as we have lost a human life. I hope they will be moved out of their comfort zone”, said Takunda Rutanga before breaking into tears.
“We are now living in constant fear since we are no longer certain of what will happen to us. How many people must die before they take action,” lamented Rutanga.
Just recently Tell Zimbabwe carried a story about crocodiles terrorizing Mazare villagers but Parks spokesperson Caroline Washaya Moyo said they were not going to remove crocodiles unless they enter in to houses.
Chief Bonface Musara said it was high time Parks intervened to serve human life.local

Gokomere whiz kid looking for help

0
  
Joshua Mudhobhi, a former Gokomere High School student who bugged 13 ‘A’s and a ‘B’ in last year’s Zimsec November Ordinary Level exams, is appealing for financial help to enable him to continue with his studies.
The 17 year old genius said his wish is to go back to Gokomere High School for his ‘A’ Levels as the school offers some of the best conditions for academic success.
“I would like to go back to Gokomere for my ‘A’ Levels but my challenge is lack of money for school fees,” said Madhobhi.
Coming from a family of four children, Madhobhi says he grew up with a desire to be the best. 
“I worked very hard to try and beat the previous record of 14 ‘A’s set in the previous year by another student. Though I fell short of beating that record, I am satisfied by the effort I put and the result I achieved,” he added, saying he would want to study Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Economics if he gets an opportunity to go to ‘A’ Level.
Madhobhi’s mother, Esther Mavengano, can barely afford to fund his education as she also has to fend for his siblings one of whom should have started university last year.
“My desire is to see him doing his ‘A’ Levels but I cannot cope with all the requirements as I single-handedly have to cater for other children as well,” said Mavengano.
Describing her son as a shy and reserved person, she said she never recognised the genius in him until much later.
“Growing up very reserved and quite, we never knew he would become such a genius,” she said.
Gokomere High School Headmaster Mr Mutsambiwa said Madhobhi is a hardworking student who must be helped to succeed.
“He is such a hardworking person who deserves all the help he can get to reach his full potential,” said Mutsambiwa.
Anyone who wants to help can contact the boy’s mother on 0773164202.local
    

GZU Launches Fundraising Campaign

0

You are all invited to the official launch of the Great Zimbabwe University Fundraising Raffle on Saturday 14 February 2015 at the Caravan Park in Masvingo. The launch ceremony will start at 0900hrs. There will be lots of entertainment which includes music, braai, spot prizes, jumping castle. Bring the whole family and enjoy Valentine’s Day with a difference.

The raffle is part of fundraising activities by the University for a number of its construction projects. To qualify for the raffle one has to buy a ticket (s) worth $5,00 each and stand a chance to win any of the many prizes including: a Toyota Hilux single cab, a housing stand, a plasma television set, a heifer and lots of consolation prizes on offer. The tickets will be on sale from 1 February to 30 April 2015 and the draw will be conducted on 16 May 2015.Local

The Reformed Church University trains non-finance managers

0
Victoria K. Ndavambi

The Reformed Church University has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of Masvingo region and beyond through training non-finance making manager courses with a view to enable organisations to produce capital and curtail losses which they encounter.
The three day short course which sought to improve individual and organisation’s financial literacy was held from the 4th to the 6th of February 2015 at the Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo titled Finance for Non-Finance Managers in a bid to motivate non-finance making managers to work hard and curb losses through good management of funds.
The Reformed Church University organised this short course programme to promote and develop organisations in various districts of Masvingo and beyond which are non-profit making, and to cultivate a culture of financial literacy that should see departments developing a host of financial and technological innovations through continuous improvements.
In a statement, one of the facilitators, the Chief Executive Officer of Regency Group of Hotels in Masvingo Dr. Fredrick Kasese, encouraged the participants to promote financial literacy and transparency within organisations as he said that, ‘The strongest competitive forces determine the profitability of an industry.’


Some of the participants who attended the training workshop

His argument was based on the issue of technological advancement era which the world is living in, through the use of digital technology, people can wipe-out money even in small amounts in the banks and at the end of the day the account holder don’t realise it because of ignorance.
The 21st century has been characterised by great technological innovations which should see organisations adopting the new systems to suit the competitive environment and development of new ideas given that technology is the great growling engine of change.
The facilitators pointed out the importance of financial literacy as one of the most critical factors determining the long-term success and survival of most institutions in Zimbabwe, which leaders must adopt and adapt viable marketing techniques to safeguard their companies.
The increasingly competitive marketing structure needs innovative minds to enhance positive economic environment since organisations are operating in a negative economic situation affecting the nation.
The strongest competitive forces determine the profitability of an industry
The Vice Chancellor of the Reformed Church University, Professor Wiseman Magwa reiterated the importance of the workshop and embraced the confidence that the participants conferred with the Reformed Church University  as he said that, ‘This workshop is a blueprint of other developments towards transformation which the University has laid down, in the pursuit of bringing back the Zimbabwean societies’ pride.”
At the end, the workshop participants were awarded certificates, to appreciate their efforts and output during the learning process.
The Headmaster of Margaretha Hugo Primary School for the blind, Mr. Manjere appreciated the financial management framework they received from the facilitators.
He said, “This workshop was very important, I am assured that if we implement the finance management techniques we were trained, we can make a difference as Non-Finance Managers at individual and organisational levels.”
The RCU promised to offer more courses for the development of the region and country in the near future.local

VMCZ engages citizens on how to file complaints in Masvingo

0
By Itai Muzondo
The Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) has engaged citizens of Masvingo on how to file complaints against published news articles they feel have been wrongly reported or not apt for consumption by the public.
 Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association (MURRA) helped in organising the meeting which attracted over 40 residents from all wards in Masvingo urban.
Speaking at the workshop at a local hotel in Masvingo today (Wednesday), VMCZ Programmes Manager Faith Ndlovu urged residents to file complaints with her organisation whenever they feel that journalistic ethics were violated.


Faith Ndlovu speaking in Masvingo today
 “An ordinary citizen can file complaints against publications you feel are wrongly reported or are not apt for public consumption. We lobby for retractions in such situations of  which I am happy to say that nine out of ten reported cases are effectively resolved,” said Ndlovu.
Participants were however of the suggestion that VMCZ should also go to rural areas and educated ordinary villagers on how to file complains. Participants also lobbied for provincial offices where they would easily go and file their reports.
“VMCZ should also target rural communities as the news trend in Masvingo has now penetrated the rural community. They may also have complaints against some publications,” said the participant.local

16 pupils hospitalised as classroom collapsed on them

0
By Itai Muzondo
Sixteen  pupils at Chirara Primary School in Zaka were hospitalised after a classroom roof collapsed on them last week and were quickly ferried to Ndanga hospital for treatment.
The Masvingo Provincial Education Director Zedias Chitiga confirmed the incident and said a wild storm disturbed the day as it injured several children. He however, said all the injured pupils were quickly rushed to the hospital for immediate attention.
 “I can confirm that it was quite an unfortunate day as an unruly storm disturbed the order of the day. It was unfortunate that I received the message a bit late and I was informed that all children were rushed to Ndanga hospital where they received treatment and they have been since discharged.
“Most of them have even resumed class. Only one sustained serious back injuries and was taken to Masvingo General Hospital but has since been discharged as well,” said Chitiga.

Zaka North constituency Member of Parliament Robson Mavhenyengwa said he was saddened by the event. He also said it was fortunate that no one died since such accidents may result in loss of lives.
 “Such a situation really saddens me because besides slowing the pace of development, there can be unfortunate situations where lives may be lost. I however appeal to well – wishers at this moment to assist the school in refurbishing the school block,” said Mavhenyengwa.
In a similar case, Chidi Primary School’s roof, in the same area was wiped away by a storm in 2013 but was successfully refurbished by Plan International in conjunction with the government in 2014.local

Three MPs, DA complain over Zaka Chief’s abuse of office

0
… 12 Village heads want Chief Nhema to be stopped
By Itai Muzondo
Three legislators from Zaka district have approached their District Administrator (DA) to register their anger against Ranganai Bwawanda who is the current Chief Nhema whom they are accusing of gross abuse of office and human rights violations.
The three MPs Robson Mavhenyengwa (Zaka North), Paradza Chakona (Zaka Central) and Samson Mukanduri (Zaka East) said Chief Nhema was abusing his powers by unnecessarily charging and harassing innocent villagers.


About twelve village heads have also approached the DA saying they were no longer able to work with the youthful Chief Nhema.
Mavhenyengwa said Nhema was very exploitative since he demands money to carry out his traditional duties.
“The chief is that type who can charge you exorbitant money on duties he must do as a Chief. Most of the things he does can even be equated to corruption as he demanded a non-accountable beast from me personally the time I was elected M.P.,” said Mavhenyengwa.
Chakona also had unbearable sentiments for the Chief as he lamented that he hinders developmental activities by creating political mayhem, a different scenario with the other chiefs in the area.
“Chief Nhema interferes in political affairs. You will be surprised to realise that he commands that M.P’s should come from this area. If left unchallenged, it will not surprise to hear him saying that the country’s President should come from his area.
“Right now he has already started gathering his candidates to campaign for in preparation for 2018 elections. This has greatly disturbed development as his candidates via his backup disrupt whatever programmes we plan to benefit our constituencies,” said Chakona.

MP Paradza Chakona

However, Zaka D.A Tapso Chivanga said he was also having problems in working with Nhema. He said the Chief was very arrogant and greedy.
“The current chief we have now is so inconsiderate and greedy. It is a very bad start especially for an uninstalled Chief who should be fighting his way for the people’s favour. Most people are discontent of his leadership,” said Chivanga.
Village head Peter Murefu further complained saying it is now hard to differentiate if his office is either profit making or serving the mandated cause to the people under his chieftainship.
“It is very hard to differentiate whether the chief is there to claim profits and enrich himself or serving people,” said Murefu.
Ward 5 Councillor Rangarirai Vangirai disclosed he was surprised when the chief claimed that all plough back money for all 12 wards from Zaka Rural District Council should be sent to his account.
However, Nhema could not be reached for comment since his mobile went unanswered on Monday.Local

Fist fight erupts at ZANU-Pf meeting

0

Upenyu Silent Chaota / Itai Muzondo

Political battles within grassroots structures are deepening in Masvingo province as in fights have reportedly erupted in the ZANU PF camp which saw the meeting held in ward 3 this week turning into chaos as the ward chairman Alfios Choweni pumped fists into the ward’ political commissar Jennifer Bhenyu.
Bhenyu was assaulted after she challenged Choweni for being a member of team Gamatox and for that reason the chairman was not worthy to stand in front of the people to address them on matters of ZANU PF.
Team Gamatox is referred to as the virus which had corrupted ZANU PF from within with the intention of usurping power from President Robert Mugabe for which at the moment those affiliated to this team are to be stripped of their leadership positions.
Bhenyu made it clear that Choweni was a member of the ousted Mai Mujuru faction and should be ousted as well together with other ward members who share the same affiliations. Choweni could not handle his tamper after hearing this and rained fists on Bhenyu.
Fadzai Bozho, Secretary for ZANU PF Women’s League confirmed the event and said the fist fight sparked as Choweni felt undermined by Bhenyu’s sentiments.

“Choweni just felt undermined that he was directly pin pointed that he is foolish and a Mujuru ally as he is well known to be a staunch Mavhaire disciple which makes him not worthy to address party issues”, commented Bozho.
Bozho went on to say that there are other members of the Gamatox team who are still in the party structures that are causing confusion which is why they want them to step down. She also blamed Choweni for calling for a meeting to address issues that happened at the ZANU PF’s National People’s Congress in December 2014 at a late date.
“There are people who are associated with team Gamatox and are still holding positions in the party structures, we want them out. These people are causing confusion in our party. How can the chairman call to inform us about what happened at the congress 2 months later, this shows lack of commitment”, added Bozho.Local

Goat gives birth to a human-like creature at Chivi growth point

0
By Itai Muzondo
There was pandemonium in Chivi yesterday as locals scrambled to have a glimpse of a mysterious creature born by a goat which looked like a human being.
The goat gave an untimely birth after being struck by a haulage truck. Those who witnessed the incident said the creature was a result of bestiality.
Eye witness, Arnold Hungwe said people were tongue tied as they saw a young goat which looked like a human being.
 “This is quite an unusual incident where a goat produces such a mysterious creature. We wonder what would have come out of it if the tragic incident would not have disturbed its cycle to a normal delivery.
“It really caused a scene today at the growth point as some locals are even equating it to a human like figure. What left villagers speechless however was that the goat used to give birth to kids with normal  features,” said Hungwe.

Unidentified Chivi resident shows the creature to Tell Zimbabwe yesterday
However, Masvingo Provincial Veterinary Officer Dr Richard Maunganidze  discarded bestiality as he believed that it is one of the hundreds of viruses that affect animals.
“Goats are prone to hundreds of viruses that can lead to abnormal births though it is normal that such scenes raise everyone’s eyebrows.
“I however cannot start disclosing and explaining the number of viruses now as they there are quite a number but we urge locals to visit the nearest veterinary clinic in such incidents for help,” said Maunganidze.
In a related issue, The Chronicle carried a similar story in 2009 where a goat gave birth to a human – like creature which died within hours. The daily wrote, “…the creature had a human head, face, nose, shoulders and human like skin that had very scanty furs. It had goat features from the shoulders to the legs and dogs were even afraid to move close to the goat”.local