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Zimuto High wins World Robot Olympiad tourney

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Zimuto High wins World Robot Olympiad tourney

By Tatiana Mhararira

Zimuto High School In Masvingo province recently won gold medal at the World Robot Olympiad Zimbabwe 2024 competitions held in Bulawayo.
The Reformed Church of Zimbabwe (RCZ) run school was among four other schools from the province that participated, namely Masvingo Christian College, Ndarama High, Helen McGhie Primary and Chikato Primary.
The Zimuto High team composed of former Child Vice President Theophelus Beans, Eustina Muvoti, and Flint Shamba emerged victorious in the senior category and the team will represent the country at global stage in Turkey.
Beans made headlines last year after inventing a smart walking stick and was subsequently invited to represent the country in Namibia at the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) World Children’s Day.
Zimuto High’s team patron, Vincent Tafadzwa Gonese, praised the team for hard work. He was optimistic that the team will perform well at the international competitions to be held later this year.
“The competition was a steep learning curve, challenging yet rewarding. We are really honored to be representing the nation in Turkey, and we are positive that we will do our level best,” said Gonese.
Zimuto High which was recently named best school in Masvingo by Better Schools Programme Zimbabwe (BSPZ). Its debate team last year won an award at the Pan African Universities Debate Championship held in Togo, a title they are set to defend later this year in Uganda.
Masvingo Christian College’s team, participating for the first time, performed well and secured fifth position.
The school’s patron, Davison Mada, commended the team for their achievement and the valuable learning experience.
“It was an exciting event where we learned much in our interaction with other participants from across the country. Finishing fifth is a great achievement for us, as it was our first time participating in the national robotics championship,” said Mada.
Ndarama High School also participated and secured seventh position.
In the junior category, Helen McGhie Primary won third place, receiving an award for their outstanding display of knowledge through research and creativity.
Chikato Primary School was recognized for demonstrating the best team spirit throughout the tournament. The students conducted independent research and worked tirelessly to create a robot that detects smoke within a room.
Chikato Primary’s patron, Varaidzo Rhoda Muza, expressed her appreciation for the learners’ hard work and dedication, which led to the team spirit award.
“I really appreciate the leaners’ hard work which led us to getting this award. Indeed they showed team spirit as they worked together day and night without the interference of the patron. The team created a robot that detects smoke within a room. The trio compiled the write up and submitted thus displaying high levels of team spirit,” said Muza.
The students demonstrated impressive research skills and collaboration to develop projects that led to their success.
The successful participation of these Masvingo schools in the World Robot Olympiad tournament showcased the province’s bright minds as well as potential for further growth and achievement in the field of robotics.

88 benefit from IOM anti-immigration starter ups in Zaka

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88 benefit from IOM anti-immigration starter ups in Zaka

By Decide Nhendo

International Organization for Migration (IOM), through its IOM Development Fund responsible for endorsing and management of multiregional and global projects, has taken a bold move to curb immigration in the country by providing a wide range of starter up resources to those who have been migrating to neighbouring countries looking for greener pastures so that they can establish sources of livelihoods.
Speaking to TellZim News at Jerera Growth Point on July 3, where they received various resources for start-ups, Ward 8 councillor Tererai Tererai said the programme is going to improve livelihoods of the local people especially during the current El Nino induced drought.
“This IOM programme is going to improve people’s living standards. And see them through this current El Nino induced drought. It is also helpful as it is going to reunite families as those who used to go to South Africa in search of greener pastures won’t be going there anymore as IOM gave them start up projects,” said Tererai.
Ward 13 councillor Sebastian Musundire said Zaka was among top districts with people migrating to neighbouring countries like South Africa and Zambia in search for greener pastures.
He said IOM came with the programme to discourage migration, so they have empowered both those who were going abroad and those who are still in the villages.
“From IOM’s report it emerged that Zaka was among districts with many people who were migrating to neighbouring countries, so the organisation came up with this programme where they are giving registered people start ups to do their own small businesses,” said Musundire.
“When IOM said they wanted to help reduce the migration scourge, we spread the word across the ward, but only 42 people registered since others were deeming the programme political and thought it was going to be fruitless. Many people wanted to join later when they realized the programme was gaining momentum but, unfortunately, the organisers said they were going to give those registered first,” he added.
One of the beneficiaries Tsungirirai Mukoni from ward 13 said the project will improve the living standards of her family.
“I am glad about this initiative by IOM because it is going to improve our livelihoods, I chose poultry project and I have received four bags of feed as well as feeding tins and trays. I am going to receive the egg layers,” said Mukoni.
“This project will help me to raise money for our children as well as raising m,oney for other domestic use. We will do the project together with my husband,” she added.
Another from ward 8, Real Majebure who used to go to South Africa (SA) said the project brought him a sigh of relief and will no longer need to go abroad since he now has a project that is going to generate money to support his family.
“I have been going to SA for many years and the last time was in 2022. I went there for one year and a few months. Now I will be given 50 broiler chicks and feed as start-up; I have no doubt that this will help me to generate income so that I take care of my family,” said Majebure.
On July 3, the organization gave groceries to those who wanted to open small shops, whilst those who wanted to venture into food shops received big pots, 20 plates, 9kg gas tanks, two plate stoves, 60kg mealie meal and 6 litres cooking oil.
Those in poultry had to choose between 50 broiler chicks, 50 Sasol chicks or 15 layers already at laying stage, and they were given four bags of feed for the birds, while others received ground nuts grinding mills and sewing machines.
People who venture in welding, carpentry and hairdressing are yet to receive their equipment.

Employee Retirement

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Employee Retirement

By Shadreck Zangairai

When to Start Retirement Planning for Employees
There is a common misconception among most employees, and it often sounds something like, “I have plenty of time to prepare for retirement. There’s no need to rush.” Others think, “As soon as I get my finances sorted, I’ll start thinking about retirement.” Unfortunately, these thoughts can result in an unhappy retirement. As alluded to by Anderson, (2016), retirement planning for employees should start with inculcating the below two foundational concepts in them:

  1. If you wait for the “perfect” or “right” time, you’ll never start.
  2. The earlier you get started, the better. However, it’s never too late to start.
    With these two concepts in mind, employees can be encouraged to plan for retirement immediately. Neither their age nor their current finances should come in the way of retirement planning.
    How Organisations can help employees to retire
    The transition to retirement can be an extremely overwhelming process for both employees and employers. Retiring employees face concerns and uncertainty as they move from a full-time income to relying on Social Security benefits and retirement savings. For employers, losing long-tenured employees can create critical gaps in their talent and knowledge base if they do not have a strategic retirement process in place. So what strategies and best practices can organizations implement to make retirement transition successful for both the retiree and the organization? Below are some of the ways organisations can employ to help employees make a smooth transition to retirement.
    Assessment of Culture- Does your company discuss retirement openly, with positive tones? Having a retirement-positive culture is critical to help employees plan and feel supported as they prepare for their next stage in life. It also helps by providing organizations with more time to plan career paths and create better continuity. Another benefit of fostering a positive culture around retirement is that it can reduce the taboo of leaving which often results in an employee’s surprise retirement announcements and leaves the organization rushing to replace them and fill in gaps in key positions or the leadership funnel.
    Encourage Early Retirement Planning- A survey in 2022 on employee transition in the pharmaceutical sector showed that 67% of employees begin thinking about their retirement between the ages of 55 and 65. However advice from the Pensions Department recommends that leading organizations should realize that retirement planning begins as early as 30 years before retirement and that organisations should provide support to emerging employees early in their careers. Employees are encouraged to have conversations around retirement early, when they still have time to plan financially and prepare for the emotional, lifestyle, and family adjustments that will happen. Thinking about the retirement process early can help employees better understand whether they can afford retirement, as well as determine what they want their retirement years to look like, if they’re healthy enough to engage in the activities they have planned, and if they’re prepared emotionally for the transition. This kind of attention to life-after-work planning builds employee loyalty and retention.
    Provide Flexible Alternatives- it is an undeniable fact that many retirement-age employees want to continue working, mostly due to financial reasons. Phased retirement programs, widely used to assist workers in their shift away from the workforce, allow employees to modify their workload, either by transitioning to part-time work or by having their hours reduced. Offering phased retirement options to your older workers allows both your organization and the worker to adjust over time, rather than scramble to deal with an abrupt departure. With phased retirement options, organizations can plan better since they know well in advance when an employee plans to leave and can arrange for experienced workers to mentor younger ones, transferring their years of employer-specific knowledge.
    Take a Holistic Approach- Retirement is more than just ending one’s career to live off accumulated savings. With growing life expectancies, retirement can last well beyond 30 years. For many workers, their employer is the primary source, and sometimes the only source, of information and support for retirement preparation. Providing a form of retirement coaching that looks beyond the finances can help employees prepare and experience a more fulfilling retirement. Through an organisation’s retirement options program, employees are guided through the retirement planning process with a certified career coach, assessing and exploring areas of their lives such as work, family, leisure, wellness, and personal development
    Recognize employees- It’s important to recognize the benefits older workers who are nearing retirement bring to the organization. They have years of knowledge and experience, dedication to the job and company, and a strong work ethic. In addition, older workers are able to provide leadership and mentoring to younger employees, which helps foster knowledge transfer. Recognize the contributions those near retirement have made to the organization by engaging them in mentorship programs, asking for their input, and putting them on new project teams. A common misconception is that older workers are not interested in new opportunities or trainings and are just “coasting” until they retire. By engaging them, recognizing the value they bring, and providing them with additional training, retiring employees will feel valued for their work and supported in their journey. Making retirement a positive event and properly preparing for and supporting an employee’s retirement creates a win-win for the organization and retiree.
    Factors to Consider for Employees’ Retirement Planning
    As you begin to task HR teams with retirement planning for employees, there are some important factors to consider. While organizations can have HR teams help employees, it’s best to have them work with a financial planner to achieve the best results.
    • Employee Goals- A very important factor in employee retirement planning is what their financial goals are once they retire. Do they wish to travel, work on their hobbies as a business or work with non-profits? Employees should be asked to write down their goals and the cost estimates of each.
    • Timelines to Achieve Retirement Goals- Timelines will help set the trajectory for the actions to take and the retirement products that can be achieved within those timelines. Having a primary date and a secondary date can help if retirement planning is being done late in life. Having a secondary date gives you a little extra time to prepare if necessary.
    • Employee Needs Post Retirement- Organizations need to make employees aware that they need to decide the amount of money needed for regular living expenses. These include rent or mortgage, utilities, insurance, and so on. If the employee plans to move to another area or city, they need to factor in the cost of living in that location. Besides this, they need to ensure they have emergency expenses, home maintenance, other such expenses factored in.
    • Investment Options for Employees- There are many retirement options available, including employer-sponsored retirement plans, pension plans, and others. You can also consider stock options according to your retirement timeline. If the employee is starting at a young age they can take riskier options with better returns.
    To be continued!!!

Masvingo bags another Toto Miss Africa Zim award

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Masvingo bags another Toto Miss Africa Zim award

By Beverly Bizeki

Victoria Primary School in Masvingo Province continues to steal the limelight at the international stage after another pupil from the school scooped the prestigious Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe award recently.
Six year old Nothando Gugulethu Sibanda, a grade one pupil raised the Victoria Primary School flag high as she scooped the Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe pageant award, and will represent the country in Egypt. Another Victoria primary pupil Dillish Masango scooped the First Runner-Up at the Toto Miss Africa competitions held in Nigeria recently.
Sibanda’s coach and manager, Tajae Mwenda confirmed the development and commended the province’s dedication towards success of the young models which she said was remarkable.
“The overwhelming support we received from the people of Masvingo was heartwarming and a clear indication that modelling has finally found its footing in the region. The engagement on social media and the overall enthusiasm from the community have been incredible, it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and we are grateful for the trust as well as belief the people of Masvingo have shown us. We look forward to continuing success and growth of modelling in the province,” said Mwenda.
Commenting on the young model’s performance at the contest, Mwenda said Sibanda proved to be passionate about her modelling career.
“Sibanda’s dedication, passion and hard work has earned her well-deserved recognition. She embodies the spirit of a true queen and we are confident she will make us proud in Egypt,” said Mwenda.
According to Mwenda, Sibanda’s modelling career started when she would attend and rehearse together with the former.
“She started by attending all my events and accompanying me to rehearsals. We rehearsed together and I was impressed by her dedication and passion. I then started training her and she went on to compete in her first school pageant where she was crowned school queen. Later this year she was registered for Little Mr and Miss Africa Zimbabwe pageant where I hope she continues to shine,” she said.
She further said the young models faced financial constraints in areas such as costs of participation, travel and wardrobe as well as time management in balancing between school work, rehearsals and other responsibilities.
“There is need for providing financial assistance, sponsorships, mentorships and guidance. There is also a great need for encouraging holistic development for instance in personal growth and education,” said Mwenda.
Sibanda who is the reigning Miss Victoria Primary School 2024 follows after Dillish Masango who was also the school’s 2023 queen and went on to win Toto Miss Africa Zimbabwe pageant.
On the other hand Masango is tipped for South Africa where she has nominated to attend Miss Phenomenal Africa where she will be representing Zimbabwe. She was also recently awarded for representing the country well bringing an award from Nigeria as she waits to go to America next year for yet another pageant.

Potential sponsors for Sibanda can contact +263 786872606 to support the young talent.

Chiredzi missing man found dead

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Chiredzi missing man found dead

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

A dark cloud hung over Chiredzi community after one of its members who was reportedly missing was found dead on July 8.
Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the death of Kudakwashe Tembo and said police were investigating the matter to establish the cause of death.
“We confirm the death of Kudakwashe Tembo who resided in Section 1, Hippo Valley Estate. Investigations to establish the real cause of death are still ongoing. The police are urging anyone with information to come forward to assist in the investigation,” said Insp. Dhewa.
Circumstances are that Tembo was last seen on July 5, leaving a bar in Section 1, Hippo Valley Estate, at around 2 am, after spending time with his friends identified as Allen Chimwanda (31) and Austine Makaye (26).
However, when he failed to return home, his relatives made a report to the police and his body was eventually discovered lifeless by Maxwell Chikwanda (48), a worker at Field 4 in Section 3, Hippo Valley Estate, on July 8 at around 0730 hours.
Chikwanda immediately notified the police who took the body to Chiredzi General Hospital for post-mortem.

Disaster looms in Mkwasine as major water supply dams decline

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Disaster looms in Mkwasine as major water supply dams decline

By Beatific Gumbwanda

MKWASINE – Disaster is looming in Mkwasine Sugar Estates following the subsequent decline in water levels due to El Nino-induced drought, with major supply dams, Siya and Manirenji currently at 38% capacity.
The situation which has been largely exacerbated by the El Nino induced drought, has resulted in the water not able to sustain irrigation of 12 000ha of sugarcane owned by individuals at Mkwasine Sugarcane Estates.
Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Association (ZSDA) Chairperson Elisha Tamirepi told TellZim News that the water situation in Mkwasine Estate was disheartening as most farmers are struggling to irrigate their crops.
“The cane is quite small as you can see; this is due to stunted growth because there is no enough water. Our dams are at 38% capacity because there was literally no rainfall this season due to El Nino. We are not expecting much yield as some farmers are just maintaining the crop so that they have seed for next season,” said Tamirepi.
He went on to urge the government to construct more dams like Mkazi and Mkwasine which were already pegged so that they augment water supplies in Mkwasine Estates.
“We pray that the Government helps in the construction of Mkazi and Mkwasine dams in order to ease water challenges in Mkwasine. I also want to urge farmers to adopt new technological methods of irrigation that conserve water,” Tamirepi said.
One farmer Abel Mtembwa said if the two dams were constructed, Mkazi has an estimate of 23 000 megaliters while Mkwasine will have 180 000 megalitres.
Initially, Manjirenji and Siya dams were irrigating less than 700ha back then but the plots continued expanding without taking water supply into consideration.
Mkwasine Estate was abandoned by Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ) in 2006 after the Government took over through the land reform programme.

Masvingo pool league kicks off

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Masvingo pool league kicks off

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo Pool league kicked off over the weekend with 17 teams battling for honours this season.
Masvingo Pool Association (Mapa) confirmed that 16 teams will battle it out for the championship this season namely Traven Boys, Superstars, Hiri Hiri, Hillthru, Victoria Ranch, Manhede Bulldogs, Mamuka, ZPCS, Bhuka, Aminas, Cue Masters, Yeukai, Eastvale Rangers, Soweto, Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) Missiles, New Horizon and Lion Stars.
In opening matches, Tarven boys (Bob’s) won 11- 5 against Superstars at Yeukai whilst Hiri Hiri got the better of Eastvale Rangers by 9-7.
Hillthru and Victoria Ranch, Manhede Bulldogs humbled Mamula 13-3, ZPCS got the better of Cue Masters with a 10-6 drabbing, Bhuka and Aminas posted an impressive wins defeating Yeukai (11-5) and Soweto (12-4) respectively.
The GZU Missiles match against Lion Stars was postponed as GZU is currently on vacation break and students will only be back in August.
New Horizon Pool Club came in as the league new comers replacing Masvingo City team.
However, most of the matches were disturbed by stoppages as misunderstandings arose due to the rules of the game, a development which prompted Mapa to swiftly provide the rules and guidelines to every club in the league.

Village head mobilises villagers to attack police over mbanje raid

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Village head mobilises villagers to attack police over mbanje raid

By Tinaani Nyabereka

There was drama in Kuwara village, Chief Nemangwe in Gokwe South when a village head Joseph Kuwara sneaked away from home at midnight and mobilized villagers to fight the police after his wife had been apprehended by the police for being in possession of dangerous drugs.
The wife, Talkmore Kuzondiwa (30) was found in possession of a 50kg sack of dried dagga ready for sale leading to her arrest, a development which prompted Kuwara to sneak away from the police and mobilized the villagers to fight the law enforcement agents so that they can release his wife.
Asst. Comm. Martin Matambo (Operations) Midlands Province confirmed the development during a media briefing and said Kuzondiwa was arrested together with two others following a tip off which led to the recovery of 6 500 plants and 170kg of dried dagga.
The other two were identified as Shaylatte Magiga and and Brian Kuruwa (36).
He said the circumstances were that on the given day, police detectives received information to the effect that a drug syndicate in Kuruwa Village was cultivating mbanje along Svisvi river banks which is not easily accessible as it is mountainous.
At about 2200 hours on the same day, police officers, police intelligence personnel and support unit officers reacted to the information and found Kuruwa watering a plantation of dagga leading to his arrest and recovery of 66 plants of dagga were uprooted from his garden.
The officers proceeded to Kuzondiwa’s homestead where they recovered a full 50kg sack of loose dagga and she was arrested in her bedroom.
Shylatte Magigane was found at her place of residence and police recovered 3 by 40kg sacks of dagga placed in her bedroom which led to her arrest.
Allegations are that during the raids by the police, Muzondiwa’s husband, Kuwara, escaped from home and mobilized other residents to wake up in their numbers and fight back the police.
Police managed to overcome efforts of the villagers after firing warning shots and Kuwara is still at large.
Meanwhile, a Gokwe magistrate has since sentenced the trio to a combined nine years in prison. Kuruwa was sentenced to four years with labour while one year was suspended on conditions of good behavior. Kuzondiwa was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with eight months suspended on conditions of good behavior and that she does not commit the same crime in the next five years.

Headman Chibwe expelled over gross misconduct

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Headman Chibwe expelled over gross misconduct

By Staff Reporter

Headman Chibwe real name Asere Matambo, under Chief Murinye Masvingo District was recently removed from his position over gross misconduct and behavior unbecoming of a traditional leader.
The expulsion is contained in a letter to Matambo from the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, dated June 24, 2024 where Matambo was advised to stop performing the duties of a headman.
“May you kindly be advised that the Ministry of Local Governance and Public Works has in terms of Section 10 Subsection 5(a) of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17) removed you from the office of headman Chibwe with effect from 29 April 2024. Therefore you are advised to cease performing duties of a headman as stipulated under Section 10 of the Traditional Leaders Act (Chapter 29:17),” reads part of the letter.
According to the letter, the investigation team ascertained the validity of most of the offenses Matambo is being charged with, as he was being accused of masquerading as a chief as well as creating his own fiefdom shutting communities in the Chibwe jurisdiction from the rest of the chiefdom, among other offenses.
“Acts of misconduct of which Headman Chibwe has committed well over a decade ago including dishonesty by not reporting to the chief on matters of interest to the communities concerned, negligence as he has failed to assist chief to perform his duties as well as dereliction of duty by failing to fill vacancies of village head and insubordination in the sense that Headman Chibwe masquerades as a chief in his own right who does not take orders from Chief Murinye hence undermining his authority.
“Behaviour unbecoming of a traditional leader in that Headman Chibwe has literally shut the communities under Chibwe jurisdiction to the extent that he has carved up himself a personal fiefdom similar to a warlord tersely put. Headman Chibwe is very disrespectful and defiant to authorities in general” reads part of the letter.
Headman Chibwe was suspended on May 9, 2023 after Chief Murinye born, Ephias Munodawafa through the office of District Development Coordinator (DDC) laid charges of acts of misconduct against Matambo including unbecoming behaviour of a headman, cases of dishonesty by not reporting to the chief on matters of interests of the community concerned, negligence as he has failed to assist chief to perform his duties as well as dereliction of duty by failing to fill vacancies of village head and insubordination to perform lawful orders, while dabbling in politics.
The investigating team which consisted of Masvingo District Development Coordinator (DDC) Ray Hove, Roy Muchenje from P.A.O Head Offices, Masvingo Assistant DDC Kenneth Madziva ascertained the veracity of most of the offenses charged against headman Chibwe which he had committed for over a decade.
Contacted for comment DDC Hove could neither confirm nor deny the dismissal of Headman Chibwe as he said he was out of office and asked the reporter to engage his subordinates at the office.
Matambo denied all allegations leveled against him, stating that these were fabrications of Chief Murinye’s own imagination. He said the fabrications were political persecution since he had not broken any law.
“I did not violate any law and l know nothing about all these allegations, rather it was Chief Murinye’s own imagination and political persecution,” said Matambo.
On his part Chief Murinye said there was no political persecution but rather said Matambo was the one who refused to participate in community meetings or recognize Chief Murinye’s authority as a chief.
“If I imagined things then the commission of enquiry would not have found him guilty of the charges that l had pressed against him. The expelled headman would not subscribe to anything that l issued to him, even the meeting l would officially call with all village heads.
“He claimed to be the chief at any gatherings in the community and the duties of a headman is to assist the chief at functions. If you decide to go against the Traditional Leaders Act then what other choice do l have except to remove you and bring in somebody who knows the duties of a headman?” said Chief Murinye.
In a statement, Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) urgently appealed to the Minister of Local Government and Public Works and relevant authorizes to transparently provide a comprehensive account of Headman Chibwe’s dismissal, backed by specific evidence and verifiable facts.
“As COTRAD we call upon the Minister of Local Government and Public Works to provide a much detailed explanation for Headman Chibwe’s removal from performing his duties as a headman. Furthermore, the authority should uphold Section 69 of the Zimbabwe constitution which safeguards the right to a fair hearing for all individuals.
“The relevant authority should tackle the troubling issues of abuse of office and political victimization happening in the communities and they should emphasize the vital necessity of ensuring that traditional leaders are treated equitably and with dignity, free from the specter of retaliation or political exploitation,” reads part of the statement.
Following investigations, Matambo was found to have committed misconduct leading to his expulsion from the role he once held in the community.
“The removal from office of Headman follows an investigation which was carried out on 5-6 October 2023 into allegations of misconduct levelled against you. The investigation team’s report then recommended the removal of you from office of Headman Chibwe after it was ascertained beyond any reasonable doubt that you had indeed committed acts of gross misconduct,” read part of the letter.

Climate-proof infrastructure way to go: Climate change management

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Climate-proof infrastructure way to go: Climate change management

By Virginia Njovo

The Ministry of Environment, Water, and Climate says citizens should take advantage of the current Climate Management bill to include various strategies that combat climate change, among them climate-proof infrastructure.
Director of Climate Change Management in the ministry, Washington Zhakata, said it is high time the country adopts construction of climate proof infrastructure.
Speaking during a stakeholder consultation meeting for the gazetting of the Climate Change Management bill in Masvingo at Flamboyant Hotel on June 28, 2024, Zhakata said it was essential to consider various strategies when constructing homes saying factors such as building design, roofing, insulation, external walls, doors, windows, and foundations play a crucial role in creating robust structures resilient to prevailing climate conditions.
“It is essential for home owners to invest in their homes from the initial stages of planning so as to have stronger structures which can withstand these climatic conditions be it heavy storms or excessive heat,” said Zhakata.
“Chiredzi and some other parts of Matabeleland experienced high temperatures over the past days, it seems currently every corner of the country is experiencing high temperatures, every individual must take action adapting to climate proof buildings,” he added.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the importance of inclusive representation on the management board to ensure adequate consideration of diverse perspectives and concerns.
“We expect inclusivity in the board, where people with disabilities and women as well as leaders from the local authorities are also involved in the decision making processes, “said one of the stakeholders.
The stakeholders further said they hoped to benefit from climate change projects such as irrigation rather than just being evicted from their ancestral homes.
“We expect to benefit from the projects rather than being chased away from our home lands in the name of a project as we see happening in other places, we have seen several evictions in the province,” said another stakeholder.
Zhakata stressed the importance of Zimbabwe as a nation transitioning towards climate-resilient infrastructure, especially in the construction of bridges to withstand floods.
Due to poorly constructed infrastructure, Bikita, Chivi, and Gutu districts in Masvingo Province have suffered consequences of heavy rains and storms, resulting in homelessness and damage to educational facilities and supplies.

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