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Masvingo PVO bill hearing abandoned after violent clashes

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Masvingo PVO bill hearing abandoned after violent clashes

By Beverly Bizeki

The long-awaited Private Voluntary Organisations (PVO) bill hearing proceedings in Masvingo had to be abandoned a few minutes into the program after tempers flared at Charles Austin Theatre on May 16, 2024.
With the theatre packed to the brim, residents who had not made it inside the venue pleaded with the committee for a bigger venue that would accommodate more people while standing at the door and this sparked an exchange with other attendants who were inside.
The clashes seemed to have been between those who were opposing the bill, the PVOs and opposition, and those who were in support of it mainly the ruling party aligned with the latter accusing the former of interrupting the meeting and the exchange of insults degenerated into fist fights.
The matter became chaotic after parliamentarian Robson Mavhenyengwa asked what people were doing at the entrance saying they were writing names.
That is when some attendees shouted that the venue was too small and they needed a bigger one so that they could all get in and participate.
Those who were inside started shouting and advanced towards the entrance where they then clashed with those who were at the entrance.
One resident, Struggle Nyahunda blamed the meeting chair for failing to control the flow.
“From my observation, the chairperson who was running the hearing did not handle the meeting well because he was suspecting that there were organizations writing people’s names at the door whereas they were parliament staff circulating registers.
“A group of people from another angle came and started to make noise until people vacated the hall. The bill was not successful considering how it lasted only about 10 minutes and only eight out of about 500 contributed,” said Nyahunda.
Another attendant Duncan Mpaso said the noise was caused by a group of people whom he thought were those who always oppose government and said he had noted that these were people who wanted partial transparency.
“I came with the hope to air my views on the bill hearing as a resident of Masvingo and as a citizen of Zimbabwe. I am one of the people who came early with the hope of contributing but people who oppose the government came in late while we were already in the meeting came and started the noise interrupting those who were contributing.
“From my observation, those from opposing parties are the same people who want transparency and good governance and are against corruption but what I have seen from their rejecting this bill shows they are people who are against all these things when facing the Zimbabwean government,” said Mpaso.
The bill hearing has been chaotic in all provinces and had to be stopped midway following clashes.

Netone to launch 5G in August

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Netone to launch 5G in August

By Beverly Bizeki

Locals using NetOne network will soon be able to enjoy better connectivity with the government-run operator set to launch Fifth Generation (5G) network in August this year.
Addressing parliamentarians a joint portfolio committee on Information Communication Technologies postal and Courier Services and Media and Broadcasting Services Induction workshop held at Clevers Hotel in Masvingo on May 12, NetOne Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Raphael Mushanawani said the organization had to learn on the profitability of the investment first before switching on and was ready to launch.
“We are keen as an organization to make sure we move with trends taking place across the world. We shared a lot of information regarding the experiences of other operators on how they have done it, particularly in Africa and Asia, none of those operators have had a good return on their investment. That’s why we delayed launching 5G.
“We have learned; we now know where and when to deploy 5G. I am happy to announce that we will be switching on our 5G network by the month of August 2024. I am sure that our parliamentarians will be able to experience this by the Parliament House by then,” said Mushanawani.
Mushanawani however said deployment of the network will be done in stages and will target groups that have demand for high speeds first for returns on investment.
“We will continuously deploy 5G the way we are deploying 4G, we are going to be targeting specific markets who have demand for high data speeds that will give return on data speeds,” said Mushanawani.
As of 2024, the operator had 74 percent 2G Land area coverage and 85 percent total population, 57 percent land area coverage for 3G network with 65 percent of the population covered. On 4G the operator has only been able to cover 31 percent land area coverage and 36 percent total population.
Mushanawani also said the company like many others was facing challenges on skills flight losing engineers despite efforts to keep the skilled workers at the company.
“The technical department continues to lose engineers despite promotions and remuneration reviews. Shortage of required skills, especially developers is a stumbling block to project delivery

‘Green Bombers’ join ZiG campaign

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‘Green Bombers’ join ZiG campaign

By Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – As the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe grapples with making the new currency work by using several measures including a crackdown on illegal money changers, government’s quasi-military wing, the National Youth Service (NYS) popularly referred to as ‘Green Bombers’ has joined the campaign for the ZiG acceptance by the public.
NYS National Public Relations Officer Tariro Bwerinofa confirmed the development and said they had several activities lined up to campaign for the acceptance and use of the ZiG.
“We are proposing an outreach programme where we will do roadshows, dramas, breakfast meetings, and interviews. In rural areas we are targeting townships, traditional beer festivals, village heads, dip tank gatherings, and funerals,” said Bwerinofa.
In a proposal by the Green Bombers addressed to The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development seen by TellZim News, NYS indicated that they were ready to do campaigns in support of the government and the ministry.
“We fully acknowledge the importance of complementing this currency reform with other robust support frameworks. These would include measures to address underlying structural economic issues, boost domestic production, promote exports, and enhance fiscal discipline. Such a holistic approach will be crucial for maximizing the positive impact of the new currency and ensuring long-term macroeconomic stability.
“However, we are deeply concerned by the public backlash and misinformation campaign launched by the opposition and their associates regarding this currency reform. These actions not only threaten to undermine the potential benefits of the new currency but also aim to sow distrust and destabilize the nation’s economic progress.
“We propose a nationwide Public Awareness Campaign to address the misinformation and negative propaganda surrounding the new currency introduction. This collaborative effort between the ZNYGSA, Trabablas Projects, the Ministry of Finance, and the RBZ would focus on:
Educating the Public: Disseminate clear and factual information about the new currency, its features, benefits, and the transition process.
Countering Misinformation: Address rumors and falsehoods, providing evidence-based counter-narratives to promote trust and understanding.
Community Engagement: Hold town hall meetings, workshops, and public outreach events to facilitate dialogue and address public concerns,” the proposal letter read.
In the proposal, they also boasted of having members in the communities who are energetic, saying they have experience that could bring about the desired results.
“The involvement of youth structures, specifically the Zimbabwe National Youth Service Graduates Association and Trabablas Projects Trust, is imperative in successfully championing this government program.
“Both ZNYSGA and Trabablas boast a vast network of dedicated young people embedded within communities across Zimbabwe. This grassroots presence fosters trust and accessibility, facilitating the dissemination of information directly to the people most impacted by the new currency policy.
“Young people represent a significant portion of Zimbabwe’s population. A campaign spearheaded by youth for youth promotes effective communication and understanding. It establishes a relatable connection that is crucial for addressing concerns and fostering acceptance of the new currency among this demographic.
“Youth bring unparalleled energy, enthusiasm, and a fresh perspective to this campaign. This can manifest in creative outreach techniques, innovative use of social media, and adaptable strategies that resonate with a wide audience,” reads part of the document.
In April this year, government confirmed its need to revive the NYS with a target of having trained 10,000 youths by June, with recruitment currently underway in various districts across the country.
The Green Bombers were introduced in 2000 by the late Zanu PF National Political Commissar Border Gezi, then Minister for Gender, Youth and Employment, who later died in a car crash in 2001.
They are often used by Zanu PF during campaigns where they are used to perpetuate violence against opposition opponents and fears are that they may be used to intimidate people, especially in rural areas.

Gweru City PR councilors sworn in

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Gweru City PR councilors sworn in

By Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru City Council recently sworn in four proportional representative (PR) councilors nominated to replace the previous group that was recalled last year by Citizens Coalition for Change’s self-imposed Secretary General Sengezo Tshabangu.
The newly sworn-in councilors are, Holly Dzuda, Violet Mutusva, Patience Mujere and Eustina Fidze, all under the PR replacing the recalled ones namely, Sipiwe Kundiona, Mirriam Magaya, Ronah Masocha and Olivia Chakauya.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony, Gweru Mayor, Martin Chivhoko urged the new councilors to serve the community with dedication.
“Gweru is our home together, welcome and we hope that going forward you will make Gweru a better home.
“Residents are our employers, we are here to work together and serve them. Whatever problems you face we will work together to build our city,”said Chivhoko.
Gweru City former councilor Alderman Trust Chineni urged the newly sworn in councilors to put politics aside and focus on development to push the city forward.
Chineni said governance issues required dedication and commitment towards growing the city and the call came at a time when council was grappling with water challenges.
The situation is said to be a result of obsolete infrastructure resulting in incessant pipe bursts, power outages affecting pumping capacity and rapid urban expansion, among other factors.
“When elected, governance is different, give ideas to better our city and service delivery, when you are elected into an office or public office politics comes later, you are mandated to serve the people.
“We wish our councillors to remain united and address service delivery issues, we have issues which affect women a lot, issues of water, refuse collection, so we hope now that we have a number of women councillors these issues will be addressed,” he said.

Zim spends US$40m on importing spaghetti

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Zim spends US$40m on importing spaghetti

…“It’s mostly flour and water, but no manufacturing industry,” Minister says

By Bright Zhou

Zimbabwe is importing around US$40 million per year worth of macaroni and spaghetti mainly from Egypt, a development that depicts the country’s slow pace of industrialization.
Pasta is not even the staple food in Zimbabwe, but has become a household food commodity because of its price, pushing retailers to stock it in bulk, mostly from out of the country.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Mangaliso Ndlovu revealed this while speaking at a workshop for a joint Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Industry and Commerce; and the Thematic Committee on Indigenization and Empowerment held at Great Zimbabwe Hotel on May 11, 2024.
Ndlovu said one of the ways the country was losing revenue was through the importation of pasta from Egypt despite the availability of flour and water, which are the main ingredients required for its production, saying the country was looking into reducing the importation as National Foods is anticipated to start manufacturing soon.
“As a country, we are importing annually about US$40 million worth of pasta which is made of flour and water only. National Foods will be the first company to manufacture pasta. I am told and we hope that the import substitution will be up to US$8 and US$10 million but they believe that they have the capacity if they get all the policy support as they have indicated to fully supply the domestic market and even penetrate the export markets.
“They are contracting wheat farmers, milling wheat into flour and that’s what they have been focusing on, they have told us that the moment you move up the value chain the margins begin to increase so they have much higher margins when they are now into pasta and they will also be commissioning a biscuit factory in the next few weeks and the margins become higher.
“This is where our economy stands to benefit more so we will be supporting companies and sectors that are focusing mainly on moving up the value chain,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu further said most of the goods that companies were importing could be manufactured locally and this was resulting in a trade deficit in the country.
“Most businesses tend wanting to import things that we can even begin a conversation of manufacturing locally so the structural transformation I believe is fundamental when we start to focus on manufacturing for manufacturing.
“We generate exports in the range of close to US$10 Billion but we still have a trade deficit because of our appetite to import. We have no problem with foreign currency if we manage it well so that’s why we need as legislators to support the domestic currency and try to come up with better strategies that will promote its uptake. I believe that is our fighting chance than to always think the USD is our savior,” said Ndlovu.
He justified the introduction of the ZimGold (ZiG) currency saying no industry can thrive in a dollarized economy since consumers favor imported goods from other countries rather than buying goods from their industries hence local industries will produce for fewer consumers.
“The country cannot industrialize in a dollarized economy because the currency inevitably gives consumers the appetite to import goods from other countries.
“The ratio of people with cars in the UK is almost four people per car whereas in Zimbabwe we are almost close to two people per car, you will not be surprised to find one household with eight cars and about two people being able to drive.
“It is the appetite for importation that we have and these are the consequences of a dollarized economy. Many people in Zimbabwe have bought cars from UK and this brings an inability to invest in our manufacturing industries because the cost will be much higher in the region while consumers need to import cheaper goods,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said a country with sanctions will have issues in industrialization for instance access to capital will be expensive or unavailable.
“When you are a country under sanctions there are certain issues that are not available to you when we look at industry perspectives it means your access to capital is either very expensive or not available at all, if you get it the tenure is also very difficult and the market access is minimal, this is what has seen most of our industries suffering,” said Ndlovu.
Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda said parliament should work in hand with people for a better economy and industry. He also said the country will not have a macro-economy if Parliament is not working with the people.
“To have a macro-economy parliament needs to work in hand with people for industrialization and to increase the economy of the country,” said Mudenda.
Chief Director in the ministry of Industry and commerce Florence Makombe said they had to monitor business operations in reserves and Export Market Companies to identify marketing products from Zimbabwe to boost the economy.
“We monitor business operations especially in reserve centres to see what is happening as business is concerned, we also look at the Export Market Companies to identify the marketing products from Zimbabwe, we have done this to boost the country’s economy and industrialization,” said Makombe.

Of Zanu Command Currency

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Of Zanu Command Currency

Ladies and gentlemen winter is upon us, and like I always encourage you, wanawo waunopa chekufuga chero chakamboshanda, especially the less privileged like me because humanity requires us to do so. I know zvangu kuti we live in a country where the leadership seems like it has thrown away all humanity, but imimi vamwe vese muri team rangu and all we have is each other. Munotondisuwaka all week kuti musikana dai ambotaura something, and for sure, handiregi, plus futi ndiri gentlemen handivanzi. Vaya vakandimakira kutaura chokwadi mati madii, especially kuZanu uko ndofunga if they see me vanenge vachitoda kukanda maoko on sight, kkkkk. Inga imimi wani you act as if muhurumende there is a department that is working 24/7 to strategize how they can make Zimbabweans’ lives more difficult, munobvunzwa nani? Ngatingotii umwe neumwe ngaagare achiita yaanga achingoita, chero zvayo povo iriyo yakanyura pazvibodzwa. This country for the ordinary man rimbairi bhasikiti raTizirai, you can just wake up wakutonzi you no longer have a place to stay, bvunzai zvakaitika gore richitanga panaBhuka apo. Ukuwo Mthuli hakasi kumira nawo matax, zvobatanawo nehama yake Johwani Mushayamano ikoko, paMutare apo mabond notes hanzi vachiri kutambira, probably because of what he said a few weeks back on radio. Confusion yacho huye bodo. Chinozongondinakidza musangano wekuyera uyu is how its members use the state apparatus to fight factional wars—hamuoneri zvenyu but I always tell you kuti kana bere rafunga kudya mwana waro rinoti anhuhwa mbudzi. Takangomuona wani baby boy waMhamha Monie achiremerwa nemafuta ayo nyika achinetseka kukwira mugumbakumba rekujeri, kkkkk. Seka hako Mapombi. Maguard jere manje they don’t care, I heard madam officer shouting hanzi huya ubatsirwe kukwira mumota neumwe wako akasimba sewe. If anything, the one thing Zanu has managed to make as punitive as possible ndiko kuya seri, and hakuna member. I actually think keeping majere like dungeons is very deliberate, kuitira vaya vanorasa muswe ivo vakambobatwa zvigunwe zviri mugaba redovi. What’s amusing me about this whole story yaNeville though is how everyone got the message yekuti it is persecution against the Mutsvangwas. Kuba kusvika kubata mbavha kwava kushandiswa to persecute enemies. You would think it is a Mafia kind of situation, reminiscent of those countries that are controlled nemaEl chakadaro, Don chakazoti. Eljazeera yakazongoti Gold Mafia ikabva yazvipedza. Tiri kutongwa nembavha hama dzangu. For me it is the disrespect and arrogance exhibited by these people. Mthuli saying war vets should help in the promotion of ZiG has to be the highest level of mockery to these men and women who fought for this country’s independence. I mean, 44 years later and they should still be defending nonsense, saka vakatamburirei nhai? It is the entitlement that gets me, because for starters, nhai Mutuvi, what makes you think you have a right to give mawar vet the duty to clean up your mess? Varume munotsvinya imi. Pensioners are getting peanuts monthly, apa their whole lives they were contributing kunana NSSA uko, all for nothing, yet ndivo vaiva zvimbwido nemijibha muhondo. On the other hand, ZiG racho varikunyimwa kumabank hanzi munozonorizadza mumastreets, saka rakagadzirirwei chaizvo? I don’t get the logic yekuti civil servants cannot get cash from their banks because the government is afraid they will take it to the streets. Please, if there is someone close boys dzeSmoko to Johwani 2 and Mthuli, can you please tell them to stop whatever they are smoking because what kind of nonsense is that? In an economy where almost everyone is a vendor, and only limited number has POS machines, hamuoniwo here kuti Department of Utsinye renyu is going overboard? Not everything is found in those shops you are holding ransom, and you know it. Why then are you calling it a multi-currency economy when you know that you are going to be selective about which currency buys where also nekudzvinyirira vanhu? What you are doing kungodira stress muvanhu, but believe me you, muZimba haapererwi, and sooner or later they will find a way to fool your so called fool proof currency. Musatamba nevanhu vanogwesha pasi perazor wire nekuswimmer in a crocodile infested river vachienda Joni uko to look for greener pastures. When it all starts to develop cracks muchashaya pekutanga kunama, because you cannot fool all the people all the time. Instead of making life easier for people, all you are doing is to make people hate the coming of the ZiG, and yes, I agree that sacrifices have to be made, but ko sei maausterity measures enyu acho iwayo only affecting isu the ordinary people? Nyarai mhani varume imi. Iyezvino Zanu is busy hijacking the ZiG hype, hanzi go explain to chembere kumusha what the ZiG means uye varitambire. Varitambirire kuhope here nhai Mavhenyengwa nemafriends ako uko? Sometimes I think these Zanu people think like everything should be command; this command, that command. Majority of people who go to work havasati vatomboribata ZiG racho, yet you want chembere kumusha to accept chitukwani chavasingazivi, process dzenyu dzinosvodesa varume imi. Fuel chaiyo cannot be bought nezimari renyu irori, kumapassport uko people are paying chikwereti of the company that designed the electronic passport. MuZimbabwe vanotokuwanira chete chikwereti chako chaunobhadhara even when you are not the one who borrowed. Nemagreen bomber avamowo muchirongwa chekuparidza Zigi; imi, kuita Jesu here Mwanakomana waMwari anonzi nebhaibheri achazouya? Where is the ZiG? It’s just funny how some young people in their right frame of mind, vakakura vachichengetwa nemari dzemisika are supporting this nonsense. You people deserve Zanu. Ndopika naJenroll Monica Mutsvangwa kudai, makadya benzi chete imi. But politics aside, Monie akafitira kuva aiva sister vechurch zvekudaro. Did you guys see her singing MuKristu usanete kurufu kwaReverend Jenroll? Ndoaiva machurch girls chete aya, probably she was changed naKiritsopfa those days aainzi aiba zvipfeko zvemukati kuya kuya kkkkkk. Plus we always see them jiving together kumafaro. I just think zvangu there is someone in Kiri and Monie’s circles who does not like them, who always leaks those videos and pictures, like that one picture they were wearing zvekubeach, chembere idzo dziya. Or they are the ones doing that to themselves, because limelight inodiwawoka ipo paya.

ZRP urges people to work with police to counter stock theft

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ZRP urges people to work with police to counter stock theft

By Tatiana Mhararira

Police in Chiredzi has urged members of the public to continue working with police to curb stock theft as the number of cases of stock theft have decreased owing to the cooperation between communities and the police.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Officer Commanding Chiredzi District Superintendent Robert Chihwerera said this during an anti-stock theft campaign held at Chief Chilonga’s homestead in Chiredzi.
“The only way we can stop these stock thieves is enhancing cooperation between police, chiefs, headmen and the community. If we don’t work together these menaces are going to continue preying on people’s livestock because it will not be easy to apprehend them,” said Chihwerera.
He said this year, through unity among members of the community, police and local leadership stock theft cases had decreased which shows that if people leave individuality behind and work together they can overcome many challenges.
“From 2022 to 2023 there were 360 stock theft cases, in 2023 May to April 2024 we recorded 347 and this shows a drop by 13 in the statistics.
“It is clear from the statistics that if the community work together they can overcome stock theft as well as other challenges because individualism gives room for thieves to pounce on your livestock,” said Chihwerera.
He said in Chiredzi District, 64 people had been arrested for stock theft in 2024.
This year in March, a herd of 13 cattle was stolen and Chilonga community informed police who managed to apprehend the cattle rustlers.
At an anti-stock theft campaign held in Gutu on March 5, 2024, it was revealed that there was an 11 percent increase in cases involving cattle from 560 cases in 2022 to 619 cases in 2023 in the district.
Some of the cases were said to be deboning which was said to be rampant in Gutu and Chatsworth area with 2 550 arrests having been made for other stock theft-related offenses in 2023.

Zvishavane couple loses US$ 3k to robbers

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Zvishavane couple loses US$ 3k to robbers

By Tinaani Nyabereka

Zvishavane – A couple in Maglas suburb of Zvishavane was left counting losses after armed robbers pounced on their homestead and got away with US$3000 cash on Tuesday May 7 around 0100 hours.
Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the incident and said police had already launched a manhunt for the suspects.
“I can confirm a robbery case in Zvishavane where the suspects went away with US$3000 and the Police are looking for the suspects. I appeal to the members of the public for information that may help to apprehend the suspects,” he added.
Circumstances are that Phillip Kumura (33) and his wife were asleep when they were awakened by the noise of burglars who were trying to gain entry into the house.
Kumura went to check where the noise was coming from and saw two men standing by the window and one of them pointed a gun at him.
The couple managed to hide in the kitchen fearing for their lives and the robbers went on to enter the bedroom where they ransacked and took cash amounting to USD$3 000 which was in the wardrobe.
The police have been on record warning people against keeping large sums of money at home.
In March another couple lost US$3 005 cash and other valuables to armed robbers who pounced on their home and gained entry through the kitchen door.

19 female inmates released in Masvingo

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19 female inmates released in Masvingo

By Beverly Bizeki

Of the 419 inmates from Masvingo province who benefitted from the recent Presidential amnesty, only 19 were female.
Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Provincial Spokesperson Stanislaus Sanike confirmed the statistics and said female inmates were relatively fewer as compared to males hence the low numbers.
“Only 19 women qualified for the amnesty and the number is also low because the female population inside is low as well. The province has also released 419 inmates in total with 400 being male,” said Sanike.
Sanike urged inmates released to display transformational behavior for their acceptance back into society to be smooth, imploring the community to accept them back for successful rehabilitation.
“We urge inmates to behave well and be testimony that there is genuine rehabilitation inside prison. This will help for their successful reintergration into society. As for the public and community, we urge them to accept ex inmates into their communities as this augments rehabilitation processes that we offer them.
“Without community involvement in the process of rehabilitation, there is no formidable success in behavioral transformation of an offender. For successful rehab to occur there is need for a holistic and inclusive approach,” said Sanike.
He said the exercise was important in decongesting prisons among other factors determined by the President of Zimbabwe Emmerson Mnangagwa with 4 000 convicts’ from across the country’s ten provinces benefitting from the programme.
Masvingo Women’s Forum Chairperson Sungano Zvarebwanashe weighed in and said members of the community must allow ex-convicts to work.
“We expect that those who would have acquired skills during their stay in prison be allowed to work and not rule them out in terms of employment, the aspect of correction will not make sense. The skills they would have learned and behavior change will be of no use hence there is need to assess and allow them another chance at life,” said Zvarebwanashe.
Zvarebwanashe further urged government to consider the welfare of inmates and allow them decent living.
“Living conditions for prisoners are bad, they are not correctional but are rather punitive. They would have committed crimes but their health can deteriorate due to the living conditions in terms of cleanliness even the food they eat. Sometimes some people serve a jail term while in remand prisons before being convicted due to the living conditions in these places even in police cells.
“The situation is dire for female prisoners with children, the conditions are not conducive for adults what more the young children? This equates to children serving jail terms together with their mothers hence the government needs to put the welfare of convicted mothers into consideration,” she said.
Beneficiaries of the program include all female inmates who had served one third of their sentence by April 18, excluding those serving time for specified offences, inmates under the age of 18 who would have also served one third of their sentences, and prisoners serving an effective period of 48 months with the above mentioned conditions well.
The specified offenses include murder, treason, rape or any sexual offence, carjacking, robbery, public violence, human trafficking, unlawful possession of firearm, contravention of the Electricity Act, contravention of the Postal and Telecommunications Act, contravention of the Public Order and Security Act or Maintenance of Peace and Order Act and any conspiracy incitement or attempt to commit any of the above mentioned offences.
Recently, two brothers from Gokwe who were beneficiaries of the amnesty killed their father for having reported them to the police which saw them earning a jail term. Unfortunately the two were seriously injured in a mob attack in which they were attacked for previous crimes.

Community constructs 2 ECD Centres

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Community constructs 2 ECD Centres

By TellZim Reporter

The Ward 13 community of Masvingo Rural District Council have shown that unity of purpose pays off after successfully establishing two Early Childhood Centres in the ward to lessen the distance travelled by their kids to school.
The first one is called Manoti ECD Centre which is approximately 4km from the nearest Machitenda Primary School, where three-to-five-year-olds used to endure double the distance on daily basis.
Local councilor Sarah Phinias Munemo commended the community for the unity which resulted in what they are now proud of.
The community completed the project within a few weeks after she and the local MP Eddison Zvobgo Junior donated cement and other building material.
“I salute the people from Manoti area, which has two villages with a combined total of 150 households. All ECD learners from those two villages were travelling 8km per day to and from school.
“The road is so bushy and vegetative, which is worsened by the deaths of cattle due to January disease, so the vegetation is so dense and not conducive for kids to walk in,” said Munemo.
She said there were plans through the MP to establish an infant-level school at the ECD centres to cater for young learners in the area.
“During the campaign period I visited the Centre which had one toilet servicing the business centre and the ECD centre as well as a community garden.
“The room was tiny with a very small compartment used as the teachers’ room. By then in March 2023 the enrolment was 25 and after the visit I notified the current MP who quickly donated 5 bags of cement and I added five more which was directed for the refurbishment of the toilet as well as constructing another one.
“The MP promised to work towards the development of the Centre and to apply to council for the establishment of an Infant level school to cater for the very young kids there,” said Munemo.
She said a worse situation was at Masononga which is 5 km away from Gwanha School and 4km from Chikarudzo and the ECD learners had to travel double the distances with their mothers who often escort them.
“We established the same ECD centre in Masononga and when it opened doors on May 7 2024 they had 15 learners but we expect the number to rise,” she said.
The centers are currently community centers which are run by the community with assistance from mother schools and operate from the fees paid by learners and donations from well-wishers.

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