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ZCTU calls for equality at work places

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ZCTU calls for equality at work places

TellZim Reporter

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions has urged government to ensure equality between men and women prevails at most work places as that will ensure women empowerment.
In a speech read on behalf of ZCTU president Florence Taruvinga by Women Advisory Council Treasurer Pertunia Mangoti on March 11 at ZCTU Southern region boardroom during commemoration of International Women’s Day, the labour movement called for incorporation of women interests promotion.
“ZCTU calls for a more equal society that empowers, protects and promotes the rights and interests of women, children and youth as well as people with disabilities.
“We also demand that government enforce the rights of all women including those working in digital spaces and ensure a culture of zero tolerance to Gender Based Violence including Cyber violence for a workplace free from violence and harassment,” said Mangoti.
The labour movement also demanded a new social contract which they say should entail and prioritize equality, inclusion, peace and democracy.
Mangoti said government should also preside over a shift from systems that propagate marginalization of women found in different spheres of life.
“Women have for long been marginalized and systematically excluded from accessing trainings and skills to enable them to function in this new digital society and economy.
“Majority of women are found in informal sector, domestic, agriculture and the forgotten mothers at home who are burdened by care work. All these women have been denied access to ICT and have been left behind. Those women who have been brave enough to venture into digital space have faced a lot of challenges that have created more inequalities,” added Mangoti.
ZCTU also identified a number of challenges among them sexual harassment, GBV, occupational hazards, unfair labour practices, denial of right to organize and collective bargaining as some of the major challenges government should address on for the benefit of workers in Zimbabwe.

Masvingo female boxing judge shines in SA

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Masvingo female boxing judge shines in SA

Perpetua Murungweni

An international Professional Boxing judge shone and raised the Zimbabwean flag higher as she was the only Zimbabwean and female judge when she officiated at the African Boxing Union (ABU) tournament held in Pretoria, South Africa last weekend.
Patience Ngubo who hails from Masvingo was among the panel of four judges including three males, two South Africans and one Namibian.
Speaking to TellZim News from South Africa, Ngubo expressed happiness to be among the judges of a predominantly male-dominated panel.
“I am the only Zimbabwean official and l am the only female judge on the panel comprising of three males two from South Africa and one from Namibia.
“I feel honored to be given the opportunity to officiate at such a big event. I am also elated to be one of the judges handling the match. It was a big fight so l had to get everything right,” said Ngubo.
She however said her rise to prominence was not easy for her as she faced a lot of challenges in her career as a judge.
“Usually people are envious about the rise of women in male dominated fields and some speak behind your back that it is either you are connected or you are in intimate relationships with the bosses who call the shots.
“People usually do not believe that a woman can be appointed on merit. In the ring or on the judges table, there is no difference between men and women, it is just business,” she added.
She went on to call other women to get involved in boxing saying the field was not designed for anyone but only requires hard work and determination.
“There is no field that is designed for men or women but it only requires stronger women who are focused and determined. Nothing will stop you, as women we can do it in combat sport. Don’t hesitate to take any role there either as a coach, judge, referee, administrator or athlete. One just needs the requisite training, self-belief and confidence to conquer in the male dominated fields,” she said.
Ngubo said she started professional boxing in October 2021 as a volunteer and trained as a technical Official in Victoria Falls. She registered as a judge with ABU in October 2022 and to date she has officiated at three major professional events.
Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB) Masvingo Provincial Coordinator Kudakwashe Tapera said as ZNBWCB Masvingo they were happy to have one of the judges, a woman for that matter being called to represent Masvingo and Zimbabwe at large.
“Given that it’s women’s month, we are honored to have a female judge who has defied all odds to go out there and represent women and Zimbabwe as a nation,” said Tapera.

32 years behind bars for raping step daughter (9)

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32 years behind bars for raping step daughter (9)

Beverly Bizeki

A 42 year-old Bikita man was slapped with an effective 32 year jail term for raping his nine year old step daughter on a number of occasions in October 2022.
Initially he was sentenced to 36 years before four were suspended on condition of good behavior.
Masvingo Magistrate Bishard Chineka said in his judgement, he could have given the accused a longer jail term if the State had provided HIV results for both the accused and the victim.
Chineka further said the accused deserved the lengthy jail term, as the matter will leave the minor traumatized as she was now more of a ‘sex slave’ to the accused as he used every chance he got to rape her.
It is the State case as presented by prosecutor Eunice Shoko that the accused raped his step daughter sometime in October last year when she visited his homestead to call her biological mother at her grandmother’s request.
The convict denied the victim’s mother from accompanying her back home as he opted to do so himself.
The accused however changed route on his way to his in-laws and went to a nearby mountain within the village where he raped the minor and threatened to stab her with a knife if she disclosed anything about the incident.
On the second occasion, on December 15, 2022 during the day, the accused together with the victim and her two sisters were sitting under a Mupfura tree when he sent his wife to fetch water at the borehole.
After she left, the convict sent the victim to the kitchen to fetch water before following and raping her.
The victim’s younger sister (5) followed to the kitchen hut carrying the other sister (1 year 4 months) and found their father in the act before reporting the matter to the victim’s mother.
Again he threatened to stab the young girl with a knife if she disclosed the matter.
The victim’s mother suddenly arrived and found her daughter telling her step father of her intention to report the matter and found the accused zipping his trousers.
An altercation ensued with the mother shouting at her husband for the evildoing before the latter asked for forgiveness and kept on following his wife to deter her from reporting the matter.
On the third occasion, the accused person took advantage of the absence of his wife and raped the minor once in the kitchen hut.
While in the evil act, the wife called her daughter which alerted the rapist and he instructed the girl to go, meet her mother outside the hut and tell her that he was not around as he had gone to take a bath.
The victim did not report the incident to her mother as she had been threatened with a knife again.
The girl’s mother however managed to sneak from the accused person’s homestead together with her children on December 25, 2022 and went to her uncle’s place whom she informed of the matter.
The uncle then accompanied the girl’s mother to make a police report and the victim was referred to Silveira Mission Hospital for medical examination.
Chineka also said the case would traumatize the victim’s mother as well.

Chivi teenager finally gets financial assistance to get tumor removed

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Chivi teenager finally gets financial assistance to get tumor removed

…family thanks TellZim for spreading their plea for help

TellZim Reporter

A Chivi teenager, Tatenda Mupfurashanga (17) who has a tumor growing on his face since he was four years old will finally get surgery done on him by March 31, 2023 after well-wishers heeded to the family’s plea for financial assistance.

Mupfurashanga was in need of US$850 for the surgery and the family could not raise it until well-wishers chipped in following a publication of his story by TellZim News.

Chivi Ward 16 Community Rehabilitation officer Albert Imbayarwo who together with Mupfurashanga’s parents cares for the teenager said since the story was published they began to receive donations from well-wishers who would sent the money via mobile money remittance facilities, and within a few weeks they had managed to raise over half of the bill.

“Following publication of our plea for help by TellZim on Feb 21, I believe the story went viral because we started to receive donations from well-wishers, and by March 8 we had managed to raise US$400 plus ZW$130 000 and R1000.

“We then managed to organize a fundraising activity as Simbaradzo Disability Club where we called upon Non-Governmental Organisations, CBOs and churches on March 15 to come and contribute towards the bill.

Imbayarwo said Tatenda’s life had been altered because of the growth, and it was important that he got into surgery as soon as he can as it could eventually become life threatening.

“Tatenda has a bright future if he gets the required medical assistance. I want to thank TellZim for mainstreaming disability as well as reaching to the diaspora community which contributed much to the required medical bill.

“We raised a total of US$1400, R2000 and ZW$130 000. We are very grateful for that and we can now book for the surgery this month,” Imbayarwo said.

Mupfurashanga will be operated at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare by March 31 this year.

Mupfumi confident of victory in Mutare Central

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Mupfumi confident of victory in Mutare Central

Branton Matondo

Mutare-Popular businessman-cum-politician and aspiring Mutare Central Member of Parliament Esau Fungai Mupfumi is certain of victory come the date when Zanu PF holds its primaries.
The party’s primary elections campaigns have reached boiling point as aspirant Mupfumi (who once lost in the past) is maximizing his final vote mobilization in Sakubva through resident engagements and rallies.
Addressing party members at City of Mutare Municipal offices in Sakubva, Mupfumi said the race is on and party members shall decide.
“The time for primaries upon us and remember this is an in-house electoral process. We do not encourage violence because there is no need to incite such. The thrust of the matter is to determine who can run faster than the other,” said Mupfumi.
The perennial campaigner is going to face the test of yet another party big wig, Big Byte supermarkets owner Resistance Mundembe.
Despite the stiff competition likely to be posed by Mundembe, Mupfumi promised party members that if he clinches the seat, Sakubva will witness ‘the genesis of change’.
“I will make sure that residents from Old Townships and Sakubva get title deeds for their houses before the end of year. Our mandate is to restructure roads in Sakubva not forgetting Sakubva River Bridge which has become a problem to residents. Street lights are of importance to the community and we take heed to people’s cries over continued power cuts.
“Sakubva is a stereotyped place that suffers such problems like extended power cuts because there is no leader. As Zanu PF, we seek for an immediate connectivity between the President of the State, Senator, Member of Parliament and the councillors across the board so that we facilitate change,” he added.
The Gold Class Coaches owner has also reportedly installed Wi-Fi at Beit Hall in Sakubva.
Zanu PF candidates will chose candidates for a total of 210 national assembly seats, 60 senatorial seats and 1 970 wards.
Zanu PF Central Committee member and former Mutasa South Member of Parliament Irene Zindi who is also running for a District Coordinating Committee (DCC) post for Mutare presented her candidature and backed up Mupfumi’s vote claiming that he is the right man for the post.
She called upon party supporters to consider her experience in the Manicaland.
“My presence here is to ask for your vote as DCC chair for Mutare district. I am not new to Mutare. Under the leadership of the party, I have carried out construction works in Chikanga when I was Mutasa South Member of Parliament. The construction of Chikanga market place is a testimony that there should be no doubt of my abilities,” said Zindi.
Women participation in wards within Sakubva has also taken centre stage with Vendors4ED leader Cecilia Gambe vying for ward 2.
“For the past years, I have been attending to residents’ problems without an office, what more if I have a post. I confirm that in Old Townships residential areas people were given 14 day notices recently. We have contacted council and the issue has been resolved. The issue is to offer free residence, jobs creation through projects, and do away with confiscation of houses. Time for violence is over; with undoubted belief, your vote will confirm me as ward 2 councillor,” said Gambe.
Other businesspersons in the primaries are Herentials Group of Colleges owner Innocent Benza and football administrator Farai Jere who are gunning for Mutasa Central and Murewa West constituencies respectively.
Zanu PF party’s primary elections candidates’ CVs are still being scrutinized by the party’s National Elections Directorate and Security Department as announced recently by national Political Commissar Dr Mike Bimha.

People afraid to report drug peddlers

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People afraid to report drug peddlers

….cite victimization from drug lords as reason behind

Perpetua Murungweni

Residents in Masvingo have said most people fear exposing those who practice drug trafficking and consumers of drugs and substances in their communities as whistleblowing leads to victimization by drug lords.
Some people claim to know the drug dealers but they have said they cannot do anything about it as they fear for their lives—they fear that they can be attacked by the drug dealers since most of these peddlers are bullies in the community.
“We know these people who are peddlers of drugs and substance abuse in our communities but we fear to report them to the police because we are afraid that they may attack us since most are bullies,” said Taenda Chaputa (not real name).
Another citizen said they are afraid of the drug lords who operate in cartels or syndicates.
“The other reason why we fear exposing these people is because most of them operate in gangs, they might mobilize and come for your life if they find out that you are the one who reported them to the police,” said Innocent Chimuti (not real name).
Nyaradzai Munyoro the chairperson of a movement named Masvingo Says No To Drugs, an anti-drug group that started last year in June indicated she learnt how bad the situation had become at a workshop held at Mucheke Old People’s home where residents discussed challenges they face concerning drugs and substance abuse.
“We had an anti-drug workshop at Old People’s Home where we invited residents and talked about the challenges they are facing and most people said they know most of the drug peddlers in the community but they fear victimization if they report these drug dealers to the police.
“The group is also of great help to the community by reducing the number of kids consuming drugs through therapeutic sessions, since I am also a therapist and sometimes visit residents door to door offering free therapy sessions to the victims of drug and substance abuse and the group also exposes drug pins as I gather information about them from the victims I work with,” added Munyoro.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwakwe Dhewa said they were running an anti-drug blitz and urged people to give them information that leads to the arrest of these people.
“As police, we are running an anti-drug blitz and we urge members of the public to assist the operation by providing police with information that may lead to the arrest of the criminals,” said Dhewa.
Concerning the issue of victimization, Dhewa said there were no reports so far made of victimized people and he urged those in fear of victimization to seek protection from the police.
“Since we started the drug blitz, we have not yet received any reports of victimization from those who assist the police with information and we urge those in fear of victimization to seek help and protection from the police,” he added.
He also advised the public to maintain secrecy with the information they have and also when they report, they should use the police’s WhatsApp number.
“People should try to ensure secrecy with the information that leads to the drug dealers, they should not disclose this information to anyone either friends or families but they should go and secretly report to their nearest police station for them to be safe because the police will never disclose who gave them the information.
“Using the police’s WhatsApp platform is also very important when tipping off the police because one won’t be seen in the police station or near the police station because sometimes these drug dealers won’t have information of who reported them but they can go to those seen coming outside police stations or near the station threatening them that someone told them they are the ones reported them,” said Dhewa.
ZRP recently launched a nationwide operation called ‘No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances’ and the operation is still in progress where the police is arresting those involved in drugs and substance trading.

from drug lords as reason behind

Mwenezi armed robbers nabbed, appear in court

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Mwenezi armed robbers nabbed, appear in court

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi -Four of the five armed robbers who pounced on Mwenezi’s Dhiki Business Centre before proceeding to nearby Munhundishe Primary School where they robbed and severely assaulted teachers on March 9 were arrested a day after committing the offence.
The four suspects Sunboy Pfuwai (32) of Chibwe village under Chief Nyajena, John Chiumburu (30) of Kwangari village under Chief Chivi, Davis Hove (29) of Chandimhara village in Zaka and Tafara Siziba (28) of Mharadze village under Chief Maranda in Mwenezi appeared before Mwenezi Magistrate Gift Manyika on March 11, 2023.
The fifth suspect is still at large and believed to have skipped the border into South Africa.
The quartet facing robbery charges were all remanded in custody to March 24 pending trial after their initial appearance.
Represented by prosecutor Hardlife Machando, the State alleged that on March 6 this year the four together with one Panashe who is still at large, who operates from neighbouring South Africa illegally crossed the border with a pistol.
On March 8, at around 1900 hours, the five proceeded to Pazai Store at Dhiki Business Centre wielding the pistol, threatened patrons and the shop owner before robbing them some cash and cell phones.
After robbing at the business centre, the five proceeded to Munhundishe Primary School which is about 3 km away from Dhiki where they severely assaulted teachers and robbed them of their cell phones and money before disappearing.
During investigation at the crime scene, police managed to identify one of the accused Siziba who immediately ran away but was later arrested on March 9 boarding a Toyota Wish on his way back to South Africa.
Siziba then sold out his accomplices who were hiding in a mountain near Nyahombe Business Centre.
With the help of a police dog, detectives managed to apprehend the other three accused persons but one Panashe was never accounted for and the pistol used to commit the offence was not recovered.
According to information provided Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, at Pazai bar the suspects stole R 740 and US$ 20, while at Ramonga they got away with R 1 500 and US$ 50 before robbing teachers at Munhundishe of R 70 and US$ 60 as well as cell phones.

ZESN urges women to participate in electoral processes

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ZESN urges women to participate in electoral processes

Emmanuel Chitsika

Women in Masvingo have been challenged to take action this year by ensuring they play a key role in 2023 elections by either participating as candidates or supporting fellow women candidates.
The call was made by Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) Masvingo provincial taskforce chairperson Munyaradzi Chauke during the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) International Women’s Day commemorations held on March 11 at ZCTU Southern region boardroom in the city.
“Without saying anything much, let me express my pleasure on the theme by ZCTU ‘Year of Action-building a more equal and inclusive digital society’. I would like to emphasize on the phrase ‘year of action’ and urge women to take charge especially when it comes to this year’s harmonized elections.
“If we look at the issue of elections, the most important aspect is voter registration which is and will remain a continuous process. This 2023 should be your year as women and thus the need for you to take action. Judging by the fact that women are the majority of the national population, as women you should set the pace when it comes to political activity participation,” said Chauke.
He also said women may participate in politics through various other ways.
“As women, one would ask how to participate in politics? You can participate by mobilizing fellow women to register to vote, going to vote on Election Day or even taking part as polling officers, election officers or even agents at respective political parties.
“Above everything else, playing a role as a candidate is another way of participating in electoral systems for women. As women, you should not be seen as spectators in a game where you should be key players. You should challenge men in all leadership positions,” he added.
Chauke also urged responsible authorities to ensure the ‘quota system’ for women truly benefits them unlike a situation where they are exposed to stiff competitions against their male counterparts.
“I f we take a closer look at the quota system, one would realize that at the end women do not fully benefit as intended. It would have been better if particular constituencies would be reserved for women and only women candidates from various political parties should contest.
“A situation whereby for example 80 constituencies would be reserved for women would be ideal unlike putting them in the same primary elections pool where men dominate. Zanu PF for example may set aside a particular constituency for women, but then that very candidate contests against a male from CCC and chances are high that the city will be won by a man,” said Chauke.
Masvingo Urban ward 4 councillor Alec Tabe also urged women to support each other in politics even if it means that the next crop of councillors at Civic Centre will be composed of five female and five males.
“We also wish to see equal representation in council between men and women. At Masvingo city council we strive to ensure a gender-responsive service delivery that would allow women to have time to participate in political activities unlike a situation where they would spend most of their time looking for basic services like water for example.
“In the upcoming elections, we expect women to support each other so that those who vie for political offices will find it easier against men. Such challenges which hinder women participation in politics like violence should be tamed for the benefit of women,” said Tabe.

Mucheke Social League race goes to wire

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Mucheke Social League race goes to wire

Emmanuel Chitsika

With only one game to play before the conclusion of the Mucheke Social League (soccer), the champions are yet to be decided as the race seems to be undecided up until the teams reach the finishing line.
Three teams all stand high chances of landing the coveted prize of being crowned champions and such chances all depend on how they calm their nerves and fare in the last matches set for March 19.
In pole position is De Sisk with 90 points followed by Chesvingo All Stars on 89 while in third place is Deportivo FC on 88 points. However, should they fail to land the championship, Chesvingo All Stars who for the better part of the campaign were in pole position would rue the points they dropped along the way until De Sisk dislodged them.
MSL Secretary Forbes Nota confirmed the rounding up fixture set for this coming Sunday while at the same time he pointed out that the league is functioning with no sponsorship as the teams foot own expenses.
“The league is coming to an end with De Sisk locking horns with Aphiri Boys at Border stadium in the morning as they aim for nothing short of o a win. Chesvingo will be playing Flying Eagles later at 1500 hours at the same venue. Deportivo lock horns with relegation candidates FC Victoria Ranch at 0900 hours.
“So far the league has not secured any sponsorship and the league’s executive is working tirelessly to look for the league, top scorers awards, referee of the season among other prizes to be won,” said Nota.
He also appealed to authorities in charge to ensure grounds are conducive for playing by ensuring smooth turfs with grass being periodically cut paying particular attention to Mamutse stadium.
The league started in May 29, 2022 with 20 teams for the 2022-23 seasons after a one and half year lay-off due to Covid-19 restrictions which were later relaxed paving way for resumption of sporting activities around mid-2022.
FC Victoria Ranch anchors the bottom of the log with 16 points from 36 games though their prolific net banger Passmore Kuzipa is on ninth position with 12 goals on goal scoring charts while Municipal Rover with 24 points from 37 games.
Morefire’s Allan Kurauone tops the scoring carts with 29 goals followed by De Sisk’s Brain Madondo while in third place are Pangolin’s Simbarashe Kwangwari and Tinotenda Nyandoro both tied on 19 goals.

Dog eat dog in Zanu PF primaries

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Dog eat dog in Zanu PF primaries

…Mazarire, Zvobgo take battle to rural turf
…Mavhenyengwa faction clashes in Zaka
…New faces emerge in Masvingo North, Gutu East
…Chadzamira likely to bounce back in Masvingo West
…Two Mutodis clash in Bikita South

Brighton Chiseva

MASVINGO – It will be a dog eat dog scenario in Zanu PF primary elections initially set for Saturday (March 18) but have been postponed to a later date, with big wigs and some completely new faces set to clash in the internal process which has previously been marred with violence, intimidation and serious rigging.
The party announced that there was an overwhelming number of candidates who submitted their papers to contest for various positions in the primaries, elongating the vetting process as there were reportedly higher chances of infiltration among other anomalies.
Party National Political Commissar Dr Mike Bimha announced in a presser a day before the scheduled primaries (Friday March 17) that primary elections had been postponed to a later, unannounced date after Politburo meets on Monday, March 20, 2023.
In Masvingo, Zanu PF Provincial Secretary for Communications Pepukai Chiwewe earlier this week confirmed that there was an overwhelming response to the call for submissions of aspiring candidates’ CVs ahead of the primary elections.
Chiwewe said large numbers were recorded, with a minimum of four and maximum of 12 per ward for local authorities, as well as a minimum of four and a maximum of seven for parliamentary candidates in Masvingo Province.
The election in the province however is expected to be nothing short of drama and surprises as 2018 Zanu PF Masvingo Urban constituency main contenders Benjamin Taguma Mazarire and Eddison Zvobgo Jnr have taken their rivalry to Masvingo Central constituency to try their luck with the rural electorate once more after the urban seat proved too difficult to clinch.
The two contested in 2018 primaries and Mazarire won, only to lose to then MDC-Alliance’s little known Jacob Nyokanhete ending Zanu PF’s total control of the province’s 26 constituencies.
In 2013, Zanu PF won all the 26 constituencies including the urban seat which was taken by Daniel Shumba from MDC’s Tongai Matutu.
The main battle will be between two businessmen and youthful Phainos Makwarimba who is likely to win the contest.
Mazarire, a businessman who is into mining and money lending business, contested Masvingo West in 2013 and lost to Ezra Chadzamira, contested again in 2018 and lost in the main election—history has a tendency of repeating itself.
Mazarire claims to be of Mapanzure clan, which means Mapanzure area could be his stronghold and basing on traditional leaders influence in polls, that gives him an edge to that effect.
Zvobgo, the Managing Director of Regency Hotels is riding on his father’s fame having been the area’s MP for a long time though he left nothing to show off his prolonged stay in power.
Zvobgo has influence from Mashate Business Centre up to his home area Shonganiso Misssion where his family has two schools and a clinic tyo their name.
He once tried his luck in the same constituency in 2013 and lost to sitting MP Edmund Mhere who has since stepped down and is alleged to be supporting Makwarimba.
Makwarimba is also using his late father Clemence Makwarimba’s popularity having been the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for Masvingo Rural District Council and Senator for Masvingo district.
Makwarimba could be fishing in the same pond with Mazarire in Mapanzure. However, he seem to have more grip in the area which is his home turf, having ran some sporting tournaments for the youth in the current campaign period.
He also enjoys support in Mushawasha area where incumbent Edmund Mhere hails from and is always on the ground unlike Zvobgo and Mazarire.
Brian Charumbira, a councillor, also threw his hat in the ring as he may have support in his ward but is barely known in other areas thereby limiting his chances.
Three other names in the race are Jephison Chikovo, a Mutati and one Nhindire.
Four people have since lined up for Masvingo South Constituency where the incumbent Claudious Maronge is tipped to retain his post since his competitors seem not to have the grasp in the constituency.
Other contestants include Victor Vengei who lost to Maronge in 2018, Mukomberi, Maushe Mutetepi and Chidhaura.
Battle lines have been drawn in Masvingo North between youthful Brian Mudhumi, who seems to have the incumbent who has since moved to contest in Zaka Central Davies Marapira’s blessing, businessman Pascal Mudzikisi, popular bus operator Tanda Tavaruva (Mhunga)’son Emmanuel Tavaruva, and Albert Mangena who is Masvingo RDC council chairperson.
Mudhumi’s chances are high; he has the resources and charisma. However, he is reported to be originally from Gutu and his alignment with the Mavhenyengwa faction in Chadzamira dominated Masvingo district could be his major undoing.
Mangena stands a better chance because of his links with Chadzamira faction and support from the Provincial Vice Chairperson Trust Mugabe who is pushing him out of council so that he becomes council chairperson at Masvingo RDC where he is councillor.
So Mudhumi and Mangena’s chances are almost 50/50 making it difficult to predict a winner amongst the two.
One female candidate Emily Madzana is also vying for the post and though she is not so popular, being a woman could be her only advantage if women would vote for a fellow woman, she could stand a better chance.
Three other unpopular names are alleged to have submitted their CVs for the constituency.
In Masvingo Urban, the battle is between two youthful candidates Wellington Mahwende who is the city’s deputy Mayor and Harare based businessperson James Pande.
Mahwende who is nicknamed ‘Putin’ in Zanu PF because of his aggression is most likely to win the seat having managed to win deputy mayor position where the opposition has majority. He has proven to be a shrewd politician who can stop at nothing to get power.
Pande on the other hand is equally energetic, being youthful like Mahwende, he is also well resourced to match Mahwende. His major undoing however is that he is based in Harare and has no popular business if he has one in Masvingo.
In Masvingo West, the incumbent and Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira enjoys the advantage of incumbency. He is well resourced and powerful having been provincial chair for some time and being the minister of State, he has an advantage over his rivals.
Chadzamira enjoys support from wards 33, 5, 2, 6 and 7 and may lose support in only two wards that are under Charumbira area since they accuse him of siding with Bere people.
Chadzamira will battle it out with little known Canada based Regis Vusango and Toddy Nyengerai who is ward 12 councillor.
Members of the Mavhenyengwa faction will clash in Zaka North after the delimitation process left them in the same constituency.
The two, former Zaka Central MP Paradzai Chakona and the sitting MP for dissolved Zaka West Ophias Murambiwa popularly known as ‘Maga Maga’ will square off in Zaka North.
Chakona has an advantage that he has been working in the constituency for some time having been tipped by the incumbent and party Provincial Chair Robson Mavhenyengwa who decided to step down after losing popularity.
Chakona is a shrewd politician but has since recorded some scandals in the constituency which can work against him.
On the other hand, Murambiwa, a central committee member like Chakona has what it takes to win the constituency but his major disadvantage is that he is only popular in a few wards that were taken from the now collapsed Zaka West to Zaka North.
Other candidates include perennial loser Professor Boniface Chivore who has been losing primaries even before the 2008 elections.
John Chikomo who was Mavhenyengwa’s right hand man is also in the race as well as little known Morris Chipato.
In Zaka Central, it will be the case of biblical David and Goliath with the main battle being between Davies Marapira (Goliath), and the David being any one between incumbent Davison Svuure and Manfred Mada.
Marapira however has an upper hand as he is well resourced and has been on the ground drilling boreholes, donating building material and stationery in schools as well as facilitating grading of roads.
Manfred Mada, ward 13 councillor allegedly refused an offer that had been put on the table to retain his council post and become council chairperson. He has also been on the ground and he has support mainly in Jerera.
Svuure is allegedly notorious for creating more enemies than friends during his tenure.
Other candidates include little known UK Based Patricia Chimombe who recently jetted into the country for the primary election and Kissmore Basopo and former Zaka West MP Vincent Mawere.
In Zaka South, the main battle is between Clemence Chiduwa who is MP for the dissolved Zaka East. Chiduwa is Zaka DCC chairperson and Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development and James Makaure. Chiduwa’s major advantages are that he is well resourced and has done a number of tangible developmental projects since he assumed office in 2019. He also went to Zaka South with the bulk of wards from Zaka East where he enjoys support. He also has support from ward 24 which has been in Zaka West.
Makaure commands a following in some wards which were in Zaka West though he is a bit new in the dynamics of Zaka politics but enjoys support from Mavhenyengwa and Marapira faction.
Another contender is Talent Chivange who lost to Chiduwa in 2019 by-election after they had both been disqualified in 2018.
Chivange however is known to disappear after every election only to resurface towards another election.
He may however enjoy support from areas that are under Chief Nhema where Chiduwa is not popular.
In Chivi North, a tight contest is between incumbent Mathias Tongofa and Chivi RDC chairperson Godfrey Mukungunugwa with another contestant Clifford Mumbengegwi having slim chances.
While incumbency may be an advantage to Tongofa, it also may work as a disadvantage with people yearning new blood.
Mukungunugwa has the resources and as council chairperson, he had some influence in how devolution funds were used with bias towards Chivi North. He facilitated a number of projects in the constituency. He enjoys support from Chadzamira while his main rival Tongofa is from Mavhenyengwa faction.
In Chivi South, the sitting MP Munyaradzi Zizhou will battle it out with Felix Maburuse who is alleged to be well resourced though his chances seem to be slim than Zizhou’s. Since he assumed office only last year, Zizhou has not made many enemies and people could still want to give him another chance though on the developmental front, he does not have much to show.
In Chivi Central, the incumbent Ephraim Gwanongodza stepped down and four businessmen have since lined up for the contest. The four include Dr Tapiwa Murambi, Exavier Moses Maoneke popularly known as ‘Wezhas’, Kudzai Mujikwa and Ranganai Pedzisai.
The main contest is between Dr Murambi and Wezhas and it is difficult to predict the winner between the two.
All the sitting MPs in Bikita are eyeing a comeback. In Bikita West, the sitting MP Elias Musakwa of the ‘Hwava’ fame in gospel music circles will battle it out with Daniel Makusha, Solomon Mupangi and Mbirikunashe Chirovera.
In Bikita East Johnson Madhuku is being challenged by Court Gomba and Professor Jacob Mufunda. Madhuku, a shrewd politician, is likely to retain the seat.
In Bikita South, the incumbent Josiah Sithole will rekindle the provincial elections battle it out with two Mutodis—former Information and Publicity Deputy Minister Energy Mutodi and Givemore Mutodi. Henry Mumera si also believed to be posing a great challenge to Sithole and his chances are almost equalt to Energy Mutodi. Other candidates linked to the seat are one Mateveke and an Engineer Muvhuni.
Energy Mutodi who transferred from Goromonzi South is former President Mnangagwa’s ally and is well resourced to challenge Sithole.
In Gutu, a few ministers’ names have come up in different constituencies, with Minister of Mines and Mining Development Winston Chitando eyeing a comeback in Gutu Central.
In Gutu West, the incumbent and Zanu PF youth boss John Paradza is likely to retain his constituency.
In Gutu South, the sitting MP Pupurai Togarepi will likely clash with former Public Service Commission (PSC) Secretary Ambassador Jonathan Wutaunashe. Togarepi who is Zanu PF Chief Whip is likely to win the contest as he recently fought against the collapsing of the constituency through his position as chairperson of the Adhoc Committee on the analysis of the preliminary delimitation report. He is also well resourced and politically well-connected unlike Wutaunashe who seems not to be well versed with politics as he once contested and lost in 2018.
Another candidate is a local businessman Reggie Mabhiza.
With the incumbent Beritha Chikwama having stepped down in Gutu East, businessman Christopher Kudzayi Mashuro will likely contest against Higher and Tertiary Education, Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Amon Murwira and a Ganyiwa.
On the ground, Mashuro seems to be more popular, with businesses in the Munyikwa area, specifically Muchekayaora. He also has a good academic record, but if Murwira contests, he may shatter Mashuro’s interests since Murwira is President Mnangagwa’s ally.
It remains to be seen however who survives after the party trims the numbers of candidates, which they have said is likely to be done by Sunday, March 19, a day before the Politburo sits, but with the aggressive campaigns that have been going on, heads are set to roll as some bigwigs bite the dust.

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