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Ministry approves Shurugwi’s ZW$ 3.1b budget

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Ministry approves Shurugwi’s ZW$ 3.1b budget

Tinaani Nyabereka

Shurugwi- The Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo last week approved Shurugwi Town Council’s ZW$3.1 billion 2023 annual budget.
Shurugwi Acting Town Secretary Francis Charamba confirmed the development and said the budget translates to US $4.6 million.
Last year the budget stood at ZWL 1.1 billion and the performance was rated at 62percent.
“Council is determined to consolidate the achievements made last year and finish pending projects using the approved budget.
“It (council) will also seek to accelerate the provision of clean water to its residents through the RB East Mine water project which is almost complete and will supply the whole town.
“The other major project we intend to work on is the completion of Sebanga Poly Clinic maternity wing which is earmarked to open its doors to the public in 2023,” said Charamba.
On the education sector, council will work on the construction of a primary school in Sebanga to ease the walking distance for children in the area.

Anderson Adventist High bags education secretary’s merit award

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Anderson Adventist High bags education secretary’s merit award

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru-based Anderson Adventist High School has once again shown how best the school positions itself as a centre of academic excellence as it basks in glory of landing the Education Secretary Merit Award.
The school on January 26 also revealed how it takes pride in upholding a decade of academic excellence.
Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Permanent Secretary Tumisang Thabela applauded the school for scooping another accolade.
“It is noteworthy that this school is being awarded the Secretary’s Bell for the third time.
“This demonstrates the school’s commitment towards academic excellence with the head teacher also being awarded the accolade for the second time. It shows he is indeed a champion head,” said Thabela.
Narrating the school’s 2022 Advanced level success story, school head Caxton Mukasvanga said the institution’s ability to select learners and linking them to their studying areas of strength had been the secret behind production of quality results.
“For almost a decade now, the school has maintained a 100 percent pass rate at “’A’ level.
“The excellent performance of the school has been through the ability by school teachers to identify learners’ talents at form 1 and 2 levels so that at form 3, they choose areas they are passionate at leading to career pathways like arts, commercials or sciences.
“This is done with skills of performing tasks such that learners are placed into subject areas in which they have a higher acumen, interest and passion for,” said Mukasvanga.

Endless- Brand of faith hosts Valentine dinner

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Endless- Brand of faith hosts Valentine dinner

TellZim reporter

Every year on February 14, people from around the globe come together and set aside all differences like race,ethnicity, gender,colour,creed and or religious beliefs to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
For some in Masvingo who have had head aches on how and where to spend the beautiful day with their loved ones, new kid on the block ENDLESS: A BRAND OF FAITH offers a solution to that by hosting a cocktail dinner at Flamboyant hotel on February 10 at 1900 hours.
Company director Faith Mazana said the main aum behind the event is to offer an opportunity and platform for those willing to spend time with loved ones and or families to showcase it.
“The Valentine cocktail dinner is an event where lovers, family and friends express their affection with greetings and gifts. The link in theme is that warm feeling you get when you want someone else to be happy even if it means you are not.
“Endless love is a feeling that never stops. Therefore the brand itself comes from a personal side of my life experience where I had to endure a lot to get to where I am today. I am limitless, boundless, full of energy, enthusiastic and natural when it comes to organizing events;” said Mazana.
Having been part of the successful hosting of 2022 Lake October Great Zimbabwe’s Tourism Festival as the chief coordinator, Mazana said she capitalized on the opportunity to realize her potential.
“What inspired me to host this event is that during the Lake October Great Zimbabwe festival as the chief coordinator, I realized that I have the potential to achieve and meet certain standards, so I built my own brand, established stronger relationships and gained credibility in my own space.
“It is not easy to organize an event, it comes with pressure to create a unique experience within a limited time frame especially if you are new to the industry, it can be a daunting task. I would like to highlight what ENDLESS is, the idea behind this venture, my mission and what you can expect from me in terms of services,” added Mazana.
She however left a message based on three key areas where she spoke of one having three choices in life.
“You have three choices in life : you can either let your problems define who you are, let them destroy you or you can let them strengthen you. The hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life for tough situations build strong people,” she added.
Musician Trevor Dongo is scheduled to entertain guests at the event.
For more information the director Faith Mazana can be contacted on 0773 044 920.

Perpetrators of political violence face prosecution -Justice Makonese

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Perpetrators of political violence face prosecution -Justice Makonese

Tinaani Nyabereka

GWERU-Bulawayo High Court Judge Justice Martin Makonese has warned that perpetrators of violence in the upcoming 2023 harmonized elections will face the wrath of the law and be prosecuted.
Justice Makonese made the remarks during the official opening of the 2023 legal year in Gweru recently.
Justice Makonese added that about 17 murder cases were to be cleared in the next two weeks at the Gweru High Court Circuit.
“So far Bulawayo has cleared 6 913 civil and criminal cases out of 7 089 cases registered, while 176 are still pending from the same period. 17 murder cases have been sat down for Gweru Circuit and are expected to be completed in two weeks.
“As the country prepares for the 2023 harmonized elections, it is expected that the general peace that prevails in every part of this country will be maintained.
“To that extent, any person who shall disturb the general peace that is prevailing must be warned that the courts are ready to deal decisively with those minded to cause violence, chaos or any other such conduct designed to disturb peace in the country.
“On its part, the judiciary is ready to perform its constitutional mandate as enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy and as such elections must be conducted in a free and fair atmosphere. Those members of the public who shall violate the laws of the country will only have themselves to blame.
“It is important to underscore the fact that peace and security are at the core of any functional democracy. Any political contestation among political parties must be done within the confines of the laws of Zimbabwe. Political violence has no place in a democratic state,” he warned.
Justice Makonese however commended the general disposal rate of criminal cases at the Gweru High Court Circuit.
Last year Zimbabwe Republic Police Officer Commanding Midlands Province Assistant Commissioner Winston Muza urged Gweru community to desist from acts of political violence saying police were going to deal with perpetrators decisively.

Girls choose project 2023: collaboration and networking the way to go

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Girls choose project 2023: collaboration and networking the way to go

Veeslee Mhepo

My Age Zimbabwe successfully hosted a stakeholders meeting for the Girls Choose project 2023 to map out the Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) difficulties, reflect on the strategies for the project in 2022 and create a plan for the future.
The Girls Choose project’s overall objective is to create a conducive environment for adolescents and young people in their diversity with specific emphasis to girls and young women in Zimbabwe, to access SRHRs and HIV related information freely and safely.
My Age Zimbabwe’s project officer Obedience Mazenge said this year the project will focus more on strengthening collaborative action to ensure the future of young people, especially in marginalized communities, is not harmed by a lack of appropriate sexual and reproductive health services, praising 2022 accomplishments.
“The project’s objectives in 2023 are to increase networking and to continue facilitating and naturalizing a model for HIV and generally SRHRs access to local grassroots communities beginning with Masvingo in an effort to close apparent gaps and secure the future of many young people (especially girls and young women).
The Girls Choose project in 2022 introduced the SRHR tuck shops which include barber shops, saloons as well as market stalls and the 263 YouthTV which were big wins and also trained new SRHR champions among many of its interventions and this led to reduction of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) statistics in Masvingo,” Mazenge said.
In addition to praising the work done by the Girls Choose initiative in 2022, Masvingo urban District Aids Coordinator Claudia Chimusoro emphasizes the necessity for increased networking to strengthen the project in 2023.
“The Girls Choose project has produced positive results over the past year, and to keep up the good work and take it to higher levels, there should be increased networking between the SRHR champions and service providers, nurses, creation of youth-friendly corners and facilities, increased engagement with community gatekeepers, schools, religious leaders, and more engagement meetings,” she said.
District Aids Coordinator for Masvingo rural Munyaradzi Mapwashike applauded the Girls Choose project’s work done in 2022 supporting the idea of increasing networking and engagements, he urged everyone to make a difference in their communities to fill in information gaps on SRHR.
“We thank the GirlsChoose project for excellent work, but more needs to be done to fill in information gaps on SRHR among young people, so let’s balance it with the boy to avoid empowerment limitations,there should also be low cost training services for teachers and nurses on SRHR and how to network with the young people in order to create youth friendly environments,”said Mapwashire.

Political environment incompletely safe for female candidates: Chidindi

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Political environment incompletely safe for female candidates: Chidindi

Courage Dutiro

Masvingo Urban ward 7 March 2022 by-election female contestant has described the politically charged atmosphere as partially safe for 2023 general elections aspiring female candidates.
Everjoy Chidindi who contested in the 2022 local authority by-elections under the Labour Economists and Afrikan Democrats (LEAD) ticket said the situation in the country is so far on the unsafe side for aspiring female candidates.
“Even though quarrels and arguments are there, as a political analyst I can say the political atmosphere is moderately safe for female candidates,” said Chidindi.
She also said the political environment is not conducive for females as some people do not co-exist with others properly.
“There are some people who have radicalism as a character and it’s very difficult to convince them to co-exist with others peacefully so I can say the atmosphere is mild for female participants,” she added.
During the 2022 March by-elections, only four female candidates contested in Masvingo province with the other candidates being Getrude Chuma of MDC Alliance who also contested ward 7 of Masvingo Urban while Thokozile Muchuchuti also contested ward 4. In Chivi South constituency Faith Chuma contested the parliamentary by-election.
Muchuchuti case was an example of how unsafe the political environment is for female candidates as she was exposed to some form of harassment from fellow party rivals as well as supporters. The party Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) also was against her representing it favoring the subsequent winner Alec Tabe.
Such an unsafe political environment has relegated women down the corridors of power resulting in hesitancy when it comes to contesting for leadership positions.

PWDs4ED Masvingo launched

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PWDs4ED Masvingo launched

…women complain on exploitation during election periods

Courage Dutiro

As the country is moving towards the 2023 general elections, women with disabilities have said during election periods some people have a habit of exploiting People with Disabilities (PWDs) only to achieve their political goals.
Speaking during the launch of Persons with Disabilities 4ED in Masvingo, another ‘4ED’ organisation, national executive member of the affiliate Emily Muchaembera said they have noted with concern that during election period, women with disabilities are used without benefits by some politicians.
“During the election period, some people have a tendency of using women with disabilities without any benefit.
“When taken to rallies, we face transport problems and sometimes when we attend rallies we can spend the whole day without eating. As the PWDs4ED, we are there to protect women from such things,” said Muchaembera.
Several 4ED groups that are being used by Zanu PF to lure support for the party have recently been launched.
Masvingo ward 10 councillor Sengerayi Manyanga said PWDs4ED have a duty to drum up support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“This is a Zanu PF affiliate; it supports the party. We want to reach five million votes, so it is your duty to net new members,” said Manyanga.
Bishop Amos Mapiko told PWDs4ED that they are going to benefit more after the elections when Mnangagwa wins the election.
“Vote for President Mnangagwa to get funding from the senior officials after elections. If the President gets back into office, the PWDs will be remembered,” he said.
During the question and answer segment some of the participants at the PWDs4ED launch said what was being said is not what they were witnessing on the ground and are being left out in Presidential agricultural input schemes.
“What is being said here is not what is being done when it comes to agricultural inputs distribution by those in authority in Masvingo. We are sometimes left out in some party and government schemes,” said one participant.
Other 4ED groups that have been registered include Young women 4ED, Mahwindi 4ED, Teachers 4ED, and others like councillors4ED.

Author Tawanda Toperesu targets broken souls

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Author Tawanda Toperesu targets broken souls

Colleen Chitsa

Masvingo-An aspiring 24 year-old local author has created a safe haven for ‘broken souls’ by authoring an inspirational book which documents his personal life experiences and how he became victorious contrary to all expectations.
Tawanda Toperesu is a devoted life student who shares valuable information from his own agonizing life experiences and has risen to be the voice in his generation by publishing his first book titled ‘It’s Okay Not to Be Okay’.
This book was successfully launched on December 30, 2022.
‘It’s Okay Not To Be Okay’, is an inspirational piece of art that speaks to everyone who is struggling in life as it restores confidence, gives hope and assures one that hard times never kill and with the right mind set problems can be vanquished.
In an interview with TellZim News, Toperesu said he has a message that he wishes to spread to his generation and those to come and by writing this book, it will help him reach a wider audience.
“My desire is to teach people to embrace humanity, accept difficult life situations and to seek help.
“This book is targeting everyone who is going through a rocky patch in life, as a reminder to them that there is always light at the end of the tunnel,” Toperesu said.
As a young writer, Toperesu encountered numerous tussles through his life journey but his strong determination and ambition helped him overcome those challenges and achieved his goal.
“For a long time, I was hesitant to execute my dream because I did not get the moral support that I needed the first time I wanted to write my book but this however did not stop me from spreading my wings.
“Another huge obstacle was that I experienced some financial constraints as I didn’t have any sponsors to help me. I also lacked some of the required equipment that I needed for my dream to materialize,” added the youthful author.
The author went on to urge aspiring book writers to be determined, focused and innovative in order to accomplish their desired goals.
“Writing is not easy; it requires someone who is very alert and strong-minded. The process could be very challenging but the results that come from impacting lives are much more fulfilling and astounding,” said Toperesu.
Toperesu is also the founder BRIGHT MIND ZIMBABWE INC. TRUST, an organization that grooms young future leaders through nurturing their gifts and talents.
The book ‘It’s Okay Not to Be Okay’ is available everywhere in Zimbabwe with each copy going for US$ 10 and interested readers can access the books by contacting the author on 0784647274.

Gweru council finance department is incompetent-Mayor Kombayi

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Gweru council finance department is incompetent-Mayor Kombayi

…residents disapprove, claim the US$ 37 m budget is inflated

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru-Mayor Cllr Hamutendi Kombayi has joined hands with residents in disapproving the 2023 US$37 million budget approved by the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works last week accusing council management of inflating figures in the final product.
This approved budget was revealed by council in a notice to residents, with Kombayi later accusing the finance department of adding 15percent Value Added Tax (VAT) which was never discussed during budget consultations.
He went on to accuse the finance department of being incompetent.
“If we are to sit down as a team and assess this budget, we can see where things went wrong. We cannot sit down as council and take the budget to stakeholders, agree on that budget then the next thing we get a different copy of any adjusted budget.
“I hear the budget which was approved is the 20 percent increased one where by it had a 15percent VAT imposed on it without stakeholders input. I remember when consultations were being done, I was defending the 4 percent increase but we now have a 20 percent increase on tariffs.
“It means we have an incompetent finance team which does not know what it is doing,” said Kombayi.
However highlighting the nature of the budget, Gweru Council Finance Director, Livingstone Churu said the budget was crafted by the residents to address service provision issues in areas which were lagging behind.
“The budget belongs to the people, it was crafted to address service delivery issues that is our water, sewer in areas such Woodlands, Senga, Mkoba among others. So the budget is anchored on providing a sustainable service delivery,” he said.
Gweru Council Finance Committee chairperson Cathrine Mhondiwa said it was unfortunate that some issues were not deliberated clearly to the residents especially the one to do with 15% VAT.
“The budget seeks to ensure gender-responsive service delivery hence the focus is predominantly on water, sanitation and hygiene and street lighting.
“Regarding the issue of the 15% Value Added Tax, it was not clear at first and that is why it ended up causing everyone to burst. Had it had been said at first, am sure it would be a different story,” she said.
The budget however was changed downwards from the initial US$ 46 million to US$ 37 million, at the same time accumulating a 15 percent VAT increase on top, a move which saw the final budget getting a 20 percent increase.
Unpacking the budget this week during a radio talk show in the Midlands capital, Gweru United Progressive Residents and Ratepayers Development Association (GUPRARDA) director Pastor David Chikore said as residents they could not embrace the budget as it was not people driven.
“We as residents right from the beginning failed to have thorough input, we didn’t even get to see the final document.
“We pleaded with council last year to provide us with the final document so that we scrutinize it before approval, but up to now we have not seen it.
“We can’t say we own a budget because consultations were done. It has become a ritual that yearly consultations are done but residents are never placed at the centre of the budget, therefore we cannot embrace it,” said Chikore.
According to the 2023 budget summary, some of the areas which were set to be improved include administration which enabled operational efficiency for effective service delivery, technical support from data processing, mechanical workshop, roads and water among other things.

Redcliff United FC appeals for financial assistance

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Redcliff United FC appeals for financial assistance

Branton Matondo

Redcliff based Redcliff United football club are appealing for funding as they seek to participate in the Ruvimbo Funeral Central Region Soccer League division 2 this year.
With a rich football history, the former “little London” nurtured talents like Jimmy Mbewe, Clarkson Dzimbiri, Donald Madzinga, goalkeeper Chrispen Ben and James Bonomali Rutendo, Redcliff football followers continue to ponder and remember the old golden days.
Rutendo stadium in Redcliff popularly known as ‘MuChigomba’ does not portray its rich history as its state continues to degrade beyond sporting recognition and is now a shadow of its former self.
Redcliff United, a local team that last participated in the division 2 league in 2019 has lamented on the absence of sponsorship for them to participate again.
Speaking to TellZim News, Redcliff United patron Luwesi Mulanzi said the club which is the only hope to resuscitate Redcliff football is currently under threat.
“There is a lot of talent here in Rutendo but lack of sponsorship is hindering our progress. We last participated in division 2 during the 2019 season as Redcliff United but since then we have been dormant,” said Mulanzi.
As of now Redcliff United has confirmed a single well wisher who paid half of the affiliation fee for the 2023 season.
Other than that, nothing has been sponsored yet.
“We have paid half of 2023 season affiliation fee so far which in total is US$ 200. We need to pay the balance amounting to US$ 215. We wish to play in Midlands Province Division 2 this 2023 season. Donations will indeed help us to leap forward,” added Mulanzi.
Redcliff United is also looking for sponsorship in form of football balls, referee commissions during matches and transport for away games.
Redcliff and Rutendo last witnessed division 1 football in 2010 when FC Glow of Glow Petroleum graced the league.
The team was sponsored by business man Aaron Chinhara.
Due to the absence of football in the remote town of Redcliff, once promising youths have turned to drug abuse.
The town is only left with memories of Zisco Steel FC once sponsored by now defunct steel manufacturing giant Zisco Steel.
Well wishers willing to assist Redcliff United can call or send a WhatsApp message on +263 77 658 9953.

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