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100meter dash!

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100meter dash!

With Yeukai Musara

Being a former 100meters athlete l remember having to stand on the starting line and zone out everyone who is around me in order to concentrate and try and view the distance.
When the starter calls upon competitors, “On your marks!” with a thundering voice we are prepared to be on our marks position, as he has directed for us to go and when he shouts, “set!” we automatically have to count three seconds before the gun rings to set us off. Awww you know the drill right!
In this race there are different things that can happen; one can make a false start and automatically you are disqualified and you are out of the race and you won’t race again.
Another thing that can happen; one can miss the starting gun and you will be left behind on the starting line while others have gone and you will have a slow start and you have to catch up with the others.
The other thing maybe you have started the race but you face a hamstring injury along the way and you are not able to finish the race. You will be forced out of the race.
Lastly you may be able to start the race well, end well smoothly without any hiccups or any injury along the way.
This is the 100meter dash so anything can happen to anyone at any time.
The point that I’m trying to bring out is that we as Christians are running a race and we are doing it differently.
Some have had false starts and they end up being automatically disqualified from the race before it has even started because of the things that they have or wrong decisions that they may have made with their lives.
Some are slow on takeoff and are left behind after the race had begun because of the shortness of timing as well as grasping the word of God in its fullness and in what you should do about it as well as consider it.
Some develop hamstrings along the way; they will have received the word but will not have grasped it well and mentally and the devil will come and destroy them or disturb them along the way and they are forced out of the race.
Finally one begins the race well and ends well and has a world record or beats the clock .This is the Christian who will have received the word, grasped the word, meditated on the word and used it to its fullness and he or she has reached the finish line.
Basically what l am trying to say or bring out is that we are all in a race with our lives and Christian lives and what needs to be done is to try and move in our Christian walk.
According to 2Timothy 4:7 which the Apostle Paul says, “I have fought a good fight, l have finished my course, l have kept the faith.”
Paul says he has finished the race so as Christians let us strive to finish the race so that when our Lord Jesus comes we know that we will have accomplished it and will have finished it well without any issues.
Philippians 3v14 He goes on to say “l press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
As we race and press towards the mark of our high calling we need to continue to pursue the rightful ways of living as well as do it prayerfully in order for us to get there.
This journey can be difficult just like the 100 meter dash but we can only overcome it by prayer and supplication.
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us according to the book of Philippians 4:13.
Let us continue to pursue our ways and we will be able to achieve what we desire from God.

Facebook page: Jesus Walks With Me
yeumusara@wordpress.com
Email: smochully28@gmail.com

Child pregnancies: Joining Forces speak out

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Child pregnancies: Joining Forces speak out

TellZim Reporter

An alliance of five child-focused organizations recently released a statement condemning child sexual abuse which has gone rampant in the country, evidenced by reports of an eight and nine year old girls being impregnated.
The five organizations, which include Plan International, Save the Children, SOS Children’s Village and World Village reiterated that more needs to be done to prevent sexual abuse of girls as well as bringing perpetrators to book.
“Joining Forces Zimbabwe, an alliance of five child-focused agencies strongly condemns the continued horrendous sexual abuse of young girls. The recent shocking media reports on pre-teen girls from Tsholotsho and Bindura getting pregnant due to abuse shows that the violation of girls’ rights continues unabated.
“We applaud the reporting of such cases in order for justice to be served because reporting of girls’ sexual abuse is critical in bringing perpetrators to account. However it is clear that young girls continue to experience sexual abuse within their homes and communities, which are meant to be safe spaces” read part of the statement.
The statement went on to call on relevant stakeholders to work towards investing in mechanisms to raise awareness in communities as well strengthening early reporting to break the abuse cycle.
They also implored actors to strengthen services like psychosocial support, termination of pregnancy and other medical needs that may be required by survivors of sexual abuse.
“We are calling on all relevant actors as mandated by the National Case Management System who include government departments at all levels, Non-Governmental Organizations, Community Based Organizations and community level structures such as churches and traditional leaders to timeously and comprehensively respond to all cases of child sexual abuse. This will strengthen the confidence of communities in the protection system and encourage reporting of such criminal acts,” the statement read.
The alliance joined hands in 2017 to use their collective power to accelerate change against child abuse by piloting and scaling innovative and effective approaches worldwide that are driven by voices and needs of children.

We are also victims of GBV-Mutare men

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We are also victims of GBV-Mutare men

Branton Matondo

As the 16 days of activism against gender based violence (GBV) head towards the 11th hour, men from Mutare have came out saying they also suffer from gender based violence despite statistics indicating more women suffering from the scourge. The period from 25 November to 10 December marks a 16 day period where the world commemorates activism against gender based violence.
Attendants of a recent community meeting in Sakubva, Mutare said that a reasonable population of Zimbabweans thought women were the only victims of GBV.
Mutare Central Member of Parliament Innocent Gonese who attended the meeting said gender based violence was on the rise and men were also falling victim.
“There is a misplaced notion that females are the only ones who suffer from gender based violence. Men have also fallen victim to GBV but in society it is difficult to believe and on top of that men fail to come out of their shells,” said Gonese.
Gonese who is also GBV activist and champion added that the violence has to be tackled on both ends as it affects all genders citing that members of the community should shun delays and report cases.
While contributing to the discussion, a representative from Sakubva identified as John said cases of rape have been on the rise but men are also being sexually abused.
“We hear of rape cases happening and women falling victim every day but men are also encountering sexual abuse on multiple occasions. The situation is not being voiced out but as members of society, we came across people who have experienced such,” he said.
Another resident from Sakubva said violent family interactions between fathers and mothers have led to a new trend of gender based violence.
“In Mutare, we come across cases of children who are exposed to violence at home and those children end up attacking their parents, be it the mother or father. That issue needs to be looked into,” said the resident.
Councillor Alderman Nyamupanedengu who was also part of the engagement added that issues of GBV and related cases also need to be addressed with culture in mind.
Youth led forums including Manica Youth Assembly (MAYA), Zimbabwe Diamonds Allied Workers Union (ZIDAWU) and Manicaland Women Symposium (MWS) also added their voices to this year’s theme on activism against gender based violence which is ‘Unite Activism to End Violence Against Women & Girls’.
This year’s theme received more relevance by the Zimbabwean community following the rape of 9 year-old minor in Matebeland who later on gave birth.
There have been more cases of rape against young girls who have their rights violated in the name of ‘religious practice’ in African Apostolic sects which have gone unabated.

Sprouting politically disinterested youth cause for concern

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Sprouting politically disinterested youth cause for concern

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi- “No society throughout history has realised her potential without the young men and women being in the forefront of development whether it is political, social, or economic “, echoed renowned top Kenyan lawyer Professor Patrick Lumumba during one of his presentations at the national youth round table forum organised by the Centre for Africa Volunteers.
Prof Lumumba further decried the reluctance of the current crop of youth in terms of politically advancing themselves implored them to stand up and emulate some historically celebrated career politicians who, owing to their commitment to political participation made remarkable achievements in transforming, in diverse ways, respective communities when they were still young.
The Professor’s sentiments are squarely apt for the Zimbabwean youth who despite being the majority have become political bystanders who seldom participate as votes or the ones voted for political offices.
Section 20(1) of the national constitution defines youth as people between the ages of 15 and 35 years. However, during election times very few real youth commit themselves to cast their votes or contest as councillors and or legislators.
A snap survey of Mwenezi’s incumbent elected political office holders reflects that though a few are facially youthful, legally they fell short from the youth category.
Mwenezi East interim Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) district chairperson George Makonzo said having already identified aspiring youth who are ready to contest all the political posts, as CCC they are certain that more young people are going to triumph come next year’s harmonized polls.
“In rural communities like Mwenezi it’s quite challenging for youthful women to contest on opposition ticket due to previous political violence. We are working on modalities to embolden our youth so that they feel free to contest any political post regardless of gender.
“Despite the past hostile political environment, I can safely tell you that so far we have got a number of youth who had assured the party that come next year’s elections they are ready to break from the past and contest as legislators as well as councillors. We are very sure that next year’s elections are a game changer for the youth,” said Makonzo.
Zanu PF provincial youth secretary for transport and welfare Maggie Sibanda told TellZim News that her party having so far mobilised several youth to be registered voters, she is optimistic the young people’s participation in the forthcoming elections is going to be inevitably remarkable.
“As you are also aware in the past youth have been reluctant to participate in elections hence as a party we have to embark on a vigorous mobilisation drive to ensure that all potential young voters get registered.
“In addition, we managed to sensitise the young from the far end of rural Mwenezi concerning the youth quota system and their response has been exceptional and a lot are showing interest in these coming elections not as voters per se but as candidates or front runners for political offices as well,” said Sibanda.
With almost all political parties at the forefront of claiming to champion youth cause their genuine commitment towards young people’s political upliftment will have its litmus test in the forthcoming harmonized elections.

Jealousy lands ex-magistrate in hot soup

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Jealousy lands ex-magistrate in hot soup

…Sentenced 3 years behind bars for attempted murder

Beverly Bizeki

An act of alleged jealousy emanating from a love triangle has proved costly for a 39-year-old former Masvingo magistrate Victor Muhamadi who will spend the next three years behind bars after he was convicted of attempted murder on Friday (December 2).
Muhamadi was initially sentenced to six years by magistrate Lungile Ncube for shooting Thomas Chadyoka for snatching his girlfriend before three were suspended.
It is the state case as presented by Liberty Hove, that on March 26, 2022 in Gutu, Muhamadi shot Chadyoka once on the left arm near the arm pit after accusing the latter of alleged having a love affair with a lady identified as Lucia Makanga believed to be his girlfriend.
Muhamadi is reported to have asked Chadyoka why he was having an affair with Makanga.
“Ko iwe unodya panodyira vakuru sei (why would you compete for ladies with prominent people?),” is what Muhamadi is alleged to have said to Chadyoka.

Chadyoka who had his phone gone missing earlier on asked Muhamadi which elders he was referring to and asked if this had anything to do with his phone’s disappearance, the state case alleged.

Muhamadi is reported to have immediately produced a pistol and shot Chadyoka on the left side near the arm pit and the victim collapsed.
Surprisingly, Chadyoka told the court that he did not wish to proceed with the case saying he had forgiven the accused whose family had assisted him in settling medical bills while at the same time assuming responsibility of provoking the situation that led to the shooting incident after accusing Muhamadi of stealing his phone.
The complainant also told the court that he did not sustain serious injuries although court documents show that he sustained four deep gunshot wounds on his left arm.
The three years were suspended on condition that he does not commit any offence involving the use of a firearm to cause death.

Chisase FC promoted into ERSL

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Chisase FC promoted into ERSL

…team aims to expose abundant talent from Lowveld

Emmanuel Chitsika

Lowveld- based Chisase FC is basking in glory of promotion into the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) Eastern Region Soccer League (ESRL) Division 1 after emerging victorious in the play-offs played at Chisase last weekend.
Team Director Wellington ‘Ommo’ Gumbo said the team is on cloud nine and their dream has come true as the community did not expect the team to scale such greater heights where the youthful players would get the opportunity to exhibit their talent.
“People were delighted on the promotion since it is something that is new to the people of Chisase and people have been celebrating since December 3. So far after we played these play-offs on December 3, 2022, we are yet to sit down with the community as a team to map the way forward because we know the task ahead is likely to be tougher than in Division 2.
“After finishing our Division 2 games while awaiting D1 play offs, we joined the Chivi South Sunday League where we are currently playing though we are four or so games to catch up with other teams in that league who have played all the first round fixtures,” said Gumbo.
He went on to express his disappointment on the fact that a team from the area playing in the premiership like Triangle FC will have maybe three or four local players while the rest flock from far away areas like Harare.
“Our team is made of locally-based players drawn from our community unlike a situation whereby we draw players from other areas at the expense of this community. This promotion hopefully would help us present the players with the platform to showcase their talents on a bigger stage because currently the talent is a ‘hidden treasure’ going unnoticed.
“The players should get the chances to impress bigger Premier Soccer League (PSL) clubs. If one takes a closer look at teams like Triangle FC, would realize that two or three players are local while the rest are drawn from other parts of the country like Harare or Bulawayo,” added Gumbo.
Currently Gumbo is bankrolling the team with travelling expenses as well as refereeing fees among other basics.

….As Chivi Sunday Super league race hots up

The battle for top honours in the Chivi Sunday Super league has reached another level with the top four teams battling it out for the ultimate prize as the first round of matches have already been played.
The 14 team league has reached an exciting stage with the top teams shuffling each other on that end of the table while the bottom-placed languish in murky waters.
League chairperson Tamuka Dewa also commented on the competitiveness of the league that keeps on growing as shown by the top four teams who are not separated by a wider margin.
“Sunday family league is on the edge of chapter 1 season 2 as the year 2022 comes to an end. As the log standings show, the league is very competitive if one looks at positions 1-4.
“The league continues to grow as we have seen the number of teams increasing from 11 to 15 though one of them (Chippas FC) faced financial difficulties before dropping off,” said Dewa.
He went on to praise one of their teams Chisase for gaining promotion into ZIFA Eastern Region Division 1.
“It is my pleasure to announce the victory of one of Super Sunday League family Chisase FC who played Division 1 promotional games and emerged victorious,” added Dewa.
On top of the log standings are Dare FC with 24 points from 12 games followed by Young Hlez tied on 22 points (12 games) with Chasiya FC though the latter have played a game more. In fourth place is Renco Juniors on 19 points from 12 outings.
At the bottom of the table Sadzangwena anchor with 8 points followed by Shongamiti FC with a similar number of points from 12 games.

Gloves off in Zaka: Ministers battle to control district

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Gloves off in Zaka: Ministers battle to control district

… DDC embroiled in factional wars

Brighton Chiseva

ZAKA– Zanu PF factional wars in Masvingo are far from over as the battle for dominance between provincial chairperson Robson Mavhenyengwa and his predecessor and current Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira has taken center stage in Zaka district.
The factional fights in the district have resulted in two district National Tree Planting events with each faction hosting its own event.
The National Tree Planting day is held annually on the first Saturday of December and the provincial event was held last weekend at Gwindingwi High School in Bikita district and the province dedicated the whole month of December to tree planting exercises at different levels.
The Provincial event was poorly attended because the Chadzamira faction was allegedly in control of the programme and other party members opposed to the faction went to Mwenezi West for celebrations of MP Priscilla Zindari Moyo who is believed to be a Chiwenga sympathiser.
In Zaka, Chadzamira faction led by District Coodinating Committee (DCC) chairperson Clemence Chiduwa who is deputy Minister of Finance and Zaka East MP is hosting the district programme at his homestead on Saturday.
To counter the event however, the Mavhenyengwa faction which is fronting Deputy Minister of Agriculture and current MP for Masvingo North who is poised for Zaka Central in the 2023 general elections had initially organized theirs at Manokore Secondary School on December 9.
However, the counter programme was deferred to next week after the DDC saved her alleged comrades in the Chadzamira faction by declaring the Saturday programme as the official district programme.
Sources said ‘team Marapira’ influenced the school to request to host an event at their school from the forestry commission and sucking the school together with the forestry commission into the battle unknowingly.
“Team Marapira influenced the school head to host the event at their school which they gladly agreed since it was beneficial to the school. This leaves the Forestry Commission in a difficult position as they are supposed to take a leading role at both functions,” said the source.
Another source said Chiduwa/Chadzamira faction then used Dhliwayo to threaten the District Schools Inspector Samson Chidzurira who then instructed the school which had been used as a scapegoat to host the event.
“Team Chadzamira through the DCC chair used Dhliwayo and his deputy Victor Zinanga who are now meddling in political factions and is pocketed by Chiduwa faction. They wrote a letter to the District Schools Inspector Samson Chidzurira to postpone the programme and it was presented as a school programme though Marapira was going to fund everything,” said the source.
Contacted for comment Dhliwayo as usual denied having knowledge of the letter and refused to comment referring all questions to Zaka Rural District Council (RDC) Chief Executive Officer David Majaura.
“I don’t know of any letter, you can ask the CEO he is in charge of the tree planting event,” said Dhliwayo.
Efforts to get a comment from Chidzurira were futile as his mobile phone went unanswered several times.
On his part Chiduwa said the programme at his homestead was the district launch so other programmes will then follow saying there was nothing political about it.
“There is nothing political about the tree planting events, what has happened is that the other programme was scheduled a day before the district launch but I am told the DDC addressed the issue and the other one was postponed to a date to be advised,” said Chiduwa.
Marapira was not available for comment as his cell phone was not reachable by the time of publishing.
Marapira is becoming a threat to a number of Zanu PF stalwarts in the district as he is going around the district donating goods and running different activities.
He has since gained favour in Zaka Central ahead of the incumbent Davison Svuure who is also the DCC vice chairperson.
Marapira has since shrugged off competition from other aspirants after talking down Aleta Makomeke and Mafred Mada who is the sitting councillor for ward 13.
Mada was promised be given the council chairperson position though he vowed to resist it while Makomeke is said to have been promised another top post in the party.

MP Gonese distances self from US$ 40k govt loan

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MP Gonese distances self from US$ 40k govt loan

Branton Matondo

MUTARE- Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC) Mutare Central Member of Parliament Innocent Gonese has distanced himself from the US$ 40 000 loans offered to members of Parliament by government.
Gonese said he did not receive the contentious government loan being disbursed to sitting Members of Parliament, ministers and deputy ministers.
While addressing residents at a recently held community engagement meeting at Moffat Hall in Sakubva the soft spoken CCC member denied receiving any money from government.
“The issue of government loans has been topical of late. The truth of the matter is that l haven’t seen any money and l don’t know about anything concerning the US$ 40 000 housing loan,” he said.
Gonese said that he is not in a position to divulge more information concerning the government loans as he is following protocol.
“As you all know, l am a steadfast CCC member and as a party we will sit down and discuss on the issue because l don’t want to be caught offside. After coming up with a conclusion, we will come up with a statement that will be delivered for the public,” added Gonese.
Reports on the issue indicate that sitting Members of Parliament were offered US$ 40000 housing loans with Ministers being offered US$ 500 000 and their deputies pocketing US$ 350 000.
CCC President Nelson Chamisa has labelled the housing loans as a desperate allurement attempt by the mass party Zanu PF to swindle CCC members.
There has been an uproar from citizens who felt that the move by government is not a loan but a bribe.
Other reports indicate that Allan Norman Markham is the only CCC MP to refuse the government loan.

Accident leaves 11 people nursing injuries

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Accident leaves 11 people nursing injuries

Yeukai Munetsi

At least 11 passengers sustained multiple injuries following a head on collision between a TATA truck carrying plastic pipes and a Sprinter mini-bus carrying eight passengers at the 270 kilometre peg along Bulawayo-Harare road, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has confirmed.
The accident occurred near Village Lodge.
It is reported that Bywalter Murungweni (32) of Mkoba 14 was driving the Sprinter heading towards Harare with eight passengers on board.
Tanaka Mpofu was driving a five tonne TATA truck along the same road but heading in the opposite direction. The truck was fully loaded with plastic pipes and had one passenger on the front passenger’s seat.
It is reported that Murungweni was at fault as he overtook in front of the oncoming TATA truck resulting in a head on collision.
“When they approached the 270 km peg and at the Village Lodge, the driver of the sprinter Murungweni overtook in front of the oncoming five tonne TATA truck and encroached into the opposite lane resulting in a head on collision.
“As a result of the impact, the sprinter veered off the road to the right and stopped with the trailer dislodged and was left on the eastern side edges of the road while the truck rolled back on its wheels and later stopped,” said an eye witness.
Both vehicles had extensive frontal damages.
Passengers from both vehicles sustained several injuries and were taken to hospital.
Acting Midlands Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Fungai Ngawagare urged motorists to follow road rules and extra caution when overtaking.
“As the ZRP, we kindly urge motorists to observe rules on the road and exercise extra caution when overtaking and pedestrians crossing the roads on foot.
“The passenger who was in the truck was injured and all occupants in the Sprinter sustained multiple injuries. Motorists are also urged to reduce speed when approach busy areas of the road,” said Ngawagare.
Scene was attended and the injured were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital where they are admitted for treatment and their conditions were stable.

CCC wins 2 out of 3 seats in Gweru by-elections

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CCC wins 2 out of 3 seats in Gweru by-elections

Tinaani Nyabereka

GWERU- Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has retained two of the three Gweru Urban wards they contested in by-elections held last weekend.
The opposition party managed to retain wards 4 and 18 while ward 5 fell in the hands of Zanu PF.
CCC ward 4 former councillor Martin Chivhoko retained his seat after emerging victorious with 643 votes against Zanu PF candidate Gibson Chingwadze who garnered 300 votes.
John Manyundwa of CCC was declared winner in ward 18 with 250 votes against Walter Makwalo of Zanu PF who got 182 votes.
In ward 5, former CCC councillor and Gweru Deputy Mayor Cleopas Shiri lost his seat with 472 votes to Kwanisai Mafa of Zanu PF who got 556 votes.
Newly elected ward 5 councillor Mafa thanked residents for bestowing their trust upon him.
“I would like thank the people of Senga ward 5 for voting resoundingly for me in this by-election. I promise not to betray the people of Senga for the trust they have shown.
“Our drainage systems are clogged with garbage and there are areas which need urgent attention in terms of service delivery.
“There is need to urgently look into these and also clean our drainages as we are already in the rainy season,” he said.
Ward 4’s Chivhoko also expressed gratitude to the residents for their unwavering support.
“I would like to thank ward 4 residents for their unwavering support they showed me. I promise that I will urgently look into the issues of service delivery affecting our ward that is poor state of roads, refuse collection and water provision,” said Chivhoko.
Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (ZESN) however bemoaned a low voter turnout in the by-election.
According to ZESN the poor voter turnout was observed at polling stations like Cecil John Rhodes Primary School in ward 18 which, as at 1830 hours only had 35 voters out of a voter population of 645.
In the same ward at Child Welfare, 58 people had voted by 1830 hours while in ward 5, 86 people out of a total of 448 turned out to vote.
The three wards fell vacant following the recalling of three Gweru councillors in October by MDC-Alliance leader Douglas Mwonzora over allegations of being loyal to his nemesis CCC leader Nelson Chamisa.

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