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The PVO Amendment Bill: A National Disaster

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The PVO Amendment Bill: A National Disaster

Chantel Boyce

In democracy, the promulgation of any piece of legislation should be to the benefit of the nation and its people. However, when pieces of legislation are tailor-made to suppress and oppress, they become counterproductive. The legislative system is now being used to rubber-stamp unpopular laws which do not have the ordinary people at heart. When laws restrict civil rights and suffocate the civil society, they cease to serve national interests in favour of personal ones as well as to achieve political expediency.
This can be said of the proposal made by government of Zimbabwe to push for the enactment of the PVO Amendment Bill. The Bill is being pushed by power hungry politicians who do not have the nation and ordinary citizens at heart.
The battle between the state and civil society in Zimbabwe has escalated to alarming levels to the extent of the former plotting to change the legal environment under private voluntary organizations, non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations. For a long time the government of Zimbabwe has labelled NGOs agents of regime change particularly those surviving on foreign funding. The label has been generally applied across the whole civil society sector.
The civil society in Zimbabwe has been working very hard as a check and balance of the abuse of power by the state. Civil society organizations like the Zimbabwe Peace Project, Crisis Coalition in Zimbabwe and Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights have been at the forefront of exposing and denouncing abuse of power and repression by the government. Thus restrictions on their operation will lead to despotism.
The civil society in Zimbabwe has been at the forefront of exposing and shaming corruption. Organisations like Transparency Zimbabwe International, Zimbabwe Coalition on Debt and Development (ZIMCODD) under the how far mantra have been demanding transparency and accountability condemning the endemic corruption in state circles. Therefore, silencing civil society that helps in the Nobel fight against corruption is not a good fit.
Civil society organizations are necessary in building and strengthening democratic systems in the country. The Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (ZESN) always encourages people to vote and condemn electoral fraud. Thus making life difficult for these civil society organizations who are in attempt to muzzle civil society so as to deeply entrench dictatorship.
NGOs have been playing a major role in disaster relief and management in Zimbabwe so treating them all as enemies of the state is counterproductive. Due to climate change, Zimbabwe has been regularly hit by natural disasters like cyclones, droughts and floods. In the most recent, Cyclone Idai which hit hard parts of Manicaland and Masvingo, several NGOs partnered government to bring relief aid to affected communities. If draconian laws are introduced targeting NGOs, there is a genuine fear that they will withdraw their services leaving the cash strapped government exposed.
NGOs are working hard to transform marginalized communities in like Gokwe, Binga and Rushinga. A case in point is the work being done by Activista under Action Aid Zimbabwe. The organization installed a borehole at Nyagwande in Nyanga which can now be used to provide clean water to about 32 households. ADRA Zimbabwe has also brought clean tapped water to the Chidora community under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North. If the operations of such NGOs are affected by the proposed law, they will simply shut down and it is the ordinary people who suffer.
Every year, many Zimbabwean communities would be in dire need of food aid. This is largely due to climate change which has greatly affected rainfall patterns leading to drought and famine. 100 000 people have been assisted with food aid through the World Food Program since 2019. WFP helps in both rural and urban communities to the extent of some of them receiving monthly cash pay outs.
NGOs have ensured access to education for thousands of underprivileged children across Zimbabwe. Examples that quickly come to mind are Camfed and Plan International. They build schools and pay school fees. If government drives these NGOs away through draconian policies like the PVO Amendment Bill, no one would ever support the government in developmental projects.
The above submissions are part of the broader discourse on the implications of the PVO Amendment Bill on civil society and NGOs as well as the beneficiaries who are the ordinary people. My submission is that the Bill should be revised or at least scrapped because it will not serve the national interests.

The writer is an opinion writer who can be contacted on 0778413023
e-mail address 0778413023tinnyboyce@gmail.com

Ndogwedu brings life to Paramount FC

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Ndogwedu brings life to Paramount FC

…as the Gokwe boys gun for premier league

Tinaani Nyabereka /Branton Matondo

Gokwe-is currently embracing division one football as Paramount FC aims to compete among the best in a league that carries big names thanks to Australian-based club sponsor, Jemias Ndogwedu.
Ndogwedu expressed satisfaction with the progress made towards uplifting the face of Gokwe in form of spot.
After registering a draw at home in their first league against Chapungu Fc and a 4-2 loss away at Vumbachikwe in the Central Region D1 is nothing but a good start for the club.
“We are looking at bringing entertainment to Gokwe, but our main objective is to give exposure to the talented young players in Gokwe. I am very passionate about soccer, I live soccer, eat soccer and dream soccer but every journey has its hazards.
“The challenge now is the weight on expenses. Remember there are no returns from the sponsorship, so eventually if you are an individual investor like me you end up broke,” he said.
Having been born and bred in Mutimutema village of Nemangwe, Gokwe South before moving to Australia, Ndogwedu said giving back to his community has always been his dream.
“Sponsoring a division one football team is difficult because you have to offer some remuneration to players, travelling and officials’ expenses are also on your financial schedule.
“We are still building and any form of sponsorship from the public or private sector will be important and significant enough to achieve our cause,” said Ndogwedu.
Paramount FC committee member Mesta Mudzorwi however, chronicled where the club is heading towards in terms of football.
“The club was formed way back in 2015. It started as a social club and it raised its name through its performance in the football arena. Paramount Fc has a sister team called Chipaz Academy.
“What we seek to do is to develop our community and create exposure of the talent we have in a remote area. Gokwe needs to be seen and that is what we seek to achieve. We also seek for the community, sponsoring sector and the already engaged members to credit the work on the ground.
“Paramount FC is a newly promoted team. We want to be a competitive side and as a junior team it is our wish to maintain the top half position. The team is promising and players are ready to adjust and win as much away games as possible.
“Gokwe community is overwhelmed with the presence of league football because the last time Gokwe witnessed professional soccer was in 2019 when Gokwe North FC was still part of the league before its extinction.” added Mudzorwi.
Paramount FC head coach, Noah Lunga said his team was all youthful, energetic and looking forward to make it into the big league.
“Paramount FC is among three teams newly promoted to the league, the other two being Bishopstone from Beitbridge and Loss Control Fc from Zvishavane.
“The current edition of central region division soccer league has a lot of big names on the realm but as Paramount Fc, we are confident that we are heading ahead,” he said.

Kombayi re- elected Gweru mayor

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Kombayi re- elected Gweru mayor

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru-Ward 1 Councillor and flamboyant businessman Hamutendi Kombayi has bounced back as City of Gweru mayor replacing Josiah Makombe recalled by the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC -T last month.

He won by 11 votes to 4, ahead of Martin Chivhoko of the MDC Alliance in an election held today, January 11 2022.

The total number of votes cast was 16, with one spoiled.

Three other candidates namely Ward 9 Councilor Edison Kurebgaseka , Ward 18 councilor, John Manyundwa and Ward 10 councilor  Charles Chikozho also expressed their interest in the race but were reportedly disqualified by the party’s executive, with Kombayi left to compete with Chivhoko of ward 4.

Kombayi was once sacked from the mayoral post by then Local Government Minister Saviour Kasukuwere in 2017.

In his acceptance speech, Cllr Kombayi expressed the need for unity towards developing the city.

“Let’s work together for the development of Gweru. We want a better Gweru as we go forward,” Kombayi said.

It has been reported that all executive representatives were allegedly hosted for a dinner at Midlands Hotel by Kombayi the night before the election.

In a press statement on January 10, former mayor Josiah Makombe bade farewell to Gweru community, revealing that he was recalled from representing MDC-T on December 10 2021.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all residents of ward 2, which comprises the following suburbs: Athlone , Riverside, Josiah Tungamirai Air base, Harben park, Greenville, Winsor park, Coolmooreen,and Lingfield.

“Thank you so much for your support. You trusted and gave me the chance to serve you as your councillor as well as the Mayor of our city.

“I would also want to thank all the residents and stakeholders of Gweru for giving me the opportunity and support you gave me towards the development of the city,” read Makombe’s statement.

Chivi woman murdered for alleged infidelity

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Chivi woman murdered for alleged infidelity

Princess Masiiwa

A man from Mhapa village under Chief Shindi in Chivi allegedly bludgeoned his wife to death after he reportedly found her in a compromising position with his younger brother on New Year’s Eve.
Simbarashe Chenjerai (40) is accused of killing his wife Gohlo Sikululekile on December 31, 2021 for bedding Wilson Chenjerai (21).
Masvingo provincial police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and urged members of the public to avoid taking law into their own hands but try to find third parties to help resolve them amicably.
“We urge members of the public to avoid taking law into their own hands but should find a third party to help them solve the disputes,’’said Dhewa
Circumstances are that on December 31, 2021, Simbarashe and Wilson went for a beer drink at their brother inlaw Ekemu Shonhai’s (33) homestead.
After a few hours of drinking beer, Wilson sneaked without telling Simbarashe where he was heading to and went to his house.
Simbarashe became suspicious and followed only to find Wilson bedding his wife.
An irate Simbarashe started assaulting his wife all over the body with open hands, an axe and big pot until she became unconscious.
She sustained injuries on the back of the head and she lost her fore-finger in the process.
A report was made to police leading to the arrest of the accused on New Year day and he recovered all the weapons during the assault.

13-year-old Mwenezi boy hangs self after dispute with mother

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13-year-old Mwenezi boy hangs self after dispute with mother

Cephas Shava

Mwenezi – A 13-year old boy who went missing for three days after reportedly having a minor misunderstanding with his mother was found hanging on a tree branch adjacent to a mountain.
Maranda Primary School grade five learner Kainos Watch of Ruvengo village under Chief Maranda in Mwenezi West went missing on January 2, 2022 only for his body to be found in a decomposing state hanging on a tree on Tuesday, January 4.
Ward 9 Councillor Gilbert Gondo confirmed the tragedy to TellZim News saying the boy’s lifeless body was found hanging on a tree adjacent to a mountain.
“It is reported that the boy had a minor misunderstanding with his mother, so he later on decided to leave the homestead without informing anyone. After three days of thorough search, they found the boy’s lifeless body hanging on a tree,” said Gondo.
The deceased boy’s aunt, Tsungai Watch said the boy who was the first born in a family of four was buried on Tuesday.
“The boy disappeared on Sunday morning and was found on Tuesday. He was buried on the same day as his body was already in a decomposing state.
He was found hanging on a tree and besides tying himself on the neck his hands we also tied but were loose,” said Watch.
In 2021, a Harare boy also allegedly hanged himself inside his parents’ house after an altercation with his mother.

Relief for Makondo 2019 flood victims

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Relief for Makondo 2019 flood victims

TellZim Reporter

Chiredzi’s Makondo surbub residents who are Cyclone Idai victims got a huge sigh of relief after the local authority embarked on a compensatory exercise by creating in-fill stands to accommodate them.
Chiredzi Town Council chairperson Gibson Hwende said they have set aside 500 stands for high density and 300 for medium density.
“We are creating infill stands to compensate those affected by Cyclone Idai flooding that occurred in 2019. The scheme will have 500 stands in an area to be called Mabvazuva high density area or any other preferred name and 300 medium density stands called Lowlands.
“The plan is now with Physical Planning Department at Head Office for approval,” said Hwende.
The residents lost their properties to flash floods that swept through Chiredzi during the 2019 disaster where the Lowveld town received about 203 mm during the night of February 13 though no deaths were recorded.
Those houses destroyed were built on wetlands.
He also said council is in the process of servicing Melbourne housing project and plans are at an advanced stage for the laying of the sewer system.
“We engaged government to valuate stands and approve appointment of a contractor to carry out sewer reticulation. Tender process of acquiring materials is being done under Public Procurement and Public Disposal Act and tenders have been closed and sent to Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe for selection and appointment,” he said.
Hwende also pointed out that council would then communicate to the beneficiaries so that materials needed for servicing can be purchased.
“We will soon be writing to beneficiaries to contribute towards purchase of materials,” he added.

Chiredzi town residents urged to clear debts

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Chiredzi town residents urged to clear debts

Rutendo Chirume

Chiredzi Town Council has encouraged residents and rate payers to clear their outstanding debts which stood at ZWL103 000 000 as at October 31, 2021.
Council chairperson Cllr Gibson Hwende announced the debt earlier last year (2021) when he urged residents to settle their dues so that council can be in a better position to work towards growth and development of the town.
“The councils’ debt stands at ZWL103 000 000 as of October 2021. While council is engaged in coming up with the strategies that can be employed to recover the amounts due to the local authority, we urge the residents and rate payers to be forth coming in settling their dues. The growth, development and performance of council are hinged on its ability to collect revenue and apply it to service delivery that the community requires. Let us work together to extinguish this outstanding debt and see the vision of our town,” said Hwende.
He also confirmed the carrying out of the systems audit on October 11 and 12 by the parent ministry of local government which he said went on smoothly.
“We received officials from Ministry on the 11th and 12th of October for system audit. This is an exercise done by our parent Ministry to ascertain whether our processes and operations are in sync with expectations from the Ministry,” said Hwende.

Chiredzi Town Council yet to acquire land donated by Hippo Valley

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Chiredzi Town Council yet to acquire land donated by Hippo Valley

Melinda Kusemachibi

Chiredzi Town Council is yet to acquire the land donated to them by then Hippo Valley Estates some years back as they failed to legalise the take-over by acquiring title deeds before the coming in of Tongaat Hulett at the estate.
Town council planner Consider Kubiku said that 925ha of land was donated long back but the local authority was just reluctant to legalise the take-over.
“The initiative made by the department of physical planning together with Chiredzi Town Council after some serious negotiations. Hippo Valley donated 925ha of land to Chiredzi council,” said Kubiku.
He went on to say that the biggest problem they are currently facing is transferring that property from Hippo Valley to council.
“Now the issue is transferring that property from Hippo Valley taking out from the parent deed of Hippo Valley to Chiredzi Town Council. We made initiative since the land was donated but there was dragging of feet because they (Tongaat Hulett) were saying that we need a board resolution from Hippo Valley and their Head Office is in Durban,” said Kubiku.
However, he said that change of management have caused the slowness of property transferring.
“Then it will happen that there was change of management at Hippo Valley as it is now Tongaat Huletts and there are new guys who said they did not even know how it happened.
“We provided them with the donation papers, but now there is need for a meeting between the executive of Tongaat Hulett, Chiredzi Town Council and the lawyers who we engaged to be involved in the transferring of 925ha from Hippo Valley to Chiredzi council,” said Kubiku.
He also said that they made efforts to push for a meeting but nothing materialized.
“We have made efforts since last year to have that meeting but it has not materialized yet. We are still pushing so that we can shed the light to the new guys who are in the executive, the range of things which happened leading to the donation of land,” he said.
Kubiku said they will give the title deeds to beneficiaries; that is if they manage to acquire the tittle deeds from Tongaat Hulett.
“If the new management understand it, then we are going to engage lawyers to transfer that 925 ha to CTC through a deed of donation. If we get a deed of donation from Hippo Valley, it means all those pockets of land we developed the low density area, phase 1 and 2, West hood, Joina City Mukondo high density area, CTC will be in an apposition to give beneficiaries their title deeds,” said Kubiku.
The town planner also said Chiredzi town was being planned and subdivided by a company called Chiredzi Township (Pvt) Ltd then a subsidiary of Hippo Valley.
“Chiredzi Town Council is said to have been responsible for all the initial sub divisions which was done in the early years of creation of Chiredzi town council; so by time Chiredzi was declared a town, it was given a boundary.
“The issue now is all the undeveloped land which was within town and outside the town belonged to Hippo Valley through the subsidiary called Chiredzi Township (Pvt) Ltd except an area which was declared a local government called Tshovani Township.
Contacted for comment, Tongaat Hulett Public Relations Officer Emily Sibanda told this publication to send questions via email and the email was yet to be responded to by the time of publication.
Chiredzi was declared a town in 2009 and it was created by Hippo Valley Estates which is now known as Tongaat Hulett.
It was created as a dormitory town for workers working in Hippo Valley for the sake of providing accommodation and basically administration services like commercial institutions, schools and supermarkets and government services departments.

Former Gweru Mayor Makombe bids farewell

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Former Gweru Mayor Makombe bids farewell

…as council moves in to elect new mayor  

Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru-Former mayor and Ward 2 Councillor Josiah Makombe has bid farewell to the Gweru community in a press statement released on January 10, putting to rest speculations about his recall on December 10 2021 by the Douglas Mwonzora led MDC-T.

In the statement, Makombe outlined how he managed to work hand in hand with residents of Gweru in driving development during his tenure.

“It is with a heavy heart that I announce my removal from the office of the mayor of the city of Gweru as well as the president of Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) through a recall by MDCT led by Douglas Togarasei Mwonzora.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank all residents of ward 2, which comprises the following suburbs: Athlone, Riverside, and Josiah Tungamirai Air base, Harben Park, Greenville, Windsorpark, Coolmooreen and Lingfield.

“Thank you so much for your support. You trusted and gave me the opportunity to serve you as councillor as well as the Mayor of our city. I would also want to thank all the residents and stakeholders of Gweru for giving me the opportunity and support during my tenure as your Mayor,” read the statement.

Makombe added that his vision towards building the city managed to bear fruits.

“I promised zero tolerance to corruption at Gweru City Council and I did my best to deal with that. I also promised to deal with the water crisis in our city, measures and mechanisms were put in place by enhancing our pumping capacity at Gwenhoro and Whitewaters. We still have water challenges but the necessary equipment to deal with the problem was secured.

“We also dealt with our roads challenges and during my tenure we managed to buy some equipment which we did not have. Some of the equipment was delivered and some are yet to be delivered. We bought a backhoe loader which was delivered and a tractor, tipper truck that are yet to be delivered. On health matters we managed to procure an ambulance and a lot of equipment to assist in the cleaning of our city. The city is once again clean though a lot still needs to be done.

“As a local authority we were struggling with resources, we had to restructure some of our operations so that they can become viable. I spearheaded the creation of Gweru city parking company which has brought order in our CBD as well as more revenue generation. Within its first six months of operation, we managed to procure the backhoe loader using our share of that revenue,” he wrote.

Highlighting part of his philanthropic work, Makombe said through the Mayor’s fund managed to change the welfare of the vulnerable members of the community.

“Through the mayor’s fund, we managed to use the proceeds to benefit orphans and less privileged children to go to school. More than 100 children from all levels benefited and they will continue to further their education.

“Our elderly and those leaving with disabilities, yearly will get Christmas hampers. I want to thank the business community and all those who donated to this noble cause. Nationally, my philanthropic work was recognized by the International Institute of Philanthropy in partnership with the Women’s university by giving me a Doctorate,” he added.

Last week through his lawyers Nqobani Sithole, Makombe opened a perjury case against Mwonzora in which he said the party leader together with party secretary-general, Paurina Mpariwa jointly lied under oath in a case before the Bulawayo High Court where the MDC-T leaders claimed they had not recalled him from office.

Gweru City Council has set the elective date for a new mayor to January 11, 2022, with the mayor expected to take over and lead the city until the upcoming 2023 general.

Some of the candidates expected to be running for the position are ward 18 councillor, John Manyundwa, Ward 1 Councillor Hamutendi Kombayi and Ward 9 councillor Edson Kurebgasekwa.

Zaka disabled man appeals for toilet building material

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Zaka disabled man appeals for toilet building material

Kimberly Kusauka

A disabled man from Mugabe village under Chief Bota in Zaka is appealing to well-wishers to assist him with materials to build his toilet which collapsed following heavy rains on December 31.
Masikati Mudzingwa said his toilet had been built under a programme initiated by Enhancing Nutrition, Stepping Up Resilience and Enterprise (ENSURE) Zimbabwe sometime around 2015 in such a way that he could relieve himself without the assistance of another person.
“I am appealing to well-wishers who can assist with cement, mesh wire, ventilation pipe and roofing sheets. I am finding it very difficult to access the bush toilet especially during this rain season where it is difficult to make it in the mud with a wheelchair.
“My collapsed toilet was user friendly such that I did not require another person’s help for me to relieve myself since it was especially made to suit my needs,” said Mudzingwa.
Zaka ward 24 Cllr Stella Shambira said Mudzingwa is really in need for assistance to build his toilet which is one of the most essential services a human being requires. His wife takes care of him and they have six children of which three are disabled as well.
“Mudzingwa is greatly in need of a toilet since he now needs another person’s supervision whenever he tries to visit the toilet. He lives with his wife and six children, of which three are disabled.
“He needs a special toilet which can accommodate his condition and any form of assistance is appreciated,” said Shambira.
End of last year TellZim News published a story about Masvingo’s famous poet Abel Mauchi seeking financial assistance to pay for his medical bills.

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