By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO-Rufaro Starlets Queens suffered a disappointing 4-0 home defeat to in-inform
Correctional Queens at Mucheke stadium on May 09, 2026 as the visitor`s experience and
quality proved too much for the Masvingo based side.
Facing a side sitting second on the table, the Masvingo outfit struggled to match the intensity of
their opponents in the first half, with Correctional Queens taking control of the match through
quick movement and aggressive pressing.
Rufaro Starlets head coach, Langton Giwa said his players showed too much respect to the
visitors early on, which affected their performance.
“In the first half the girls were second to the ball because they respected Correctional Queens
too much due to the big names in their squad,” he said.
Despite the setback, Giwa praised his players for improving after the break where they showed
more composure and followed tactical instructions better.
“The girls played very well in the second half and they responded according to instructions,” he
added.
The defeat slows Rufaro Starlets’ momentum after their recent rise from 14th to 8th on the
table, but the coach believes the performance in the second half gives the team something
positive to build on.
Rufaro Starlets will now turn their focus to next home clash on May 13, 2026 at Mucheke
stadium against Chapungu, where they will be aiming for a quick response.
“We are expecting the girls to put in a good performance against Chapungu,” said Giwa.
Rufaro Starlets suffer home defeat
Derby Blow deepens Mazodze misery after Yadah humiliation
By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO-FC Wangu Mazodze’s difficult run continued after a painful 3-2 derby defeat to
Masvingo United FC on May 10, 2026 at Mucheke stadium coming just days after a heavy 4-1
loss to league leaders Yadah FC.
The derby at Mucheke Stadium delivered another frustrating afternoon for the Kingdom boys
who showed flashes of promise but once again failed to convert key chances into points.
The Kingdom Boys had started brightly in the opening stages, pressing early and creating
openings but were punished as Masvingo United FC (Una Una) grew into the contest.
FC Wangu Mazodze did manage to break the deadlock through Raphinose Kusizani’s superb
free-kick in the 14 th minute lifting hopes of a response after their Yadah humiliation but their
advantage was short-lived as Tinotenda Nyandoro levelled matters in the 34 th minute, ensuring
the sides went into halftime locked at 1-1.
After the break, Una Una took control where Amicable Sibanda struck in the 54 th minute to turn
the game around before Hillary Bakacheza extended the lead in the 66 th minute with a powerful
finish to make it 3-1.
Mazodze refused to go down without a fight and pushed forward late on, eventually pulling one
back in the 88 th minute to set up a tense finish. But despite the late surge, Una Una held on to seal
a 3-2 victory and deepen the Kingdom boys’ misery.
The result adds to growing frustration within the camp, with supporters left disappointed after
back-to-back defeats that have exposed defensive frailties and a lack of killer instinct in front of
goal.
FC Wangu Mazodze spokesperson, Courage Kandira said the derby loss was painful but insisted
the team showed commitment despite their struggles.
“A tense and competitive match. Unfortunately, it wasn’t our day but the boys played to their
level best, we failed to utilize many chances in the first half,” he said.
The Kingdom boys now quickly turn their attention to a demanding fixture schedule with an
away trip to Grand Legacy FC followed by a home clash against Greenfuel FC as they search for
a response.
“We are playing Grand Legacy away, we are yet to receive fixture but probably May 13 or 14,”
said Kandira.
With pressure mounting after consecutive defeats, Mazodze will be desperate to rediscover form
as they are sitting on number 14 with nine points before their season slips further out of control
while Una Una is on number three with 17 points.
Agriculture Ministry Sports Gala Draws bumper crowd, participants
By Yvonne P Mangani
MUSHAGASHE – More than 600 participants from Zimbabwe’s ten provinces gathered at
Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre for the Intra-Ministerial Sports Gala hosted by the
Ministry of Agriculture on May 1, 2026, with Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri calling
for the event to become a permanent fixture on the ministerial calendar.
The fiveday gala, which ran from 27 April to 01 May featured men’s and women’s soccer,
tugofwar, netball, chess, darts, and volleyball.
Harare Cluster 2 clinched the gold medal, Harare Cluster 1 took silver, and Mashonaland West
secured bronze. The host province, Masvingo, finished fourth overall.
Addressing the participants, Professor Jiri applauded the discipline shown throughout the
competition. He said he had not heard of any competitor using performanceenhancing drugs, and
noted that even though participants work closely with farmers and could access crops, none
brought any substances to the gala to showcase their talent.
“I never heard of a person who used drugs so that he or she could run faster. Even if you have the
potential of growing them because you help farmers farm, and you can plant them whenever you
want, you did not come with any so that you could showcase your talent. Thank you very much
for the discipline,” said Professor Jiri.
He proposed that the sports gala be institutionalized with full ministerial support, adding that kits
and resources would be provided and that participating staff would attend sessions throughout
the gala period instead of routine office duties.
Twelve tablets were awarded as prizes, ten went to outstanding players selected across the
provinces, one to the DJ, and one to the best firstaid team member.
Masvingo’s women’s chess coach celebrated her team’s gold medal and praised the players’
unity and team spirit.
“I want to thank the ladies for their interest in chess, their passion, unity and one love. I thank
our leaders who arranged this and say they should make it continue. We are happy as women and
as a chess club,” she said on the sidelines.
One participant Kudakwashe Chikavaza said the gala allowed Agritex staff to share solutions to
workplace challenges beyond WhatsApp groups. He explained that sharing problems helps staff
realise that others have faced similar issues and can offer practical solutions.
“You may think that you have a big problem on your shoulders, but upon sharing you will realise
that when you share it, someone will tell you how they tackled that problem at their workplace. It
will be easier for you,” said Chikavaza.
In his welcome remarks, Agritex Provincial Director for Masvingo, Caleb Mahoya, thanked
participants for their enthusiasm. He noted that Masvingo’s soccer team excelled last year and
said the athletes appeared fitter than when they arrived. He expressed hope that participants had
learned from one another and would show progress as hosts.
“I hope we now know more than the people we came with from our provinces. I hope we have
learnt one or two things, which is what happens when people gather. If you are hosting next, we
expect to see changes from us, the previous hosts, showing that we are progressing,”
Bikita Minerals celebrates Workers’ Day with focus on safety and empowerment
By Brighton Chiseva
BIKITA – Under the bright May sun at Lithium Stadium, the usual noise of heavy machines
at one of Zimbabwe’s largest mining operations was replaced by the sound of a cheering
crowd and a referee’s whistle.
On May 1, 2026, Bikita Minerals stopped its work to honour the people who keep the lithium
giant running. It was not just a day off but a strong message that the mine lived by the motto:
“Empowering Workers; Empowering Voices.”
The event brought together miners in their work gear, company managers, and government
officials from the Ministry of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare.
The aim was to bring employers and workers closer together, turning an international holiday
into a local promise to improve safety and productivity.
In the mining world, it is easy to focus only on production numbers and export demands. But
Bikita Minerals’ Human Resources Manager, Hilton Chimura, reminded everyone that
workers were more than just statistics.
“Today we celebrate not just what our workers produce, but who they are, fathers, mothers,
neighbours, and leaders. When we empower their voices and safeguard their well-being, we
build a stronger, more productive mine for Zimbabwe,” said Chimura.
Officials from the Ministry of Labour praised the mine for following national development
goals and stressing that fair wages and workers’ rights were the foundation of a stable mining
industry.
Safety was a major topic of the day. As the mine produces more lithium to meet high global
demand, Mine Manager Experience Kagodi said “zero harm” was not just a slogan but a rule
that cannot be broken.
He pointed to recent spending on better protective gear, regular training, and improved
emergency systems. He also gave credit to the workers for staying alert and spotting dangers
before accidents happen.
“The workers day for us is primarily to recognize the contributions from our hard working
employees and various departments that we have. To us the workers day gives us an
opportunity to interact with our loyal and hardworking employees on a formal and less formal
environment,” said Kagodi
The day was not only about speeches and policy. Lithium Stadium turned into a place for
friendly competition. Workers swapped their tools for footballs and netball bibs.
Others took part in a marathon and a walkathon to promote good health. The crowd got very
excited during the tugofwar and a lively eating contest events that created a sense of
togetherness that you cannot find in an office meeting.
Trade union leaders also spoke at the event. They thanked the mine for sticking to collective
bargaining agreements and building a culture of mutual respect. The partnership between the
government, the company, and the unions was praised as an example for Zimbabwe’s mining
industry.
As the sun went down, the message of the day was clear. Bikita Minerals wants to be more
than just a place where minerals are dug out of the ground. By focusing on the dignity of the
worker, the company hopes that while Zimbabwe’s lithium helps power the world’s green
energy future, the people on the ground will not be forgotten. With a renewed promise to
work together, everyone left the stadium with trophies in their hands and a shared hope for a
safer and more powerful future in the heart of Bikita.
Starlets face tough test against high-flying Correctional Queens
By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – Rufaro Starlets Queens will face one of their biggest challenges of the season
when they take on second placed Correctional Queens on May 9, 2026, at Mucheke Stadium in a
Women’s Premier Soccer League match.
The Masvingo based side heads into the match with confidence after picking up their first win of
the campaign, a 2–1 victory over Rise of Hope. That result helped the team climb the table,
showing early signs of progress in their league journey. After match day one, Rufaro Starlets
were sitting 14th on the table, but following their win they have moved up to 8th place with three
points.
However, the challenge ahead remains difficult, with Correctional Queens currently second on
six points, making them one of the strongest sides in the league so far.
Head coach Langton Giwa believes his team is improving but insists there is still work to be
done, especially in the opening stages of matches.
“We played well overall, but we need to improve our first 20 minutes because the players start
games nervously. We are working on scoring early in matches,” he said.
Giwa also noted the need to improve finishing after several missed chances in their last outing.
“The performance was okay, but we needed to be more clinical in front of goal and convert the
chances we are creating,” he added.
Looking ahead to the fixture, the coach remains confident his side will rise to the occasion.
“I was happy with the result in the last match against Correctional Queens. I expect the girls to
give their best performance and play our usual style of football,” said Giwa.
Rufaro Starlets will be aiming not only to continue their upward movement on the table but also
to test themselves against one of the league’s early title challengers.
Renco Mine excavations disturb family grave amid gold rush clashes
By Staff Reporter
RENCO – Tensions between Renco Mine and illegal gold panners have taken a new twist after the mining company allegedly disturbed a family grave while excavating an area believed to be rich in gold near the Atlas shaft, following a violent confrontation in which one panner was shot and injured.
The gold rush on Chebundi and Mavhugwi mountains located within Renco Mine’s claim has drawn hundreds of locals and outsiders panning for gold. In response, the mine deployed security officers to chase away the panners.
Shortly after, the mine began excavations near the Atlas shaft in an area suspected to hold significant gold deposits. During the earthmoving operations, the Mbiri family has come forward claiming that one of their ancestral graves was violated.
Newly appointed Chief Nyajena, Last Dzivakwe, confirmed that he had received a report on the matter.
“We have received the report, and efforts are underway to establish whether that is indeed the case. We are engaging with the mine and the family,” said Chief Nyajena.
He said the person with the full details was Headman Muchibwa. Contacted for comment, Headman Muchibwa said engagements between the family and local leadership were ongoing, but referred further questions to the family.
When approached for comment, Renco Mine General Manager Tapiwa Katiyo neither confirmed nor denied the grave violation. He referred questions to Corporate Affairs Manager Wilson Gwatiringa. Gwatiringa declined to comment, simply saying, ‘No comment.’
Efforts to get a comment from Ruchicha Village head were futile as his cell was not reachable and efforts to get a comment from the family members also failed as they all directed questions to the traditional leadership.
However, another mine official who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the mine had been informed of the alleged grave violation.
“We were told that we had disturbed one grave, but we are not sure if that is true. If it were true, we would have discovered the bones. We have since halted operations in that area and are waiting for the outcome of engagements between the family and local leadership,” the official said.
Sources close to the family told TellZim News that the eldest family member claimed that he was shown the grave around 1984.
However, the family does not know exactly when the burial took place or the age of the deceased. They only know that the person buried there was known as Mbuya Mbiri.
Other sources recalled that a long time ago, the mine had asked the community for permission to install a ventilation pipe near the area.
At that time, the mine advised that people should not stay there because of harmful gases, but they could still till the land but they had not been farming on the area for a very long time.
The gold rush has brought both hope and chaos to the area. Locals have tried their luck on the mountain. But with the mine now asserting its claim through force, and the grave violation allegations, the situation remains volatile.
Locals are now calling for the mine to allow them to organize themselves and mine on the surface since the mining activities are mainly underground. Others say the grave violation claim was meant to push the mine to accept the demands of the locals.
Minister Garwe fires warning shot at councils over abuse of cabinet travel authority
By Beatific Gumbwanda
HARARE – The Ministry of Local Government and Public Works has issued a stern circular
to all mayors and council chairpersons across Zimbabwe, ordering an immediate halt to the
misuse of Cabinet Authority granted for external travel, benchmarking visits, conferences,
and official engagements.
The strongly worded circular, dated April 28, 2026, and signed by Minister Daniel Garwe,
warned that Cabinet Authority was being grossly abused by policymakers and officials who
treat sanctioned foreign travel as a personal privilege rather than a public duty.
“Cabinet Authority is granted solely for the purpose of representing the Republic of
Zimbabwe, your province and your local authority in pursuit of national interests, investment
promotion, service delivery partnerships and the advancement of the government’s
development agenda. It is not a privilege for personal aggrandisement,” reads part of the
circular.
He further expressed grave concern that some officials were using official trips primarily for
shopping sprees and tourism rather than business interaction.
“It has, however, been noted with great concern that some policymakers and officials treat
such authority as an opportunity for personal shopping expeditions and social engagements,
only becoming visible during official dinners and photo opportunities. Such conduct
undermines the government’s austerity measures, erodes public confidence in local
authorities, and brings the entire local government system into disrepute,” reads part of the
circular.
The circular’s timing is particularly pointed for residents of Chiredzi, where the town
council’s track record on external travel has already drawn sharp public scrutiny.
In June 2025, Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire raised alarm over the council’s
decision to fund a US$50,000 trip to the International Youth World Camp in Busan, South
Korea, despite the local authority’s welldocumented financial difficulties and months of
unpaid staff salaries. Residents say they never received feedback on what transpired at the
event or what opportunities were created for the betterment of Chiredzi. That controversy,
barely a year old, now appears to be precisely the kind of conduct the Minister’s circular is
targeting.
The directive orders that the practice of using Cabinet Authority for personal business and
leisure must come to an immediate end. It instructs that the circular’s contents be cascaded to
all councillors, town clerks, chief executive officers, and council officials.
Against this backdrop, the Ministry’s directive carries both administrative and moral weight.
The message is unambiguous: officials entrusted with public resources at a time when
citizens are demanding better services must demonstrate the highest levels of discipline,
accountability, and commitment to duty.
In practical terms, the circular tightens the conditions under which local authority leaders can
seek Cabinet Authority for foreign travel. Officials will now be expected to demonstrate a
direct, verifiable link between proposed travel and national interests, investment promotion,
or service delivery partnerships. They cannot treat such authority as an entitlement attached
Power FC sink to 17 th place after Africa Mineral Ventures hammering
By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO – Power FC’s struggles in the Pacific Storm Eastern Region Soccer League
continued after a crushing 5-1 defeat to Africa Mineral Ventures FC on Matchday 8 at Vengerekl2
Stadium in Rusape on May 07, 2026.
The heavy defeat leaves Power FC sitting 17th on the log standings with six points after eight
matches, having managed only one win this season while conceding 17 goals, the second highest
in the league so far.
Coming into the match with confidence following their recent 1-0 victory over Four Lions FC on
ZIFA Munhumutapa Challenge Cup, Power FC popularly known as Madhisibhunya were
hoping to build momentum, but Africa Mineral Ventures (the eastern boys) turned the tables
with a dominant display that exposed the visitors early in the game.
The visitors endured a nightmare start after conceding just two minutes into the match before the
eastern boys doubled their advantage in the 10 th minute to take full control encounter. The hosts
grabbed a third goal in the 37 th minute to head into half time with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Africa Minerals Ventures continued their dominance in the second half adding a fourth and fifth
goal before Kudakwashe Gurure managed to pull back for Power FC late in the game as the
match ended 5-1.
Power FC head coach, Wilson Chinosengwa said his side failed to recover after conceding quick
goals.
“It was a difficult game for us, we let them score early goals and from there it was difficult for us
to regain. We took control in the second half but we failed to utilize our chances,” said
Chinosengwa.
“We are going to reorganize in the next game which will be on May 10, 2026 facing Four
Lions,” he added.
At the other end of the table, Yadah FC strengthened their grip at the summit with 20 points after
thrashing FC Wangu Mazodze 4-1 at Heart stadium. Tenax CS FC remain second on 17 points
after 2-0 victory against Manica Diamonds at Chisamba stadium, while Green Fuel FC occupy
third position with 16 points.
Africa Mineral Ventures FC’s emphatic victory pushed them up to seventh place with 13 points,
further tightening the race in the top half of the standings.
Power FC will now turn their attention to a crucial home clash at Gaths Mine against fellow
strugglers Four Lions FC, who are rooted in 18th place with five points. The encounter could
prove vital for both sides as they fight to move away from the relegation zone.
Another Masvingo GBV One Stop Centre at 80 percent completion
By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – The Ministry of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development has established another Gender Based Violence (GBV) One Stop Centre in Masvingo Province at Nemamwa Growth Point in Masvingo Rural, which is now at 80 percent completion. This follows the completion and commissioning of the Chesvingo One Stop Centre in mid-2024.
Presenting during a recent Cabinet meeting, MWACSMED Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa highlighted the Nemamwa project among other achievements the ministry recorded in 2026.
“Among other projects, the Masvingo Provincial One Stop Centre at Nemamwa Growth Point has reached 80 percent completion, signalling progress toward decentralising support services,” said Mutsvangwa.
She said Chesvingo One Stop Centre is already benefiting over 80 women and youths. In partnership with the Zimbabwe Republic Police’s Victim Friendly Unit, the Zimbabwe Women Lawyers Association, and Musasa, the ministry is empowering survivors of GBV through collaborative efforts.
During the Cabinet meeting, Mutsvangwa also outlined other projects benefiting youths and women in Masvingo Province.
“The Buffalo Range MSMEs workspace in Chiredzi is almost complete, while the Gokwe North SMEs workspace is fully operational and already accommodating 40 SMEs. These developments point to a growing national footprint of SME support infrastructure and demonstrate our commitment to infrastructure delivery,” said Mutsvangwa.
She further emphasised that the ministry has engaged in other SME workspace projects that benefit women and youths across the country.
“Projects such as the Mtapa SMEs Workspace in Gweru and the Bulawayo Textile Manufacturing Centre have both reached 88 percent completion, while the Gazaland Workspace in Harare stands at 95 percent. We expect these facilities to provide conducive environments for small to medium enterprises,” said Mutsvangwa.
Masvingo province targets over 5,000 hectares for winter wheat
By Virginia Njovo
MASVINGO – Masvingo Province is poised to exceed its 5,000-hectare target for winter crops in 2026, with farmers expected to plant from May 1 to May 31 in order to stay within the optimal timeframe before the summer cropping season.
According to the ARDAS weekly report as of May 4, 2026, the province has adequate water for winter cropping and is expected to surpass the target.
“Masvingo Province has 100 percent full dams and plans to grow more in the province are well advanced. As of now, the area registered for winter crop has surpassed our expected target, with 5,468 hectares already registered,” read the report.
The report also outlined national targets and average dam levels that are above 90 percent signaling a good winter cropping season.
“A total of 125,000 hectares of winter wheat is targeted across the country, with an expected yield of 662,500 tonnes. As of May 1, 2026, the area registered stands at 116,084 hectares, and 4,901 hectares have been planted. The national average dam level is 93 percent, reflecting sustained water availability across the country, with 97 percent of key dams at full capacity,” the report stated.
The report further stated that farmers were well prepared for winter wheat farming.
“Provincial wheat seminars have been conducted in all eight provinces and will continue to cascade down to district and village level. Winter wheat land identification and area registration is in progress in all provinces. Contracting of farmers for winter wheat by financiers is now at 73 percent. Farmers are encouraged to do land preparation for winter wheat and apply lime in harvested fields,” read the report.
Speaking during the recently held inter-ministerial games at Mushagashe Vocational Training Centre, the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resource Management, Professor Obert Jiri, urged farmers to speed up planting so as not to miss the cut-off date.
“We are urging all farmers to harness their planting so that they will not be affected by the cut-off date. We expect that they will not go beyond May 31, as their yields will become compromised,” said Professor Jiri.
He added that in addition to wheat, farmers will also plant barley and potatoes other than the usual wheat
“Apart from wheat, we are also targeting to plant 7,000 hectares of barley and more than 9,000 hectares of potatoes. Inputs for the Presidential Input Support Programme for wheat are available, and distribution has already started. Those under the programme are receiving a full package including seed, Compound D fertilizer, top dressing, and the necessary herbicides for wheat,” said Professor Jiri.
In 2025, the country planted 120,000 hectares of winter wheat with a target yield of 600,000 tonnes.