By Virginia Njovo

Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife Dr Sithembiso Nyoni has urged communities to take full ownership of development projects to ensure their sustainability and reduce reliance on donor funding, which has affected various sectors in Zimbabwe and across Africa.
Speaking at the official opening of the Save Sub-Basin Vanyoro Community Seed Bank in Zaka Central Ward 17, Dr Nyoni said were communities the backbone of national development and called on residents to embrace and protect the initiatives brought to their areas.
“I urge the people of Vanyoro and surrounding communities to take full ownership of this seed bank. Let us work together to protect and manage this valuable resource, ensuring that it serves both present and future generations,” said Dr Nyoni.
Dr Nyoni highlighted the impact of donor dependency, citing how the withdrawal of USAID funding had negatively affected many organizations and communities that relied solely on external assistance.
“Taking full responsibility of these projects only helps us as communities, as you can see the USAID withdrawal affected many people and various organisations who were solely depending on them but look at us now we are here with our project continuing to fulfill its goals and objectives in this community only due to the spirit of oneness you have as well as your collaborative support,” said Dr Nyoni.
Dr Nyoni reaffirmed her ministry’s commitment to supporting the project, aligning it with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 goal of achieving an upper-middle-income society.
“My ministry is committed to provide all the necessary policy support to ensure that this project succeeds, in particular ensuring that its results influence both policy and practice within the country, region and globally,” she said.
She further emphasized the importance of seed banks in mitigating effects of climate change, especially in rural areas where erratic rainfall and prolonged droughts threaten agricultural productivity.
“The commissioning of this seed bank is a bold step in towards the strengthening biodiversity conversation, improving food security, and enhancing the resilience of our communities in dry land areas. The impacts of climate change have been particularly seen on rural livelihoods, with erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged drought threatening agricultural productivity,” said Nyoni.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Ezra Chadzamira, in a speech delivered on his behalf by Douglas Chimhande, Director of Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Management in the Office of the President and Cabinet, stressed the need for community ownership.
“To the farmers, I urge you to take full responsibility for this seed bank. It is your duty to ensure that this facility is well-managed and utilized effectively for the benefit of present and future generations,” said Chadzamira.
Seed banks serve as a critical conservation measure, preserving plant species and replenishing seeds lost due to natural disasters or human activities such as pollution. At Vanyoro, the community restored lost tree species and preserving crop seeds through a nursery and diversity wheel system.
The Vanyoro Seed Bank was-equipped, with 100 earth augers, 100 two-wheel tractors, 100 five-row planters, a borehole, and office facilities to support its operations.
The Drylands Sustainable Landscape Impact Program (DSLIP) is a large-scale initiative implemented across 11 countries, supported by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). In Zimbabwe, the Save-Runde Sub-Basins are receiving technical assistance from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
To oversee its implementation, the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife has appointed the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) as the executing entity, working alongside the Forestry Commission and the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority.
This initiative represents a bold step in strengthening biodiversity conservation, enhancing food security, and improving climate resilience in Zimbabwe’s dryland areas.

By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo’s German twin city, Kernen, recently donated US$15 000 to Masvingo City Council which they used to purchase clinical equipment.
The donation bought a water tank, solar system, and an autoclave for Runyararo Clinic, as well as a dryer and washing machine for North West Medical Centre.
Speaking at the commissioning of the equipment on March 13 at the Civic Centre, Masvingo City Council Mayor Aleck Tabe thanked the people of Kernen City for their generosity in supporting the city’s healthcare services.
“We are grateful for the US$15 000 donation to our health department, which allowed us to acquire essential clinic equipment, including a 6.5kV solar system, a 10,000-liter water reservoir, and a heavy-duty autoclave.
“This donation will significantly enhance healthcare service delivery in our city and improve the lives of our residents. We deeply appreciate the trust and commitment shown by our partners in Kernen City who worked tirelessly to make this donation a reality,” said Tabe.
Tabe said the equipment would help the clinics meet World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
“This donation is more than just equipment, it is a symbol of the strong partnership between our cities. It represents our shared values of friendship, cooperation, and mutual support.
“The water reservoir will ensure a reliable water supply, promote water conservation, and improve hand washing hygiene. The solar system will provide consistent energy, ensuring the proper storage of vaccines and uninterrupted healthcare services. The autoclave will strengthen infection control measures, enhance patient safety, reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, and help our facilities comply with WHO infection prevention standards,” he said.
Masvingo City Council Health Director Suzzane Hazel Madamombe emphasized the long-standing relationship between Masvingo and Kernen City, which dates back to 1984 and has resulted in numerous development projects.
“This partnership has greatly contributed to our city’s infrastructure. In 1988, it facilitated the construction of Alpha Cottage, Bondolfi Teachers’ College dining hall and kitchen, and a craft center, among other projects. These twinning programs continue to play a crucial role in our city’s growth,” said Madamombe.
She said the newly donated dryer and washing machine at North West Medical Centre would help reduce labor costs and improve efficiency.
“Previously, we had to wait several hours for linen to dry, but the dryer will now significantly speed up the process. Additionally, having these machines allow us to reduce the number of general workers needed, instead of requiring three or four staff members, we now need just one,” she said.
Ward 3 Councilor Maxwell Madhuna said the donation symbolized the commitment to collaboration between the two cities.
“Today we are here celebrating a significant occasion, the donation that symbolizes our commitment to collaboration. It is said that blessed is the hand that gives and we are all here thanking that blessed hand.
“We express our gratitude for this donation and the positive impact it will bring to our city. This supports our journey towards achieving sustainable development goal number three which focuses on ensuring good health and wellbeing,” said Madhuna.

By Meditation Mposi

Masvingo veterinary supervisor, Everet Haskes, is fast gaining recognition for his diverse talents in the performing arts with special interest in music, poetry, drama, writing and dance proving that science and art can go hand in hand.
Born in 1982, Haskes said his passion for music, poetry, drama, writing, and dance started while in secondary school where he would preach, dance and act in dramas.
“My journey started way back in secondary school, where I would preach during assemblies, recite poems, dance, and act in dramas. When I was in Form Four, I wrote a play titled ‘Zvowoenda Munyika.’ The drama aimed to discourage my peers from drug abuse and promiscuous behavior as we were about to finish our Ordinary Level exams. I played the role of a nightclub dancer who lured unsuspecting victims into the life of drugs and Sexually Transmitted Diseases, ultimately leading to their downfall,” said Haskes.
He said his talent became evident when he participated in a beauty and dance competition at his school after his friend, Edmore Magura, paid the $5 entry fee, believing in his potential and won the first prize out of sixty competitors.
Haskes attended Mhungudza Primary School before proceeding to Mushandike High School. He later enrolled at Mazowe Veterinary College from 2011 to 2013.
His career journey began at Tsungai Trading in Masvingo, where he was later promoted to oversee Harare branches in 2006. In 2003, while working at Tsungai Trading, he collaborated with Munyaradzi Munodawafa on a song titled Messiah Huyai, but financial constraints prevented them from recording it.
In 2009, he joined Mhandamabwe Animal Health Centre as a Veterinary Extension Officer. By 2022, he had risen to the position of Masvingo supervisor, overseeing the Masvingo South region.
“Later, while working in Mhandamabwe, I wrote another song titled Tsika, but again, I couldn’t record due to lack of funds. I also wrote Hondo ne January Disease after witnessing the devastating loss of cattle due to the January disease outbreak. As a vet officer and a patriotic Zimbabwean, I saw this as an opportunity to educate the public on disease prevention, symptoms, control measures, and the importance of dipping their cattle,” he said.
Determined to make a difference, Haskes eventually recorded a song called Mutoriro, warning against drug abuse.
“The song discourages people from using harmful substances like cocaine, ‘dombo’ (crystal meth), and broncleer, which lead to death, violence, imprisonment, and deteriorating health,” he said.
He also released a track titled ‘Transformer’, inspired by his admiration for a woman he describes as having an angelic beauty.
“In the song, I compare her to a powerful transformer—she lights up the world when she is at her best,” he said.
Haskes said his latest song, Pfumvudza/Intwasa, promotes sustainable farming practices and expressed his to create a music video for the song.
“The song highlights the benefits of the Pfumvudza method, including minimal soil disturbance, low input requirements, and high yields. It aligns with our President’s Vision 2030 by educating farmers on best agricultural practices, expected harvests, and productivity measurements. I would love to create a music video for the song if I secure funding,” he said.
Haskes also expressed his desire for sponsorship to acquire musical instruments, as he currently hires equipment for his performances.
“If I can get support, it would help me grow as an artist and continue using music to educate and inspire others,” he said.