Home Blog Page 8

Masvingo City launches long-acting HIV prevention injection to combat infection rates

TellZim News
-
0
Masvingo City launches long-acting HIV prevention injection to combat infection rates

By Tatiana Mhararira

In a proactive response to rising HIV infection rates Masvingo City Council through its Runyararo clinic launched Cabotegravir Long-Acting (CAB-LA), an innovative option for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

This new injectable treatment, administered every two months aims to enhance HIV prevention efforts for individuals at significant risk providing them with a more effective, discreet and user-friendly alternative addressing critical barriers to adherence and stigma associated with daily oral PrEP pills.

In an interview with City Council Director of Health Services Suzanne Madamombe said the purpose of introducing CAB-LA injection for HIV prevention was part of a broader programme in Zimbabwe which was introduced to address several key challenges in HIV prevention.

“The CAB-LA was introduced offer choice which is to expand the “basket of HIV prevention tools available, allowing people to choose the method that best fits their lifestyle and needs.CAB-LA improve adherence since it is an injection administered every two months (after initial doses one month apart), which is a significant advantage over the daily oral PrEP pill, where forgetting doses can reduce effectiveness.

“The CAB-LA increases efficacy as clinical trials have shown that CAB-LA is more effective at reducing HIV risk compared to oral PrEP, largely due to improved adherence with the long-acting format. The injection enhances discretion and reduces stigma since the injectable format offers more privacy and discretion than daily pills, which helps individuals, particularly those who may face stigma or have partners who do not know about their PrEP use, to protect themselves without fear of discovery,” said Madamombe.

Madamombe said the eligibility criteria for individuals to receive CAB-LA injection includes HIV-negative status, significant risk of HIV acquisition, weight requirement, adherence capability and have no contraindicated medications.

“For one to be eligible to access the CAB-LA injection the individual must have a confirmed negative HIV-1 test result (preferably using an antigen/antibody and HIV RNA test) before starting the injection and before every subsequent injection. Using CAB-LA with undiagnosed HIV can lead to the development of drug-resistant HIV strains. The individual must be at substantial ongoing risk of acquiring HIV through sexual behavior (e.g., has an HIV-positive partner with an unknown or detectable viral load, does not consistently use condoms, or has had an STI diagnosis in the past 6 months). The person must be an adult or adolescent weighing at least 35 kilograms

“The individual should be willing and able to adhere to the required injection schedule, which starts with two injections a month apart, followed by one injection every two months. The individual must not be taking certain medications that can interact negatively with cabotegravir, including carbamazepine, oxcarbazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, or rifapentine,” said Madamombe.

She also said CAB-LA injection differs from daily PrEP tablets because it is long acting hence reduces dose frequency that is twice per month compared to daily dosage which may cause pill burden and poor adherence resulting in ineffective protection.

The benefits of using the CAB LA injection are that the injection is discrete and private, it is more effective than Oral PrEP by 90%, has good adherence and reduced dosing frequency.

Madamombe said several measures were in place to ensure the safe and effective administration of CAB-LA.

“The following measures will be used to ensure good administration of the injection on job training of staff on injection administration, on job mentorship and routine supervision of staff, proper storage of medicine to ensure patient receive potent medicine, checking of expiry dates and if there are any discoloration before administration.

“The Runyararo clinic will manage follow up appointments or monitoring for patients receiving the CAB-LA injection through the following ways booking system for easy identification of missed appointment and also use of PrEP champions to follow up missed appointments and defaulters,” said Madamombe.

She said group health education sessions and individualized health sessions are the educational and counselling services provided for patients receiving the CAB-LA injection citing that the main challenge to be faced by the administration of the injection is defaulting and there will be defaulter tracking through community cadres who are being supported by Pangea Zimbabwe AIDS Trust (PZAT).

The Runyararo Clinic service hours are Monday to Friday from 0700hours to 1600hours for more information and scheduling of appointments since it is the only health facility initiating clients on CAB-LA injection.

Runyararo Clinic is one of the sites under the Maximizing Options to Advance Informed Choice for HIV Prevention (MOSAIC) consortium’s program launched by PZAT to this program is helping  inform the national scale-up of the CAB-LA injection method across the country. 

Mufakose High soccer star appeals for university scholarship

TellZim News
-
0
Mufakose High soccer star appeals for university scholarship

By Tatiana Mhararira

A Mufakose High learner and soccer star who aced his Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (ZIMSEC) November 2025 Advanced Level examinations with 2 As and 1B from a combination of three subjects is facing financial challenges which are a barrier to his tertiary dream.

David Mukuze whose parents are manual workers in the sugar plants in Triangle are incapable of raising the money required for his tertiary education. 

He made headlines in 2025 after he helping Triangle United FC to secure a remarkable goalless draw against Scotland FC in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) besides him being the youngest player on the field he showed exceptional skills upsetting Scotland’s efforts to secure a win.

Mukuze completed his Ordinary level at Mufakose High in 2023 and scooped 2 Bs and 3Cs and took up a combination of History, Sociology and Family and Religious Studies, where he got the 14 points.

Mukuze said he would like to study Social Work at university but his parents’ income may be a barrier to fulfilling his dreams as they can not afford paying for his university fees.

“My parents have been paying for my primary and high school fees and at times I would assist them in paying the fees after getting some allowances from Triangle United FC but as I proceed the task can be hard for me and my parents,” said Mukuze.

He said it won’t be fair for him to give up on his dreams because of financial constraints and called on well-wishers to assist him.

“I wish to go to university and pursue my dreams. I also wish to go to a university where there is professional football team so that I will continue building my football career.

“To pass my A level studies I got motivation from my surrounding community and even Mufakose High staff who inspired me to be an educated footballer so that after football career I get something else to do,” he said.

The young talented individual has been making waves not only in academics but also on the soccer field currently serving as the goalkeeper for Zimbabwe U23 national team and also another goalkeeper for Triangle United FC.

His determination to both his studies and admiration from his peers and mentors alike motivates him to go far that’s why he is appealing for a scholarship to further his studies.

“What makes me to be able to balance soccer and academics is the commitment that I have as a person on everything that I do, I do it wholeheartedly this means that when its time for sports I do and when it’s time for school work l do the same. I do not mix the two this makes me balance the two.

“I have heard of people who assists with paying school fees for the disadvantaged learners like me who have the passion to fulfill their dreams that’s why I am appealing for such,” said Mukuze.

As Mukuze appeals for a scholarship he remains focused on his goals balancing soccer training with academic pursuits. His story serves as an inspiration to other youths demonstrating that with hard work, dedication and passion anything is possible.

Nyashanu High records perfect A-Level, outstanding O-Level results

TellZim News
-
1
Nyashanu High records perfect A-Level, outstanding O-Level results

 By Karen Sibanda

Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run Nyashanu High School, located in Buhera District, has achieved a perfect 100 percent pass rate in the 2025 Advanced Level ZIMSEC Examinations.

According to the school’s statistics, the overall performance of learners was impressive. A total of 62 learners sat for the examinations, with 46 candidates scoring 10 points and above. The standout performances included two learners who attained 19 points and six who scored 15 points. Further analysis shows seven learners recorded 14 points, four with 13 points, six with 12 points, eight with 11 points, and twelve with 10 points.

The institution recorded a perfect 100 percent pass rate in most subjects. Specific subjects where every candidate excelled include Heritage Studies, History, FRS, Geography, Shona, Biology, Crop Science, Business Studies, Economics, Theatre General (TG), Computers, Literature in English, Sports Science, Sports Management, and Statistics.

The School Head, Jackson Dunatuna, praised the dedicated teaching staff and the learners’ commitment.

“The learners’ dedication and parental and guardian support is the reason why their hard work paid well. We have a committed teaching and non-teaching staff and we employ several strategies including extended study time and that has paid well,” Said Dunatuna.

This excellence extends to the Ordinary Level, where the school posted an outstanding 96.97 percent pass rate.

A total of 165 learners sat for five or more O-Level exams, with 160 passing five or more subjects. Of the 165 candidates, 71 were male and 94 were female. Notably, 145 passed five subjects including English, 79 passed both English and Mathematics, and 81 passed five subjects including Mathematics and a Science subject.

Individual subject performance was strong, with Computers, Building, Physical Education (P.E.), and Theatre General (TG) achieving a 100 percent pass rate.

Other high scores included Chemistry (94.55%), Biology (98%), FRS (96.55%), History (93.87 percent), and Shona (95 percent). The top performers were Cliffton Tsvito with 8 As and 4 Bs, and Vivian Duri with 8 As, 2 Bs, and 1 C.

Nyashanu High School is also famed for its agricultural prowess, which sustains its operations. The school produces most of its own food and agricultural requirements, notably through massive potato production, making it one of the few schools in the region to venture into such large-scale farming.

The school’s location is also considered advantageous, situated away from negative urban influences. This environment guarantees security and ensures learners have no access to substances like drugs. The school boasts of having never recorded a single case of drug abuse, fostering a safe and focused atmosphere conducive to academic excellence.

ZCC Engenas Zivavose High School celebrates perfect 2025 A-Level pass rate

TellZim News
-
0
ZCC Engenas Zivavose High School celebrates perfect 2025 A-Level pass rate

…introduces affordable, modern boarding facilities

ZAKA – St Engenas ZCC Zivavose High School in Zaka District is celebrating a landmark academic achievement after recording a 100percent pass rate in the 2025 A-Level ZIMSEC examinations where 17 out 24 scooped 10 points and above. 

The accomplishment is coupled with a significant infrastructure development resulting in the introduction of low-cost boarding facilities designed to modern standards.

All 24 learners who sat for the 2025 examinations passed with flying colours where the least performer scored seven points with standout performances from Enough Majaura who scooped 20 points, Thodhlana Malvin with 17 points.

Revinia Chikato, Gerry Mubaiwa and Tanaka Govere scooped 15 points while Renias Charuma and Rodrick Vushe scooped 14 Points 

The School head Wilbert Dera expressed immense pride in the results, particularly as a rural institution saying the support they got from all stakeholders including the Responsible Authority were the reason behind the success.

“We are thrilled to have achieved these high grades and raise our flag high. Despite the fact that rural schools are often overlooked in academics, our achievement is exceptional.

“The achievement was enabled through collaborative efforts from all our stakeholders mainly our Responsible Authority and parents who pay fees. Special mention also goes to the teachers who worked hard to produce the results we are celebrating,” said Dera.

Building on the success, the school announced the introduction of modern, low-cost boarding facilities for A-Level students in January 2026. 

The new units are designed to provide affordable, conducive accommodation and has also introduced Science subjects like Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Computer Science, featuring updated infrastructure and amenities that surpass older, outdated boarding schools.

Dera said the expansion was rooted in the school’s core values of nurturing an all rounded learner with moral and Christian values that are key in the world after school.

 “At St. Engenas Zivavose High School, we are committed to nurturing not only academic excellence but also character. The introduction of our low-cost boarding facilities is a significant step towards making quality A-level education accessible to more, while ensuring they are nurtured in a Christian environment.

Enrolment is in progress as we offer both day and boarding facilities and our aim is to expand and have boarding facilities for all,” he said.

The school boasts well-equipped science laboratories and a wide range of subjects, supported by a dedicated teaching staff. Parents and guardians are encouraged to enroll their children for the 2026 academic year. 

For inquiries, please contact Mr. Dera on 0773158557 or Mr. Zvavashe on 0773087113.

ZRP Masvingo appeals for public help to identify human skull

TellZim News
-
0
ZRP Masvingo appeals for public help to identify human skull

By Simon Masore

The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Masvingo Province has issued a public appeal for assistance in identifying a human skull discovered near the Save Valley Conservancy earlier this month.

Masvingo Provincial police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa, confirmed that the remains were found in a thick bush area along the Ngundu-Tanganda highway on September 1, 2025.

He said the skull was believed to have been at the location for a considerable period, and no other body parts were recovered from the scene.

The discovery was made by a passerby, who then alerted the authorities. Inspector Dhewa emphasized that forensic and investigative procedures are underway but require public input to progress.

Police are urging anyone with information, particularly families or communities reporting missing persons, to come forward.

Anyone with information can contact the Officer-in-Charge at ZRP Bikita, Chief Inspector Morgan Chatikobo, on 0772 549 755, or the investigating officer, Assistant Inspector Patson Kumbuya, on 0773 805 612.

“We appeal to the public for any information that could assist in this investigation and help bring closure to a potentially grieving family,” said Inspector Dhewa.

No further details regarding the age, gender, or possible cause of death have been released as investigations continue.

This incident is not isolated in the region. In a similar case in November 2023, police in Masvingo recovered a human skull and bones near the Mushandike Dam area, about 30 kilometers from the city. Another discovery occurred in January 2024 near the Runde River, highlighting a recurring challenge for local law enforcement.

Woman refuse to accept divorce, stabs intervening sister-in-law       

TellZim News
-
0
Woman refuse to accept divorce, stabs intervening sister-in-law       

By TellZim reporter

A 22-year-old woman from Mushandike has been arrested for allegedly stabbing her sister-in-law after a marital dispute, triggered by her refusal to accept her husband’s decision to end the marriage, turned violent.

The incident occurred in Village 18A, Bhati, on January 7 around 1100hrs.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the arrest and the charges of attempted murder.

“We received a case of attempted murder where a 22-year-old woman stabbed her sister-in-law who had intervened in an altercation between the suspect and her husband,” said Inspector Dhewa.

He urged the public to seek mediation from community elders to resolve disagreements peacefully instead of resorting to violence.

“We encourage people to involve community leaders or the police when faced with similar situations and avoid violence,” said Inspector Dehwa.

The suspect has been identified as Liesel Gwara and the victim is her 27-year-old sister-in-law, Atrubhethar Chishoko.

Sources close to the investigation say the conflict began when Gwara’s husband, 22-year-old Albert Chishoko, told her he could no longer stay in the marriage.

An enraged Gwara then went into the kitchen, fetched a knife, and tried to stab her husband who managed to evade her, moving a few meters away.

When Gwara attempted to stab him again and failed, her sister-in-law, Atrubhethar, stepped in to intervene.

Gwara then turned her rage towards Atrukhethar and stabbed her once on the left side of the ribcage.

The matter was reported to the police around 2 PM leading to Gwara’s arrest.

Atrukhethar was rushed to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where she was admitted in a stable condition.

Zanu PF bars MP Chiwa over CDF abuse

TellZim News
-
0
Zanu PF bars MP Chiwa over CDF abuse

By Virginia Njovo

Zanu PF has issued a prohibition order against Chiredzi West MP Darlington Chiwa, barring him from his constituency over allegations of misusing Constituency Development Funds (CDF).

The party’s Masvingo provincial executive imposed the order allegedly after receiving complaints from the people in his constituency who alleged that the funds were misappropriated.

The order bars the legislator from convening gatherings in his constituency or conduct any meeting until he is cleared by the disciplinary hearing scheduled for January 16.

Zanu PF Masvingo provincial chairperson, Robson Mavhenyengwa, confirmed the development and the pending investigation.

“Yes, Cde Chiwa was issued a prohibition order over a matter to do with use of CDF funds. We are going to carry out investigations into the allegations raised against him,” Mavhenyengwa said.

He stated that as the party that deployed him, it is their duty to investigate the complaints that the funds were not used properly.

“If it is true then it will come out in the hearing, if it’s not he will be cleared,” Mavhenyengwa

Sources within the party said there were several MPs in the province who were facing similar allegations though they were yet to be issued with prohibition orders

However, Mavhenyengwa said Chiwa’s case was the only one formally before him so far and said if there were any other similar cases,  they will be dealt with as they come.

“If we get any report we do investigate. So we investigate as reports come but for now we have only this case,” said Mavhenyengwa.

Contacted for comment by TellZim News, Chiwa referred all questions to the party’s spokesperson Pepukai Chiwewe and Mavhenyengwa saying they were the authorized media contacts.

However, some view the prohibition as a result of internal factional wars within Zanu PF, with various groups already preparing their candidates for future elections.

New Gozonya Secondary School in Chiredzi opens, fulfilling MP’s key pledge

TellZim News
-
0
New Gozonya Secondary School in Chiredzi opens, fulfilling MP’s key pledge

By Staff Reporter

The new Gozonya Secondary School in Hippo Valley, Chiredzi, is ready to welcome students as schools open tomorrow, January 13, fulfilling a central campaign promise by local MP Ropafadzo Makumire.

Chiredzi Central MP Ropafadzo Makumire confirmed the opening to TellZim News, saying final preparations were underway.

“The school will open as promised. Right now I am going to meet the ministry officials who are visiting the school to put final touches before we open tomorrow,” said Makumire.

He reported that enrollment for Forms 1 to 3 is promising and that minor infrastructure work would be completed as the school runs.

“We are left with a few touches. I am delivering the cement needed to finish off some ablution facilities, and Tongaat Hulett promised to give us assistance as well so I am sure soon everything will be in order,” said Makumire.

The school’s completion delivers on Makumire’s key election pledge to end an arduous daily reality for the community. Before its construction, children from the area faced a 30-kilometer walk to the nearest secondary school, Mleme Secondary School.

Funded through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), the project involved building a new block and roofing an existing structure. The MP had previously stated that the facility, which also includes a solar-powered borehole, would be handed over to the Chiredzi Rural District Council.

While celebrating the educational milestone, a recent public dialogue highlighted other pressing issues. Residents raised serious concerns about healthcare, reporting shortages of free medication and supplies at local public hospitals despite payment of fees.

The opening of Gozonya Secondary School marks a significant step in addressing the constituency’s infrastructure gaps, even as other community needs emerge for attention.

NetOne launches ‘Reverse Calling’ service for zero-balance subscribers

TellZim News
-
0
NetOne launches ‘Reverse Calling’ service for zero-balance subscribers

By TellZim Reporter

In a move aimed at ensuring connectivity during economic hardship, mobile network operator NetOne has launched a new “Reverse Calling” service, allowing subscribers with no airtime to make calls at the recipient’s expense.

The service, known as “Pay for Me,” enables a caller with zero balance to initiate a call. The receiving party is then notified and given the option to accept and pay for the call or decline it. If accepted, the call proceeds normally with the recipient bearing the cost; if declined, no charges are incurred.

NetOne Public Relations Manager, Ernest Magadzire, in a statement, framed the launch as a direct response to the financial pressures facing many Zimbabweans. 

“Life does not wait for airtime. An emergency does not wait for payday. We are introducing Reverse Calling because communication keeps families together, businesses running, and lives moving forward. No one should fail to speak simply because their balance is zero,” said Magadzire.

He said the service was built for real-world situations where lack of airtime can have serious consequences. 

“Every day, people miss important calls simply because there is no balance. A mother fails to reach her child. A student in town cannot call home for urgent school fees. A job seeker cannot follow up on work. A traveler is stranded. These are not just stories this is daily life,” Magadzire explained.

The company argues that the service addresses a daily reality where missed calls can mean missed opportunities and the service was an alternative to “please call me” messages, facilitating direct conversation.

Magadzire emphasized that the service was built on consent and transparency. 

“The person receiving the call is always informed and always in control. They can accept the call and pay for it or decline and no one is charged. This is about providing a simple, fair option to communicate when it matters most,” he said.

The launch underscores the telecoms sector’s adaptation to a challenging economic environment, where maintaining affordable communication is critical for social and business continuity.

Man stabs uncle for refusing to attend prophet’s cleansing ceremony

TellZim News
-
0
Man stabs uncle for refusing to attend prophet’s cleansing ceremony

By TellZim Reporter

A family dispute over a spiritual cleansing ceremony turned violent in Ganyiwa village under Chief Nyajena, leaving one man hospitalized with critical injuries.

The incident occurred on January 07 around 3 pm at a family homestead when the complainant was stabbed after refusing to attend the ceremony.

Masvingo Provincial Police Spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dehwa confirmed the incident and said the victim was in a critical condition.

“I can confirm a case of attempted murder where a 25-year-old man stabbed his uncle for refusing to attend a family cleansing ceremony that was being conducted by a prophet,” said Inspector Dehwa.

He warned the public against resorting to violence and dangerous weapons to resolve disagreements.

“We reiterate that violence does not solve disputes and people should solve disputes amicably and avoid using dangerous weapons,” said Inspector Dehwa.

Circumstances are that the accused, Febson Chinhingira, went to invite his uncle, Lovemore Chinhingira, to the ceremony where the whole family was expected to be cleansed.

When Lovemore refused, an altercation broke out between the two. Febson then picked up a brick and struck his uncle on the back.

He proceeded to stab Lovemore on the left side of the ribs with a knife, inflicting a deep cut.

The injured uncle was rushed to Nyajena Hospital, where he was admitted in critical condition.

The matter was reported to Renco Mine Police, leading to the arrest of Febson who now faces charges of attempted murder.

1...789...956Page 8 of 956