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Agroforestry solution to climate change

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Agroforestry solution to climate change

Innocent Batisa

MASVINGO – The Forestry commission of Zimbabwe (FCZ) says the country should accelerate agroforestry so as to fight the effects of climate change.
Agroforestry is a land use management system whereby trees or shrubs are grown around or among crops or pastureland.
FCZ spokesperson, Stephen Zingwena said the system should be adopted everywhere due to its many benefits.
“Through agroforestry, a farmer benefits from moisture conservation from tree canopies, exchange of nutrients from roots of nitrogen fixing plants and biomass,” said Zingwena.
He said the system reduces the amount of direct sunlight that hits crops and cuts evapotranspiration thereby increasing survival chances in intense heat.
“Not all trees are suitable for agroforestry but only nitrogen fixing ones like a wide variety of acacia and the pigeon pea,” said Zingwena.
He said FCZ was in the process of breeding drought resistant tree species that face extinction.
“Our researchers are working on propagating six indigenous tree species with a view of domesticating them while 16 more are on provenance trials. Three more are being bred for multiplication as they face extinction.
“Indigenous fruit trees that are targeted for domestication are mupfura, mutohwe, munyii, muzhanje, mutunduru and muhacha.
 “There is also a programme of crossing eucalyptus trees to produce drought-tolerant and faster growing hybrids for flue-cured tobacco growers,” said Zingwena.news

Councillors tour ZNFPC

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Councillors tour ZNFPC

Tinomutenda Midzi

Masvingo urban councillors last week toured the Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council (ZNFPC) facilities to familiarise themselves with the services that are offered.
Councillors present included Godfrey Kurauone of ward 4, Lovemore Mufamba of ward 10, ward 3’s James Chiwara, Against Chiteme of ward 5, Tarsisio Mandava of ward 2 and Mayor Hubert Fidze who is also the ward 6 councillor.
ZNFPC provincial manager Peter Vhoko told the councillors the tour will help them promote professional family planning advice in their wards
“We are aware that you have a lot of questions to answer when you are in your wards. This will surely help you to answer health and family planning-related questions,” Vhoko said.
He encouraged citizens to visit ZNFPC for counselling, family planning advice and other related services saying his organisation has capable people who are eager to help.
“Our staff is highly trained. They know how to handle situations and people should come in numbers,” he said.
ZNFPC Masvingo also serves other provinces like Midlands, Matebeleland South.
Speaking during the event, Fidze said ZNFPC Masvingo was a source of pride as it was diligently serving other provinces as well.
 “We were not aware that the health backbone of other three provinces is in our city. Council will do all that it can to publicise and promote the services of ZNFPC for the good of our community,” Fidze said.news

Chinamasa the fake Bond Notes culprit

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Chinamasa the fake Bond Notes culprit

But tinyareiwo mhani hamusvodi makaita seiko? You have rigged the election and now it’s almost confirmed that you are about to rig the economy through introducing Bond Paper or is it Bond Notes. You are not even ashamed that civil servants do not know their bedrooms anymore as they sleep in bank corridors in order to join queues early kuti vatore mari yavakashandira? Can you imagine teachers sleeping in the open like street kids or destitute?
 Zanu PF and its government have stolen all the US dollars and now the country is in financial doldrums but they don’t care about it. Vana Kasukuwere kutovhaira hanzi im a millionaire, ana Prof Jonathan Moyo kutozvifananidza nana Robin Hood kkkkkkkk wotoshaya kuti varombo vaakabatsira ndevapi when he actually does the opposite of Robin Hood.
Now that there is nothing to rig anymore, they are at each other’s throat now. They have since started to rig each other, and this is just a tip of an iceberg, let us just wait and see. They will tear each other apart and please, please, please musabata siyai zvakadaro
But Chinamasasa or is it Chinamasa, has shown that he is indeed a political clown. Mapombi started even to doubt his academic achievements –  wakamboiitira kupiko law yake? I am afraid mukazvitsvaga zvakanyatsonaka hazvishamise kuwanana akangofanana nevaya boss vekuZimra, Charlton Chihuri whose only original certificate is a birth certificate and the rest are fake.  Kkkkkkk fake O’ Level, A’ Level, Honours Degree and Masters degree apa wotambira mari zhinji. Who knows maybe even ‘his children’ are fake kkkkkk.
Mapombi has since realised that Chinamasa is not so wise. How can a whole minister make a sensational claim that there are already fake Bond Notes circulating when the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) had not even advertised the specimen?
If it’s not Chinamasa himself who is printing the fake bond notes, who else then because people do not even know what the notes’ features will be like. Chinamasa is the culprit and other accomplices are RBZ Governor Dr John Mangundya and other senior government officials. They are the only people who are privy to information like how the bond notes’ features are like at the moment. And to make a sensational claim that there are fake notes already circulating is nothing but really shooting oneself in the foot. The innocent Zimbabweans have no faith in Bond Notes and Chinamasa’s claim even increased the fear. Ko kungo printer makanyarara zvinodiniko vana Chinamasa?
Anyway, Mapombi was impressed by Dr Amai; she managed to raise over $4million for the Zanu PF conference at the just ended fundraising dinner. Of course it was a calculated move by the Gushungo 40 (G40) faction to make her the Guest of Honour. Whether she is honourable or not that’s a topic for another day. By the way, is it still Gushungo 40 faction?  It seems like Mudhara is letting down Prof Jonso and Tyson – life is not that rosy for these Cdes these days and Mapombi is very sure Team Lacoste is in cloud nine. Mapombi however wants to give Team Lacoste a gentle warning; muchenjere kufarira n’anga neinondobata amai.
Sorry for diverting a bit; Mapombi was saying we should give Dr Amai a round of applause for a job well done. Or should we give her another doctorate (PhD)? Of course from UZ kkkkkkkk. Mapombi heard her previous thesis was a must read; she researched why teenage girls were getting pregnant more than teenage boys. Kkkkkkkkkkk wozodei? And in just three months she was done. Mapombi humbly suggests that we give her another doctorate; maybe in Popotology nekuti amai vanopopota zvavo kana vada. Haaa kutukirira chete ishasha!
Mapombi is very sure Dr Amai only fears Dzikamai Mavhaire of the ‘Marujata fame’ kana dzasvika nyaya dzekutukirirana. Let me rest my case otherwise I will be evicted from Dr Grace Mugabe Trading Centre where I’m staying ndikazoshaya zvangu some rotten bananas. But someone told me that I can make musombodhiya out of rotten bananas and Mapombi will certainly try it. Kana zvikangoita chete chokwadi muchandiguta paConference ipapo.
But have you realised that the ancient city is a bit live these days? People are running around in preparation for the congress. Even some of the projects that were abandoned when Masvingo last hosted the Zanu PF conference, over a decade ago, are being completed. Just two weeks ago, more projects were again completed because the CEO was in town for the GZU graduation ceremony. Wish if Mugabe could stay in Masvingo for just one month – all the roads will be like in Zvimba.
It’s almost lunch time guys allow me to go ndindokanga hangu maputi angu for lunch. But ndofunga paconference tichafa nayo nyama; I mean mabonzo avanenge vachirasa havo vanhu kwavo.  But Mapombi want to assure you that she will confront Mphoko at the conference because blazo uya anojairira vanhu. Mboko imboko!

Messenger of Court Bheji, Prophet Makomichi clash over witches

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Messenger of Court Bheji, Prophet Makomichi clash over witches

Prophet Makomichi


Tinomutenda Midzi

Masvingo Messenger of Court Silvester Bheji Ndebele is locked in a bitter fight with Miracle Healing and Deliverance Ministries founder, Prophet Isaac Makomichi in which the duo accused each other of owning the two witches that were found at Ndebele’s Rhodene house recently.
Two women were found stark naked at Ndebele’s house and were immediately whisked away by Prophet Makomichi’s friend Antony Yobe, with intention to surrender them at Masvingo Central police but never reached the destination.
Both Ndebele and Makomichi confirmed the witches’ incident but then accused each other of being connected to the two women in question.
“Makomichi said he trapped witches at my house and I said they should be taken to the police. His church member Antony Yobe however, whisked them away and I wondered how can Makomichi trapped witches and protected them from being taken to police again? I believe the whole thing was stage-managed,” said Ndebele in a statement recorded by the police.
Makomichi however, dismissed the allegations and claimed that the witches then started performing rituals and they overpowered Antony and fled living him for dead.
“The witches called Bheji by name and they even accused him of pretending that he did not know them. Antony only ran away with the witches because Bheji had pulled a gun and threatened to shoot the trio. In fact it was his children and wife who urged Antony to run away. I did not stage-managed anything,” said Makomichi.
“I actually went to Bheji’s house straight from the mountain where I was fasting. Bheji called me to his house because he needed my help and upon arrival at house, I found witches and I am now surprised that he (Bheji) is now accusing me of stage managing miracles when I actually trapped the witches. It’s only unfortunate that Yobe failed to reach the police station because he was overpowered on the way to Masvingo Central police station,” said Makomichi.
But Bheji who is now banking on the police for help insists that although he wanted Makomichi’s help, he got surprised to see the prophet stage-managing miracles.news

RCZ march to fundraise for Rhodene church building

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RCZ march to fundraise for Rhodene church building

RCZ church members during the march

Tatenda Shunyai

MASVINGO – Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ) in Masvingo on Saturday marched from its church along Robert Mugabe way to 4:1 Barracks in a sponsored march to help raise funds for their church building in Rhodene.
The Rhodene congregation is still a new flock so they look forward to building their own place of worship at their stand situated in Rhodene extension.
The congregation held placards and a banner written “Ngatisimuke tese tivake kereke” as they appealed to well-wishers to help them carry on with their project.
Former Masvingo Provincial Education Director (PED), who is also the chairperson of the project, Fadzai Jirivengwa applauded the congregants who took part in the march.
“I want to thank all the congregants for the support and the unity they presented in this march and also not forgetting the church council and project committee for their commitment in making this march successful.
“We also appeal to all the well-wishers to come on board and help us see this project come to completion since it is still in its preliminary stages,” said Jirivengwa.
A total number of 73 people took part in the march, 3 of them were over 80 and 23 were over 65 but they braved the scorching sun to march for their church.
Upon arrival at their destination, the congregation were welcomed by 4:1 barracks Chaplin Pastor Prisca Karima who gave a word of prayer and a word of encouragement.
The march was graced by high profile people among them RCZ treasurer Pikisai Mhizha, former RCZ education secretary Cabinson Magaya, former Masvingo District Education Officer (DEO) Rungamai Maunganidze and retired heads and business people.
Phoebe Mandizvidza former head of Hellen Mcghie who is over 80 took part in the march, expressed gratitude to the almighty God for the strength.
“I want to thank the Lord almighty for the strength to walk for such a distance and I am happy that I did it for my church,” Mandizvidza said.
Jirivengwa also thanked Nyaningwe supermarkets, HR Suplies, Printweb printers and the business community who helped sponsor the event.news

Has the police become agents of road carnage?

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Has the police become agents of road carnage?

Police officers attend  to an accident along Harare-Masvingo Road where two people died on the spot

. . .cash seems more important than human life

Ntombiyolwandle Ndlovu

Is our police now agents of the ever increasing accidents in our roads and should they be held accountable for the countless innocent lives lost as a result of road carnage?
It boggles the mind that public service vehicles like kombis are fined for having worn-out tyres, no handbrake, one headlamp, no driver’s license and for speeding before being allowed to proceed, and then they get involved in an accident soon after.
Wouldn’t it proper for the police to fine the kombis and then accompany them to the Vehicle Inspection Depot (VID) for fitness test and see to it that all public service vehicles have fitness certificates?
Of late, our police prioritise meeting the set cash target, which, according to police sources, is normally between US$1 000 to US$2 000 per roadblock per day.
They don’t mind fining the same vehicle for the same offense even for the whole year as long as they get the money to meet their target.
Why would traffic police officers given daily cash targets in the first place if this is not fundraising? The traffic police is no longer concerned about the gravity of the offense committed as long as one pays the fine. Imagine a person driving without a driver’s license is fined and allowed to go while driving a public service vehicle?
In Masvingo, roadblocks are now a permanent feature in any of the roads that connect to the Central Business District (CBD), including informal ones known as ‘Bhinya roads’.  The funny thing is that not any of these vehicles have been taken to VID for fitness test by the police because the law enforcers seem to enjoy fining these kombis and taxis on daily basis over the same offenses so that they can knock off with the required amounts.
Masvingo Taxis Association chairperson David Masomere has condemned police for not decisively dealing with unregistered taxis (Zvipipipi) that have become an eyesore in the CBD. Masomere also says the cat and mouse battles between the police and unregistered taxis have caused many accidents and deaths.
“There are a lot of unregistered taxis that are operating at Pick n Pay there and many of them park dangerously but the police do nothing about it. These cars pay $10 fine every day and that ticket would allow them to ply any route for the whole day. Just last week, one of our taxis was hit by an unregistered taxi which was being chased by the police and innocent passengers were injured,” said Masomere.
“Imagine we pay around $700 to get properly registered but someone just pay $160 to have the yellow plates and start ferry passengers. The police do not care much about this as long as those vehicles pay fine. However, a lot of accidents have been caused as a result of these unroadworthy and unregistered taxis.  We however, respect and value life so we are going to engage the police so that all public service vehicles have fitness certificates from VID especially this festive season,” he said.
Chifamba, who survived an accident which killed others, said police should know that paying fines does not make an unroadworthy vehicle roadworthy, but it has to be repaired and then go to VID for inspection.
“Our police are forgetting one thing; there tickets are not a remedy to vehicle defects that should go to the VID for inspection before given a fitness certificate. If properly implemented, the process would ensure that our vehicles are roadworthy. The police no longer enforce other laws as long as the motorist pays a fine or a bribe. The fines are not even deterrent enough; in fact our police are fundraising through these roadblocks,” said Chifamba.
When contacted for comment on why police allow vehicles with faults to operate every day, Masvingo provincial police  Press team, as expected, professed ignorance over the matter.
While accidents are also caused by poor roads and human error, the police are also contributing significantly through their ‘fundraising’ roadblocks.
Three months ago, the Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Alliance (MURRA) demonstrated against the police demanding a reduction in the number of roadblocks in our roads.
MURRA director Anoziva Mugutu said then, “We want the number of police roadblocks to be reduced with immediate effect because they are not serving any purposes except for fundraising.”
Minister of Home Affairs Ignatius Chombo, however, has been very defensive of the police saying there not delving in any corrupt activities insisting that members of the public should come forward with evidence.
Though Chombo tried to be smart about police corruption; there are a number of officers who have been either fired or dragged to hearing over corruption here in Masvingo.  The police has bought new fleet of Ford Rangers and Ford vehicles from the money they realise from roadblocks.
It is however, high time the police start to value human life and stop prioritizing money at the expense of people on our roads.news

Mushanyuki cries foul as Zengeya is installed new Chief Nyajena

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Mushanyuki cries foul as Zengeya is installed new Chief Nyajena

Minister Ncube installs Chief Nyajena

Peter Chawapiwa

NYAJENA – Masvingo businessman, Martin Lucas Mushanyuki says he feels cheated after the installation ceremony for the new Chief Nyajena, Dzingai Zengeya, finally took place on October 28, more than three years after he was appointed by President Robert Mugabe.
Minister of Rural Development, Promotion and Preservation of National Culture and Heritage, Abedinigo Ncube, was the Guest of Honour at the installation ceremony,
Zengeya, of the Mateveke clan, was born on October 21, 1921, and was appointed by President Mugabe on May 20, 2013 but the installation ceremony could not take place because his appointment was being challenged in the High Court by Willie Ngundu of the Maburutse clan.
However, Mushanyuki, who has also been contesting the chieftainship for several years, argues that it is the Mushanyuki clan’s turn to take the throne.
“I feel that I have been shortchanged yet again because I personally approached the High Court a number of times before Zengeya was chosen to be the next chief.
“I did not follow up on the matter the last time because I fell sick. However, I maintain that I should have been installed instead because, in my view, Zengeya is not eligible for the chieftaincy. I have evidence to prove that,” Mushanyuki said.
During the ceremony, Ncube urged the new chief to carry out his duties diligently to ensure the proper exploitation of land and its natural resources.
The installation ceremony was also attended by senior civil servants, Masvingo District Administrator, Makepeace Muzenda and management personnel from RioZim’s Renco Mine.news

Danhamombe honours outstanding pupils

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Danhamombe honours outstanding pupils

Itai Muzondo

CHIVI – Danhamombe High School last weekend honoured outstanding pupils at a colorful prize giving ceremony held under the theme, ‘The new curriculum: Only way to go’.
School’s head boy, Laston Mudzviti was crowned student of the year after banging four awards as overall best student, most presentable student, most effective prefect and best in debate and public speaking.
Chivi Acting District Schools Inspector; Kenny Zendera congratulated winning students and said the event was a symbol that the school is operating well.
“Danhamombe High School has been on record for starting and leading in new developments and initiatives such as the school bus, handball and Hexco subjects. A Rural District Council boarding school may be established in the near future.
“The new curriculum calls for young Zimbabweans that are knowledgeable, who can think critically, creatively and with desirable ethical values – Unhu/Ubuntu.
“I am informed that this school has excelled in sport especially in handball where your teams have won trophies nationally and internationally. In soccer we have the likes of Nhamo Lameck who is playing for Triangle Football Club and Artwell Mukandi, the former Dynamos goalkeeper who is now playing for a club in Mozambique. This is what our new curriculum aims to achieve,” Zendera said.
National Association of School Heads (NASH) Chairperson Cuthbert Chuma said the school should be given boarding school status if possible.
“I want to praise this school because many day schools in rural areas cannot reach where Danhamombe has reached. Parents should however in return support their children by paying school fees and following up on students’ performance in school. Most parents only come to school when looking for places to enroll their children which is bad,” Chuma said.
Speaking on their future prospects, Danhamombe High School headmaster Josayah Sithole said they have high hopes of establishing a state of the art culture centre at the school which he wishes to run under boarding school facilities.
“We are looking forward to expand our culture centre as it is one unique structures in schools in Masvingo. We actually want to bring it to life so that pupils have a feel of what a real African home is like. The idea to uphold cultural aspects came as we adopted aspects of the new curriculum which emphasizes of nurturing pupils under the Unhu/Ubuntu philosophy.
“Students are even excited about the culture centre so if permitted, we look forward to be a boarding school that thrives to uphold the Zimbabwean culture through activities. It is an initiative we think will further make us relevant in addition to the sporting prowess we have been experiencing up to international level in previous years,” Sithole said.news

Fwd: Stakeholders congratulate TellZim News on 1st Anniversary

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Fwd: Stakeholders congratulate TellZim News on 1st Anniversary

TellZim Reporter

The fastest growing community newspaper in Zimbabwe, TellZim News, which covers Masvingo province and the southern region of the country, has been praised by various stakeholders for its community development reporting niche.
The newspaper was launched in November 2015 at a colourful ceremony which was graced by dignitaries from all walks of life.
TellZim News, which was transformed from a website promoting citizen journalism, was born out of the realisation that there was a communication gap due to a lack of a newspaper dedicated to helping ordinary people to tell their own stories in a manner that amplifies citizen voices to service providers and solution holders.
The newspaper’s unique and objective approach to journalism in an industry that is generally seen as polarised has endeared it to ordinary news readers, business interests and academics who regard it as a game changer in the local media landscape.
Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA Zimbabwe) director Nhlanhla Ngwenya said TellZim News has defied the odds and sustained itself in a tough economic environment that has seen other players closing shop.
Ngwenya said he was particularly impressed by the newspaper’s in-depth coverage of political issues and its precise presentation of those stories.
“The paper has done well in its factual coverage of politics and is more credible than some bigger national papers on analytical reporting.
“We frequently refer to TellZim News for insights into trending political topics as well as for an understanding of the dynamic political issues in the country. I have no doubt the paper is playing a critical role in helping the ordinary person understand politics and make informed decisions,” said Ngwenya.
Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe (VMCZ) executive director and newly-elected secretary general of World Associations of Press Councils (WAPC), Loughty Dube said he was impressed that TellZim News is operating ethically.
“The newspaper has been professional since its formation and has been publishing incisive and thoroughly researched stories. It comes as no surprise that there have been no complaints against the paper,” Dube said.
The newspaper has also been hailed for its commitment to education, with renowned academic and Reformed Church University (RCU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Wiseman Magwa saying it was remarkable that the newspaper devoted space to education.
“I like the education page that is frequently carried by the newspaper. It is quite educative and the paper is playing a wonderful role of promoting education in our communities,” said Prof Magwa.
These sentiments were echoed by Ndarama High School head, Shirley Makausi who said it was encouraging that TellZim News was showing a commitment to education.
“There is no greater gift we can give to our children than an opportunity to get an education. It is good therefore, that TellZim News has availed itself as a partner in our quest to improve education.
“I am excited that children at Ndarama are looking for the newspaper all the time and are finding it useful in their school work,” said Makausi. 
City of Masvingo Mayor, Hubert Fidze said TellZim News had introduced a new approach of highlighting service delivery shortfalls without unnecessarily antagonising authority.
“We have come to learn of the many areas that need attention through the work of the newspaper. We encourage the kind of journalism we are seeing at TellZim News. As leaders, we must not be exempted from criticism, but it has to be fair and constructive, not just criticising for the sake of it,” said Fidze.
The newspaper also occasionally dedicates space to local investment opportunities as a way of promoting the development of the local economy and the growth of local businesses.
“We are happy that TellZim News is promoting local businesses for the growth of our economy so that more people can find work,” said Noah Marima, who is the director of Junior Driving School and Junior Microfinance.
Media Alliance of Zimbabwe (MAZ) Programmes Manager, Nigel Nyamutumbu said the newspaper had exceeded expectations and was touching on issues affecting the whole country.
“The newspaper is doing very well on coverage of critical issues affecting the whole country. The stories we see there are relevant to circumstances we see elsewhere,” Nyamutumbu said.
Newspaper vendors said TellZim News has become very popular with the readers.
“TellZim News is the most sought after newspaper at my stand every Thursday morning,” said Nickson Kwirirai who sells newspapers at Belmont Press in Masvingo town.
TellZim News was launched on November 4, 2015 and its niche is centred on community development reporting, service delivery, promotion of human rights and good governance.
The paper’s editor Passmore Kuzipa said their major aim is to amplify marginalised voices in developmental issues.
“We believe information is key to development; when people have access to information they make decisions from an informed point of view. We are giving voice to marginalised communities and we are also lobbying public office bearers to account for their actions. We have sections which accommodate different classes like the Education section, Investment page, Church news, Entertainment and Sports.
“I want to thank the whole community, business people and ardent TellZim News readers for the overwhelming support over the past year. I want to assure them that 2017 will be bigger and better in as far as community development reporting is concerned. We are coming up with new innovative ideas that will promote access to information and development of our country,” said Kuzipa.news

Young African leaders improving lives in Zimbabwe

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Young African leaders improving lives in Zimbabwe

…US Deputy Assistant Secretary optimistic about Zim future

TellZim Reporter

Zimbabwean-based young African leaders who recently participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship (MFW) under the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) have embarked on life changing projects that are improving the living standard of ordinary Zimbabweans, TellZim News can reveal.
Last weekend saw over 100 Zimbabwean fellows who participated in the MWF since 2014 converging in Bulawayo for a three days summit where they had an opportunity to show case what they are doing in their various communities dotted all over the country.
The United States of America (USA) Deputy Assistant Secretary, Todd Haskell, who graced the summit exhibition expo in Bulawayo on Saturday, said he was impressed by the ‘great work’ being done by Zimbabwean YALI fellows.
“I am extremely impressed by the great work that YALI fellows are doing in Zimbabwe – they are very positive and they are doing very well. I am very optimistic about the future of the country (Zimbabwe) and the continent,” said Haskell.
On the US government’s commitment to invest in young African leaders, Haskell said President Barack Obama started the program in order to hone leadership skills among the youth who show great potential of bringing solutions to their communities.
He said the youth who have gone through the YALI program have since surpassed what the American government imagined.
“The program has already achieved more than what we even imagined. Everyone is now talking about YALI throughout Africa,” he added.
Although recruitment for the 2017 YALI fellows is in progress with over 69 000 people expected to be enrolled in the next cohort, many people were pessimistic about the program’s future post Obama’s tenure in office.
Haskell, however, gave assurances the program was there to stay.
“This program will continue regardless of who succeeds President Obama,” Haskell said.
The US Embassy in Harare’s Public Affairs Section Officer, David McGuire said he was impressed by the fact that Zimbabwean fellows were not pitching ideas but they were already doing the work.
“I am very impressed by the work being done by fellows.…I knew that we selected the best people for the program and what they are now doing is just a reaffirmation that they were indeed the right candidates for YALI,” said McGuire.
He said YALI had helped the fellows to be able to think about better ways to build Zimbabwe.
“The fellows are doing incredible work and its impossible not to feel hope for the future of the country and the future of the people of Zimbabwe,” added McGuire.
YALI fellows who spoke to TellZim News said the program offered them with life changing experience.
Samuel Wadzai, a Mandela Washington Fellow and leader of a vendors association, said he is now dedicated to helping the youth to do projects that can improve the living standard of every Zimbabwean.
A medical practitioner, Dr Freebee Murahwa said he is dedicating most of his time offering free medical services to people living in marginalized communities.
“I have understood the importance of servant leadership and I often go to rural areas where I am now offering free medical services,” said Dr Murahwa.
A total of 120 Zimbabwean fellows participated in the program since 2014 when the program started.
Zimbabwe is expected to send 60 young leaders to America for the 2017 class and over 2400 people from all corners of the country have applied to be considered.
Sicelo Dube of the LEC Biotec who participated in the business track said the fellowship helped her to be persistent in pursuing her goals in life.
“I learnt a lot in USA and I am now very persistent in pursuing my goals knowing that I can achieve what I want in life. If you begin with the end in mind, it will be difficult to fail and I am confident that I am poised for a great future,” said Dube.
Another fellow Tapfuma Mutasa said the fellowship helped him to understand himself as a leader.
“Ultimately I learnt that before you can entertain the thought of leading others, you first have to be clear on who you are, what you stand for and what you bring to the table,” said Mutasa.
With effect from next week, TellZim News is going to profile Zimbabwean YALI fellows doing great work in their communities. www.tellzim.com

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