It’s been a good week, the heavens gave us its tears in the oldest city in this teapot country. I am happy the ground is wet and we are smelling cold air, at least the sewerage in Mucheke River was carried to the city’s sole water source and for now paChitima pari nani but you all know, hazvidi one week to restore to factory settings. The rains were good yes but some are crying as they lost valuables mvura yacho yaipinda mudzimba and shops in town. This should be a wakeup call for the city fathers and mothers to make sure that they have pushed management to fix drainage systems which is the only way to keep residents safe. Mayor Tabe, we need action fast before the second rains fell otherwise there will be a disaster.
It was a good week for Batswana, yes they inaugurated a new President who is leading a new party. I wish I could go there ndambonodyawo zvitapi tapi zveko. I saw kuti haa kwakaendwa, even ana Ostallos were there, Jobson Sikhandela was also there, not to mention Nero and his brother Ba 2. How I wish I had power I would have taken the two guys and lock them in some hotel there in Botswana and asked them to map a way forward for the country and would only leave after they agree on something. Those two guys are holding us at ransom. I know maNerorists would say heee Nero haasi in power saka haana power. Hey let me tell you. He represents a number of people and has the country’s hopes and whatever he says has some implications in the political landscape. He commands a large following and most of his followers are ready to do anything he says even the craziest and stupidest thing, they would do without questioning. I am sure Nero got some notes on how to win as an opposition, if he didn’t then he has to be careful otherwise achangoperekedza michato yevamwe iye asingachati. Remember akaperekedza wepa Zambia, almost did kuSA and Mozambique chero zvakazorambira paduze and now Botswana. I heard the BaTswana booed our beloved Ba 2 when he was introduced kkk. That is why he said we are all SADC chairpersons, haushandi huChair hwacho ndakazviona kuInaguresheni. SADC Chair kujairirwa kudaro. Where was Nero and the rest of the team Presidnet vachiitwa booed. Hee. Look guys, you need to show a united front out there, kana madzoka tozotukana zvedu.
Business of the day, By the way, Nero was the first and best Minister of ICT, I think he is a reasonable man and this studio 263 actor should eat a humble pie and go for some notes. Minister Mavetera should be arrested and investigated if she is not abusing drugs, her home and office should be raided and see if there are no dangerous drugs. I think she smokes and whatever she is smoking should be very strong. How can she want to impose useless regulations? She has no idea what she should be doing in her ministry. Let me tell her, she should make sure that data has fallen before we talk of any other nonsense. She should see that we have strong internet not nonsense dzaari kuda kutiirita. I once told you she has no use, she is just a girlfriend who was rewarded. Ko kana wapiwa chigaro usingzaive why not just focus on other things like making sure lines are not sold vanhu vongopiwa havo mahara than trying to fight a losing battle. She has no depth in the ICT and is becoming an enemy of free expression. Siye kufunga how to promote internet penetration in the rural areas, munhu is busy trying to regulate whatsapp. How will that be enforced? We will open groups with your name Minister. Itai tione. I once told you she is a girlfriend of Vene and she thinks everything evolve around the Vene family. Please minister, quit smoking drugs whilst its still early, if you don’t, you will surely go to rehab.
I heard the Aguma Prophet is coming to Masvingo, please ask him to pass by Mucheke Rank achionawo the people with disability, the visually impaired and some with hearing impairment who resides there. He has to at least heal even only two zvavo so that we feel his power saPapa kuno kuMasvingo. After that, take him to Masvingo General anoporesa the sick there and after that you can then take him to Mucheke stadium and that way, I guarantee him Masvingo’s vote. I know some of you were thinking he is coming for a crusade, no, zvechiporofita is not paying much, vanhu vakaomerwa and are not paying much so Papa vafunga zvekuti vapindeKA pakasiiwa nana Felton kamambo. Vanhu havaneti kudya sure, kuda kuita zvese munhu one here vakomana, he should concentrate on leading the church and supporting football but zvekuzoda kuita President manje. You see this is where we lose it as Zimbabweans, we have too ambitious people who want to venture into areas that aren’t theirs. This is why we have an actor as Minister of ICT. takambozvitaura kuti zvekupanana zvigaro nekugona kusimudza chibhakera izvi will cost us one day. I wonder what type of food does she eat just to wake up and think they can start regulating WhatsApp. These guys don’t think, they just want to tax us until we are all beggars. Pane akatenge aona mukana wemari ipapa and decided to implement something that cannot be implemented. Manje this will not work, simple, regerai vakomana munoremara kkkk. I don’t want to dwell much on her because ndinotozarirwa chaiko. Nxaa, Mavetera is crazy, she should just go back to acting and leave vanogona vaite. Politics of rewarding is killing this economy.
But the war veterans we have in Zimbabwe are a curse, applaud them for liberating Zimbabwe but izvi zvekuti heee we can’t all die pasina one of us in state house ndozvekupenga manje. This is a sinister agenda to push Chiwenga to state house. I am not a supporter of the 2030 ndinenge ndichipo mantra and I belive in power changing hands. I don’t care if Chiwenga or PV takes over from Ba 2, but the conditions should not be simply because he is one of the real war veterans. Remember these guys are the reason why Mugabe wanted to die on the throne and they are now saying he is not one of them. Heya nhai so zvatinosiudzwa zvekuti CDE Trabablas once bombed a locomotive were all lies. Saka chokwadi ndechipi nhaimi, we were once told that Joice Teurai Ropa Mujuru once shot down a chopper but later on we were told kuti inhema ana Runaida were simply there to service the real gunmen and also doing some nasty jobs like the one Zvipange did naTongogara. Dzaiva simbi dzemdara chete hapana zvimwe zvaiita kuya. Apa ndopataida Dr Gire zvavo, she would tell the War Veterans kuti Munopengaaa, Munopenga, you stop it!! Kkkk. iye Gire should tell her successor Mai 2 kuti vasiyane netsika yekupinda mushop vachimisa vanhu kutenga. During Uncle Bob and Tsvangirai’s time we never saw those two statemen inconveniencing people by getting in shops to buy. Zvakazongotanga after November 2017. Nero nedivi BA 2 nedivi. Kuita competition yekupinda mumashop vachitenga vachimisa vanhu panz who are genuine buyers nxaaa. But pathat drama Nero kumberi zvako, remember him riding a bike, akagara pangoro neiya achitenga sadza neBeans kkkk nhamo. Zvino Ba 2 vakazosiira mukadzi ndiye ava busy. Recently she was in town achibva kuzaka for some programme iya yavanenge vachipakurira vana sadza, nhamo kkkk. She then passed through town kuchinaya and her security detail had to park mota yaamai mushopmaOk chaimo. Kunenege kuri kudiiko, ini zvangu. I wanted to attend hangu the school feeding programme dai ndakambotopakurirwawo naDr Amai kkkk. But team Zaka musdsro. I heard Dr Amai vakasvika vakamirira about an hour before the tents were pitched. Was that sabotage? Hanzi the Minister of state cde Chadzamira had to join and help vaipitcher matents kutodonza tambo. A whole minister was forced to pitch a tent. Haa sabotage ndoiziva. Apa GZU did the same recently, HE arrived before matents apedza kuiiswa during the GZU graduation. Imi kana musingachangodi mukuru and his wife Taurai pachena not kuita sabotage yakadai.
Kana maWar veterans muchida umwe wenyu kuState House why can’t you take henyu Mphoko, he is a better candidate and is experienced. He was once a diplomat in Botswana and he will restore ties with the country and its new President, Mboko imboko !!!!
Minister Mavetera quit mutoriro now !!
Madzibaba jailed 18 months for impregnating minor
By Tatiana Mhararira
A Johanne Masowe Apostolic sect self-styled prophet has been sentenced to 18 months in prison for engaging in sexual relations and impregnating a minor.
Benjamin Mangizi (40) appeared before Masvingo Magistrate Lynnet Mudzingo on charges of for violating section 70 of the constitution by having underage sexual relations with the victim (15) whose name is withheld to protect her identity.
Mangizi was initially sentenced to 24 months, with six months suspended on the condition that he does not commit any sexual offenses within the next five years and will serve an effective 18 months in prison.
In handing the judgement, Magistrate Mudzingo stated that she had considered Mangizi’s status as a first-time offender, his responsibility for a disabled child, and a child he had left behind in Botswana. However, she emphasized that his actions were unacceptable, pointing out the significant age difference between him and the victim, who was young enough to be his daughter, which warranted a custodial sentence. She also condemned him for exploiting his position as a church prophet.
The state presented evidence that Mangizi was involved in a romantic relationship with the complainant and had promised to marry her. However, Mangizi claimed that the complainant was not a minor and that she had been married before their relationship.
The relationship was known to the complainant’s family, except for her mother, who opposed the marriage to Mangizi. The complainant sided with Mangizi, contradicting her mother’s testimony. She claimed that her mother had abandoned her at birth in 2005 and accused her of lying about her involvement in obtaining her birth certificate in 2022, which she needed for her grade 7 examinations.
The complainant also said Mangizi was her husband and presenting another birth certificate, her testimony was deemed suspicious, as it appeared she was trying to protect him. The state argued that regardless of any claims about prior marriages, the complainant was still a minor, and all witnesses failed to substantiate Mangizi’s defense.
The complainant is expected to give birth at the end of November.
In early 2024, Ishmael Chokurongerwa, the leader of the Johane Masowe eChishanu Gorejena Penyeranyika Sect, appeared in court facing three counts of rape. These charges arose from allegations that he impregnated three 14-year-old girls, all members of his congregation. DNA evidence confirmed Chokurongerwa as the father of the children born to the victims.
In 2023, Savious Matimbire (55) from Hwendedzo, Masvingo appeared in court on charges of sexual intercourse with a minor on multiple occasions, resulting in 15-year-old girl, who is friend to his daughter and attended the same school, getting pregnant.
In 2021, Christopher Mamvura (42) from Lalapanzi was sentenced to 12 years in prison for raping, impregnating, and infecting his neighbor’s 14-year-old daughter with a sexually transmitted infection.
Junior schools award teachers with cars
By Brighton Chiseva
MASVINGO – Junior Group of Schools recently gifted six teachers with cars to appreciate their hardwork at the learning centre.
The schools Director Noah Marima said the generous gesture is set to boost morale, motivation, and overall educational excellence within the institution.
“We value our teachers’ dedication, and these vehicles are a small token of our appreciation for their life-changing work. Six Junior Group of Schools teachers are now driving away in their new rides,” said Marima
He said the vehicle scheme was an ongoing programme that will run until every teacher gets a vehicle as a way of thanking them for the results being posted at the school.
“Six teachers have benefited so far and we will increase the number next year. The scheme will be ongoing until every teacher gets a vehicle, this is our way of appreciating the results they posted recently,” said Marima.
Junior High School Head Munyaradzi Mataruse said as a school they appreciate the gesture by the responsible authority saying the gift supported the teachers at work and beyond.
“The vehicle scheme is the responsible authority’s commitment to support teachers at school and beyond the workplace. We believe this is a step towards enhancing personal and professional journeys of the teachers,” said Mataruse.
He said it was his belief that the gifts will promote commitment amongst the teachers to continue working hard.
“I believe this will enhance commitment and mutual respect towards the mission and vision of the school and I want to congratulate the teachers for the well deserving gifts,” said Mataruse.
The beneficiaries, who are all pioneers at the school include the school head Mataruse, Sharai Gono a biology teacher, Susan Chindoza who is the Head of Department (HOD) commercials, Lorence Chitambira the senior teacher, Tichafara Shumba who is the deputy head and Pesanai Masara who teaches grade one.
Junior Group of Schools consists of Junior High and Primary Schools and is located in the leafy suburb of Rhodene along Harare – Masvingo Highway.
The school offers Cambridge curriculum for both the primary and high schools and offer a wide range of elite sporting facilities.
Located near the scenic bald Mangwandi Mountains, the schools are among the best private schools in Masvingo and beyond.
The schools recently took learners to an educational tour in Dubai, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and the school authorities said they will take learners to Malaysia next.
The coveted private schools have won several accolades in academics and sport.
Maternal services in Zimbabwe free yet costly
By Perpetua Murungweni
In his presentation on the Mid Term Budget and Economic Review sometime in July, the Minister of finance and economic development professor Mthuli Ncube in the 2024 budget said, government committed ZiG$9.5 billion towards health system in the country.
“Mr Speaker Sir, the 2024 National Budget committed resources amounting to ZiG9.4 billion towards consolidation of the recovery of the public health system in all levels through provision of the necessary medical personnel, medicines, accommodation, rehabilitation and construction of health facilities, as well as provision of the appropriate medical equipment.
Of this amount, ZiG3.8 billion was earmarked for rehabilitation and construction of health infrastructure and procurement of medical equipment. In this regard, during the first six months of the year, ZiG2.5 billion had been extended to the sector with the bulk, ZiG2.3 billion going towards employment costs, as well as ZiG166 million for hospital support and ZiG66 million towards Infrastructure Development,” said Prof Ncube.
However, there is nothing to show for it as the health system in the country is still in bad shape characterised by shortage of medicine and equipment in health institutions. Expecting mothers are forced to spend own money to buy necessary equipment despite the fact that government says maternity health is free.
While others look back to the journey of motherhood with joy, it is a different case for Tariro Taonei (not real name) after witnessing the sharp end of the poor health service delivery in the country, recalling how she gave birth to a decomposing baby despite following her antenatal visits religiously.
“My first maternity experience was terrible, I never missed my antenatal visits for regular checkups where they check the wellbeing of the mother and the unborn child. What breaks my heart the most is I went for a checkup 3 days before I gave birth to a decomposing baby. I was left with questions regarding the importance of these checkups if they couldn’t notice that my child was dead. They even said everything was ok,” said Taonei.
Taonei said, together with her husband they were left shattered by the incident and the costs they incured to have the mother cured thereafter.
“After the incident I had to go to a private doctor for the removal of retained products of conception, and had to pay around US$300. We are shattered; the free services came at a price for us and we will never forget this incident,” said Taonei.
This is the situation a number of women go through in Zimbabwe, losing babies and forking out money to pay for maternity services despite the Zimbabwean government’s promise for free maternal services.
Expecting mothers are still facing hidden costs, of private hospitals and private doctors and cost of basic medical supplies leaving many to wonder if the policy is making a difference in reducing maternal mortality rates or masking a more complex issue.
Contacted for comment why people pay for equipment needed during birth, Masvingo Provincial Medical Doctor (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamhu said maternity was indeed free but could not comment more saying the best person to comment was the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC).
Another lady claims that at six months, she was told that her stomach was full of water an ultrasound scan was performed which also came out saying the same thing.
“On my third pregnancy, I went to Masvingo Provincial Hospital to register for my six months pregnancy and the nurses told me that I was not pregnant but my stomach was full of water.
“The ultrasound scan was done and came out saying the same thing. I was very angry and disappointed because I could feel the baby kicking and moving in my stomach. I then went to a private hospital where the doctor confirmed my pregnancy and I had to pay USD 20 consultation fee for every checkup until I gave birth and a sum of US$300 for delivery,” said the woman.
Another woman from Rujeko in Masvingo told this publication about her traumatic experience with her first pregnancy at a local clinic after being told to buy a number of requirements which the hospitals should provide.
“I had a very traumatic experience as a first timer, I almost bled to death because I had no cotton wool during labor. I was told to come with a delivery pack on the day of delivery which consist of cotton wool, surgical and latex gloves, cord ties and cord clamps but could not afford it and nurses attended to me after I had bled for 2 hours saying that they had no cotton wool.
“After a long time of bleeding I was then transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital where I delivered my child through caesarian section. I had to go through blood transfusion to replace the lost blood and one sachet of blood costed US $100 each and was prescribed 3,” she said.
Another woman Nyasha Mutengiwa said there were no adequate equipment and material in maternal health facilities making it expensive for waiting mothers to access the service despite it being said is free.
“There seem to be no or inadequate equipment in hospitals because some of the examinations that requires equipment you are told to go and get them somewhere else where you have to pay for the service.
“What is the use of an ultrasound scan at Masvingo Provincial Hospital, when I was asked to go and get a scan elsewhere where I had to pay? Why can’t nurses at Mazorodze clinic refer us to Masvingo Provincial Hospital to get free scans and bring them back,” Mutengiwa said.
A random observation in the city pharmacies shows , the basic delivery kit costs around US$30 where four packs of surgical gloves cost US$6, 500g cotton wool costs US$14, cord clamps US$1, methylated spirit US$2, latex gloves US$2, and tetracycline US$2 which the brings the total cost to about US$27.
The situation is also bad in council clinics where expecting mothers are often anticipated to buy supplies required for birth delivery with Masvingo City Health Director, Suzanne Madamombe confirming the service was free but the clinics sometimes run out of supplies passing on the cost to the pregnant women and girls.
“No money is paid if you are a known pregnant person. Clients are given the list of these items as NatPharm does not supply these items at times and our stores department will be out of stock,” said Madamombe.
Many women, especially in rural areas, have limited access to healthcare facilities. This often forces them to opt for home births, which can be risky due to lack of skilled birth attendants.
There are usually no waiting shelters at the health facilities especially in rural and marginalized communities. These shelters provide a place for women to stay during the last weeks of pregnancy, ensuring they are close to medical facilities when they go into labor.
One village community health worker in Zaka said it was difficult to get transport to rush an expecting mother to the hospital during emergencies in their areas.
“In our community its difficult to get a car, to rush women to the hospital when she’s in labor and if we can’t get a car, we are forced to use a scotch cart or at times the expecting mother is forced to walk for a long distance to clinic,” said Tariro Nduna.
Another woman from Zaka said she delivered in a cart and the baby died before reaching the clinic saying there were few waiting shelters in Zaka forcing them to go the clinic when we are due.
“Here in rural areas there are few waiting shelters and in most cases we are to be rushed to the clinic when we are in labor. Two years ago I delivered my baby in a cart on my way and the baby died before reaching the clinic. This year I’m pregnant and expecting to deliver in September and I’m afraid as to what will happen,” said the woman.
My Age Zimbabwe, a youth led organization that champions youth leadership participation, gender equality and health rights of adolescence and young people, communications and advocacy officer Veeslee Mhepo said most of the problems young girls and women were facing during birth were due to inadequate funding and lack of resources at government hospitals.
“22 percent of young women in Zimbabwe’s 20–24 age groups have given birth under difficult circumstances. Due to expensive medical expenses, cultural beliefs, and inadequate funding and resources at government hospitals, many pregnant women and girls in Zimbabwe choose to give birth at home.
“Home births can increase a woman’s chance of getting potentially fatal birth-related injuries, such as obstetric fistula, particularly in young women who might not have access to knowledge about the condition’s causes and treatment. Obstetric fistula treatment and prevention in Zimbabwe is hampered by a number of factors, including cultural norms, a lack of knowledge, and financial limitations,” said Mhepo.
According to World Health Organization (WHO) a minimum healthcare spending is $86 per person, yet in Zimbabwe the budget allocates around $20 per person. This breeds a lot of problems for the healthcare system.
The healthcare system in Zimbabwe is underfunded and under-resourced. This usually results in overcrowded maternity wards, equipment shortages, and inadequate medical supplies which can lead to incorrect risk assessments and treatments.
According to the country’s 2024 budget, ZWL $6, 3 trillion was allocated to the health sector seeking to improve health outcomes and reduce the need to seek medical treatment outside the country. The allocation was also meant to consolidate recovery of public health sector services, such as adequate drugs and medical supplies.
Zimbabwe has been rated among countries with the worst maternal death ratios with some of the reasons behind the sorry situation in the country being the high cost of accessing the ‘free services’ which has shut most expecting mothers away from health facilities on this most important period of their lives resulting in many deaths.
Statistics from ZIMSTATS 2022 Preliminary Results of the 2022 Housing and Population Census have revealed that the estimated mortality rate in Zimbabwe is 363 per 100 000.
Reasons behind the high mortality rate include poor health seeking behaviours among expecting mothers who have complained that despite the service being deemed free by government, it had become expensive as government health facilities are underfunded and under resourced against the prevailing economic conditions which makes it impossible for the greater part of the population to seek services at private facilities.
Journalists urged to embrace AI for enhanced storytelling
By Passmore Kuzipa
Zimbabwean journalists have been urged to embrace the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to combat information disorders that are threatening free flow of information.
Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on ICT Postal and Courier Services member, Budiriro South legislator Darlington Chigumbu said journalists should acquaint themselves with Al tools that help fight fake news and information so they improve their literacy in technology.
Chigumbu was speaking during the AI Regulation In The Age of Information Disorders held at Monomotapa Hotel on the sidelines of the Media Institute in Southern Africa (MISA) 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 25, 2024 in Harare.
“To successfully implement, adopt and deploy artificial intelligence journalists need to have skills and sound knowledge of AI. There is need to give these machines a chance to understand information through our work so that it will be able to mimic the correct information. AI is generating fake news because the information of our work does not exist in its memory,” said Chigumbu.
He also said journalists play a crucial role in fighting information disorders through the use of AI.
“As we are faced with challenges in addressing information disorders in the age of AI, journalists in particular hold a crucial role in ensuring the integrity, accuracy and transparency of information our people rely on every day.
“Journalists are the first line of defence in combating information disorder, for them to effectively do so they need to be capacitated with digital literacy in AI education.
“They must also be capacitated with verification tools, that will enable them to verify and be able to counter misinformation, leveraging AI to counter AI is very important,” he said.
Speaking at the same event, Information Technology (IT) expert Chris Musodza said AI has came with a lot of challenges that require a legal framework.
“AI comes with problems that require a legal framework. It widens the digital divide gap because most of the AI applications run on the internet and it has amplified how much people rely on the internet,” said Musodza.
Neglecting electricity precautions threaten public safety-ZERA
By Virginia Njovo
As electrical fault cases increase in Zimbabwe, Masvingo province included, Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has raised concern on the failure to follow safety regulations as the major driver behind the problem.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting held on October 17, 2024 at Flamboyant Hotel in Masvingo, the regulatory board highlighted that some of the regulations were impractical.
Victor Sibanda who was chairing the programme indicated that the failure to do house inspections by Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) after every ten years poses risk to property owners.
“If we look at it, the last inspection was held in 2014 and now is the time when property owners should do re-inspection to ensure safety from electricity. In most cases some of these properties are not inspected as it is the duty of property owners to engage Zesa and not vice-versa,” said Sibanda.
In Masvingo within a period of one month, a boarding facility that housed Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) students was destroyed by fire due to a suspected electrical fault, while a Midlands State University (MSU) Zvishavane Campus hostel was also reduced to ashes.
Sibanda added that after wiring premises, it was better for the artisan to issue a certificate for reference sake and also lamented poor electrical works, fitting and installations.
“It would be better if there will be certification after wiring the house so that there is a traceable reference.
“Works and installations are deemed to be electrically unsafe if conducted in places that prevent accidents. Works and installations are also electrically unsafe when the equipment and materials used for works and installations have defects.
“They are considered to be unsafe when standard colour coding of equipment conductors or cables is not adhered as follows: red phase one, yellow phase two, blue phase three and black neutral,” he said.
While on repurposing of electrical appliances, he encouraged property owners to ensure that the work is carried out by competent people as specificified in Section 3 of these regulations.
He said if these regulations are adhered to, there is assurance that risks of electrical fault fires can be reduced.
Moyo honors cane cutters
By Beatific Gumbwanda
CHIREDZI-Former Chiredzi Town Council Chairperson and farmer Francis Moyo recently appreciated his farm cane cutters with excellence awards amounting to US$10000.
Moyo held the awards ceremony at his Buffalo Range farm, where 38 of his cane cutters received awards based on their cutting performances, with the best cane cutter, Wonder Moyo who harvested 68 bundles walking away with a scotch cart, abicycle, wheelbarrow, a hoe and a branded cup.
Speaking during the ceremony, Zimbabwe Sugarcane Research Experiment Station (ZSAES) Senior Research Plant Pathologist Petros Zvoutete said like any other farm employee, a cane cutter is a valuable asset as his work, and if done properly, will ensure a better harvest in the following season.
“Cane cutters are not just valued at the number of bundles they harvest, but how they harvest the cane, with base cutting being recommended as it promotes the next ratoon to produce more sugarcane. As ZSAES, we used to have these cutting competitions and local levels which later grew to international level where we competed with Eswatini and Mozambique,” said Zvoutete.
Chiredzi Productive Cane Growers Association (CPCGA) Chairperson, Collins Changamire, who was the guest-of-honour encouraged sugarcane farmers to give value to all farm workers, including irrigators and weeders, as they all give value to the crop.
“Today we are celebrating the hard work which was exhibited by cane cutters though however we should also recognize the work done by all farm workers including fertilizer appliers and irrigators. Their contribution is all aimed at giving the best results at the end,” said Changamire.
Francis Moyo, who won an Excellent Farming Award last year from Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe (THZ), had an average yield of 80 tonnes per hectare, with a total average of 8000 tonnes of cane delivered to Tongaat Hulett Zimbabwe this season.
“Do or Die”
By Dr Isiah Dhliwayo
In the paradigm of Christian perseverance, the aphorism ‘do or die’ resonates as a clarion call to unwavering resolve. This idiomatic expression encapsulates the existential imperative to confront life’s trials with unrelenting fortitude, emulating the stalwart determination of the Psalmist who declared, ‘I shall not be shaken’ (Psalm 16:8).
In this crucible of faith, believers are beckoned to embody the apostolic exhortation to ‘run with endurance the race set before us’ (Hebrews 12:1), surrendering to the divine imperative that necessitates an unyielding commitment to spiritual victory.”The only way to survive the trials of life is to face them with faith.” – Charles Spurgeon
In this theological context, ‘do or die’ transcends mere mortal resolve, becoming an invocation to invoke the supernatural enablement of divine grace. It is an acknowledgment that, in the face of overwhelming adversity, the believer’s only recourse lies in the omnipotent sufficiency of God, who ‘works all things together for good’ (Romans 8:28). Thus, the ‘do or die’ imperative becomes an act of faith, a testament to the unwavering conviction that, in Christ, ‘we are more than conquerors’ (Romans 8:37).”
Doggedly determined to reach one’s objective in life,the idiom ,”Do or die “or matar o morir in Spanish or 拼死一搏，孤注一擲…in Chinese (Traditional)evolves reflecting or characterized by an irrevocable decision to succeed at all costs.”The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Augustine of Hippo
Immense fecundity of one’s imagination
in this contemporary life whether from a circular or Christian perspective in relation to the idiom ” Do or Die ” ,urges one to make great efforts in bringing success to one’s families and loved ones as the ultimate goal , and if one fail then it would result in challenges and unfulfilled dreams and expectations. Surely those of absorbent, fructiferous, prolific of golden dreams will unabattedly make it.
Historically,the slogan “Do or Die” was given by Mahatma Gandhi in the Quit India movement. In his Quit India speech on August 8, 1942, at the Gowalia Tank Maidan in Bombay, Gandhi urged people to “Do or Die.”
Amidst life’s tempestuous journey, when trials and hardships beset, do not succumb to despair. Draw upon the wellspring of inner resilience, and with unyielding determination, forge ahead, for it is in the crucible of adversity that character is tempered and greatness is born.”Perseverance is the Christian’s safeguard against losing his way.” – John Calvin.
Do or die, encapsulates the urgency of making a heartfelt commitment to one’s beliefs and living out those beliefs with dedication and sincerity, as this decision is seen as essential for one’s spiritual well-being and eternal destiny. It underscores the gravity of choosing between faith and unbelief, righteousness and sin, with eternal consequences hanging in the balance.Its do or die now !”We are not saved by our works, but we are saved for our works.” – Karl Barth.
From a Christian perspective, it echo the call to fully commit to one’s faith, embodying the idea that true discipleship requires an unwavering dedication to God’s purpose, even in the face of adversity. This mirrors Scripture’s emphasis on taking up one’s cross—an invitation to embrace the challenges of living out one’s beliefs.”Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one.” – Bruce Wilkinson
This idiom conveys a sense of urgency and commitment, implying that one must exert every effort to succeed, even at the risk of failure or serious consequences
Do or die evoke themes of grace and reliance on God. While we are called to “do,” our true strength comes not from our own efforts but from divine assistance. The tension between human agency and divine grace reminds believers that while they must act with determination, it is ultimately God who grants success and sustains them through trials.
“The true Christian is not one who never falls, but one who, having fallen, gets up, confesses, and continues.” – Martin Luther.Thus, “do or die” serve as a potent reminder of the commitment required in faith, the importance of perseverance in challenges, and the recognition of divine support in our endeavors.
Councilors clueless on new landfill progress
By Brighton Chiseva
Masvingo councilors seem clueless over the progress at Cambria Farm landfill which was prematurely commissioned last year but is yet to start operating as council continues to give excuses over the delay.
This came out during a full council meeting held in the council chambers on Monday (October 29) where it was said the local authority failed to purchase necessary equipment needed to allow the landfill to work due to financial challenges.
The deputy mayor and Ward 5 Councillor Daniel Mberikunashe asked the relevant committee if the landfill was working saying the councilors should be told the truth so that they do not lie to residents.
“We want the relevant committee to tell us the truth on Cambria Farm. Is it working or not? If it’s not please tell us the truth so that we know what to tell residents. We have been telling them that the project was completed and its working,” said Mberikunashe.
The chairperson for the Health, Housing and Environmental Services Maxwell Madhuna said he was told that the project was stalled due to financial challenges to purchase the required machinery to start working.
He said they enquired and discovered that the compactor cost around US$700 000 and council was not in a capacity to part away with that money to purchase the compactor.
“We asked the management to enquire on the prices of the compactor that is needed at Cambria farm. We were told that it cost around seven hundred thousand dollars and we cannot afford that at the moment.
“We however resolved that council buys a Bulldozer and Roller which is around US$300 000,” said Madhuna.
Ward 2 Councillor Benson Hwata in whose ward the old Runyararo West Dumpsite is located said council was not serious on the matter and said it was supposed to be given top priority ahead of any other project.
“The issue you have raised here is a very sensitive one and no one should be laughing here. As we speak now people are in smoke since morning. We need to treat this as a matter of urgency and moving from the old dumpsite should be top priority.
“If we delay people will die. Do we not have residents to serve? No one here understands the situation because we don’t stay there and I think I should take you all with a lorry so that you see what I am talking about,” fumed Hwata.
Ward 10 Councillor Sengerayi Manyanga weighed in and said if purchasing of the required equipment was taking long then they were supposed to have temporary solutions to the challenge. He suggested that they fence off the Runyararo west dumpsite and put security to monitor those who start fires.
“We need to have a temporary solution and I suggest we fence off the old dumpsite and put our municipal police there to guard. Currently they are guarding Cambria landfill but there is nothing there. Those who want to scavenge for plastics will be allowed to enter with strict warning from the security guards,” said Manyanga.
He went on to say there were squatter camps in the dumpsite saying it was becoming a harbor for criminals who ply in Victoria Ranch and Runyararo West suburbs.
In a video circulating on social media, none of the alleged scavengers commented on the Monday fire saying the fire just erupted from the ground and said they survive on collecting plastic so they could not burn them down.
Field boundary issue ends in jail sentence
By Rangarirai Shanyurai
A Mberengwa man was jailed four years after he severely assaulted his neighbour during a field boundary scuffle.
Fortune Hove (32) of Gazimbi Village, Mberengwa was charged with attempted murder, for which he was initially sentenced to six years, but two years were conditionally suspended.
In a statement on its official X handle, the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe stated that Hove went to the complainant’s house and asked him to accompany him to his place to resolve a boundary dispute.
Whilst on their way, Hove started accusing the complainant of clearing his field on the boundary and the conversation culminated into a heated argument. Hove pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed the complainant once on the neck severely injuring him.
The matter was reported to police leading to Hove’s arrest.
The NPAZ urged members of the public to find peaceful ways of resolving disputes and avoid taking the law into their own hands.