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We are failing; Masvingo City female councillors

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We are failing; Masvingo City female councillors

By Perpetua Murungweni

Female councillors elected through women’s quota system have admitted to failing their mandate and said lack of resources was, rendering them unable to effectively represent their constituents or undertake developmental projects, thereby undermining the purpose of the quota system.
After swearing in, TellZim News interviewed all the councillors each one outlining his or her targets and areas of improvement as they took the five year journey.
However, it is almost a year now since councillors were sworn in and residents especially women felt let down already as there is no feedback mainly from the female councillors.
The four councillors including Sabina Chikwangwani who was representing the Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in ward one and sole ballot elected female councillor.
The other three are Alaica Time and Esther Zishiri both representing CCC then Sheron Marombedze of Zanu PF.
In taking stock on the promises that were recorded by TellZim News, the councilors confirmed that they had not fulfilled any.
Chikwangwani promised residents improved service delivery, address accommodation challenges for people living in hostels and for families sharing one house. She promised to lobby for women’s developmental programmes, affordable service charges saying council rates were too high.
She also said she was going to lobby for the resuscitation of Mucheke bus terminus so that people in the neighborhood could make a living from the hype of activities but all the challenges still persist.
“The main problem that restrict us from fulfilling what we promised to residents is lack of funds, so far council does not have money, you cannot do anything without money,” said Chikwangwani.
Zishiri promised to firmly represent women through empowerment, opening of more market places for women and promised to facilitate establishment of a sewing factory. She also promised to lobby for the reduction of service charges but nothing has materialized.
“So far I haven’t done anything for the residents because of financial challenges, when the 2024 council budget was proposed last year, women’s quota councilors were not allocated any money so it becomes difficult for me to implement what I promised without money. All of the things that I promised residents require funding,” said Zishiri.
“I failed to have meetings with residents because of financial challenges, it’s useless to have a meeting with residents and they tell you what they want but you can’t do it because you don’t have money,” said Zishiri.
Time promised to advocate for improved service delivery especially for women, facilitate programmes to fight against gender based violence, create safe markets and work closely with women.
“I’m still holding on to my promises, the whole of 2024 I had no money to implement any of the projects that I promised women, I think it is fair for residents to hold me accountable next year as I’m looking forward to be allocated some funds from the 2025 budget.
Marombedze just like others promised to advocate for women emancipation, women empowerment, and to advocate for women’s interests and improved service delivery. However, like the rest residents complain that they have never seen her since she got in council
Contacted for comment on whether she had fulfilled any of her promises Marombedze said she could not comment at the moment as she was not in good shape.
“I don’t know what you want me say I don’t think I’m in a good shape to comment on that,” Said Marombedze.
Residents called upon the female councilors to convene meetings with women and get their concerns and take them up to council.
“Feedback meetings are important, it is where we are able to share our concerns as residents. They are also platforms for councilor to give us feedback on what they have worked on, what they failed and why they are failing.
I don’t know what they will be discussing in council when they do not know what we want. They should come to us so that we tell them what is affecting us,” said one resident Sungano Zvarebwanashe.

Council scoops gold medal at inter municipal sports tournament

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Council scoops gold medal at inter municipal sports tournament

By Tatiana Mhararira

Masvingo City Council’s soccer team scooped a gold medal at the Inter-municipal Sports Festival held on November 2-3, 2024 at Ngoni stadium in Norton.
The council’s team won a trophy as their award after beating Norton council in the finals.
Masvingo City Council’s soccer team secured a ticket to the semifinals after dominating the group stages which had three teams Ruwa, Masvingo and Chitungwiza. However, Chitungwiza failed to show up for the tournament though it had registered.
Other teams at the tournament included Marondera, Norton and Harare.
Speaking to TellZim News, Masvingo City Council’s Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika said the medal meant a lot to the local authority as sports development aligned well with council’s objectives.
“Winning a gold medal at the Inter-municipal Sports Festival soccer tournament is a monumental achievement which has significantly boosted the council’s image and reputation.
“Sports development aligns perfectly with council’s objectives in several ways which includes social development that promotes social cohesion, helping build stronger working teams for improved service delivery.
“Sports development encourages healthy lifestyles, physical activity and overall well-being aligning with council health objectives,”said Jinjika.
Jinjika said council will make use of this achievement and the team’s success impacted council soccer staff morale and motivation.
“Council will capitalize winning this tournament to leverage this success for future promotional activities in attracting sponsorships and develop sports tourism leveraging on the tournament success.
“The team’s success can have a profound impact on council soccer staff’s morale and motivation by boosting their confidence, creating a positive team environment where everyone feels valued and motivated thus the team building effect,”said Jinjika.
Apart from soccer, there were other sporting disciplines at the tournament including chess, netball and volleyball among others.

Branding proves key to recovery of missing cattle

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Branding proves key to recovery of missing cattle

By Meditation Mposi

Branding cattle proved key with a Chiredzi woman reuniting with her missing cattle after three months of searching owing to a distinctive brandmark they had.
The cattle went missing in Buffalo Ranch, Triangle and the owner suspected that they had been stolen whereas they had strayed to another area.
Masvingo acting Provincial Police Spokesperson Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu confirmed the development and applauded members of the public for providing information which led to the recovery of the missing cattle, urging cattle owners to brand their cattle so that they can be easily tracked.
“I confirm the recovery of five missing cattle in Triangle. I applaud members of the public for supplying information which led to the recovery of the cattle. As police we urge all cattle owners to brand their cattle for easy identification and recovery”, said Patinyu.
Circumstances are that Tsitsi Kusivara (57) of Buffalo Ranch, Triangle released her cattle sometime in August to the grazing fields with no one looking after them. Since that day the cattle never returned home and she made a police report.
On November 4, police got information that the missing cattle were in a certain village and with aid of the brand, the police recovered the cattle.
The head that was valued at US$1 000 consisted of one black calf, two brown heifers and two cows and three of them had a brand mark fh56.
In a separate case, police arrested Brighton Mudiwa (19) from, Chikuza Village, Triangle who had stolen seven cattle from his former employer Pepukai Zimusi.
After his cattle went missing, Zimusi reported the case and the police received information to the effect that Mudiwa was seen in possession of seven cattle in Gwerima area.
Asked by the police, Mudiwa alleged that Zimusi had given him the cattle to sell.
The brand marks on six of his cattle H51 of Nhaka Diptank made it easy to identify them.
All the cattle were recovered and Mudiwa has since appeared in court where he was sentenced to nine years behind bars.

Two drug traffickers nabbed at Tollgate

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Two drug traffickers nabbed at Tollgate

By Virginia Njovo

Regardless of warnings and awareness campaigns by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) and other stakeholders against drug and substance abuse, people are still being caught on the other side of the law.
On November 1, 2024, two men, one from Norton and the other from Harare were caught by Criminal Investigation Department (CID) Drug Section Masvingo at Mushagashe tollgate where they were subsequently arrested for possessing dangerous drugs.
Masvingo Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa confirmed the incident and of the arrest of the two.
“We arrested Rashi Makore (47) from Norton who was caught with 2.752 kg and Modest Hove (45) from Dzivarasekwa 2 Harare who had 3.8 kg of dagga with a combined total of ZiG2000,” said Inspector Dhewa.
He said it was every citizen’s right to be an informer as it was the only way to curb drug and substance abuse in the country saying tip offs were needy in police work.
“We want to thank our informers for the information which is helping us in catching criminals who indulge in drugs and we encourage members of the public to inform the police of any suspicions of drug dealing,” said Inspector Dhewa.
Circumstances are that, on November 1, around 12 midnight police were given a tip off from their trusted informers that a Blue Circle bus from Beit-Bridge enroute to Harare had two men who were in possession of dagga.
In September, an Inter Africa bus was stopped at a security roadblock while carrying passengers who were possessing 62 kg of dagga which led to the arrest of the driver, conductor as well as two passengers including Masvingo Poly student who was pregnant by that time.

Royal Lens Entertainment to release movie on mental health

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Royal Lens Entertainment to release movie on mental health

By Rangarirai Shanyurai

Royal Lens Entertainment, a Masvingo based movie production, is set to drop a psychological thriller movie called Silent Screams at the end of this month.
The film is designed to spark vital conversations around mental health issues particularly in Zimbabwe, where stigma often silences those in need.
Speaking to TellZim News, Director and Executive producer Prayer Elishama Tafara said their goal was to break the silence around mental health, showcasing how the mind can become one’s greatest enemy.
“Our aim is to break the silence surrounding mental health, illustrating how minds can become greatest adversaries. It’s a reflection of reality that many people face but few discuss. I hope this film encourages viewers to seek understanding and support,” Said Tafara.
He added that the film was one of the best, having been a result of collaborative minds in the film industry.
“The film’s narrative is enriched by the collaboration of Royal Lens Entertainment, Audly Studios and Rawsoots Studios from Bulawayo where unique talents and visions were put together to deliver a powerful cinematic experience.
“With a dedicated cast and crew, Silent Screams captures the raw emotions and challenges associated with mental illness while maintaining an engaging and suspenseful storyline.
Silent Screams is a testament to the strength of the human spirit reminding audiences that the mind can create unbelievable fear and it can also find the courage to seek help and healing,” Tafara said.
He said they faced a number of challenges along the way but was happy that they managed to overcome all to produce the masterpiece.
“We had many challenges when we were producing this film. These included limited financial resources and lack of access to high-quality equipment that force filmmakers to work within strict budgetary constraints and that usually impacts on the final product.
“In Masvingo, the film industry is in its infancy and the absence of sponsors and partners makes it difficult to produce work that meets international standards.
“With slight budgets many productions rely on personal investments and filmmakers have to make it happen with the equipment they have, often stretching resources to their limits,” said Tafara.
He stated that as an organization they were looking for support before and after they disseminated the film to audiences.
“We urge people of Masvingo to rally behind local talent by watching, sharing and supporting local film projects like Silent Screams. For the meantime we have distributed the movie trailer that is circulating on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook among others
“We need to make Masvingo a supportive and thriving hub for content creators. With local encouragement and resources, we can transform our city into a space where artists want to stay and grow,” he said.
Royal Lens Entertainment is a visionary production company dedicated to bringing powerful immersive stories to life. By combining creativity with cutting-edge technology. It aims to elevate Zimbabwean cinema through storytelling that challenges perspectives, evokes emotion and sparks meaningful conversations.
Their work shines a spotlight on untold narratives advancing the goal of making Zimbabwe a recognized player on the global cinematic stage.

Urban stream bank cultivators put on notice

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Urban stream bank cultivators put on notice

By Perpetua Murungweni

As the first major rains hit Masvingo City on Wednesday November 06, the local authority has warned urban dwellers against stream bank cultivation saying the authority will not hesitate to punish those found wanting citing dangers of siltation in supply dam.
A number of people were busy of late preparing small portions of land especially along Mucheke River which is one of the major tributary to Lake Mutirikwi which supplies water to the city.
Masvingo City Council Mayor Alec Tabe told TellZim News that council was not going to hesitate to fine those who will be caught cultivating in the stream banks as that threatens the river with siltation.
“Those that who will be caught carrying cultivating in the stream banks will be fined as stipulated by Council by laws, EMA Act Chapter 20:27, Forestry Commission Act, Parks and Wildlife Act,” said Tabe.
Tabe said council was going to be strict in enforcing the bylaws as stream bank cultivation has effects on both the land and rivers
“Stream bank cultivation causes siltation of rivers and other water bodies. It occurs when soil and sediment are deposited into waterways, causing water to become cloudy and reducing its ability to support aquatic life. It also causes soil erosion reducing soil fertility and increases sedimentation.
“Stream bank cultivation alters natural habitats. There is terrestrial species displacement since cultivation replaces the natural vegetation. Altered water quality and habitat disrupt ecosystems resulting in loss of aquatic species,” said Tabe.
He also said stream bank cultivation impacts on climate and the fines to be paid by offenders will be used to fight against climate change.
“There are increased greenhouse gas emissions, due to fertilizer use and soil degradation. The water cycle is disrupted due to changes in evapotranspiration and runoff and it may also result in climate sensitive crop failures. So there are climate change mitigations that will be put in place and the fines will be channeled towards that,” he said.
He said council was not only going to fine those practicing stream bank cultivation but was also going to educate residents first on the effects of stream bank cultivation through awareness campaigns.
“As council we have a mandate to raise awareness to residents on the adverse effects of stream bank cultivation to the environment as well as to people. Awareness campaigns will also be carried out in collaboration with other Government stakeholders (Environmental Management Agency (EMA), ZRP, Forestry Commission, Parks and wildlife Authority and NGOs).
Residents will be educated about the statutory instruments that are used to enforce the laws against stream bank cultivation,” said Tabe.
The Zimbabwe National Water Authority (ZINWA) recently warned that Zimbabwe’s biggest inland lakes, Tugwi-Mukosi and Mutirikwi were under threat as most dams in the country have been highly affected by siltation.
Urban agriculture if practiced sustainably is of paramount importance as it supports the livelihoods of many, significantly reducing the cost of living for low income earners in the country.
However, in spite of its implications, Masvingo residents continue to defy odds by cultivating crops near streams with some urbanites being accused of damaging sewer infrastructure to water their maize plots along streams,
EMA is on record warning that streams are fragile and therefore should not be used for farming unless a conservation plan is in place as application of fertilizers within the river banks leads to water pollution through enrichment from dissolved nutrients.
This lead to dams being progressively reduced in volume and eventually filled up and also eutrophication poisons aquatic life, fish dying in dams while choking aquatic plants. Highly silted dams pose a threat as livestock can become stuck in the mud.

Backyard prep distributors on rise in Masvingo

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Backyard prep distributors on rise in Masvingo

By Virginia Njovo

Masvingo City Council health department has raised alarm over backyard distribution of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) services in the commonage and has since partnered with Pangaea Zimbabwe Aids Trust (PZAT) to speak against the social ill and offer proper services.
Masvingo City Health and Environmental Services Department Director, Suzanne Madamombe told TellZim News that they were in the process of tracing the distributors and take appropriate measures.
“We are worried about unlicensed people offering health services in the residential areas. We are in the process of tracking down the people who are unlawfully distributing services which are harmful to residents. We are warning the peddlers that it is a punishable offence and we plead with members of the public to avoid getting health services in backyards as well as provide us with information that lead us to the offenders,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said Runyararo Clinic in partnership with PZTA was offering various PrEP options including Oral PrEP which is highly effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection, Injectable PrEP which was recently approved by Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
“We are offering PrEP vaginal ring for women which is a safe and effective method to reduce the risk of HIV transmission. As council we are offering awareness campaigns on the new PrEP methods which are user friendly at the clinic so there is no need to go to backyards.
Masvingo City Council Public Relations Officer Ashleigh Jinjika emphasised the need for residents to get services from authorized healthcare service providers to mitigate risks of contracting HIV/AIDS.
“Unregulated PrEP services may provide substandard or counterfeit medications which may lead to treatment failure and drug resistance which lead to health complications such as increased viral load and transmission,” said Jinjika.
She added that backdoor services did not allow proper monitoring of patients which is why it is always safer to seek for authorized health services.
“Backdoor services do not provide adequate monitoring as there will be difficulties in tracking treatment effectiveness or identify potential issues that may be of concern,” said Jinjika.
One sex worker who spoke on condition of anonymity said they were happy with the services being offered by the clinic saying it was convenient for them.
“The approval of injectable and ring PrEP is helping us as sex workers as it more convenient than taking orals on daily basis. We applaud the local authority and its partners for offering this service,” she said.

Mupinga school head retires after four decades of service

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Mupinga school head retires after four decades of service

By Taurai Masekesa

Chiredzi East’s Mupinga High School head has decided to call it a day after serving the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education for 42 years and Mupinga High for 15 years.
The dedicated educator Jeshua Chituni, who received education from several schools, including Muzondidya, Gaba, and St Anthony High School, before going for teacher training at then Gwelo Teachers’ College, joined the service in January 1982.
Chituni taught at several schools such as Mashoko High and Hippo Valley High School as a mathematics teacher before assuming the post of a school head at Magudu Secondary School, in Masvingo District, in 1994 and later joined Mupinga High School in May 2009.
Giving his retirement speech at an event attended by people from all walks of life including education officials, politicians, business people, Save community members, traditional and religious leaders, Chituni thanked the community for the support he got during his tenure at Mupinga High.
“I want to thank the Save community for the time we worked together, the trust we built, and the support I got from parents. I hope the community will continue to support the interim administration and will do the same for the new head. Such support will enable the growth of the school and create a suitable environment for learners,” said Chituni.
Chituni was National Association of Secondary Heads (NASH) Chiredzi chairperson from 2011 to 2018 and Better Schools Programme in Zimbabwe (BSPZ) Vice chairperson from 2011 to 2024.
He was influential in the management committee which is credited for mobilizing funds for the BSPZ Resource Centre which started operating on October 30, 2024, after completion of the first phase of construction.
The current NASH chairperson Victor Zvada described Chituni as a dedicated and hardworking person who wanted things to be done in the correct way.
“I joined the ministry while Chituni was already in the field, I learnt a lot from him while he was the NASH chairperson. He is someone who wants work to be done properly,” said Zvada.
During the event district education officials showered praise to Chituni for leading the district to the historic achievement that saw the migration of education offices from National Social Security Authority (NSSA) complex to the new BSPZ Resource Centre

MP raises alarm on politicised food aid in Parliament

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MP raises alarm on politicised food aid in Parliament

By Beatific Gumbwanda

CHIREDZI – Chiredzi Central Member of Parliament (MPs), Ropafadzo Makumire, recently expressed worry over the potential politicization of food aid in rural areas.
Makumire was responding to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s State of The Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament where he highlighted that government would roll out a food assistance programme following the El Nino induced drought.
After the SONA, MPs were allowed to debate on the issues raised in the address, and Makumire highlighted the need to stop politicization of food aid as the government move towards assisting communities affected by drought.
He said food aid was being distributed on partisan lines, sabotaging the President’s effort to fight hunger across the country.
“The President, in his address, also mentioned the efforts being made by government of Zimbabwe in addressing drought. As much as I appreciate the efforts made so far, Mr Speaker Sir, I am concerned about how food aid is being distributed in some of the drought-stricken areas. We have noted with concern that some of the aid is being distributed on partisan lines,” said Makumire.
Makumire added that people were sabotaging such efforts and it had to be exposed. He said the school feeding scheme should also be introduced to secondary schools.
“I am flagging some of these issues to bring to light people who are sabotaging the efforts that are being made by the President. This has to be known, Mr Speaker Sir, in as much as the President is trying to feed the whole nation, people are sabotaging such efforts. We must expose that in this house.
“The President also mentioned the school feeding programme in areas that are stricken by drought, but from my experience, I have realized that the assistance is going towards primary schools. In secondary schools, they have not received anything, but these children will be coming from the same home without food, without anything. It is also important, Mr Speaker Sir, that secondary schools be considered for such programmes, “said Makumire.
Speaker of Parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, responded saying it was the Parliamentarians’ duty to expose such behaviour by raising the issues with him or the Minister of Social Welfare.
“The President’s mantra is leaving no one and no place behind so if there are instances of that sort, it is the responsibility of Honourable Members to raise the red flag and advise the Minister of Public Service, Labour, and Social Welfare, honourable July Moyo what is happening on the ground so that corrective action is taken,” said Mudenda.
Chiredzi District is among those who were heavily affected by El Nino as some farmers failed to harvest single grain and it is in these areas where suspected opposition members are denied their right to access food aid from the government which is being distributed along party lines.

Residents blame council for negligence following tragic death of workers

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Residents blame council for negligence following tragic death of workers

By Tinaani Nyabereka

Gweru Residents have called upon Gweru City Council to prioritise safety of workers following the tragic death of two council employees who suffocated inside a sewer manhole while attending to a blockage in Athlone suburb.
Though there was no official statement on what exactly caused the death of the two, sources said the victims inhaled toxic gases that were in the shaft.
Gweru City Council Spokesperson, Vimbai Chingwaramusee confirmed the incident and said thorough investigations will be made to make sure that no incident of a similar nature happens again.
“It is with a heavy heart that I announce the tragic loss of two Gweru City employees who passed away whilst they were on duty in Athlone.
“The incident occurred when they were working on a manhole and unfortunately, they succumbed to gas suffocation. Our thoughts and condolences go to the families, colleagues and loved ones of the deceased.
“The local authority values the lives of the employees and residents and we take the safety of our workers very seriously. We will conduct a thorough investigation into this incident to ensure that measures are put in place to prevent such tragedy from occurring in the future. We really appreciate understanding and support during this difficult time,” she added.
However, there were mixed reactions from various stakeholders and the Gweru community which accused the local authority of negligence towards the welfare of council employees.
Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association (GRRA) director, Cornilia Selipiwe, said council was supposed to prioritize the welfare of workers.
“We are disheartened but going forward we need to have robust measures which speaks to the safety of our workers
“Remember these are the people who are on the ground and make things happen, there is need to start at their wellbeing, their salaries because they are the ones who are busy rendering services to the community.
“Why buy luxurious cars at the expense of workers who don’t have protective clothing, who don’t have salaries,” said Selipiwe.
One resident told TellZim News that proper procedures were supposed to be followed when attending to the sewer manhole.
“A manhole is a confined space therefore there are procedures that must be followed before entering including testing for gases which are toxic. So a thorough assessment needs to be done before you enter the manhole.
“Council is to blame because workers don’t have protective clothing like masks, for sewer gas, first things first there is need for detectors to check the level of gases and to detect toxic gases such as hydrogen, methane among others” said the resident.

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