The Mirror - The Mirror - 28 June - 04 July 2024 _compressed

THE PAGE-25 28 June - 04 July 2024 The Independent Paper for Masvingo and the Southern Region 265 Simon V Muzenda Street, Box 1214, Masvingo. Tel/Fax: (039) 264372 Editorial: www.masvingomirror.com Berejena High sweeps Mirror sports awards To page 5 300 Gutu villagers drink with live stock To page 2 MIRROR REPORTERS MASVINGO – The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe (RCZ), one of the biggest Christian denominations in the country has suspended its General Secretary, Reverend Tafadzwa Masimba, human resources manager, Frank Shuro and treasurer, Pikisai Mhizha following reports of alleged corruption and abuse of office by an external audit. The trio was suspended on Monday amid alleged prejudice to the church of US$102 000. They are accused of double dipping, incompetency, failure to follow financial procedures, paying each other unauthorised allowances, negligence and nepotism, RCZ general secretary, top brass suspended Reverend Tafadzwa Masimba.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Local news Page 2 MASVINGO INDSUSTRIALSITE:An industrial property forsale situate along Chrome Road in the industrialsite of Masvingo, comprising of an abattoir building of brick under asbestos which provides the following accommodation and facilities: Control room/ office;
dispatch section;
 dispatch office
with a storeroom;
three freezers two with a capacity for four tons each and the remaining
freezer
has
a
capacity
for
two
tons;
three
chillers
each
with
a
capacity
for
seven
tons;
 slaughter section with two stainless steel sinks;
scaling room;
abattoirs entrance and exit with stainlesssteel hand wash basin, a roomwith three concrete sinks.Canteen with a kitchen which has a double stainless steel sink;
eating shed with concrete sitting area. Workshop;
change rooms;
 toilet. Three Bay Carport and Incinerator of brick wall. Suitable for warehousing or factory operations. Fenced and gated.Title deed available. Stand size: 1.3144 hectares. PriceGuide: US$350 000 FARM IN DEWURE WESTA Great opportunity for investment in farming.A farm measuring 126.393 hectares, 3 quarters of which is arable. There is a basic 5 roomed farm house and other miscellaneous farm buildings. Has a private well with a 16m depth and 2 natural wells at the garden section. There’s a man­made weir (low headed dam wall) barrier and also a perennial river flowing
through the length of the farm. Abundance of variousindigenousfruit trees and an orchard and it has vast natural grazing land.The Farm is Fenced and gated.WithTitle Deeds andCertificate
of no present interest. PriceGuide: USD160 000.00 HOTEL FOR SALE IN BEITBRIDGE: Situated in the heart of Beitbridge Town is a Hotel for sale located along Beitbridge­Masvingo Highway with great potentialforinstitutional use. It boast ofthe following accommodation facilities: Dining room with a reception section, bar section, board room, two kitchens and an office.
 104 Accommodation rooms each with ensuite. A conference room with a maximum capacity of 250 people and a storeroom. Fourstaff houses 2 with three bedrooms and 2 with 2 bedrooms plus lounge, open kitchen, separate toilet and bathroom and solar geyser. A swimming pool with outside bar section. Car park for nearly 120 cars. 2 large water reservoirs with electric water pumps. Sewer recycling plant. The property is located a few kilometres from the Beitbridge border post.Land size: 7.8339 hectares. PriceGuide: USD$2 500 000 (plusVAT) PROPERTIES FOR SALE Contact: 0774138874 CHIREDZI LOW DENSITY: A residential dwelling of brick under asbestos consisting of 4 bedrooms, main bedroom with ensuite, kitchen, lounge and dining, bathroom and separate toilet. Front verandah. A swimming pool and braai area. A cottage with one bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and toilet. A garage. Walled and Gated. Stand size 2100sqm.Title DeedsAvailable.PriceGuide: US$80 000 MASVINGO: HOUSE FOR SALE IN CHIREDZI LOW DENSITY: A residential dwelling of brick under asbestos consisting of three bedrooms with built­in cupboards and overhead fans, dining section, lounge with a fireplace
and an overhead fan, fitted
 kitchen, bathroom & separate toilet. Staff quarters consisting oftwo rooms and a storeroom;
Carport;
swimming pool. Fenced &Gated.The standmeasures 2477 squaremetersin extent. PriceGuide: US$70 000 NostroMortgageAccepted PriceGuide USD$75 000.VATINCLUSIVE A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY IN CHIREDZI: A light industrial building of brick under corrugated iron roof. The building provides the following accommodation and facilities: warehouse space three offices,
 a kitchen, bedroom, shower room, combined toilet and shower, occupying approximately 330 Square metres in extent. The stand measures 2100 squaremetersin extent. BUSHMEAD PROPERTY FOR SALE consisting of a large workshop (approximately 200 square metres) with Laziman doors comprising of a boatshed, multi­purpose room, a large room which can be used as a workshop/ garage , and another big room with ablutions and a laundry room. Staff quarters with two living rooms, kitchen, separate toilet and shower and prolific
borehole plus Zinwa water supply.The plotmeasures 4159 squaremetresin extent.Title deeds. PriceGuide: US$50 000 VICTORIA RANGE HOUSE FOR SALE: A residential dwelling of brick under asbestos consisting of 2 rooms, separate bathroom and toilet both without fittings.
The standmeasure 256 squaremetersin extent. PriceGuide: US$11 500 COMMERCIALPROPERTYFOR SALEIN MASVINGO CBD:Atownhouse which has been converted to commercial use consisting of the following improvements: Dining room which is being used as a storage area for paints, first
bedroom which is being used as an office
with a built­in cupboard, a small room which is being used as a tinting room/ paint mixing room, second bedroom which is being used as a cosmetics retail outlet, with built­in cupboards, third bedroom which is being used as an office,
kitchen which is being used as an office,
with single stainless­steelsink with cupboards underneath, toilet and bathroom. Staff quarters with a single bedroom, bathroom and squat toilet. Secured front verandah and garage. The stand measures 714 square meters in extent. Title Deeds.PriceGuide:OFFERS INVITED RHODENE HOUSE FOR SALE:Aresidential dwelling of brick under asbestos consisting of 4 bedrooms, main bedroom with ensuite, lounge, dining, kitchen bathroom with tub and separate toilet. Acottage with one bedroom, kitchen, dining and toilet.The standmeasures 2145 squaremetresin extent. Title Deeds. PriceGuide: US$120 000 Negotiable OUT OF TOWN BUSHMEAD PROPERTY FOR SALE: A residential property for sale in Bushmead Township with magnificent
views of the Lake Mutirikwi and beautiful gardens consisting of the following improvements: Plot 1: A vacant undeveloped stand measuring 4 237square metres being sold together with Plot 2 consisting of a double storey residential dwelling with a ground floor
which houses a self­contained flatlet
with a single bedroom, combined lounge and dining room with a fireplace,
combined bathroom with a bath tab and a toilet , kitchen with fitted
cupboards. An upper floor
which houses a spacious lounge (with JM fire
place) with aluminium glass doors leading on to the
front
veranda
with
excellent
views
of
the
Lake,
separate
dining
room,
fitted
toilet.
An attached double lock­up garage and a swimming pool. These two plots measure approximately 5 152 square metresin extent.Title deeds.PriceGuide: US$110 000 HOUSE FOR SALE IN CHIREDZI: A residential dwelling of brick under asbestos consisting of 3 bedrooms all with built in cupboards, kitchen, lounge, bathroom with tub, shower and wash hand basin. A separate toilet. Front verandah. Title deeds. The stand measures 369 square metersin extent. PriceGuide: US$32 000 TARGET KOPJE: An incomplete single storey residential dwelling of plastered and unpainted brickwork under a duo pitched ABS roof consisting of four bedrooms all with provision for built in cupboards, main bedroom with ensuite, kitchen, foyer from the front verandah, sunken lounge and dining, combined shower and toilet and a separate toilet. Walled and gated. The stand measures 1325 squaremetresin extent.PriceGuide: US$75 000 SIMBARASHE MTEMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – Masvingo residents owe their local authority a total of ZWL$130, 881, 290, 727, 09 in water bills, a first quarter budget review meeting held at the Civic Centre has been told. Acting deputy Finance Director Bernard Mhlolo who presented the review figures said low density suburbs namely; Rhodene, Zimre Park, Eastvale and Morningside owe the highest figure at ZWL$33 billion. This is twice what the high density each owe to the council as of March 30, 2024. High density suburbs owe Masvingo the local authority ZWL$17 741 billion while the medium density owe slightly less at ZWL$16 445 billion. Commercial entities owe ZWL$16 329 billion and industry owes ZWL$12 392 billion. Mhlolo told the meeting that the budget is being reviewed in ZWL$ because it was the prevailing currency. He said low density suburbs contribute 26% of debtors primarily because they have higher tariffs and rates. Low density suburbs sewerage tariff is US$10.73 a month, medium density US$10. 24 and low density US$9.75. Rates vary with the stand size and location. Masvingo City Council owed ZWL$130 billion for water SIMBARASHE MTEMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – The Mirror stands by its story that Gutu officer-in-charge Cames Myambo disrupted a workshop of Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence (Walpe) on June 14, 2024, even when he had no right to do so. The affected organization (Walpe) issued a statement on its X handle disputing allegations of disruption. The Mirror and participants will however not change their statements on the disrupted workshop. “Walpe would like to put it on record that Police did not disrupt a youth leadership training workshop it conducted on 14 June 2024 in Gutu. “The Police came to the venue, inquired about an MOU then they left, they then came back again later and remained outside until the workshop ended at 4 pm contrary to what The Mirror stated in their article,” reads part of an Welpa X thread. The dictionary meaning of disruption is “to interrupt an event, an activity or a process by causing a disturbance or a problem”. The behaviour of Police led by Myambo is consistent with the dictionary meaning. The episode of the story is that Gutu CID pitched up at the venue of the workshop at around 10am. They entered the workshop, asked for the organisers, took them out and spent sometime taking their personal details. They also demanded to see the organisa- tion’s Memorandum of Understanding and according to Lloyd Mupfudze who is Gutu United Residents and Ratepayers Association (GURRA) executive direc- tor, Police has no right to demand such documents. “Police has no authority to demand MOUs from civil Society Organisations or NGOs “In terms of Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA) Chapter 11:23 meeting of an organization held at any private place, whether or not it is wholly or partly in the open is not a public meeting. Therefore, there is no requirement to notify the Police. The presence of the Police, questioning, profiling people was undue interfer- ence and intimidatory. The meeting ended prematurely around 12 mid-day,” said Mupfudze who was one of the organisers. After the departure of the CID, Myambo and a team of Police officers turned up around 12 mid-day. He ordered out the organis- ers from the workshop and took them to one of the guest rooms. Myambo like the earlier officers demand- ed their particulars and MOU. Myambo then left the guest room and went outside to make long calls. He was overheard calling his superi- ors and asking them how to proceed. One of the persons that he was allegedly heard calling is Gutu District Development Coordinator (DDC) Chiedza Taferi to verify Gurra’s MOU. According to Gurra, it was after those long calls that Myambo ordered that meeting to be stopped at once. A Welpa source who declined to be named however said Muyambo ordered the workshop to close and everyone to leave after a few hours. Police spokesperson, Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said he was looking into the issue when the Mirror called him last week. Myambo is notorious for violating human rights and he features prominently in a 21-page April 2023 Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) report on Administrative justice. He together with his former boss, Masvingo West Dispol, Taurai Mambure who has since left the Police feature prominently in the report for violating complainants’ rights to administrative justice. Myambo has even been going around asking social soccer clubs to clear with his office for them to play football. He brought riot Police to disrupt social games at Chinanaira Township and other places in the district. He later told concerned parties that he was getting instructions from his then boss Mambure. There have been complaints that he takes instructions from Zanu PF politicians to the extent that he doesn’t arrest ruling party members when they commit crimes. This is also noted in the ZHRC report. We stand by our story! • Police disrupted Walpe workshop 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Cames Myambo. Lloyd Mupfudze.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 3 Dear Customer, We have a planned network upgrade on Monday 1 July (0000 to 0400hrs), which will result in a loss of service during this period. Please bear with us, as we upgrade the network to improve your experience. We are committed to delivering exceptional service consistently. Thank you once again for your loyalty and support. Important Notice Econet Wireless Planned Network Upgrade Monday 1 July 2024 (0000 to 0400hrs) 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Local news Page4 ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER GUTU – An estimated 300 villagers from Dzivakwi under Chief Nyamandi in Ward 11, Gutu are drinking water from the same source with livestock and wild animals causing persistent diarrhoea among school children and adults, the village head has said. Village head Dzivakwi, born Kudakwashe Chivurawa told The Mirror in an interview that Dzivakwi is so dry that they cannot get water by digging wells. He said that the area is under region 5 and they have tried to dig protected wells but they cannot reach water tables. There is no garden in the whole area and nutrition is an issue. Villagers buy vegetables for a dollar from next villages. The villagers also walk 5km to fetch water, said Dzivakwi. The area has one spring that has water throughout the year, and this is where cattle, donkeys, wild animals and people drink from. Dzivakwi said there is superstition around the spring hence they cannot protect it because if they do so, it will dry up. “We have an acute problem of diarrhoea in the village. Children and adults are from time to time affected by diarrhoea and other stomach problems but there is nothing we can do,” said Dzivaki. He appealed to Gutu Rural District Council, Government, the donor community and well-wishers to assist with funding for the drilling of boreholes in the village and the establishment of a nutrition garden. Gutu RDC CEO, Alexander Mutembwa said he was not aware of the situation. He however, said such problems are normally raised through councillors and the local authority takes action once that is done. “I am not aware of the situation. In such cases, we expect them to take their concerns through their councillor. Once a councillor brings the concerns to our attention, we take immediate action,” said Mutembwa. Dzivakwi said they raised the issue with the councillor countless times and were now under the illusion that it was not his responsibility to deal with such issues. Councillor Andrew Muridhini refused to comment when The Mirror contacted him for a comment. “Who gave you that report, that person should give you information. I don’t know what you are talking about,” said Muridhini. Efforts to get a comment from Gutu Central MP, Winston Chitando were futile. Former Gutu District nutrition coordinator and Ward 11 councillor, Getrude Dhoba condemned the source of water and said it’s muddy, dirty and is the source of regular waterborne disease outbreaks in the area. She said that a cholera outbreak would be disastrous in the area. Chivurawa said mentally challenged persons are sometimes found bathing in the spring whilst some villagers bath near the same source of water whenever they discover that there are no people that will be at the spring to fetch water. Council must act as a matter of urgency and give relief to the villagers. “I am a nutritionist and the situation in this village is depressing, They have no clean water and they have no gardens. Villagers are always suffering from diarrhoea,” said Dhobha. One villager, Kudzai Makore said she fetches four buckets of water daily from the spring and she walks up to 3km one way. Mbuya Lucy Dzivakwe said she and her grand child frequently suffer from stomach ache after drinking the unsafe water. “I appeal to the MP and other wellwishers to come to our rescue and drill boreholes for us,” said Mbuya Dzivakwe. “We appeal to Government and donors to assist us with clean water. It is hard labour and time consuming to fetch water from a source that is 5km away,” said Melisa Masiya. 300 Gutu villagers drink with livestock 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Alexander Mutembwa Melisa Masiya fetching water from the spring. Village women heading home after fetching water. Dirty, contaminated water relied on by the villagers.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Local news Page 5 071 689 5703 Chipinge Times & Two Nations Editor: Ellen Mlambo Editorial Comment It is commendable to note that government is setting itself on the road to a serious fight against drug abuse through the recently launched Zimbabwe Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024–2030). The menace of drug and substance abuse is silently and surely eating away the moral fiber of the country setting in motion all sorts of vices and social ills. These include theft, gender based violence, neglect of families, corruption, greediness and many more. Learners drop out of school and are left with shattered dreams. The business sector also bears the brunt as workers and managers fail to work due to addiction. Here the list is endless. Now that we have a national plan to combat drug and substance abuse, the next thing is to effectively implement it on the ground. This is where the crux of the matter lies. It is easy to put up a plan after bringing in consultants and stakeholders, however it is another story to put it into action. Countless beautiful plans are gathering dust in numerous offices all over the country. How will this one be different? What is needed here is the involvement of everyone as echoed by the plan which is multi-sectoral. As a nation we scored high marks in the fight against COVID-19 because everyone was involved, involved maybe partly because all of us were afraid to die. Here we will have to depend on citizens’ positive responses to the call of national duty as stipulated in the plan. We will have to depend on everyone’s sense of hunhu/ ubuntu where we are able to do unto others simply because they are precious human beings and without counting the cost. This is coupled with the realization that whatever little or great is done by anyone in the fight against drug and substance abuse will be of benefit to everyone including the doer. Consequently, let us all as Zimbabweans come together and fight this menace. Together we can win. Unite to fight drug and substance abuse SIMBARASHE MTEMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – Masvingo Mayor, Aleck Tabe has expressed concern over the increase in the number of illegal liquefied petroleum (LP) gas vendors in residential areas. He told a full council meeting on Monday that the unregulated operations are a ticking time bomb because gas is highly flammable. The vendors are untrained in the handling of gas, and they operate near houses and shopping centres. “I am worried about illegal gas vendors. This is a danger to community. “Who will be held responsible if they burn down houses or cause deaths? We must give them notice to stop their operations or regularize with relevant authorities,” said Tabe. LP gas traders are required to register with the local authority, the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) for a hazardous substance license and get an operating license from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA). Ward 9 Councillor Bernard Muchokwa however, said the matter must be handled with empathy because there is 95% unemployment in Zimbabwe. “Let’s be sensitive as 95% of the population is unemployed and are vendors. We should allocate them space to sell their wares before we remove them,” he said. Health, Housing and Environmental Services Committee chairperson, Maxwell Madhuna said they require more municipal officers to patrol suburbs and dismantle illegal LP gas vending sites. A gas explosion killed three people in Chikombedzi in December last year. Six shops were destroyed, and five other people were severely wounded. Time bomb as unregistered gas vendors increase in Masvingo From page 1 according to a summary report in the hands of The Mirror. The deputy treasurer Torerai Hung has not been suspended to allow continuity at the offices although he has cases to answer. The moderator, Rev Isaac Pandasvika is suspended from holding meetings to do with the hearings and so are Reverends Madanhire and Ezekiel Baloyi. The suspension was handed down by the Church’s Synodical Committee, the second highest board after the Synod following a 500-page audit report by AMG Global. Charges against the three are in the process of being laid down and hearings should happen within 14 days from Monday. In one of the cases an architect, Magwati recommended the refurbishment of the general secretary’s house in Rhodhene at a cost of US$11 000 but this ballooned to US$97 000. There are complaints that the house already has cracks and the church did not hold back 10% of the payment from the contractor as guarantee. The Moderator is accused of buying three houses in Zimre Park outside the budget and there are allegations that some of the houses are not registered in the church’s name. The Moderator is also accused of changing church allowance rates to Government rates without the necessary approval. There was double dipping by the general secretary and other members for trips to Malawi and Germany. There are various allegations involving inflating of costs for procurement of church cars from South Africa. The treasurer and the general secretary claimed that they lost US$5 000 at Beitbridge Border Post but they only made a Police report after four days contrary to church policy to report within 24 hours. They paid a clearing agent US$2 300 instead of the normal US$200. The general secretary was paid holiday allowances which did not have documents. Construction material for the church’s properties was bought without any comparative schedules. The external auditor was engaged after a Synod gathering of August 2022 heard that there was misuse of money in the church. In December 2022, AMG Global was awarded a contract to do a forensic report after six other firms tendered for the same work. The audit was supposed to take three weeks but had to be extended until May 2023 when the final report was handed over to the internal auditors. RCZ general secretary, top brass suspended 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Aleck Tabe.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 6 Kwekwe, Gokwe Round up PRISCA MANYIWA-MASUKU MIRROR REPORTER KWEKWE – The Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals (ZACH) has said that it recorded 120 cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) against young women and girls under the age of 19 from January – May 2024. ZACH Kwekwe Coordinator Chamunorwa Marange told The Mirror in an interview that most GBV and sexual violations against the girl child are however, concealed by their parents He said there is need for parents’ buy in in order to protect the girl child against sexual abuse and child marriages. “We commend Government for the new law but our main challenge is that parents are concealing cases of sexual abuse by allowing young girls to get married. In most cases the perpetrator may be arrested and taken to court but the parents now conceal the young girl instead of letting her testify in court until the matter is removed from remand and the perpetrator is freed. “Most section 70 cases are concealed by parents who marry off their children to the perpetrators for monetary benefit so for this law to be effective we need the parents’ by in. We have also realized that some people are using the information they are getting through these awareness campaigns wrongly because they now know the legalities involved that if a complainant does not appear in court the accused person may end up being freed,” said Marange. Marange added that most of the cases that they have handled are from girls aged below the age of consent. He also said that budgetary constraints are making it difficult for them to follow up on court cases after giving legal advice, counseling and health services to survivors. “Our main challenge is on budgetary constraints, we are not able to follow up on cases at the court like we used to do because we do not have funds so we just offer legal advice, counseling and health services and we end there,” said Marange. He also revealed that their Support phase on the Start Awareness Support Action (SASA) phase has been done smoothly through dialogue and door to do awareness campaigns in Kwekwe in trying to end GBV within communities. PRISCA MANYIWA-MASUKU MIRROR REPORTER ZHOMBE – Police in the Midlands has arrested a self-proclaimed Zhombe prophet for allegedly raping a minor girl (16) after she failed to pay for a prayer session. Simon Madwala (30) who leads an apostolic sect allegedly raped the girl on May 8, 2024, around 9pm at Madhodha Village, Chief Malisa in Zhombe Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko confirmed the matter to The Mirror. He said that Madwala invited the complainant for prayers in the afternoon and he went to her home later in the evening knowing that her parents were away and demanded payment for his intercession. The girl failed to pay him and he allegedly raped her at knife point in the presence of her younger siblings. The minor informed a neighbour who had invited her to the prophet’s church and they filed a Police report on May 25. Zimbabwe Association of Church Related Hospitals (ZACH) Kwekwe Coordinator Chamunorwa Marange said they received the report and attending to the minor on May 16. ZACH advocates against Gender Based Violence (GBV) and provide legal, health and counseling services to GBV survivors. PRISCA MANYIWA-MASUKU MIRROR REPORTER KWEKWE – Police has arrested three Kwekwe men who allegedly robbed and terrorised Amaveni, Kwekwe Rural and Redcliff residents robbing them of cash and valuables valued at US$1 700. Midlands Police Spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko said the trio was arrested in Gweru Central Business District (CBD) last Monday while trying to sell part of their stolen merchandise. Steward Magutshwa (27) and Master Ngwenya (32) from Dlomo Village, Chief Malisa in Zhombe and Peter Tembo (35) of Manjinga Village under Chief Mwanja in Muzarabani allegedly committed the robberies over 12 days from June 2-14. They broke into homes and went away with cash, cell phones and other household properties. Mahoko added that property valued at US$550 was recovered. The trio allegedly used shovels, knives, knobkerries, axes, Iron bars, machetes and a pistol. Circumstances are that the trio attacked five farmers at different farms along Old Gokwe Road in Amaveni. They allegedly struck their victims with weapons and robbed them of various valuables. Toyota FunCargo Reg No. AEY 4504 was stolen today (27/06/2024) Mucheke suburb, Masvingo. If you see, or come by this car please report to the nearest police station or contact +263 779623553 or +263 718947923 ALERT Kwekwe records 120 GBV cases against girls Zhombe ‘prophet’ rapes girl (16) as payment for prayer Kwekwe trio arrested over 9 armed robberies 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Chamunorwa Marange.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 7 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – Tax education is a much more effective way of achieving tax compliance than garnishing bank accounts, a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) tax expert, Melusi Tshuma has said. He told journalists that it was their duty to report more on taxes. Tshuma who is the UNDP National Coordinator of Tax for Social Development Goals (SDGs) told a workshop of journalists held at Flamboyant, a Regency Group hotel in Masvingo that studies have shown that tax compliance is best achieved through education than any other method. He said that the media as the biggest source of information must be roped in to spread tax education through publicity and journalists reporting more on tax. The three-day workshop therefore sought to capacitate journalists with tax knowledge for them to be able to report from an informed position. “There are several viable strategies to enhance tax revenue in a manner that is both sustainable and fair. “ZIMRA has the backing of the tax law. It can penalise and garnish bank accounts but studies have shown that the most effective way to achieve tax compliance is through tax education and that is where the media comes in,” he added. “We therefore need to capacitate journalists on tax issues and once that happens, the journalists will be able to report on new developments in the tax system, the role between taxation and the achievement of SDGs and even assess performance of Zimra. “The knowledge helps to improve compliance results in effective resource mobilisation for the achievement of SDGs,” said Tshuma. The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 8 Business Tax education is better than garnishing bank accounts– UNDP tax expert SIMBARASHE MTEMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – City of Masvingo kick started its budget review meetings for the first quarter of 2024 on Tuesday morning at the Civic Centre. Mayor Aleck Tabe said the full schedule of the meetings will be published before Friday. The review meetings will be held in all wards and the business community will also be engaged. The period under review is from January 1 – March 31, 2024. The inception meeting was attended by Tabe, Finance and General Purposes Committee chairperson Councillor Bernard Muchokwa, acting Deputy Finance Director Bernard Mhlolo, colleges and university representatives, school heads, security sector representatives, residents associations and Persons with Disabilities (PWD) s. Mhlolo told the meeting that the budget is being reviewed in ZWL$ because it was the prevailing currency. He also added that the local authority had an 82% revenue collection efficiency. “Total cumulative revenue for the period up to 30 March 2024 amounted to ZWL$66, 261, 159, 730.33. Total revenue realised constitutes 82% of the budgeted revenue for the period amounting to ZWL$80, 469, 308, 199.14. The budget is indexed to exchange rate movements. We experienced a delay in the budget approval and council billed first quarter revenues using 2023 approved tariffs,” he said. Thirty one percent of the revenue was realised from rendering of services, sales and tariffs contributed 37%, fees, penalties, licenses and levies constitute 26%. Rental revenue from facilities and equipment contributed 4%, grants and other incomes constitute a percent each. Employee costs constitute 65.11% of the local authority’s expenses. General expenses constitute 23. 26%, capital expenditure makes up 5.96%, repair and maintenance constitute 4.29%. Purchases make up 1.39%. Masvingo City begins 1st Quarter budget review meetings 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Masvingo Mayor Aleck Tabe. Melusi Tshuma.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 9 ZESA Diaries is proudly brought to you by the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission & Distribution Company (ZETDC). FOR FEEDBACK CONTACT US ON: Ironing consumes a significant amount of power, and an iron is one of the top energy consuming appliances in a home. By virtue of it being a necessity, it is imperative to learn how to use your iron efficiently in order to save energy. Iron clothes in bulk to avoid frequent reheating of the iron. Use a thermostat regulated iron to automatically manage your heat settings. Iron clothes while they are slightly damp. This reduces the need for excessive ironing and saves energy. Iron clothes that require high heat first, then medium, and then switch off the iron to use the residual heat for fabrics requiring low heat, like silk. Switch off the iron when it is not in use, when you take a break, or when ironing is done. SAVING ELECTRICITY: ELECTRIC IRONS 704 08688003485 08688003486 0242704040 @ZetdcOfficial ZetdcOfficial [email protected] www.zetdc.co.zw Small changes in habits lead to huge energy savings. Start today, start now! 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 10 Tongaat Media Tour ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER CHIREDZI – Tongaat Hulett is predicting sugar production of between 395 000 and 400 000 tonnes which is an increase of about 8% of 2023 production. Last year Tongaat produced 370 000 tonnes of sugar. This was said by Triangle and Hippo Valley Estates managing director, Tendai Masawi during a media tour of the company’s operations last week. The increase is attributed to operations recovery from production challenges. The production covers Zimbabwe’s total demand of 300 000 tonnes a year, leaving the remainder for export. Masawi said that the local market was last year flooded by sugar imports. This would be reversed as Tongaat intensify production and prioritise local supply of sugar. He said Tongaat could not meet local demand as it also concentrated on the export market to generate foreign currency for procurement of spares for refurbishment of mills. The company requires about US$20 million to procure spares for its two mills in the Lowveld. The company has since fully repaired its mills and now faces the future with confidence and will continue to meet obligations to the European and American markets. Tongaat Hulett comprises of two units, Triangle Limited and Hippo Valley Estates Limited which are running two mills. He said that there were recurrent mill breakdowns which significantly affected production. “Last year we had mill breakdowns and we ended up having carry-over cane because our mills couldn’t finish crashing all the cane that was grown by out grower farmers and ourselves. We had to close our mills in December because once we approach the rain season, it’s not easy for us to continue crushing because the fields will not be accessible. “We managed to repair our mills and they are now in good condition. Our plan for this year is to ensure that we process each and every standing cane that is ready for crashing and we are hoping to finish the fields before the onset of the rain season. “Our priority is to maximise supply to the domestic market. Last year we were flooded with imports that ended up taking part of our market. This was not our fault. We want to ensure that the product is available in each and every corner of the country,” he said. Tongaat sugar production to increase to 400 000 tonnes 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Tendai Masawi.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Tongaat Media Tour Page 11 ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER CHIREDZI – Tongaat Hulett, the country’s sugar giant is expecting more competition in the next few years as Zimbabwe fully embraces regional trade protocols and the possibility of a new mill opening in the Lowveld. This was said by Dr Dahlia Garwe, Tongaat Hulett Corporate and Industry Affairs Head during a media tour of the company’s operations in Chiredzi last week. She told journalists that Zimbabwe is expected to fully embrace trade protocols under SADC, COMESA and AfCFTA and this was going to intensify competition in the market. She also said that there was a possibility of a new miller on the horizon. However, demand for local sugar remains strong, she said and attributed this to projected population growth in the country. She also hinted that the economy is looking up with expected growth in agriculture, mining and tourism. This growth will see an increase in disposable income hence more demand for the company’s product. As a result of these factors, the overall demand for sugar will increase by a whopping 29% in the next four years between 2024 and 2028. Dr Garwe also welcomed the ongoing national road infrastructure development which will make more rural markets accessible hence boost demand. Dr Garwe added that Category by category the demand for raw sugar will increase by 13% during the plan period and she attributed this to growth in the food and beverage sectors. Demand for table sugar is expected to increase by 9,9% in line with population growth. The sources of the planning statistics in population was taken from ZIMSTATS. Tongaat expects more competition INCREASE GUMBO MIRROR REPORTER CHREDZI – Government has not intervened to support sugarcane farmers even after declaring the product, a strategic crop, Chiredzi West Zanu MP, Darlington Chiwa has said. Government declared sugarcane, a strategic crop in 2021. Strategic crops are crops that are immensely supported by Government including providing inputs and some of them are tobacco and wheat. Sugarcane farmers are calling for managed loadshedding as happens with tobacco and wheat. Chiwa who was speaking at a media tour of Tongaat Hullet operations in Chiredzi on Friday said that tobacco and wheat farmers receive support from Government. He called on Government to come in and support small scale sugarcane farmers in particular in order to grow the industry. He said that sugarcane farmers need support as inputs. "Sugarcane as a strategic crop over and above the pronounciation that sugarcane is a strategic crop, as farmers, as industry, as the MP I would expect Government to further disignate the interventions associated with strategic status. That’s my view,"said Chiwa. Chiwa later told The Mirror that nothing has changed since the declaration of sugarcane as a strategic crop. He said farmers are not getting any benefits. "Other strategic crops get attention. The Minister of Agriculture never misses the opening of the season of tobacco and wheat but the same does not apply to sugarcane. “The move to declare sugarcane as a strategic crop was mearnt to wipe out challenges faced by the sugar industry easpecially small scale farmers in terms of sourcing inputs,” said Chiwa. There are more than 1200 small scale sugarcane farmers and they contribute 40% to the total production. Nothing changed for sugarcane as a strategic crop – MP 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Dr Dahlia Garwe. Darlington Chiwa.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 12 During this difficult time, we stand with the Majange family and the people of Masvingo, offering our support and sympathy. May you find solace and strength in the memories and legacies left behind by Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange. The Management and staff of Mopani Lodge would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to The Majange family and the people of Masvingo on the passing of their illustrious son, Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange.We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a remarkable individual who brought pride and honor to the community of Masvingo. Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange's contributions and achievements will be remembered and cherished by all. May His Soul Rest In Peace CONDOLENCE MESSAGE The late Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange The late Charles Shanurai Calvin Majange The Council Chairperson, Councilors, the Chief Executive Officer, Management and Staff at Chivi Rural District Council extend their heartfelt condolences to relatives and friends of the Majange family on the passing on of Mr Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange. Mr Majange was a member of parliament for Chivi South (2000-2008) and resonated with his community. Chivi South is poorer without him. May His Soul Rest In Peace During this difficult period, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange's family and loved ones. May they find solace and strength in the memories they shared with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as with the entire Masvingo community, as we collectively mourn the loss of this exceptional individual. The Directors, Management, and Staff of Junior High, Junior Primary, and Junior Driving School deeply mourn the passing of Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange. Charles Shanyurai Calvin Majange's departure has left an indelible void in our hearts. He was a remarkable individual who contributed immensely to our community and touched the lives of countless people through his works. May his soul rest in eternal peace. The late Charles Shanurai Calvin Majange Junior Driving School Junior Primary School Junior High School Cell: +263782237/786044502/+263774375801 Email: [email protected] CONDOLENCE MESSAGE CONDOLENCE SUPPLEMENT FOR THE LATE CHARLES SHANYURAI MAJANGE 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 13 Crime and Courts News AUDREY MASHINGAIDZE MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – A motorist has labelled Masvingo City Council’s Prepaid Parking Department as incompetent and unaccountable for among other things issuing invoices that allegedly do not reflect dates on which cars are billed. Prosper Tiringindi who is represented by Murdock Chivasa of Dube, Banda, Nzarayapenga and Partners has applied for an interdict plus costs to stop the local authority from using billing records that don’t reflect dates. Tiringindi who is being asked to pay a penalty of US$10 for an unpaid bill of US$1 also argues the penalty is grossly unreasonable and is demanding that the local authority makes it public through recognised channels how it calculates the penalty. The City Council is yet to submit its opposing affidavit. The case is at Masvingo Magistrates Court. Tiringindi who is a resident of the city also contends that the local authority’s bylaws are barely published, and the public is ambushed. He says that the new ticketing system was introduced without any advertising and therefore the public was caught by surprise and residents barely know what is happening. According to his founding affidavit, on June 17, 2024, Tiringindi went into town and parked near the DDC’s offices. A parking marshal approached him, asking for US$1 parking fees which he paid. However, the marshal went on to produce an unpaid invoice of US$1 plus US$10 penalty which Tiringindi says did not have the date when he parked his car. “I am aggrieved by the seemingly fraudulent billing by the local authority. “The receipt does not show when I parked and failed to pay as it does not have any dates on it. The penalty of US$10 charged for not paying US$1 is grossly unreasonable. “The absence of a date on the attached receipt shows highest levels of incompetency and lack of accountability by the respondent. The respondent is taking advantage of simple motorists like myself by billing them debt with no track record as to when they were incurred. “The respondent must show how penalties against non-payment of parking fees are calculated,” said Tiringindi. Motorist takes Masvingo City Council to court over parking tickets SIMBARASHE MTEMBO MIDLANDS BUREAU GWERU – Justice Sunsley Zisengwe sitting at the High Court in Masvingo has granted Chinese national Zhang Zhaowen (51) US$100 bail in a case he is accused of raping and impregnating his 16-year-old maid. Zhaowen was granted bail on Monday and asked to surrender his passport to the Clerk of Court in Gweru as part of the conditions. He had been remanded in custody to Friday by Gweru Regional Magistrate Christopher Maturure for continuation of trial. Zhaowen of 14A Mine in Guinea Fowl, Gweru allegedly raped the minor (name withheld) when she was only 16 and working as his maid. The minor gave birth to a baby girl with Chinese features. Circumstances are that Zhaowen raped the minor whom he had employed as a cleaner on November 15, 2022. He allegedly dragged her into his office and raped her once. The minor did not disclose the matter and was later fired from work. She visited her mother who suspected that she was pregnant. The girl disclosed details. They did not file a Police report after suspecting that the minor was lying. She went on to give birth to a baby girl with Chinese features on July 2, 2023. Her mother accompanied her to file a Police report leading to Zhaowen’s arrest. Chinese national gets US$100 bail for rape Suit 3 & 4,1st floor Kuwirirana House 7 Corner Angwa Street and George Silundika Avenue Harare A prepaid car park designed and built in Masvingo CBD is growing grass. 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Crime and Courts news Page 14 A Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Institution INVITATION TO BID Bids are invited from reputable bidders for the following requirements: Tender No. Description Pre-bid Meeting Closing Date FINGERROCK/ PROC/001/24 Preliminary Services for Land Development including Processing of Certificate of No Present Interest, Subdivision Permits for 3 farms and Feasibility Studies. 11 July 2024 Time: 10:00hrs 26 July 2024 FINGERROCK/ PROC/002/24 Architectural Designs 11 July 2024 Time: 10:00hrs 26 July 2024 FINGERROCK/ PROC/003/24 Construction of Civil Works - roads, storm water drainage and water reticulation for 1 farm. 11 July 2024 Time: 10:00hrs 26 July 2024 Three hard copies of bids must be enclosed in sealed envelopes, and clearly endorsed on the outside with the advertised tender number, the description, closing date and must be deposited in a tender box before closing date at the following address: The Secretary Finger Rock Investments (Pvt) Ltd 62 ED Mnangagwa Street Masvingo Tel: 392 262 343 0772 570876 In addition to hard copies, soft copies must be submitted to [email protected] as one continuous document. Tender documents are obtainable upon production of proof of payment of a tender fee of USD$50.00 (Fifty US Dollars) from the above email address. Account Name: Finger Rock Investments; Bank: NBS; Account Numbers 3252 013799 001 ZiG /3252 013799 451 USD. GARIKAI MAFIRAKUREVA BIKITA – A suspected conwoman who scammed hundreds of aspiring nurses of thousand of dollars and was arrested by Police a few years back is at it again, swindling another 300 aspiring nurses recently of US$240 000 and advertising their names in The Sunday Mail. Mirror investigations have shown that the woman who answers to the name Patricia Magazine was reimbursed some money by The Sunday Mail after advertising the names of “successful” candidates who wanted to train as nurses at Mashoko Mission in Bikita. She had paid more than the price of the advert. The advert appeared in The Sunday Mail of June 19, 2024 and in the advert she was calling upon 55 seccessful candidates to pay their school fees balance. She used the pseudonym Memory Moyo in the advert with the cell number 0778 159 917. Dr Zindoga Bungu, the medical superindentent at Mashoko confirmed the scam. He told The Mirror that he has reported the matter to Police after seeing the advert in The Sunday Mail. He also informed the Provincvial Medical Director. He also confirmed that this scam is happening at the mission hospital over and over again. The Mirror called on the number that The Sunday Mail sent the reimbursement and answered to her name. However, she turned around and said that the number was wrong when the reporter asked for a nurse training place at Mashoko. She immediately switched off her phone. Patricia Magazine is the same person appeared in The Mirror a few years ago facing dozens of similar cases. Investigations by The Mirror have shown that there are over 300 victims although, Magazine only advertsised 55 succesful candidates in The Sunday. She paid US$600 for the advert, The Mirror has gathered. Sources alleged that Magazine who is at large was working with Vimbai Judith Chikwara an elder of the Zaoga FIF in Mucheke as her point person. Chikwara is popularly know as elder Utete. Chikwara confirmed to The Mirror that she was involved in the recruitment of nurses but has since withdrawn her services after being advised that this was a scam. Most of the conned parenst are from churches including mainly AFM, Zaoga and Roman Catholic. “Yes, I can confirm that I used to have a ‘link’, but I stopped after someone tipped me that the whole thing was a scam,” said Elder Utete. “As the hospital, we are surprised by the advert. We have since reported the matter to Police. We have also alerted the Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadus Shamu about the issue. “This is not the first time such a thing has happened we had one or two other incidents in the past. We are not involved in the recruitment of students. Everything is done through the PMD’s office. We are waiting for feedback from his office, but as the hospital, we have started our internal investigation,” said Bungu. In 2018, Magazine was once implicated in a case involving a Checheche-based teacher who swindled locals out of their hardearned cash after promising to secure their relatives some nursing student places at Mashoko School of Nursing. However, efforts to get a comment from Shamu were futile as his mobile went unanswered. Meanwhile, cases of conmen masquerading as employment agencies swindling aspiring nurses is on the rise. Last week, Effort Chirandata (45) and Martha Chitumba (54) appeared before magistrate Dennis Mangosi charged with fraud after they allegedly conned eight aspiring nurses of over US$8,000 promising to secure vacancies for them at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare. Conwoman hits again, 300 aspiring nurses lose USS$0,24m Condolence Message The Masvingo City Council Treasury Veterans WhatsApp group would like to pass deepest condolences to the Majange family, friends and relatives on the passing on of our beloved former boss we affectionately called Minija (Charles Shanyurai Majange) MHDSRIP. May his soul rest in eternal peace. The late Charles Shanyurai Majange PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS (BODY) AND (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1997. PRIVATE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION ACT CHAPTER 17:05. Notice of Application for registration of private voluntary organisation Notice is hereby given, in terms of subsection 9[2] of the Private Voluntary Organisation Act (Chapter 17:05), that an application for registration has been made in respect of: •Name and address of Private Voluntary Organisation: - Light of Hope of Munhungeyi village, P. O Box 100 Nyika, Bikita, Masvingo. •Aims and objectives of the Private Voluntary Organisation: •To create an enabling environment for the vulnerable boys, girls, women, men and elderly and also make communities aware and take lead in promoting good health, education and uptake of health services available. 3 objectives •Improve quality of life for the vulnerable communities. •promote good, health, behavior, nutrition, education and safeguarding measures for the vulnerable communities •promote income generation and resource mobilization for the vulnerable communities. Area or areas in which the Private Voluntary Organisation proposed to render its services. Masvingo Province. Any objection to the proposed registration must be lodged with the Registrar of Private Voluntary Organizations, P.O. Box CY429, CAUSEWAY, not later than (21) twenty-one days from the publication of this notice. 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 15 Education News ‘ ‘ ‘ ‘ s ALVINA CHIWANIKA MIRROR REPORTER SHURUGWI – Chinese gold mining company Ladville is constructing a new primary school in Shurugwi North as part of its Social Corporate Responsibility to the community it is operating in. A groundbreaking ceremony for Safago Primary School was held last week at the site where toilets, boreholes and foundation for classrooms have been completed. Midlands Minister of State was the guest of honour at the ceremony. Pupils in the Safago area walk at least 10 km to the nearest Guinea fowl. Shurugwi North legislator Joseph Mpasi Ladville is also supporting over 50 households with food stuffs. “In a testament to their commitment to assisting the community Ladvillie is also giving groceries to 50 households with elderly residents every month. The construction of the school has already commenced with the initial progress made on the construction of toilets, school foundation and drilling of a borehole. Twenty thousand bricks and 600 bricks were donated,” said Mpasi. Ncube urged other mining companies to emulate Ladville and embark on life changing CSR projects. Chinese mine constructing primary school in Shurugwi 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Joseph Mpasi (in suit) and Owen Ncube (third from left) pose with Ladville representatives.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Education news Page 16 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page17 Health News ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER BIKITA - United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Zimbabwe Chief of Communications, Yves Willemot has warned of severe malnutrition in Zimbabwe early next year as the effects of the Elnino induced drought gets to the peak. He said it is better to prevent the ailment than to treat it. Willemot told a group of journalists during a media briefing in Masvingo last week that the effects of climate change on children is increasingly getting severe hence the organisation is urging governments, development partners and private sector to prioritise children in their climate investments. Apart from children under five, pregnant women and adolescents are also at great risk. Unicef is already appealing for US$84,9 million to mitigate against the drought in Zimbabwe. Willemot said the worst malnutrition is expected between January and March 2025 when most household stocks from previous harvests run out. The drought will impact on children in a number of ways, including access to water, sanitation and hygiene, education opportunities, and health care. In a quest to enhance the campaign to put children at the centre of climate investments, Willemot said Unicef is decentralising its engagements with the media hence the Press briefing for Masvingo journalists. A recent Unicef report showed that there are 580 000 children in Zimbabwe living in severe food poverty and globally there are around 181 million children under the age of five who are in dire need of food. After the briefing, Unicef took the group of about 15 journalists on a tour of Dewure 1 Rural Health Centre in Bikita where the organisation has made interventions to mitigate against malnutrition. Dewure 1 Rural Health Centre sister in charge, Rambanapasi Haruvanzwi said a lot of children will suffer from Kwashiokor and become malnourished as a result of the drought. A child that is malnourished is more likely to be prone to childhood diseases. Unicef warns of severe malnutrition next year 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Yves Willemot.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Health news Page18 ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER GUTU – A clinic at Ndahwi in Ward 29, Gutu which was mooted in 2014 and construction started in 2018 is yet to be completed forcing pregnant women to deliver at home, villagers who spoke to The Mirror in interviews have said. Last year a teacher gave birth in the school premises at Ndahwi Primary because of the distance to the clinic and lack of transport. Zimbabwe National Family Planning employee who is also a villager, Rugare Gumindoga said the absence of a clinic has serious effects on women and girls in particular. Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV are defaulting on treatment because medication is difficult to access. Women have unplanned pregnancies because of long distances to health facilities. Scores of teens with STIs go untreated for long periods because they have no access to clinics. Getrude Mupiwa from Gwinha village is one of the women who gave birth at home because of lack of a health facility nearby. She had labour pains at 3am and had nowhere to go. “It is now 10 years since people sat down to plan for this clinic. Many of those involved in the project have since died. We have lost hope and we don’t know if we are going to live to see it opened,” said Mupiwa. Villagers and their employed children contributed their own money and provided material for construction of the 10-roomed clinic until Council intervened and took over the project in 2021. Projects in Zimbabwe, big or small take forever to complete due to lack of audits and oversight. The project to tar the 57km Gutu - Buhera Road which is a State road has not been completed since independence, 44 years ago. Ony 15km of the road was tarred and an attempt by the Second Republic to resume the project in 2019 collapsed after resident engineers looted resources. Lovemore Muungani, a villager said one of the reasons derailing progress is that Gutu RDC condemned the trusses on the roofing of Gutu women deliver at home as clinic takes 10 years to build To page19 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Ndahwi Clinic under under construction. Rugare Gumindoga . Headman Ndahwi born Phonias Mahaso.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Health news Page19 From page 18 staff houses, floors and doors. He said that villagers are still paying money towards the construction of the clinic. Gutu RDC CEO, Alexander Mutembwa confirmed the delay in the completion of the clinic but refuted allegations that some features of the clinic were condemned arguing that this was just work in progress. He said that the local authority had too many projects on its hands and resources from the Devolution Fund sometimes take long to be disbursed. He also said that council’s plan was to complete Makumbe and Mapiriviri clinics and then go back to Ndahwi. The local authority is currently seized with the drafting of a 20-year masterplan for the district, he also said. Headman Ndahwi born Phonias Mahaso said villagers walk 20km to the nearest clinics like Nerupiri, Mushaviri or Mpandawana. He said many pregnant women give birth at home and some on their way to the clinic. During the rain season the area becomes isolated as Mutirikwi River can be flooded for weeks and is difficult to cross. Villagers had constructed the clinic to slab level by the time Gutu Rural District Council took over the construction in 2021. Headman Ndahwi insisted that some work at the clinic had indeed been condemned and took The Mirror inside the building and showed the crew trusses in the nurses’ house, the floor and doors that need to be removed. What baffles villagers is that the condemned material was sourced by Gutu RDC itself. Gutu West MP, John Paradza’s call went unanswered for several days. Ward 29 councillor, Hogas Manyiwa could not be reached for a comment. “We have placed the project on hold as we are currently focusing on the master plan. It is not true that we have condemned the structure because the builders are contracted by the council. Devolution funds are also not regularly disbursed,” said Mutembwa. Gutu women deliver at home as clinic takes 10 years to build 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Getrude Mupiwa. Lovemore Muungani

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page 20 CATHERINE MUROMBEDZI HEALTH CORRESPONDENT Tuberculosis, a preventable and curable disease, continues to claim thousands of lives in Zimbabwe annually, with children being the most vulnerable due to delayed diagnosis and inadequate treatment. Tuberculosis diagnosis in children is challenging due to their inability to communicate and the lack of bacteriological confirmation in over 50% of cases. This was communicated by Dr Fungai Kavenga, Deputy Director in the Department of TB Prevention and Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, (MoHCC). He was educating editors from various publications and station managers at a National Aids Council workshop in Chinhoyi. Dr Kavenga spoke on the challenges of diagnosing TB in children due to many factors. He, however, said there were innovative methods to break the barrier. “TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. TB is airborne and is caused by a bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. Since it is airborne, everyone is at risk of acquiring the disease. TB diagnosis in children is challenging. We therefore miss other children from the correct diagnosis spectrum," said Dr Kavenga. "Locally, our first port of screening is paper based on these questions asked. Has one had chronic coughing lasting more than a week? "Is the person coughing up phlegm (gararwa)? Does one feel any chest pain, shortness of breath or discomfort, fatigue (feeling weak or tired), weight loss, loss of appetite, fever (recurring or persistent), and night sweats If yes, then a test to determine if one has tuberculosis is done," Dr Kavenga educated the forum. "For adults, one is asked to cough out a phlegm, and this is used for the sputum test. This is a test to see if there are TB germs in the phlegm. Another method is the smear test, which is also a laboratory based test that can find the TB germs in a sample. A chest x-ray can also be used to check for signs of TB in the lungs. "There is also what is called a culture test. This test can find the TB germs in a sample and determine which medicines can kill them," said Dr Kavenga. Dr. Kavenga said children got TB infection through exposure. Exposure is when one is living with a TB patient. TB patients are infectious before treatment. On commencing treatment one is no longer infectious after two weeks. By nature of children being unable to communicate, if they are not coughing, TB in children may take longer to be detected. He, therefore, urged parents and caregivers to take note of any changes in their children. “With an epidemiological estimate of 12% of adult cases, no actual verification studies have been done. This translates to about 4000 annual cases. However, we have been able to diagnose just half of those annually. There was a challenge in collecting specimens in children because they could not cough up phlegm to do the sputum test. “Usually, with no TB exposure in a family, there is a low index of suspicion among clinicians. “We have suboptimal chest X-ray coverage (CXR). This diagnostic aide is not available in all health facilities. “We also have suboptimal CXR interpretation skills. Not all health care workers are fully trained in presumptive TB interpretation for children. “We also have suboptimal use of Mantoux. “Low health care worker capacity is a limitation as trainings were limited and more mentorship is needed,” said Dr Kavenga. Dr. Kavenga said good nutrition plays an important role in preventing TB. “In screening symptom, using the TB screening tool and nutritional assessment helps. “Diagnosis of childhood TB, we use the Gene Xpert or Truenat if these modern tools are available. Not many facilities have these two. We are scaling up as modern tools to simplify diagnosis. "Specimens from children include stool, sputum, gastric lavage, nasopharengeal aspirates. “Additionally, children living with HIV can be tested using urine LF LAM,” said Dr Kavenga. Lateral Flow Lipoarabinomannan (LFLAM) test detects a component of the TB bacteria in urine, making it a useful tool for diagnosing TB in children and people with weakened immune systems, such as those living with HIV. The LF-LAM test is a simple and quick test using urine. The results are out in 20-30 minutes. It is a good method as it is non-invasive. It uses urine instead of blood or sputum. It is very useful for children and those with difficulty producing sputum. The test is more sensitive in people with HIV/TB coinfection. "The LF-LAM test is a valuable addition to the diagnostic arsenal, especially in resource-limited settings where TB is prevalent,” said Dr Kavenga. When asked about the number of children born with TB, he said that although there are children born with TB, it is very rare. “Although there is what is known as Congenital TB, children born with TB, it is rare. It can either be transmitted through the placenta or TB in a neonate contracted within the first 28 days of life. This form of TB needs early diagnosis and treatment,” he stated. "For babies with a parent or living under the same roof with a TB patient, they are exposed to TB and, therefore, require prevention precautions. “In terms of babies exposed to TB, yes, we give isoniazid for 6 months, based on weight. This TB drug prevents progression from TB infection to TB disease,” educated Dr Kavenga. There are now child-friendly strawberry flavored syrups for children overcoming the pill burden and nasty pill taste. TB is a notifiable disease. In 2021, an estimated 29 000 people in Zimbabwe contracted TB, with 6 300 dying from the disease. (WHO) . Feedback: cathymwauyakufa@gmail. com "Innovative Methods For Diagnosing TB in Children" Dr Fungai Kavenga, Deputy Director in the Department of TB Prevention and Control in the Ministry of Health and Child Care. “On bacteriological confirmation, with childhood TB, over 50% of cases are bacteriologically negative. So, using the tests mentioned earlier will not help. Child-friendly specimens are only recently being scaled up with the use of stool.” 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page21 Religious News BY FR ISIAH DHLIWAYO "I am here on earth for just a little while" (Psalm 119:19) The theology of life is a working hypothesis, a biblical concept at its conceptual stage. It could be a principle of God, a central message of the Christian scriptures, revealed and described by Jesus of Nazareth. It acknowledges God as the source and author of life. The concept of life plays a central part in theology both in describing the living God and in explaining the created participation in the divine life that man enjoys by grace in this world and that constitutes his glory in the next. Life on earth is a temporary assignment. Happiness is temporary, Sadness is temporary. Only this temporariness is permanent in this world.Human beings love living great Theologically,the roots of personhood lie in Trinitarian theology—to be a person is to be distinct from other persons, and yet inextricably bound up with them. Just as God is who he is in the inextricable fellowship of Father, Son and Spirit, so for us to be personal is to be what we are in relation to other persons. All that immediately concerns the theologian is that life ultimately stems from the divine act of creation and that the rational life of this individual human soul comes into existence through a direct creative act of God. Spiritual understandings of life views it as an evolutionary journey of spiritual growth, self-realization, and transformation, where individuals seek to align themselves with higher truths or principles. Though life is a temporary assignment,there is however a purpose of life which inherent to our existence is that we learn, adapt, and grow. Health, happiness, and longevity are the payoffs for this. Since our biological evolution is the foundation of our existence, a purpose of our lives is to continue to "evolve" during our lifetime by learning and growing. One of the great sorrows of life is its brevity. This life is but a breath, a vapor, a mist that vanishes with the sun. Even the eldest among us dies too soon, for we were made to live forever. Yet, while it is right to lament life’s brevity, we can also find in it reason to rejoice. There are reasons to be glad that life is short. Corinthians 4:17-18 says Our suffering is light and temporary and is producing for us an eternal glory that is greater than anything we can imagine. We don't look for things that can be seen but for things that can't be seen. Things that can be seen are only temporary. But things that can't be seen last forever. The Bible is full of metaphors that teach about the brief, temporary, transient nature of life on earth.Life is described as a mist ,a fast runner ,a breath and a wisp of smoke ....."For we were born but yesterday...Our days on earth are as transient as a shadow."(James 4:4)“The life you have left is a gift. Cherish it. Enjoy it now, to the fullest. Do what matters, now.”(― Leo Babauta, writer and Zen blogger.) Because time is short, we will not labor for long. Our lives are full of hard labor—the labor of earning a living, caring for a home, raising a family, the labor of improving and conforming our minds. Hardest of all is the labor of the heart—to search it, cleanse it, and guard it. Sometimes our hearts hasten toward holiness and sometimes they hasten toward sin. Sometimes our hearts move to sin slowly and with reluctance and sometimes our hearts advance toward holiness only with the greatest exertion. But our comfort is that we will not be engaged in this grueling work forever, for we will soon rest from our labors (Revelation 14:13). When our bodies go to the grave, our souls go to rest. The Bible says ,We are Christ's ambassadors.Sadly ,many Christians have betrayed their King and his kingdom.They have foolishly concluded that because they live on earth ,its their home.It is not .The Bible is clear:"Friends ,this world is not your home,so dont make yourselves cozy in it .Dont indulge your ego at the expense of your soul."(1Peter2:1) God warns us not to get attached to what 's around us because it is temporary. 1 Corinthians 7:31 " those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away." In this world life has never been easier for everyone.With all the fascinating attractions, mesmerising media and enjoyable experiences available today,its easy to forget that the pursuit of happiness is not what life is about Only aa we remember that life is a test ,a trust and a temporary assignment will the appeal of these things lose their grip on our lives. Despite the fact that life is a temporary assignment..the Christian tradition's understanding of a good life involves us being in loving relationships with God and with others. Because we are created in the image of a Trinitarian God, our lives go well for us inasmuch as our relationships mirror the self-giving relationships among the members of the Trinity. Theologically ,this good life is a condition in which a person will be the most happy. Such happiness can be researched through a deductive perspective, which has been done by many philosophers over time. Two such philosophers, Plato and Aristotle, deem the good life as the state in which a person exhibits total virtue. Life is short and we have never too much time for gladdening the hearts of those who are travelling the dark journey with us. Oh be swift to love, make haste to be kind. Life is short, and every moment is precious. Life is short, so enjoy it to the fullest."Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.”― (Isaac Asimov, American author and professor of biochemistry.) We humans can tend to ‘’put things off’’ and ignore settting aside time—and making solid plans—for the TRULY important things in LIfe, because we think we will ‘’Always have tomorrow’’ to do those things… Of course the reality is that we have NO IDEA about what ‘’tomorrow’’ will bring, and so our BEST approach is to, indeed, make EVERY DAY count, as if that day were our last day… This doesn’t mean that we start partying and doing the dangerous/unhealthy things that will ACTUALLY hasten our death! Call/App +263773426115 Life Is a Temporary Assignment : - A Theological Reflection! Ps Trymore Dzobo Pauls experience should be a lesson for all . Philippians 3:5 KJV [5] Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, an Hebrew of the Hebrews; as touching the law, a Pharisee; His background was very rich in knowledge and training Rich ministry experience Acts 26:5 KJV [5] Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee. And notable lifestyle . Galatians 1:14 KJV [14] And profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. Then came the turn around Galatians 1:15-16 KJV [15] But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, [16] To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:Salvation Then ministry .Revelation had "hit" him , way different from all he had known and done before Galatians 1:17-18 KJV [17] Neither went I up to Jerusalem to them which were apostles before me; but I went into Arabia, and returned again unto Damascus. [18] Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter, and abode with him fifteen days. He went off and away to Arabia . Which I will call time for sober reflection Undo all that's been done and unlearn all that's been learnt Hence his starting on a fresh slate Philippians 3:7 KJV [7] But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. This is needful He didn't try to convince Jerusalem that he had " met the word " ,he didn't quickly start posting on social media His earlier attempt caused ruckus Acts 9:29-30 KJV [29] And he spake boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Grecians: but they went about to slay him. [30] Which when the brethren knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him forth to Tarsus. He was "helped " You need a time of quiet. No noise. No trying to " show Jerusalem " what you now know Apollos learnt this too Acts 18:26 KJV [email protected] +263774740407 Have you been to Arabia? 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Page22 NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS AND DEBTORS AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN In the estate of the late JACOB DZINGO who died on 7 JUNE 2024 at PLOT 1 MUNGWEZI RANCH CHIREDZI. All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to lodge them in detail with the undersigned not later than 30 days and those indebted thereto are required to pay to the undersigned the amount due by them within the same period, failing which legal proceedings will be taken for the recovery thereof. All persons having in their custody or possession of any property belonging or relating to this estate are required to deliver the same forthwith to the undersigned. DATED AT MASVINGO THIS 28TH DAY OF JUNE 2024 APPLICANT: COLLEN DZINGO, ROMWE PRIMARY SCHOOL P BAG 642, CHIREDZI. NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS AND DEBTORS AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN In the estate (GTDE38/23) of the late PHILLIP MUSASA who died on 22 MARCH 2010 at GUTU. All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to lodge them in detail with the undersigned not later than 30 days and those indebted thereto are required to pay to the undersigned the amount due by them within the same period, failing which legal proceedings will be taken for the recovery thereof. All persons having in their custody or possession of any property belonging or relating to this estate are required to deliver the same forthwith to the undersigned. DATED AT MASVINGO THIS 28TH DAY OF JUNE 2024 APPLICANT: AUGUSTINE MUSASA, STAND No 5451/14 HWIRU GUTU LOCATION. NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS AND DEBTORS AND TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN In the estate of the late PETRO SITHOLE who died on 11 AUGUST 2021 at MASVINGO. All persons having claims against the above named estate are required to lodge them in detail with the undersigned not later than 30 days and those indebted thereto are required to pay to the undersigned the amount due by them within the same period, failing which legal proceedings will be taken for the recovery thereof. All persons having in their custody or possession of any property belonging or relating to this estate are required to deliver the same forthwith to the undersigned. DATED AT MASVINGO THIS 28TH DAY OF JUNE 2024 APPLICANT: TAFARA ENOCH SITHOLE, HOUSE No. 5691 NGONGONI CRESCENT HILLSIDE, MASVINGO. LIQUIDATION AND DISTRIBUTION ACCOUNTS LYING FOR INSPECTION. In the estate of SHONHAI MAXWELL (DRMW 05/13) who died on 7 MARCH 2004 at MAKOTORE VILLAGE, CHIEF NESHURO, MWENEZI. Notice is hereby given that the first and final liquidation and or distribution account in the above estate will be lying for inspection for a period of 21 of publication and those indebted thereto are required to pay to the undersigned the amount due by them within the same period, failing which legal proceedings will be taken for the recovery thereof. Should no objections be lodged with the master within the same period of inspection, payments and or distribution will be made in accordance therewith. DATED AT MASVINGO THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY 2024 APPLICANT: TONGAI SHONHAI, NESHURO SECONDARY SCHOOL P.O BOX 50 NESHURO. SHOP LICENCE Notice is hereby given that an application will be made to the Licensing Authority for Zaka Rural District for the issue of a license to MAXWELL CHIONIONI trading as CHIONIONI AND FAMILY to carry out the business of a GENERAL DEALER in respect of premises situated at STAND No 87 JERERA GROWTH POINT. The application will be made at the same time for the business to be carried under the effective control of MAXWELL CHIONIONI. DATED AT MASVINGO THIS 28TH DAY OF MAY 2024 APPLICANT: MAXWELL CHIONIONI, MUDAVANHU PRIMARY SCHOOL P BAG 8 JERERA. T & C’s Apply For more information: +263 392 264 372/ +263 772 118 533/ +263 776 333 270 [email protected] 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Entertainment news Page 23 Thank goodness its Friday Name: Ponama nukula Age: 27yrs Hobby: gym Favourite food: salad Credit: Jodash pixs 0779505792 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Sports news Page 24 DUMISANI KUFARUWENGA A man called Donvant Moyo played great soccer. What disarmed his opponents was his composure. And in the heat of battle, he could think. And there he was, in the upper field of the soccer pitch at Fletcher High School, in the presence of the fatherly figure of a Headmaster called Kajevu and a vociferous crowd, Donvant Moyo won possession of the ball in midfield, deceived and dribbled past two opponents, and volleyed a crispy pass to Tino Mabhonzo, and Tino Mabhonzo converted an easy goal. And the crowd went wild with jubilation. "Mudhara Mudhara," the crowd yelled, for Donvant Moyo was affectionately nicknamed thus on account of his mature command and cool control of the game of soccer. "Did you see how he engineered it all, that guy is a genius?" The crowd praised him instead of Timmy Mab- honzo the goal scorer, for they could see that it was Mudhara Mudhara's ingenuity that created the goal. And Mudhara Mudhara ruled the roost, he being the craftsman of the game of soccer on account of his good workmanship, the cap- tain who steered his team to capture, without fail, the prize Cup of victory. And the fatherly figure of a Headmaster called Kajevu could not hide his glee. He leaned over to a Chemistry teacher called Tivaratnam and said: "If that number 10 has the ball, we are in control " And amid all the explosion of excitement, praise and adulation, Mudhara Mudhara maintained his chill. He walked back to the centre starting point, with the measured strides of a king about to be crowned. The game restarted and onother opportunity arose. An attacking midfielder called Shepi stole the ball from the opponents, and Mudhara Mudhara, in his calm, cool and collected voice, urgently called for the ball; "Shepi, Shepi! And Shepi heard the captain and placed an accurate pass in the direction of Mudhara Mudhara's sprint. It was a bullet of a sure left footed shot that was aimed at the exteme left upright post from the Master of the game of soccer! It can only be compared to the perfectly accurate aim of an Israeli trained assasin. And the opponents ' goal keeper stood no chance. The ball from Mudhara Mudhara' magical foot grazed the left upright post and bounced off into the net, as pre-planned, as pre-ordained by Mudhara Mudhara's instinctive reflexes. It's a goal! And Fletcher High School beat the opponents 2-0, and the crowd was ecstatic! Game over! The electric atmosphere notwithstanding, Mudhara Mudhara walked nonchalantly off the pitch, and the crowd smothered him, jumping, cheering and praising; "Mudhara Midhara!" But a bold beautiful girl with impressive locomotion devices prised off the crowd and got to the soccer king. She got hold of Mudhara Mudhara's hand and led him towards Hanno Hostel, and the crowd parted in front of them like what the Red Sea did for Moses and the lsralites in biblical times. And this is where this particular story ends. Who says soccer in Zimbabwe doesn't pay? Who says soccer in Zimbabwe doesn’t pay… based on a true story! 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Sports news Page 25 TRYMORE TAGWIREI MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO–Berejena High School was the toast of the Catholic Secondary Schools Association (CASSA) choral and games competitions held at Gokomere two weeks ago when its teams rose to the occasion and won the best football and netball team awards. The competition held under the theme: Enlarge the Space of Your Tent, brought together 17 Catholic secondary schools from Masvingo Diocese. Masvingo Mirror crowned the joyous moment for Berejena by awarding the two teams, football and netball kits among other prizes from other donors. The Mirror also gave prize money to two players from Berejena; Praise Chokuda and Gloria Nyenyesa who were adjudged the best soccer player and netballer of the tournament respectively. The prizes were presented by Mirror Deputy General Manager, Elizabeth Mashiri and the Administrator, Trevor Nyagura respectively. Praise told The Mirror that he was very happy to be selected as the best soccer player. “I am happy with this achievement and I won for my school and my teammates because we worked as a team to win the trophy,” he said. Gloria said that she is happy to be adjudicated the player netball player. She added that she is grateful to her teammates and coaches. “I am happy to be this year’s best netball player. I am grateful to my teammates and coach for supporting me. We played as one and won the trophy and this is something to smile about,” she said. Speaking during the handover of prizes, Mashiri said sports was as important as academics and students must give it their full effort. He said sports may however not be as rewarding in Zimbabwe as it is elsewhere hence local students always find themselves more connected to books. Mashiri urged the girl child to aim higher and said the sky is the limit and her rise to the position of Deputy GM at the Mirror was a good example. The event was attended by 17 secondary schools in the Masvingo Catholic Diocese and was conducted under the theme ‘Enlarge the space of your Tent’. Masvingo Catholic Diocese Education Secretary Fr Samson Mutsvanga was the guest of honour. Berejena sports master Tafadzwa Ruzoma said they are proud to have won the tournament after failing to win the last two editions. “We are happy as a school and as the coach I am proud considering that we had been on a losing streak for the previous two CASSA editions,” he said. Silveira High however emerged as the champions of this year’s CASSA games, securing five gold medals in tennis for boys, tennis for girls, volleyball for boys won jointly with Gokomere, handball for girls, and handball for boys, as well as three silver medals and two bronze. Gokomere High secured the second position with four gold medals in volleyball for girls, volleyball for boys jointly won with Silveira, chess for girls and choir. Berejena High sweeps Mirror sports awards THE
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 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com Mirror Administrator Trevor Nyagura (in suit) greets player of the tournament Praise Chokuda. Looking on is Mirror Deputy General Manager, Elizabeth Mashiri and Roman Catholic Masvingo Diocese Education Secretary Fr Samson Mutsvanga.

The Mirror: Ihwai nekuhwikwa Sports news Page 26 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com AUDREY MASHINGAIDZE MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO - This year's edition of the Southern Tours Golf Tournament kicked off this morning at the Masvingo Golf Club with 38 professional and amateur players from all over the country. Sports for All Trust hosts this annual event with Species College, Ok Supermarkets and Dube, Manikai and Hwacha (DMH) Legal Practitioners as sponsors. This was confirmed by Tendayi Gwatiringa who is convening the tournament. The Southern Tour Invitational seeks to raise funds and support two local charities whose names are to be advised after tomorrow's (Saturday) game. The event which has been going on for 20 years now has Alex Siyavora (last year's winner) as the defending Champion whilst the rest are vying for this year's win. The winners will walk away with prizes whilst the proceeds from the tournament will be donated to the two charities. “Every year we host the tournament to raise funds for charity and for the past twenty years (20) it's been a success. We are grateful to those who participate and the sponsors because they make lives better for the beneficiaries of the tournament,” said Gwatiringa. Southern Tours Golf Tournament bursts into life Speciss College CEO Wilson Seremani and Mirror General Manager Nomatter Mwanyisa.

THE Sport Mirror 28 June - 04 July 2024 www.masvingomirror.com masvingo mirror masvingomirror ELLEN MLAMBO MIRROR REPORTER MASVINGO – Kirsty Coventry who is the Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture last week commissioned a state of the art US$31 000 multi-purpose court at Rafamoyo High School in Gutu that will be used for tennis, volleyball and basketball. Coventry told The Mirror in an interview after the commissioning that the court, built using Government funds was the first of its kind for any rural school in Gutu District. She said the development is in line with Government policy to deliver standard sports, arts and recreation facilities in the country. The court will be used by students and the community. The Minister emphasised that such sporting infrastructure will reduce cases of drug abuse and other social ills as it will give the youth something to occupy themselves with. She said that Government will intensify the provision of sporting facilities by partnering the private sector. She called on local authorities to identify defunct sporting facilities with a view to upgrading them and allocate more budgets for construction of entertainment facilities for the youth. Rafamoyo head, Kenford Musakanda who appreciated the construction of the court thanked former Gutu North Constituency MP, Yeukai Simbanegavi for influencing the construction of the court at the school. Dignitaries who attended the event included Deputy Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Emily Jesaya, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nicholas Moyo and Masvingo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Ezra Chadzamira. “Zimbabwean society is naturally focused on managing diseases, infections, drug abuse, unemployment, mental illness and other conditions affecting the growth and well-being of the society. These costly measures for treating illness and diseases can be circumvented by providing facilities that accord citizens adequate and standard sport, arts and recreation play fields in Zimbabwe. “Currently my Ministry is in the process of accessing existing private and public sport, arts and recreation infrastructure and facilities across the country, with a view to identify specific infrastructure needs so as to resuscitate and improve them. “I call upon all local authorities to upgrade existing sport, arts and recreation facilities in their areas of jurisdiction as well as construct more facilities to avail adequate playing space for youths,” she said. “This state-of-the-art sport facility will serve as a hub for our students and youths to explore their passion for sports, develop their skills and build lasting friendships. “This facility will also provide a safe and inclusive space for our community to come together, promoting physical activity, team work and healthy lifestyles,” said Musakanda. Coventry commissions US$31k Gutu tennis court Kirsty Coventry (in white) and her deputy Emily Jesaya inside the court. Coventry unveiling the court’s plaque.