The Sun 24 February 2023 Issue

100 Desson Building, 8th Street and R.G Mugabe Way, Gweru, Zimbabwe Tel: 0712 718 043 Email: [email protected] When The Sun Speaks, The World Listens Est: 2003 The Sun 10 - 16 February 2023 e- paper Page 4 Page 3 www.thesunnews.co.zw [email protected] 0712718043 100 Desson Building, 8th Street and R.G Mugabe Way, Gweru, Zimbabwe Tel: 0712 718 043 Email: [email protected] P/3 Page 6 When The Sun Speaks, The World Listens Est: 2003 The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 E-paper n an unfortunate turn of events, the embattled City of Gweru's Acting Town Clerk Vakai Chikwekwe has been suspended to pave way for investigations by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC), The Sun has learnt Chikwekwe will be on suspension without pay or benefits until ZACC completes investigations into his case. The Acting Town Clerk is facing charges of Criminal abuse of duty as defined in Section 174(1)(a) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) or in the alternative c/s Section 94 (3) of the Public Procurement and Disposal (Regulations)S.I.5 of 2018. In a press statement, Gweru Mayor Councilor Hamutendi Kombayi said the local authority has resolved to appoint the DirecPAGE 2

2. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 tor of Finance Livingston Churu to be the Acting Town Clerk and Chikwekwe's suspension was prompted by the need to avoid interference with investigations. "The City of Gweru Council has resolved to appoint the Director of Finance, Mr Livingston Churu to be the Acting Town Clerk until further notice. This comes after the former Acting Town Clerk and substantive Chamber Secretary is being investigated with ZACC over flaunting Procurement regulations charges. Hence, to avoid interference with the investigations, Mr Vakayi Douglas Chikwekwe has been suspended until the matter is settled," reads part of the press statement. ZACC officers last week arrested Chikwekwe who is represented by Mr Tonderai Chitere, of Chitere, Chidawanyika and Partners appeared before provincial magistrate Mirriam Banda who granted him ZWL$100 000.00 bail, with set conditions. He will appear in court on 17 March 2023 and is not allowed to interfere with state witnesses at the City of Gweru, or at the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ). Ms Banda also ordered Chikwekwe to report once every fortnight at the ZACC offices in Gweru. According to state papers, the complainant in the matter is Tapiwa Hove who is employed by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe as a Legal Manager. State Counsel Fredrick Matsheza told the court that Chikwekwe's duties as the Accounting Officer for the City of Gweru among others include responsibility for ensuring that procurement activities of a procuring entity are carried out in compliance with the Public Procurement and Disposal of Public Assets Act [Chapter 22:235) and any other directions of the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe, Sometime in 2020, Gweru City Council wanted to develop and service Mkoba 21 stands and as such on 29 May 2020, Gweru City Council advertised an invitation of expression of interest in the Zimbabwean Government Gazette for tender number COG/ 01/06/2020 Eight prospective bidders submitted their applications and on 30 June 2020, the Technical Evaluation Committee recommended that Sheasham Investments, Casas Properties and Wackdrive Pvt Ltd be shortlisted as they were compliant with the mandatory requirements. On 03 July 2020, the Procurement Management Unit Committee which was chaired by Chikwekwe as the Acting Town Clerk approved the recommendation made by the Technical Evaluation Committee. Further, the Procurement Management Unit Committee recommended that the tender be submitted to the Special Procurement Oversight Committee. The accused as the Accounting Officer submitted the tender documents to the Procurement Oversight Committee for review on 29 July 2020. The state alleged that he was supposed to obtain clearance from the Special Procurement Oversight Committee with regard to the documents he had submitted on the 29th of July 2020 for review. However, Chikwekwe as the Accounting Officer for the City of Gweru proceeded to award contracts to the three (3) bidders on the 18 of August 2020 without clearance from the Special Procurement Oversight Committee in contravention of Section 94 (3) of the Public Procurement and Disposal of the Public Assets Act- (General) Regulations SI 5 of 2018 which requires for certification by the Procurement Oversight Committee before awarding a contract. (General) Regulations S.1 S of 2018 required for certification by the Special Procurement Oversight Committee before awarding a contract. The court heard that on the 20 of August 2020, the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe wrote a letter directing the acting Town Clerk to collect bids, extend bid validity, correct the evaluation reports and submit the revised evaluation reports which show that the Special Procurement Oversight Committee had not certified the awarding of the contracts to the three developers. The state said Chikwekwe acted inconsistent or contrary to his duties as Accounting Officer for the City of Gweru by awarding contracts for the servicing of Mkoba 21 stands to Sheasham Investments, Casas Properties and Wackdrive (Pvt) Ltd without clearance from the Special Procurement Oversight Committee thereby showing favor to the three land developers and disfavor to the other companies who bid for the servicing of Mkoba 21 stands. Mr Chitere told The Sun that he was waiting for full investigations to be completed and will see on the next court date what the state will be presenting before the court. T he Zimbabwe Con gress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has called on the government to pay its workers in United States Dollars saying the local ZLW has failed and the economy has selfdollarized. Speaking at a press conference held in Gweru this Friday, ZCTU Acting Secretary General Kudakwashe Munengiwa said the lives of the common working man were in danger because of meager salaries which do not meet the current cost of living and if the government does not take action the labor union will be forced to resort to concerted measures that will compel the government to yield to workers' demands. "The lives of the common working man are in danger, and the cost of living is generally dollarized, we have written to the Minister of Labor and Social welfare reminding him of the agreement that we made on the 23rd of September 2022, we agreed that the lowest paid worker should earn $US150 but this has not been done, we had initially agreed that the least paid worker would earn the 150 from September to December last year and then an upward review was to be done in March. "If the government fails to implement the salary peg, we as labor reserve the right to resort to concerted measures to compel the government to yield to the workers' demands," he said. Munengiwa said the government was dollarizing subsectors and there was a need to do the same with workers' salaries. "The government can't dollarize passports, they can't dollarize fuel while they can't dollarize the worker's salary, and we want them to dollarize everything," he said The labor union leader also attributed the corruption and theft bedeviling the country to the meager salaries that the common workers are getting. "We cannot agree that this country will survive on corruption and stealing because right now everyone has to steal and has to be corrupt to survive, we cannot allow that, so we are calling upon the Ministry of Labor and Social welfare to legislate minimum wage," said Munengiwa. In 2020 the then ZCTU Secretary General threatened to embark on an industrial action if the government failed to gazette the minimum salaries for general workers to $3.800 per month which translated to around US$146 a month using the 2020 parallel market rates.

The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 3. The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023

The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 4. CITY OF GWERU www.thesunnews.co.zw PUBLIC NOTICE CONTRAVENTION OF THE GWELO (PUBLIC HEALTH) BY-LAW, SECTION 45(1) ON KEEPING OF EQUINE ANIMALS. City of Gweru has noted with concern the number of donkeys being kept within council's jurisdiction area without council's consent and the damages being caused to both property and crops. In addition there are a number of road traffic accidents attributed to the stray donkeys. Keeping of equine animals within City of Gweru Council boundaries without a written permission from council is in contravention of the Gwelo (PUBLIC HEALTH) BY-LAWS: PART VIII SECTION 45 (1) which states that:- No person shall keep, permit or suffer any horse, mule or donkey to be kept on any premises within the municipality unless the following requirements have been met.' A) Permission of Council, in writing has first been obtained. All donkey owners are therefore required to immediately remove their unlawfully kept animals from the council's jurisdiction area. Failure to comply with this notice by the 17th of March 2023 will result in council taking further action without notice. Thank You. Mr S.Sekenhamo Acting Town Clerk 23/02/2023 P olice in the Midlands Prov ince has intensified their campaign against drug sup pliers and peddlers under a newly launched special operation which saw public vehicles including 22 buses being searched for dangerous drugs this Thursday. The operation comes after the police launched a nationwide crackdown against drug peddlers and suppliers with the government declaring its full support for the operation. Maragada, Musombodhiya, Tegu-Tegu and Guka/buwe/dombo/crystal meth are some of the popular substances that youth in Zimbabwe are taking. Most of the youth, who engage in these activities, claim that they have nothing to do in the country due to lack of jobs. But some parents believe that there is general moral decadence in the country leading to drug and alcohol abuse. Statistics released in August last year by the government showed that alcohol and drug abuse is highest among young adults aged between 15 to 29 years and lowest among adults aged 65 years and older. Dubbed, "No to dangerous drugs and illicit substances: see something say something," the operation will see police in the Midlands province doubling their efforts to curb the spread of drug and substance abuse. In an interview with the press, Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Winston Muza said his team will be on the ground in full force rooting out the menace of illicit substances in the society "As you are aware, as ZRP we have launched an operation against drug peddling, drug abuse, and all sorts of crimes where drugs are involved. As Midlands province, we have decided to also make an operation against drug peddling and abuse as a follow-up to the national launch that was carried out in Harare and we are going to be all out in full force searching for these drugs that are harmful to our society. "Our children are affected, and the young generation which is the future of our nation is at risk of perishing because of drugs. As such and as Midlands province, we want to stamp this out. So this is what we are doing as the Midlands province. As we speak we have not heard any cases, but arrests have been made and perpetrators will be taken to court," said Commissioner Muza. During the search of the 22 buses, Commissioner Muza warned passengers and bus conductors against trafficking drugs. "We are saying that drugs are a menace to our children, to our youths, and the society at large. To those involved in the storage and distribution of drugs, we are saying we are out in full force, the net will catch you," he said. Commissioner Muza said the antidrug operation will be extended to commercial and residential areas and other places such as night spots which are potential drug hubs. The current upsurge in drug and alcohol abuse among the youth is worrying with reports of several drug-induced psychosis cases at the country's hospitals. Codeine, Broncleer, Cannabis, www.thesunnews.co.zw File Photo

The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 5. The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 CITY OF GWERU PUBLIC NOTICE www.thesunnews.co.zw The City of Gweru has noted with concern the increasing number of stray dogs and dog bites being recorded within the city. Dog owners and general public are hereby advised that, in terms of the Gwelo (dog licensing and control) by-laws; 1. No person shall keep in the Council area more than two (2) dogs on any property measuring less than 2000 square metres or more than four in any area above 2000 square metres. 2. Dogs shall only be kept where the property is securely fenced/ walled and gated (hedge is not permissible) 3. Dogs within Council area shall be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Please be advised that the City of Gweru in conjunction with the various stakeholders will be enforcing the DOG TIE UP ORDER as from 6th to 27th of March 2023. All dogs kept within unsecure premises and dogs in excess of the required number found roaming on the streets during this period will be regarded as stray dogs and will be shot. Dog owners with premises that are not secure are required to render their premises secure and those with more than the permissible number are advised to transfer their dogs to other premises or SPCA, Mvuma Rd, after show grounds before the 6th of March 2023. For reporting purposes, the public is encouraged to use the following numbers: 054-2222011-2 (Fire Station) 054-2224071-9 (Gweru City Council general lines) 0773246707 (Pest Control Officer Mr Madungwe) Mr S.Sekenhamo Acting Town Clerk 23/02/2023 ouths who frequent recreational facilities in the City of Gweru have been asked to refrain from acts of vandalism and preserve sporting arenas. The appeal came from Ward 13 Councilor Catherine Mhondiwa at a resident's engagement meeting held in Gweru, said youths were destroying playing centers that they should preserve. "The youths are supposed to preserve their playgrounds. I once saw young boys unweaving a fence around a ground in Mkoba during a soccer match that l attended. I think parents should instill a sense of responsibility in their children so that we preserve our play centers," she said. She also added that the council was making plans to place a good ground in each ward to ensure that youths have access to recreational facilities. "Council has tried to develop the grounds that we have so far. Mkoba stadium is hosting a lot of teams across various soccer leagues and the council is in a bid to make a ground in each ward but the existing ones should be preserved," she added Speaking at the same event Gweru Residents and Ratepayers Association Chairperson, Cornelius Selipiwe bemoaned the depreciation of play centers. "Our play centers are no longer in good shape and that's probably why the youths are indulging in drug abuse because there might be a shortage of recreational facilities, back in the day when the play parks were in good shape youths spent quality time playing various games in the play parks," said Selipiwe

The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 6. The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 VACANCY INTERNAL AUDITOR A vacancy for an Internal Auditor has arisen in our organisation. Responsibilities Perform and control the full audit cycle including risk management and control management over operations' effectiveness, financial reliability and compliance with all applicable directives and regulations. Determine internal audit scope and develop annual plans. Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings. Document, process and prepare audit findings memorandum. Conduct follow up audits to monitor interventions. Engage in continuous knowledge development regarding sector's rules, regulations, best practices, tools, techniques and performance standards. Requirements A degree in Accounting from a recognised institution. Proven 2 years working experience as Auditor. Highly computer literate. Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations. Meticulous attention to detail and excellent analytical skills. Sound independent judgement. An ability constantly deliver on tight deadlines. Interested and qualified candidates should send their application letters, CVs, academic certificates to [email protected] not later than Friday 3 March 2023. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has dismissed indications that the registration of standby generators attracts a fee of ZW$100 000 by confirming that the registration is for free and all owners of 100kw generating equipment should be registered with the authority. In a public notice, the energy regulatory authority noted that in terms of the Electricity Act 2002(chapter 13:19) and Statutory Instrument 103 of 2008 that all owners with standby generators or generating equipment should be registered with ZERA. This move is to make sure that public safety is observed in the operation of the grid and mostly to prevent back feeding of power into the grid from these generators during outages and maintenance. The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority was established by The Energy Regulatory Act (13.23). One of the laws of the Authority in relation to the Electricity Act is to safeguard the public and employees in the Electricity Supply Industry (ESI). "This is to be achieved through consumer protection codes and standards, the registration of all electricity generators, and the licensing of all entities operating generation facility of 100 kw installed capacity and above". Investigations by the Authority have yielded results that confirm generators are being owned by many stakeholders that include individuals, companies, and institutions which generate electricity. The move is therefore being applied to safeguard the safety of the public in handling these generators. The authority has also hinted that this move is to curb the feeding back of the electricity in the grid during maintenance by the ESI workers. "It is necessary that all standby generators in Zimbabwe be registered with the Authority and all operators with an installed capacity of 100kW and above be licensed so that safety compliance can be monitored. The notice, therefore, is to notify and urge people to meet the following requirements, all owners of electricity generators equipment are required to register their generators with the Authority, all operators of generating equipment of an installed capacity of 100 kw and above are required in terms of section 40 of the Act to apply to the Authority for a license, companies operating private distribution networks should in terms of the Act apply to the Authority for a license to operate such networks. To ensure the registration process runs smoothly the authority released a registration form on its website that asks for different information from the holder that includes the name of the institution/individual, contact person, physical address, designation, contact details location of generator, generator model, manufacturer, serial number, year of manufacture, year of installation, fuel used, generator capacity, generator output voltage, the purpose of the generator and finally the declaration by the applicant. Standby generators are generators that are set to automatically start supplying power during power outages. A standby generator can automatically switch on when the electricity supply is gone. Other power-generating equipment are solarpowered batteries. www.thesunnews.co.zw

LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 7. NOTICE 2nd Advert REGIONAL TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING ACT (CHAPTER 29:12) NOTICE IN TERMS OF SECTION 40(3) OF THE ACT Notice is hereby given terms of Section 40(3) of the Regional, Town and Country Planning Act (Chapter 29:12) of an application for Subdivision of Mtonjeni Plot 10 measuring 10.0882 Ha into 36 low Density residential stands. The proposal seeks to vary materially the general outlook of the area by altering the agro-residential use. The property is bound by Plot No.4: Plot No. 5: Plot No. 6A: Plot No.9 and Plot No. 11. Details of the application and the layout can be inspected at the address given below during normal working hours from Monday to Friday. In terms of Section 40 (3) of the Act, the Local Planning Authority is obliged to give Public Notice of the application and serve notice on all adjacent property owners. Any person(s) wishing to make objections or representations relating to the application may lodge them in writing with the undersigned not later than one month from the date of the insertion of this notice. Provincial Town Planning Officer Department of Spatial Planning and Development Midlands Province. First Floor New Government Complex 10 Street Gweru he City of Gweru has put into con sideration the courteous notion of granting people with disability who have houses rates payment incentives, The Sun has learnt. People with disabilities in the city have been encouraged by the local authority to submit their full details and proof of property ownership to the Finance Department for consideration. The program is still in its preliminary stages since it's dubbed feasibility so the authority is intending to gather data first before the program is rolled out. The City of Gweru is studying the feasibility of rate payment incentives for people with disabilities who meet the qualifying criteria. ''These individuals should submit qualifying documents that include a letter from the Social Warfare highlighting the need, a certified copy of title deed and produce the original, original birth certificate and photocopy of the birth certificate,'' read the notice by Director of Finance Mr. Livingstone Churu. People applying for the program must note that they should be the principal permanent resident of the propRates rebate for PWD's on the cards erty. Individuals will submit these documents to the Finance department administrator at the Town House from 8am to 5pm starting from the 27th of February 2023 to the 15th of March 2023. Commenting on the initiative, Let's Make a Difference Disability Zimbabwe (LMDDZ) Executive Director Nigel Tahwa said most of the people living with disabilities have no houses hence this program will benefit a few individuals. "People with disabilities vanomawanepi title deeds yes vamwe vane dzimba vangani vane dzimba dzcho vano owner dzimba. Maybe Ten mugweru macho or less than ten. Most of people varikugara mudzimba varikubhadhara ma rents and the problem is vakasiirwa nevabereki so whats the use yekuti vasa verengwe. Isusu takasirwa dzimba nevaberiki but hadzimo muzita rangu. The majority of people with disability havana kuzvigamuchira nekuti vakoona kuti tikaenda vamwe vedu vakasara hazvibatsiri. We want the disability desk to be opened as we are citizens of Gweru we want to be accommodated," he said.

The paper that digs deeper LOCAL NEWS 8. The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 Visit our Website for more news www.thesunnews.co.zw EDITOR- IN - CHIEF Willie Mponda SUB-EDITOR Tendai Chifunyise SENIOR REPORTER Kelvin Kasiwulaya REPORTERS Ashley Suruma Tashinga Madzingira Tanyaradzwa Chigumbu Nkosiyethu Ncube PHOTO JOURNALIST Abijah Makuluni MARKETING Vimbai Nyamukutu PUBLISHER Community Newspapers of Zimbabwe The paper that digs deeper I n a few weeks' time, the Midlands State University (MSU) will resume classes, and sex workers in Gweru are already fretting over the period as they fear finding themselves in the old profession's relegation zone. Amongst sex clients, sleeping with a University student is a huge flex and status symbol. This is also the trend in Zvishavane where MSU has also established a campus. A few years ago, an MSU official told a parliamentary portfolio committee that Sex Workers from Zvishavane were having fake students' Identity Documents printed and masquerading as the institution's students. According to Sex Workers who spoke to this publication, it's a dog-eat-dog situation, and somehow, they can't sit back and watch the female students snatch food right out of their mouths. They have to devise strategies to remain relevant in an industry where competition is growing by the day. I just go to places and clubs where university students converge and pretend to be a university student," said Trish Bobho*, a 25 year old sex worker from Senga in Gweru. "I just tell them I am doing Masters or a degree in Music and Musicology." Some of the popular joints where the sex work business is booming in Gweru include Downtown club, Bowling, New Dawn, Pabloz and many others. "These are the clubs we go to and in these clubs, chances of hooking up with clients," added Trish. On a good day, Trish says she can service plus or minus 20 clients. However, of late things have been tough for sex workers as their biggest clients, the artisanal small-scale miners are finding it difficult to work due to the continuous rains that flood mining shafts. For an elderly sex workers like Emmaculate Mlhanga,* a mother of eight, who is also a grandmother and mother-in-law, attracting younger clients may be a challenge due to the competition from young sex workers and university students. To get clients, she has to dress like a young University student and in some cases charge less in order to survive. "I started sex work in 2013 after my husband whom I loved so much deserted me, leaving me to look after our eight children on my own. Now I am into sex work and the competition is rife. We have to compete with university students for clients. To compete with students, I dress like a young girl and ensure I stay relevant in the game," said Emmaculate. Apart from being a gold-rich province, Midlands province is also home to the biggest institution of higher learning in the province. However, the province also has a thriving sex work industry largely driven by mining activities and the sector booms whenever the MSU opens. National AIDS Council (NAC) District AIDS Coordinator, Mr Petros Mazengwa said the city has around 4500 sex workers and when MSU opens, sex work booms in the city. "Gweru is a busy city, we tend to see a lot of people coming to Gweru. You can talk of smallscale miners and we can also talk of sex workers. We also have that population in Gweru and in a survey that was done, we have plus or minus 4500 Sex Workers. "You find that's sex workers are not dull people, they also have strategies. When the MSU opens, they also flock to Gweru during that period because they also want to pretend to be students. Somehow, older men see it as a status symbol to be known to be sleeping with a University Student. Clients rarely ask for students' Identity Documents," said Mr Mazengwa. Giving an HIV and overview of the Midlands province, National AIDS Council (NAC) provincial manager for Midlands Province, Mr Mambewu Shumba said HIV was still a major issue in the area due a to myriad of factors. "As a province, we have some problems which are major in terms of HIV and AIDS. The biggest problem in the province is limited access to HIV prevention knowledge and health-related services by subpopulations. These include small-scale miners, sex workers, traders and others," said Mr Shumba. Midlands province has eight administrative districts and by NAC definition, the province has 10 districts. The Midlands province has an HIV prevalence of 11.73 percent and an Infection rate or incidence of 0.25 percent. "This indicates that we have a lot of infections coming in and we still have unprotected sex taking place, hence we have the incidence. Currently, the leading district in terms of both prevalence and incidence is Shurugwi. The district has a prevalence of 16.62 percent and an incidence of 0.4 percent which is quite high in terms of transmission. That is also followed by Mberengwa, Gweru and Zvishavane. That is the setup in terms of the incidence. As we speak, Shurugwi is the epicenter in terms of prevalence by virtue that there is a lot of mining activities going on." Shurugwi has both formal mining and almost 100 percent of informal mining and according to Mr Shumba, the transmission of HIV also mining is the biggest driver of HIV infections in the province as women scramble for the precious greenback. He added that some female vendors come from across all parts of Zimbabwe to sell wares but due to the US Dollar temptation, they end up selling their bodies as well. Meanwhile, Sex Workers in Gweru applauded the work that is being done by the Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research Zimbabwe (CeSHHAR) and the National AIDS Council (NAC) of offering comprehensive sexual reproductive health services for sex workers. The CeSHHAR offers HIV Testing and Counseling Services (HTS), Pre-Exposure Prophylaxes (PrEP) initiation, STI treatment and management, Gender Based Violence (GBV) services, counseling, HIV and AIDS treatment and care, Family Planning Services.- HealthTimes

9. LOCAL NEWS The paper that digs deeper The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 L eading contractor, Zimbuild Property Investments, has poured US$200 000 into state-of-the-art equipment to manufacture Inverted Rib Box (IBR) roofing sheets designed for use on all types of buildings. IBR roof sheeting is a square fluted profile with an effective covering width of 686mm, designed for use as side cladding or roofing material in commercial, industrial and residential buildings. The IBR Chromadek roofing sheets also come in various eye-catching colours. The name IBR has become a household name in the Zimbabwean building industry because the sheets, Q-tiles, and ridges are tailor-made to fit the customer's design and specifications and are now very common on residential and commercial structures. The roofing sheets are premium, high-quality roofing products with all the advantages of being made of steel such as being light in weight, durable and strong, while still having the attractive appearance of regular tiles. They have no standard length or measurement but can be adjusted and cut to any length to suit the constructional preferences and requirements of a client, which is an added advantage. Zimbuild is one of the leading private land developers and construction companies in the country delivering on housing. The country's commercial and residential property market has weathered many storms as evidenced by the continuous presence of construction projects across the country. This positive development comes at a time when the construction sector is projected to continue growing, largely due to demand for offices, industrial and retail buildings as well as accommodation. The real estate sector in the country is offering a great investment opportunity for both corporates and individuals. The ongoing housing reform agenda also provides opportunities for the private sector to participate in infrastructural development projects. Housing delivery is one of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) pillars. National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) The key drive, therefore, is to address the inadequacies pertaining to infrastructure and provide citizens with access to affordable and quality settlements in the country. The country is facing a national housing backlog of 1,5 million housing units and the Government is spearheading housing delivery through the construction of houses and flats for civil servants. Private land developers such as Zimbuild have been responsible for advancing the process of urbanisation in the country, assisting the Government to clear the housing waiting list backlog. Zimbuild managing director Mrs Rufaro Manzungu said she is excited to be playing a role in assisting the Government meet the housing demand by availing a plant that will result in locals getting quality and affordable roofing sheets on time. "Zimbuild has expanded its roofing business by adding more machines for IBR rolling and bending among other machines that produce IBR. We have invested US$200 000 into state-of-the-art Inverted Rib Box (IBR) equipment to manufacture roofing sheets that are designed for use on all types of buildings including residential and commercial at our Gweru plant," she said. Mrs Manzungu said they are moving into the roofing business following the realisation that housing development is on the increase. She said the Second Republic has created a conducive environment that has seen a surge in diaspora remittances and renewed interest in property development by individuals and corporates in the country and therefore the need to have such an investment to benefit would-be property owners. "As Zimbuild, we have noted with great appreciation the surge in property development in the country. We are in the construction boom and not only the Government needs these sheets but corporates and individuals who are enjoying the construction boom," said Mrs Manzungu. She said Zimbuild, a major player in the construction industry, sees more development spearheaded by the Second Republic under the NDS 1 and Vision 2030. "We are setting up this plant so that we save foreign currency from importing the IBR sheets from South Africa and elsewhere. That forex will be used for other things that benefit the Government and its people," said the MD. Mrs Manzungu said their market will include Midlands, Matabeleland North and South provinces where the company is running various programmes. "We have programmes in Bulawayo, Hwange, Gwanda, and Gweru among other places and this plant is within proximity of our projects as well and that will cut production costs by more than a quarter," she said. Mrs Manzungu said the company is riding on the call by President Mnangagwa for locals to build the country. "We have heard the calls to build the country we want on our own by President Mnangagwa and as indigenous business people, we have to play our part. We want to be able to produce sheets for at least 300 houses per month in Midlands, Matabeleland North and South to start with as we grow to feed the whole country," she said. Mrs Manzungu said the new equipment is semi-automated and will see at least 30 people being employed. She said the broad profile of the IBR roofing sheets gives them excellent drainage characteristics and they are also durable. "The equipment is state-ofthe-art and is semi-automated. We will provide affordable roofing sheets for the people in the construction industry and we are looking at mass production so definitely there is a guarantee of job creation as well," said Mrs Manzungu. "Zimbuild is well known for land development and as a contractor who is participating in national projects across the country, we have a role to play in developing the country." Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities Daniel Garwe, said the Government is confident of surpassing its target of delivering 220 000 housing units by 2025 by partnering with the private sector. Zimbuild managing director Mrs Rufaro Manzungu Inverted Rib Box (IBR)

The paper that digs deeper 10. The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 To advertise in The Sun call our Marketing Dept on 263 714 165 677 G weru based farmer Mr Gilbert Makore (66) has put 50 hectares under horticulture that include 20 000 plants of tomatoes and 10 000 cabbage heads. Three hectares are under maize with a hectare of butternut and he has set his sight on planting 1,5 million onions this year up from a million last year. He also has cattle and goats. Diversification into cabbages, potatoes, butternuts and tomatoes has seen him increasing production and productivity thereby maximising returns at his farm. Mr Makore, who attracted much interest in his farming activities after a Twitter post on April 28 2021 showing Irati onion plants at his farm, said he has now produced over two million plants to date. With a hands-on approach, Mr Makore has embraced the concept of production and productivity spearheaded by the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development at his Vashee Farm in Harben Park, about 14km from Gweru City Centre. Mr Makore shows off a head of a cabbage and the onions in the background at the farm Mr Makore who joined the great trek to the United Kingdom before retracing his steps back home has been a force to reckon with within the horticulture business in Gweru. A former soldier who retired in 1998, he went to the UK shortly afterward and came back in 2002 to take up farming. He started living at the farm in 2003 and began serious farming in 2009. There is a shop at the farm that is open all year round where vendors and residents come to buy - a development he attributed to hard work centred on production and productivity. In an interview, Mr Makore said he is diversifying into several crops after realising that there is a market to feed in Gweru and other areas. "I have realised that there is money in agriculture by working more on production and productivity. In this light, diversification into cabbages, potatoes, butternuts and tomatoes has seen us increasing production and productivity thereby maximising on returns at the farm. Maximising means getting some money back that would have been used to fund the production and some profit which is what is keeping us afloat," he said. Right now, Mr Makore said they have tomatoes growing and they will be ready for the market in three weeks or so. "There are over 20 000 tomato plants altogether. In terms of potatoes, the crop we have will be mature in two months or so, and it's on just over three hectares. Then we have 10 000 heads of cabbages and about a hectare of butternut and both crops will be ready just before the Easter holiday," he said. Mr Makore utilizes drip irrigation and also uses overhead sprinklers at his farm. "We have not started onions for this winter because we still have crops in the field and we still have time to catch up though. Last year we achieved one million onions and this year certainly more, maybe 1.5 million plants," he said. Mr Makore said he has been self-financing his projects at the farm. He lamented the reluctance of banks to give farmers loans. "Yes we are growing but the growth is rather slow as compared to what we envisage. Banks don't give us loans you know and that's a challenge for farmers," he said. Mr Makore is into mixed farming and has crops all year round under irrigation and dry land on his farm. He has placed 50ha under horticulture. Besides crops, he rears livestock such as cattle, sheep, goats and first-generation road runners. He has more than 100 goats and has discontinued sheep farming to concentrate on goats. "At my farm, there is always an activity or a crop in the field for maximum utilisation of the land resource in line with production and productivity. My employees stay at the farm with their families so that we have a hands-on approach in all activities we do as a family," said Mr Makore. He said he works with local seed producers who advise him on how to grow certain crops to achieve maximum production per plant/crop or hectare. Mr Makore said such value chains with seed producers and markets assist him in planting the right crop at the right time for the market. "We have local seed producers who send their agronomists to supervise our crop and that is very important for us to realize maximum production. Farming as a business means you must engage specialists in the area for expert advice. As I have said, I have a manager and I am also hands-on. On a daily basis I get to the farm to see how the crops or livestock are doing," he said. Mr Makore has a staff complement of 10 permanent workers that stay at the farm. "I have managed to construct staff accommodation quarters for the workers and their families and a greenhouse too. We have tractors and plans are underway to add more tractors and farming equipment to increase production and productivity," he said.

11. The paper that digs deeper The Sun 24 February- 02 March 2023 www.thesunnews.co.zw Z imbabwe recorded a 100 per cent in crease in divorce cases last year, a development that counsellors and analysts say is a cause for concern. Although divorce is often deemed as a solution to toxic relationships, it negatively impacts both parties, their children, family and community at large as health experts say divorce and separation are often associated with increased anxiety and depression as well as increased risk of alcohol abuse. Causes of divorce range from infidelity, financial challenges, lack of communication and intimacy, violence within the marriage institution and unresolved disputes. Statistics from the Judiciary Service Commission show that in 2020, 1 117 couples filed for divorce and the figure went up to 1351 the following year. Last year, however, the figure doubled to 2 735 cases against 13 436 recorded marriages. In essence, 20 Of the 2 735 divorce cases filed last year at the High Court in Bulawayo, Masvingo, Harare, Mutare and Chinhoyi, 1 561 were completed. Bulawayo recorded 613, Harare 1 731, Masvingo 145, Mutare 156 and Chinhoyi 90 divorce matters. Experts argue that divorce is a sensitively painful change and can generate lasting feelings of unhappiness, anger and trouble. Divorce, they also say is a source of stress. Family lawyer Shepherd Chingarande said the main cause is that some couples make false starts by marrying for the wrong reasons. "People marry for the wrong reasons and that is how many get it all wrong. Some are under pressure from parents and friends based on the biological clock and they just marry whoever comes into their lives first. Compatibility is key and when two do not have anything in common after sex, the relationship is likely to end in divorce. Others ignore red flags with the hope that marriage can change a person and upon disappointment, they opt out," said Chingarande. He said financial difficulties fuel disputes at home while life-changing decisions also have an impact on marriages as some individuals are quick to make those without consultation as if they are single. "Marriage at a young age or lack of skills to deal with tough situations can be stressful," said Chingarande. He added that domestic violence cases which are on the increase in Zimbabwe and addictions related to drug abuse often lead to breakdown of marriages. "Infidelity or adultery, ethnic differences and even high expectations driven by social media can also be another source of friction leading to divorce," said Chingarande. Local psychologist Jacqueline Nkomo said the increase in divorces may spell more mental problems for Zimbabwean communities as the breakdown in marriages often come with several consequences for the couple, children, extended family and community. She said those consequences however should not deter those in abusive relationships from divorcing as that may put their lives at risk. Nkomo said those who divorce should open up to their children and explain reality so that children do not battle guilt feelings as they may suspect their existence is the reason their parents divorced. "Although divorce is not commendable, sometimes it's necessary to deliver abused spouses from toxic relationships. However, whenever people choose to go separate ways they must go through counselling and be equipped with coping strategies to handle after effects which are more negative than positive," said Nkomo. "Divorce disturbs the order of what has become normal to us as humans and once two people separate, children and family members suffer. Children whose parents divorce also battle low self-esteem and may develop depression coupled with anxiety emanating from the changes that the development brings into their social, emotional and sometimes financial lives." Nkomo said those who divorce often think they are strong but are at risk of bottling up issues which may also lead to stress and depression. "We envision communities where family structures are maintained and where individual members can live in harmony. We need to get to a point where we also accept that sometimes divorce is the only way out and not stigmatise divorcees. Some are labelled failures and they live a life of pain and regret because communities think they could not sustain their families. We should also learn to be content so that we foster love, peace and unity in our marriages," added Nkomo. Renowned marriage counsellor Herbert Ndlovu said despite the alarming 100 percent increase in divorce, happy and successful marriages were still possible in Zimbabwe. He said not all hope is lost and members of the public should be willing to go the extra mile to revive and sustain marriages despite challenges such as inadequate resources. "In my 27-year marriage, I have learnt that acceptance plays a major role. We should stop trying to remodel our partners as that often causes strife in marriage. Couples who also have high expectations of each other suffer disappointment since we are all humans hence the need for us to be tolerant and strive to bring the best. Christians are chief culprits on this as they like imposing their convictions on others, successful marriages need both partners to accept differences and live in harmony," said Ndlovu. He said engaging God from day one is very important as couples cannot treat God as a second option. "We need to pray together and connect spiritually from day one so that when troubles emerge, we can draw inspiration from the Creator of marriages. Couples should never relax even for a day and think that because they are married, it will stay like that. Marriage is hard work, nothing comes automatically hence we must do everything and put a lot of effort to keep marriages thriving and happy" said Ndlovu. He said infidelity is an individual choice hence everyone has the power to stop having extramarital affairs. "I urge spouses to be loyal to each other, be honest and easily communicate everything. Do not discuss your partner's faults or any disagreements with anyone. Loyalty means sticking with each other even in bad times. Even when our spouses are at fault we should never discuss them with any third party even parents, pastors, family or friends," said Ndlovu.- @thamamoe online

www.thesunnews.co.zw [email protected] 0712718043 08644216800 The Sun Newspaper www.thesunnews.co.zw Tinotenda Kadewere has become the first Zimbabwean player to score in the Spanish La Liga. Kadewere handed a starting place by Real Mallorca against Villareal gave his side the lead in the 20th minute scoring with a left footed shot into the bottom corner following a pass from Vedat Muriqi. Villareal equalised just before the halftime break Zimbabwe Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba has been declared fit for Luton Town's Championship clash against Birmingham City on Saturday. The 29-year-old defensive midfielder limped off injured during Luton Town's 1-0 loss at home against table toppers Burnley at Kenilworth Road last Saturday due to a groin injury. Luton Town boss Rob Edwards has issued a fitness update on Nakamba ahead of his side's Championship clash against Birmingham City. Nakamba, who saw an impressive run in the Villa side under Steve Gerrard cut short by injury last season, was allowed to leave on loan by Unai Emery in January. The Zimbabwean has made four appearances so far for the Hatters, who are chasing promotion to Premier League. His last, against leaders Burnley, was cut short midway through the second half by an injury scare, making him a doubt for Saturday's game against John Eustace's Blues. However, Edwards has given a positive update on Nakamba ahead of the game and expects him to be fit to take his place in midfield. "Marvelous was starting to tighten up with his groin [against Burnley], but he is available," confirmed Edwards, reported Luton Today. Edwards has been delighted with Nakamba's impact so far, describing him as a "Duracell battery" after one game. "I thought he was marvellous! I did, I thought he was great," said Edwards. "He's like a Duracell battery, he just kept going and going and going and going and going. Online \ arshall Munetsi is back in the team after recovering from a muscle issue. The Warriors international missed the French Ligue 1 goalless draw against Nice last week due to a psoas injury (hip muscle). The midfielder has now recovered and will be available for selection for Sunday’s game against Toulouse. Kickoff is at 4 pm CAT. Reims coach Will Still confirmed the player’s in his update in a press conference ahead of the next game. “Emmanuel Agbadou is injured for five weeks. He injured his hamstrings. Marshall Munetsi is back in the group,” Still said. Meanwhile, Marvelous Nakamba will also be available for selection for Luton Town this weekend. The Zimbabwean midfielder recovered from groin issue sustained in the 1-0 defeat to Burnley last Sunday. Soccer 24