cnp
Community Newspaper Publishing
PUNGWE NEWS
MUTARE, MAY 24-30, 2021
Masasa Windsor House, 107 Herbert Chitepo Street, Mutare. Tel: 0220 202 1487. Email:news.pungwe@gmail.com
President applauds
manufacturing sector Simbarashe Muparaganda pandemic.
MUTARE -President He said this after touring Wattle
Emmerson Mnangag- Company, Willowton group and Mega
wa (pictured) has Market in the Nyakamete industrial
applauded the man- site in Mutare on Tuesday.
ufacturing sector in The three business entities are
the country for re- among the few companies that have
maining resilient in managed to wade off the tide of eco-
the midst of shocks nomic hardships that the country has
presented by impo- experienced in the last decade.
sition of illegal sanc- The visit is part of President Mnan-
tions, natural disasters gagwa’s ongoing tours to gain an ap-
and Covid-19 preciation of the state of the country`s
manufacturing sector.
Last week, he visited several com-
panies in Bulawayo Metropolitan
Province where he told business
community that commitment to con-
tinue pursuing a private sector led
modernization, industriliation and
growth of the economy remains
government`s top priority.
“As Government, we applaud
the manufacturing sector for
remaining resilient in the
midst of shocks presented
by the imposition of illegal
sanctions, natural disas-
ters and now Covid-19
pandemic,” said President
Mnangagwa.
Inspite of disaster and
constraints in the growth
A subsidiary of New Ziana (Pvt) Ltd
of the economy, President Mnangag-
wa, exhorted the business communi-
ty not to mourn about sanctions but
leverage on natural resources in the
country, peace and unity that currently
exist in the country.
“Inspite of all these disasters and
constraints in the growth of the econ-
omy I say to you forget about illegal
sanctions. Focus on the resources
that are found in our beautiful coun-
try Zimbabwe and on basis of those
resources, basis of peace and unity in
the country. We can build our country
brick by brick, stone upon stone from
the basis of our resources,” he said.
He said it’s not the entire world that
has shut out the country, adding that
Zimbabwe still enjoy cordial relation-
ship with other African states and oth-
ers abroad.
“Indeed it’s not the entire world
that has closed us out we have friends
on the continent of Africa. We have
friends outside Africa who support us.
All what we need is focus as we chart
our way forward as a united people,”
said President Mnangagwa
“The fact that locally produced
goods now constitute a larger share
of our country`s supermarket shelves,
should encourage consumers to also
buy products made in Zimbabwe.”
ZWL 20
President Mnangagwa said this
development will have a positive im-
pact on sustainable socio economic
growth, empowerment and employ-
ment creation as envisaged in the Na-
tional Development Strategy (NDS1).
He said the coming onboard of
Mega Market has brought health com-
petition in the Fast Moving Consumer
Goods sector.
“The company has grown over
years to become one of the largest
distributors in the country whose core
business is the manufacturing and
distribution of fast moving consumer
goods.
“The focus on affordable high qual-
ity products and wide range of leading
brands which provide value for mon-
ey to consumer is commendable,”
said President Mnangagwa.
He said the companies’ new wheat
milling plant brings in new technol-
ogy which will enhance efficiency in
the value additional cereals.
“I congratulate the achievements
that Mega Market has made through
various projects being implement-
ed, such as maize milling and toma-
to sauce production as well as rice,
kapenta, popcorn and sugar beans
distribution,” said President Mnan-
gagwa.
page 02
Stop drug abuse
-Penhalonga YDT
Lisa Marianandzo
MUTASA- Youths in Mutasa dis-
trict have been urged to stop indulg-
ing in drugs and focus on building
their careers as they are the future
leaders of the country.
Penhalonga Youth Development
Trust (PYDT) director Clinton Mu-
siyazviriyo expressed concern over
a surge in cases of drug abuse in the
province.
Since the pronouncement of the
Covid-19 induced lockdown last
year, schools and businesses were
forced to close down, a situation
that forced the youths to engage in
drugs and use of crystal meth pop-
ularly known as mutoriro or guka-
makafela.
“The youth have to stop indulg-
ing in abuse of drugs as they are
leaders of tomorrow.
Gvt to revamp Mutare provincial hospital
VP and Health Minister Dr. Constantino Chiwenga
Simbarashe Muparaganda
MUTARE -Government will do
its best to ensure Manicaland
province has a state-of-art pro-
vincial hospital to serve its pop-
ulation.
This was said by Vice Pres-
ident and Health Minister
Constantino Guveya Dominic
“They are the new generation
and as a Trust we are trying to edu-
cate them about the dangers of drug
abuse,“ said Musiyazviriyo.
He said by educating youths to
abstain from drugs, they are giv-
ing them a chance to meaningfully
contribute to the development of
the country.
“We want youths to desist from
social vices such as drug abuse.
We want them to contribute mean-
ingfully to the development of the
country,” he said.
He said of concern is that drugs
are now being taken by 13 year old
teenagers.
“We are equally concerned be-
cause young boys and girls from
high school are now into drugs. It is
now a habit and some are abscond-
ing from school to take drugs with
Nyikadzino Chiwenga when he
toured Victoria Chitepo Provin-
cial Hospital this week.
The Vice President also toured
Nyakomba Irrigation Scheme in
Nyanga North before visiting
the provincial health facility.
Addressing health workers,
patients and local community,
NEWS
their colleagues,” said Musiyaz-
viriyo.
Some of the drugs that are being
taken by youths are marijuana, gan-
ja cake, guka, shisha, bronclear and
sniffing of glue.
As these drugs are addictive,
many youths are reported to be
spending time taking drugs with
friends in secret locations and drug
bases.
A youth from Penhalonga who
spoke on condition of anonymity
said he started taking drugs when
he was 13 years old after he was
initiated in the `world of drugs` by
friends
“I am 27 years and still taking
drugs. I was initiated in the world
of drugs by friends when I was 13
years old, since then I got addict-
ed. It was a matter of peer pressure
VP Chiwenga said although
the hospital has been bestowed
with a provincial hospital sta-
tus, the medical facility is still
lagging behind and there is
need to revamp its infrastruc-
ture so that it matches interna-
tional standards.
“Although it’s a provincial
hospital in name, I say in name
because there are other things
that are not in place that makes
it qualify to be a provincial hos-
pital. I am aware the 260 bed
Victoria Chitepo Provincial
Hospital is not a purpose built
provincial hospital, but a gener-
al hospital designated to a pro-
vincial hospital status.
“However, it has been put in
place to take up responsibilities
of a provincial hospital,” said
VP Chiwenga.
The Health Minister was also
briefed about the challenges the
hospital was facing. He said the
government will attend to some
of the problems as a matter of
urgency.
“We are going to do our best
to make sure Manicaland has a
provincial hospital. In the mean-
PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021
from friends. I need help to stop,“
he said.
Most youths said they were tak-
ing drugs to drown their sorrows as
they find themselves with no jobs
and source of income to further
their careers or start projects.
“Our minds are idle and we end
up taking drugs not because we
time, those areas that have been
mentioned to me, we are going
to address them with urgency
and speedy they deserve,” he
said.
He also said the province`s
growing population demands
additional development for in-
frastructure and replacing aging
equipment to ensure provision
of quality health care.
“The growing population de-
mands additional development
for infrastructure and replacing
the obsolete with new one to en-
sure provision of quality health
care,” said Vice President Chi-
wenga.
Despite infrastructural con-
straints, Vice President said, the
hospital continues to provide
tertiary health service in ob-
stetrics, gynecology, pediatrics,
orthopaedic, general surgery,
internal medicine, anaesthetic
among others.
“The hospital attends to an
average of 6 000 ART patients
and 1000 admissions a month. It
provides training to nurses and
doctors in general surgery. The
laboratory is on the six ISO cer-
want but there is nothing to do. We
cannot realise our full potential be-
cause we are being left out in deci-
sion making processes.
“We can contribute meaningful-
ly to the growth of our nation but
we are not given the opportunity,“
said another youth who is a holder
of bachelor in Economic History.
tified laboratories’ in the coun-
try.
“The hospital is also the first
health institution to perform
HIV viral load and Covid-19
test in the country,” said Vice
President Chiwenga.
He also revealed that the hos-
pital has refurbished the casu-
al department into a Covid-19
isolation unit with potential 14
intensive care unit beds and 14
ordinary beds.
“The recently installed 10
000 kilogrammes oxygen tank
is now servicing the isolation
centre and wards with plans to
connect it to the whole hospital.
“The intensive care unit is in-
stalled with negative pressure
to ensure the protection of pa-
tients, staff and community,”
said the Health Minister.
Vice President Chiwenga said
these developments are part of
government wholesome fight
against the scourge of Covid-19.
He also expressed his profound
gratitude for being accorded an
opportunity to interface with
health care personal, nurses and
people of Manicaland.
 PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021
Hyena attacks young boy
at church conference
Takunda Ndumiyana
MASVINGO- Eight year old
Rodwell Ngomozana from Bikita
was seriously injured in a hyena
attack at a church conference re-
cently.
The minor had accompanied his
grandmother, Martha Sasikayi to a
church conference for a passover
ceremony where he encountered
such a tragedy.
The boy is currently in the in-
tensive care unit at Parirenyatwa
Party leaders urged to embrace all
members regardless of their positions
John Chamboko
MUTARE- ZANU PF Women’s
League secretary for Administration,
Senator Monica Mutsvangwa has
called on party leaders in the province
to embrace every member regardless
of their positions or social standing.
She said this while addressing party
members at Mutare Hall recently.
Sen Mutsvangwa, who is also In-
formation, Publicity and Broadcasting
Service, said embracing members will
help promote unity in the party.
“Party leaders in the province must
embrace every member regardless of
their positions or social standing. They
should help promote unity in the par-
ty. We all make mistakes because we
were created by God. Let`s embrace
each other.
“What is important is to love one an-
other and have sound focused mind,”
said the minister.
She encouraged the District Coor-
dinating Committees (DCCs) to work
hand in glove with ward chairpersons
during the mobilization exercise.
“DCCs must work together with
ward chairpersons during the mobiliza-
tion process. We can’t lose elections in
Mutare,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
She also encouraged members to
defend the party`s reputation from the
adversaries on social media platforms.
“We need patriotic party members.
Let us be ambassadors of the party on
social media platforms and stand for
what is right.
“Don’t exit the groups of those
speaking ills about our party. Enlighten
them about the stance taken by Presi-
dent in quest to turn around the econo-
hospital in Harare,
It is believed that the hyena
attached the boy while he was
sleeping with other children at the
church premises. One eye and the
mouth were mauled by the animal
on the night of 7 May.
“The boy was sleeping at the
church with others when a hye-
na attacked him, people came to
his rescue after hearing cries and
it escaped, leaving the boy’s face
severely injured,” said the grand-
Minister Mutsvangwa holds a big pumpkin at an exhibition recently
my,” said Sen. Mutsvangwa.
The minister also said party members
have a role to spread positive messages
about the new dispensation in their re-
spective communities so that the party`s
vision will inspire others to join.
She also told the gathering to cherish
unity and peace prevailing in the coun-
try, saying these two elements provide
a solid foundation for development.
“Whatever misunderstandings that
have existed for long between party
members, let’s bury the hatchets and
move forward. Let us sing from the
same hymn book of production and de-
velopment to achieve our desired goal
as a revolutionary and visionary party,”
said the women’s League secretary for
administration.
She also talked about the economic
challenges prevailing in the country,
saying they were brought about by the
LOCAL NEWS
mother.
Rodwell was rushed to Mashoko
hospital where he was transferred
to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Hara-
re since the situation seemed to be
worsening.
Shamiso Mabika, who is the
mother to Rodwell, was shocked
and traumatized by such a tragedy
which befell her son.
The situation left the moth-
er searching for answers to the
cause while at the same time
Western sponsored opposition parties.
“The opposition was created to push
back the agenda of the liberation strug-
gle of empowering indigenous people.
Our former colonisers have interest in
our minerals and natural resources,”
she said.
The minister said the former colo-
nizers are sponsoring the opposition
political parties to remove the revolu-
tionary party from power to create a
puppet government.
“President Mnangagwa is working
hard to address challenges impacting
on our economy and also to maintain
economic stability. Our President’s vi-
sion is to create an Upper middle class
society by 2030.
“For this to be achievable, there is
need to shed acts of indiscipline such
as corruption,” said Minister Mutsvan-
gwa.
page 03
trying to provide the medical re-
quirements needed for the boy
which then becomes a big cross
for her to carry.
“I do not have anything to pro-
vide for my son’s medication, l
cannot afford to pay anything, be
it medication, plastic surgery or
anything which requires money.
I am humbly asking for financial
help from you my fellow Zimba-
bweans,” said Shamiso during the
interview with a local media.
Govt assists families
affected by hailstorm
Alson Sithole DDC Teddius Beto said the cen-
CHIPINGE -Government tral government responded swift-
through Chipinge Civil Protection ly to the request from the District
Committee has moved in to assist Civil Protection Committee that
families which were affected by nine families were in urgent need
hailstorms that pounded Chimuk- of food assistance.
wakwa area of Chipinge district. “We wrote to our superiors soon
The consignment which includ- after the report of hailstorm which
ed maize and rice was handed affected our community in Ward
over to affected families by offi- 28 and they responded timeously
cials from the office of District to avert a potential crisis by avail-
Development Coordinator (DDC) ing food items.
in conjunction with department of “As DCPC, we feel we are mov-
Social Welfare recently. ing in the right direction on disas-
A total of nine families in ter response and mitigation,” said
Chinyamukwakwa area were left Beto.
homeless after heavy winds and Beto said there was still need
rains pounced on the area. for more support in terms of shel-
Speaking during the handover ter, cooking utensils, blankets and
ceremony, Assistant Chipinge food for the families.
The Department of Civil Protection recently toured Old Mutare
Hospital where WHO Zimbabwe under ZIRP Zimbabwe is supporting
laboratory services with IPC materials and a PCR machine
page 04 PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021

Covid-19
Updates
Govt changes policy on
Students recover from Covid-19 quarantining
Covid-19 – Govt
OVER 300 students
who were infected by
the coronavirus since
schools opened nearly
two months ago have
fully recovered, the
government said on
Tuesday.
casting Services Min-
ister, Monica Mutsvan-
gwa (pictured) told
a post-Cabinet press
briefing.
“Most of the cases
recorded at schools in
Bulawayo Province
GOVERNMENT on
Tuesday said citizens
returning to the country
would now be required to
meet the costs of quaran-
tining and isolation.
CORONAVIRUS
Previously, government
provided the services
still battling the pandem-
ic and taking preventa-
tive measures to curtail
its continued spread.
The country has since
the second wave hit in
(COVID-19) January, seen a decrease
in new cases in the past

UPDATE
The infections at since the beginning of to thousands of return- two months while vacci-
schools in Harare, the current school term ing citizens as well as nation is underway.
Manicaland and Mata- have also recovered, foreigners at designated As of 16th May, 2021,
beleland provinces sent with very few remain- quarantine centres. 591 808 people had re-
shockwaves amid fears ing active cases.” “In order to ensure en- ceived their first dose
of a third wave of She said forcement of Statutory “Furthermore, those travellers found of COVID-19 vaccines
the virus. government Instrument No. 108 of 2021 in relation to to be positive for Covid-19 will be iso- and 222 450 their second dose across
Schools was roll- the country’s ports of entry and exit, Cab- lated at an isolation centre at their own the country. “Members of the public are
had re- ing out inet wishes to advise that citizens return- expense.” urged to go to their nearest health facil-
opened m o d - ing to Zimbabwe will now be quarantined To avoid being quarantined, citizens are ity to receive their COVID-19 vaccine
among ules for at their own expense,” Information, Pub- required to produce a Covid-19 negative so that the country achieves the required
m i s - training licity and Broadcasting Services Minister, test certificate that is less than two days herd immunity to control the spread of the
givings on how Monica Mutsvangwa told a post-Cabinet old. disease,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.
by some to handle briefing. Zimbabwe, like the rest of the globe is New Ziana

270 Indian doctors died in

stakehold- Covid-19
ers that it was at learning
too early given institutions.
high infection cases, As at 10 May,

second Covid-19 wave so far

but government insist-
ed measures had been
put in place to contain
them.
“In the primary and
secondary sector, the
nation is informed that
all Covid-19 positive
cases reported at Prince
Edward, Sacred Heart
and Bonda Mission
schools have fully re-
covered,” Information,
Publicity and Broad-
2021, Zimbabwe’s cu-
mulative Covid-19 cas-
es stood at 38 433, with
36 208 recoveries and 1
576 deaths. A total 269 doctors have been lost so per IMA. their lives to Covid this year in India’s
The recovery rate far in a short period compared to 730 While the IMA says that a thousand second wave.
stood at 94.2 percent.
last year, says Indian Medical Associ- doctors have died due to Covid so far, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana fol-
Government
ation (IMA). the actual numbers may be far higher. lowed in the list with 22 and 19 doc-
launched a vaccination
Bihar recorded the highest number The IMA only keeps a record of its tors having lost their lives respective-
programme mid-Feb-
ruary that has seen over of doctors — 78 — who died due to nearly 3.5 lakh members. India, howev- ly. Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Odisha
529 000 being vaccinat- COVID-19 in the second wave so far er, has more than 12 lakh doctors. and West Bengal were the other states
ed so far. followed by Uttar Pradesh (37) and In Delhi’s Guru Teg Bahadur Hospi- where the figures of doctors having lost
New Ziana Delhi (28). tal -- a dedicated Covid specialty, Anas their lives were in double digits. While
Last year, 736 doctors had lost their Mujahid, 26, a junior Resident Doctor Goa and Puducherry reported one death
lives during the first wave. A total of died within hours of testing positive each, Haryana, Kerala, Tripura and Ut-

C N P
nearly 1,000 doctors across India have due to Covid. He is identified as the tarakhand reported two deaths each.
lost their lives due to Covid so far, as youngest of 269 doctors who have lost Online

Community Newspaper Publishing SA’s Covid-19 death toll among world’s

worst, official figures understated
(Zimbabwe’s largest Newspaper Publishing Group)
PUNGWE NEWS
(We cover Manicaland Province)
Manica Chambers, Office No. 25 First Floor, Mutare.
Telephone 020-62573.
Email:news.pungwe@gmail.com
A report into excess deaths over the past year suggests more
PUBLISHED BY than 133,000 people in SA have died from Covid-19, far
Community Newspaper Publishing (sbu) more than the official tally of nearly 55,000.
(A Division of New Ziana (Pvt) Ltd
2nd Floor, Mass Media House The SA Medical Research Council (SAMRC) has been
19 Selous Avenue, P.O. Box CY 511, HARARE monitoring excess deaths since May 2020.
Printed by Superprint, Box 66, Gweru, In its latest report, published on Wednesday, the SAMRC
Tel: 054-223188, 226854
said SA had seen 157,000 excess deaths in the past 12 months
PUNGWE NEWS STAFF and estimated that 85% of them were caused by Covid-19,
Editor-in-Chief: which means just over 133,000 people have died from the
disease.
Editor: Ramington Jarijari
This compares to an official death toll of 54,968 since the
Reporter: Simba Muparaganda start of the pandemic.
Accounts Admin Clerk: SA implemented one of the world’s most restrictive lock-
downs from March 2020, when cases were still relatively
Marketing & Distribution:
low, and the SAMRC said increases in weekly deaths due to
the pandemic only became evident from May 2020 onwards.
DIRECTORS Excess death figures, which some epidemiologists say are
the best way to measure the true toll from Covid-19 given
Mrs. Rosemary Mazula (Chairperson), Mr. Goodson Nguni
that counting methods vary between countries, surpass offi-
(Deputy chairperson), Mr. Stephen Mpofu, Rtd. Col. Claudious cial Covid-19 death figures in many countries.
Makova, Mr. Douglas Dhliwayo, Mrs. Florence Sigudu Excess deaths are typically defined as the difference be-
Matambo, Mr. Nimrod Chiminya, Mrs. Evelyn Kawonza, Mr.
tween the observed numbers of deaths in specific time peri-
ods and expected numbers of deaths in the same time periods. of the virus included border closures and even bans on the sale of alcohol and
Peter Nyoni.
The SAMRC report said the excess death rate per 100,000 cigarettes. Most restrictions have now been lifted, but a recent rise in infec-
population for SA was 258 over the past 12 months. This tions has prompted fears of a third wave of the pandemic as the southern hemi-
A member of
places the country — on an age-standardised basis — in the sphere’s winter approaches.
top five countries for which excess deaths are measured. SA’s vaccination campaign got off to a slow start but it has now ordered mil-
adma The health ministry declined to comment immediately on lions more doses. The health ministry said on Wednesday around 430,730 shots
the report. had been administered so far, with priority given to front-line healthcare work-
Advertising Media Association
SA’s tough lockdown measures last year to curb the spread ers. Reuters
 PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021
NACZ commemorates
National Culture Week
John Chamboko
MUTARE- National Arts Council
of Zimbabwe (NACZ) Manicaland
Chapter joined the nation in com-
memorating the annual National
Culture Week.
The commemorations were held
under the theme: “Resilience in
Safeguarding Creative and Cultural
Diversity.”
This year’s provincial celebra-
tions will be held in Chimanimani
on May 28 at PORET Permaculture
Centre.
Minister of State for Provincial
Affairs and Devolution Nokuthula
Matsikanyire will be the guest of
honor at this year’s event.
NACZ spokesperson Caroline
Makoni said the celebrations reso-
nate well with the quest to Safeguard
Creativity and Cultural Diversity in
the province and entire nation.
“Sharing culture relations is im-
Presley slowly taking rightful
place in arts industry
T
HE uncelebrated but talent-
ed are the only words fit the
description of a versatile
young and amazing teen from Ma-
range - Presley Anesu Murehwa.
Manicaland province has no
doubt blessed with so many ver-
satile artists, models and actress,
some dabble in variety of enter-
tainment medium while Marange
born Presley’s passion is impossi-
ble to ignore in the arts industry as
she has made a name for herself as
an artists and modeling star.
The young and gifted artist has
managed to record a Afro pop hit
called Crazy with DJ Tha Real-
beat, which is currently trending
on various media platforms, intro-
ducing new style and melody that
are poetic in the music industry.
The Crazy hit maker has fea-
tured in many production and
has penned many songs that are
making waves in the music cir-
cles which she feature Double
wekwa Marange, Andy Muridzo,
Jah Master, DJ Tha Realbeat and
Baba Harare.
In an interview with Pungwe
Arts Talk, the young and gifted
Presley said, Manicaland has so
much potential when it comes to
the arts industry whether in mov-
ies production and music produc-
portant and it benefits the province
at large as it puts Manicaland’s cul-
ture on magnifying lenses. To all
intents and purposes it provides a
platform for the marketing of Man-
icaland’s culture to the country at
large,” said Makoni.
She added: “The Culture Week is
meant to coincide with the 21st of
May, annually because it’s a World
Day for Culture Diversity on Dia-
logue and Development. It`s one of
the United Nations brain child.
“We as NACZ, we saw that one
day is not enough so we have a
week long celebrations.”
Makoni was pleased by the in-
volvement of the First Family in the
special national event for being con-
cerned about the Culture Week.
She said this year`s national event
was launched in Gokwe by Presi-
dent Mnangagwa.
Makoni also thanked the First
tion.
She added as a tourism hub with
natural vegetation and environ-
ment Mutare, Nyanga and Vumba
capture attention of many artists.
Presley added: “I want to help
my city to reach its full potential
in the arts sector as most artists
are left behind and marginalized
or often prefer Harare over their
own city. We want to change
that and I want to assure ev-
eryone that you can make it
wherever you are.”
“I’m very thankful to my
mother who has been sup-
porting my dreams in the
arts from day one and she
has been the pillar in my life
and my career,” she said.
She added: My advice to
the girl child is to keep on be-
page 05
Lady Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa
for her national cooking competi-
tion, saying it’s another way of cel-
ebrating “our uniqueness in culture
diversity”.
The Culture Week is celebrated
worldwide during the week of May
21, set aside by the United Nations
Educational, Scientific and Cultur-
al Organisation (UNESCO) as the
World Day of Cultural Diversity for
Dialogue and Development.
During this day, all nations are
encouraged to celebrate the unique-
ness of their diverse cultures as part
of world culture.
In Zimbabwe, the celebrations
are marked by seven day annual
event that celebrates the importance
of culture diversity in the country
through various cultural expressions
such as music and dance perfor-
mances, art, traditional medicines
and craft exhibitions among others.
This year’s National Culture Week was commemorated held
under the theme “Resilience in Safeguarding Creative and
Cultural Diversity.”
lieving in yourself, keep dreaming
big and work extra hard to achieve CHIMURENGA
FILES FOR SALE
your goal as no one can take that
away from you.”
Presley has worked with big
producers both local and in Harare
who include DJ Tha Realbeat, DJ
Tamuka, C Bleach just to mention
but a few. She is currently work-
Do you want to know more about
ing on a new album.
The young artist wishes to col-
laborate with established regional
Zimbabwe’s liberation
and international artists such Sha-
Sha, Yemi Alade, Anita
Jack- son and
Poptain.
Well, get it from those who participated by buying DVDs
from New Ziana provincial offices dotted around the
country. In Manicaland province, you can enquire from
PUNGWE NEWS
Masasa Windsor House,
107 Herbert Chitepo Street, Mutare.
Tel: 0220 202 1487. Email:news.pungwe@gmail.com

page 06
Private companies
embrace NDS1
Nhlonipo Chavarike
MUTARE -As the country is
moving towards attaining an up-
per to middle income economy by
2030, local business community
in province have embraced the
National Development Strategy
(NDS1) which was launched by
President Emerson Mnangagwa
last year.
In line with the President`s 2030
vision, the private sector plays
a pivotal role in contributing to-
wards sustainable development
by engaging in different projects
such as mining, agriculture and
construction, which promotes de-
velopment at grassroots to nation-
al level.
ZCDC Chief Executive Officer Mr Mark Mabhudhu recently commissioned two new Liebherr
976 excavators meant to boost production at Chiadzwa mine
African Sun occupancy
slumps to 14% in Q1
Hotel chain, African Sun
saw its occupancy slump 26 per-
centage points to 14 percent in
the first quarter of 2021 as the
Covid-19 pandemic hit hard on
tourism.
During the same period last
year, before the onset of the kill-
er virus, the chain recorded 40
percent occupancy.
The low occupancy resulted
in African Sun posting an infla-
tion adjusted revenue slump of
$279.52 million compared to
$784.82 million during the same
period last year.
BUSINESS
PUNGWE NEWS
A local labour consultancy com-
pany, Eve Employment and Con-
sultant, has embraced the NDS1
by developing sport and recre-
ational centres.
The company has ventured in
construction of a golf course and
renovation of basketball court at a
Social Centre in Florida medium
density suburb.
Eve Employment Consultant
manager Caleb Kunze confirmed
the development, saying they
were complimenting government
efforts in ensuring Vision 2030 is
achieved.
“As Eve Employment Consul-
tant we are working compliment-
ing government efforts of enduring
Resultantly, the group suffered
a loss of $165.57 million.
“The 2021 first quarter results
reflect the devastating impact
that the Covid-19 second wave
induced lockdowns and travel
restrictions had on the business,”
the group said in its first quarter
update.
African Sun said it was bank-
ing on the domestic market to
drive its occupancy up in the
outlook.
“The key drivers of the do-
mestic market will remain
non-governmental organizations
that the country attains an upper to
middle income economy by 2030.
We also want to ensure there are
safe playing hubs for the children
and the community,” he said.
He added that they are work-
ing on a thrust of ensuring safety
among youths and communities
against vices such as drug abuse
and other social ills.
Eve Academy is currently reno-
vating a basketball court and a net-
ball pitch at Florida Social Centre.
“On top of those projects, we
are constructing a golf course at
the same centre contributing to the
country’s National Development
Plan of not leaving anyone or any
community behind,” said Kunze.
(“NGOs”), corporates and gov-
ernment business in the short-
term,” the hotel chain said.
“We expect the growth to re-
main modest on the back of the
government’s Covid-19 vacci-
nation programme, with real im-
pact likely to be felt in the last
quarter of the year.”
African Sun is not expecting
to earn much from internation-
al arrivals as “some of our key
source markets are experiencing
a resurgence in Covid-19 infec-
tions.”
New Ziana
PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021
Residents up in arms with Mutasa
RDC over ‘shocking water bills’
Mutasa RDC Chief Executive Officer, George Bandure
By Lisa Marianadzo
MUTASA -Residents and ratepay-
ers are is up in arms with the Muta-
sa Rural District Council (MRDC)
over new water tariff regime which
was announced recently.
Ratepayers said the council
hiked the tariffs three fold and new
structure was beyond their reach
and needs. They are demanding
that the tariffs be revised down-
wards.
Residents said they were
shocked when they received water
bills with amounts ranging from
RTGS$13 000 to $40 000 for two
months.
“The council just hiked rates
without notice. We are poor and
we can’t pay such obnoxious
amounts,“ said one resident who
complained that she received a
RTGS$12 000 water bill.
Others said the council must be
considerate as most businesses and
locals were still recovering from
the shocks of Covid-19 induced
lockdown.
“We don’t have such kind of
money. We know the council
needs to deliver and buy chemi-
cals but we should meet half way.
They should not forget that we are
still in Covid-19 era where most
businesses are still struggling to
recover,“ said another local busi-
nessman.
Penhalonga Residents and Rate-
payers Association (PRRA) chair-
person, Westone Makoni said they
wrote a petition to the council re-
questing a reversal of the decision.
In their petition, Makoni said,
the residents are demanding coun-
cil to maintain water charges that
were stipulated in the 2020 budget.
“Council should maintain the
water charges that were stipulated
in the 2020 budget. We therefore
deny the current charges in the
2021 budget.
“The water bills are too high and
inflated by the high volume of wa-
ter per household at 0,68 cents per
cubic meter,” said Makoni.
Mutasa RDC Chief Executive
Officer, George Bandure advised
residents and ratepayers with que-
ries to approach their treasury de-
partment for clarification.
“We advise the residents and
ratepayers with individual queries
to approach our treasury depart-
ment for clarification. Those who
have made payments should also
come forward with their proof of
payment,” he said.
Bandure explained that residents
should understand items stated on
their bills.
“It is important that residents
and ratepayers understand the
items on their bills for example
fixed charges, actual consumption
sewage charges, residential devel-
opment levy and annual lease rent-
als which are due in anniversary
month of the succeeding year,” he
said.
The council, Bandure said, was
receiving water supply from City
of Mutare at a cost and urged resi-
dents to pay up as they risk discon-
nection.
“It’s also important to note that
we get the supply of water from
the City of Mutare at a cost and
if residents and ratepayers do not
make good on their payments, they
should not be surprised when sup-
plies are disconnected.
“Some have not been paying
their bills religiously and have
balances brought forward on their
statements,” he said.
Residents in Ward 21 also com-
plained that they have not been
receiving adequate water supplies
from council.
Council is charging 0,68 cents
per cubic meter which residents
complained is “too high”.
 PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021 page 07

NEWS

Chipinge man Refrain from sensational

reporting -Journalists told
killed for stealing, Brenda Mundozo
MUTARE -Stakeholders in
the legal sector have expressed
concern over the adverse ef-
ing should avoid sensation-
alising or reporting facts of a
crime in a way that inflames
the public against an accused

selling dog
fects of pre-trial publicity on
the fairness of criminal cases.
Speaking during a media en-
gagement meeting organized
person.
“This affects or brings the is-
sue of the court of public opin-
ion and it is necessary that the

C
by the Zimbabwe Prisons and exercise of restraint in order to
HIPINGE -A local man was him a thief,” said Chananda. Correctional Service (ZPCS), avoid situations were you have
assaulted to death after he Tsegure’s body was found the The Justice for Children Trust, language that are truly harsh
sold a dog which he had following day around 6 am by
Legal officer Tatenda Sigauke or more judgmental on what
stolen from a local villager. Bothell Sithole without his trou-
appealed to journalists to re- the facts will be in a matter
Police have confirmed the sers on.
incident, saying investigations Sithole reported the matter frain from sensational report- that is before the court,” said
were in progress. at Chipinge Rural Police Sta- ing which may prejudice ac- Sigauke.
According to the police, tion who attended the scene. cused persons right to a fair Section 51 of the Constitu-
the now-deceased Lucky Investigations were done trial. tion of Zimbabwe indicates
Tsegure (39) of Mukumba and the three suspects are “It is important to take into that every person has the in-
Village under Chief Ma- still missing and they did account the broader principles herent dignity in their private
pungwana is reported to not return to Ndambi’s of the right to a fair trial and and public life and the right to
have sold a dog to Clement homestead after commit- also presumptions of inno- have the dignity respected and
Chibvepi. ting the offence.
cence. The media in its report- protected.
The dog is reported to have Tsegure’s body was tak-
been stolen from a local man en to Chipinge District Hos-
only identified as Chimene. pital for a post mortem, but
Provincial police spokesper- NewZimbabwe.com failed to
son, Inspector Luxson Chananda ascertain the cause of his death.
said on May 12 at around 1700hrs, However, sticks used to assault the
Tsegure and Solomon Mudimba deceased with were found at the
The
Mutisi went to Themba Ndambi site where his body was dumped
buyer realised
homestead to partake illicit beer and taken as taken an exhibit.
he had purchased a stolen dog after
known in the local lingo as sope. Chananda warned members of
he was confronted by the owner.
Clement and brother Christopher the public against meting-out in-
“Clement started assaulting him.
Chibvepi as well as Martin Chite- stance justice.
Ndambi tried to restrain him but
mera Dube (39) of Mwandipfura “People should not take law
failed,” said the police spokesperson.
Village under Chief Mutema were into their own hands as this leads
The other suspects joined the
also at the same homestead drink- to unnecessary loss of life. People
fracas and reportedly dragged the
ing illicit brew. should report to the police who
deceased to Budzi River 3 km
When the trio saw Tsegure, it ac- have the mandate to arrest sus-
away.
cused him of selling a stolen dog to pects,” he said.
“Along the way, they assaulted
Clement. NewZimbabwe.com
him using sticks and fists calling

Govt lightens burden on

examination candidates
The Zimbabwe government has allocated ZW$1.7 billion to
the Zimbabwe Schools Examinations Council for the adminis-
tration of examinations this year, a move which will see parents
and guardians contributing only 45 percent towards examination
fees for their children.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Cain Mathema
said the funding would ensure the affordability of public exam-
inations.
“Government has committed a grant of ZW$1.7 billion for the
administration of public examinations in Zimbabwe for 2021.
This commendable gesture will go a long way in ensuring the
affordability of examinations.
“The contribution ratio of 55 percent for government and 45
percent for parents and guardians for pupils in public schools
will ease the burden on parents and guardians whose incomes
have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic,”
he said.
“This timely intervention by Government paves way for the
registration of all eligible school candidates in public schools
for the 2021 ZIMSEC examinations.”
Mathema said efforts would be made to continue smoothening
the examination exercise.
“The continued support by government in the running of ex-
aminations is highly appreciated as it has enabled the Ministry
over the years to conduct the public examinations smoothly,”
he said.
New Ziana
page 08
CNP NEWS FROM
Community Newspaper
Publishing
(Zimbabwe’s largest Newspaper
0THER PROVINCES
Publishing Group)
Zhombe family
appeals for assistance
Kwekwe put on
for son’s surgery 14 days lockdown
Staff Reporter
KWEKWE District has been
placed under a 14 days lock-
down with immediate effect after
the new Indian Covid-19 variant
B.1.167.2 was detected in the city.
This was confirmed by Vice
President and Health Minister Dr.
Constantino Chiwenga in press
release.
The two weeks lockdown, VP
Chiwenga said, was necessitated
by a localized case of Covid-19
that occurred in Kwekwe during
the period May 8-21.
The virus has already killed one
person – Kwekwe businessman
Robson Kadenhe (76), and linked
11 other cases.
“The Genomic sequencing done
on the viral strain in Kwekwe de-
tected the presence of B.1.167.2
strain. This is a sub-species of
the strain that was first identified
in India. The last case was on 14
May 2021,” said the Health Min-
ister.
As a control measure, the gov-
ernment has imposed a 14 days
lockdown in Kwekwe with cur-
few running from 7pm to 6am.
ZINWA meets resistance to
install prepaid meters in Insiza
Isabel Zulu
INSIZA -The Zimbabwe National
Water Authority’s (ZINWA) plan
Duduzile Khumalo (18) of Chief Gwesela in Zhombe to install prepaid water meters in
Insiza district has been met with
ZHOMBE -A Zhombe man is appealing for assistance from well-wish- resistance from the residents who
ers who can help him raise US$1 500 to take his 18-year-old son for an have demanded the national water
emergency surgery in South Africa. authority to consult them first and
Takesure Khumalo from Chief Gwesela in Zhombe said his son Du- also educate them on the pros and
duzile (18) is not able to eat owing to a gum growth which has been cons of the project.
giving him problems since 2009. A highly placed source at ZIN-
“In 2009, he was diagnosed with a growth on the left jaw and from WA who spoke on condition of
then up to this day, he has been reeling in pain and has difficulties eat- anonymity confirmed the develop-
ing. He relies on liquids after the growth has been swelling and now ment and said the water authority
affecting the whole left side of the face,” he said. body intends to begin installing
Khumalo said for the past 13 years, his son has been suffering with water meters in Insiza from June.
local doctors failing to treat him and referring him to neighboring “All I can say is yes we will be
South Africa for an urgent operation.
“I do not work and there is nowhere I can get the money; I am there-
fore asking for any well-wishers who can assist me to help me raise
the amount needed for transport and the bills. The money can amount
COVID19 spreads when someone with the
to US$1 500 and I can be grateful if I raise the money on time so that
I can serve the life of my son,” he said.
virus coughs, sneezes or talks.
Khumalo has been relying on food handouts from the government
through the department of Social Welfare. To protect yourself and others:
“We have been assisted by Social Welfare to cater for Dududza’s * Wear a mask
medical expenses since 2009 under the Assistance Medical Treatment
Order (AMTO) up to this date, but it’s unfortunate they do not cater * Cover your mouth and nose with your
for international expenses, hence our appeal,” he said. elbow when you cough or sneeze
Those who want to assist can contact Takesure Khumalo on
0774896243 or 0712796874. * Wash your hands
PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021
“Travellers through Kwekwe
are strongly being advised to
spend as little time as possible
in Kwekwe during the next two
weeks.
“No visitors to all boarding
schools and all day schools to
observe strict COVID-19 school
protocols.”
Business operating hours will
run from 8am to 5pm, while all
bars, drinking places, beerhalls
and bottle stores will be closed.
Gatherings that include wed-
dings, church services and all oth-
er public and private groupings
are all banned.
The VP said all funerals must
be supervised by health personnel
and should not exceed 30 people.
Some of the control measures
include case investigation and
contact tracing, health education,
disinfection of supermarkets,
OK Mart, Amaveni dumpsite,
service stations, Kadenhe home,
Old Gokwe Road, Amaveni, Junk
Yard pavement, National Test-
ed Seed pavement, quarantine of
positive cases and close contacts
and screening of school children
installing prepaid water meters
in Insiza from June beginning in
ward 15,” revealed the source.
However residents who have got
wind of the development did not
have any kind words for ZINWA.
Residents interviewed expressed
their displeasure saying it is key
for them to be consulted before
taking such a bold decision.
“As a concerned stakeholder
and resident of Insiza, I strong-
ly feel that ZINWA bypassed us,
there is need for engagement be-
fore they implement the project,”
said Lameck Ndlovu.
Another resident from Insiza
that were contacts.
The Kwekwe District Covid-19
Taskforce also recommended that
all health workers who are in-
volved in contact tracing, active
case finding, treatment, lab tests
and risk communication must be
tested for COVID 19.
“On discharge of all those
who will have tested positive
to the COVID19 virus and have
completed 10 days, they will be
mandated to be tested again with
PCR before they are finally dis-
charged.”
Kwekwe General Hospital is
expected to avail doctors and
nurses to help with sample col-
lection.
The taskforce recommended
the scaling down of all peoples
markets operations and ensure ad-
herence to COVID-19 regulations
religiously.
The district has activated all its
quarantine isolation and treatment
centres with immediate effect and
these include Bell Medical Cen-
tre in Reddcliff, Kwekwe General
Hospital and kwekwe City Isola-
tion Disease Hospital (IDH).
said, “We were caught unawares
by the news of prepaid water me-
ters. Currently we don’t even know
how these gadgets work, let alone
their efficiency and convenience as
compared to the traditional meters.
We think dialogue is necessary,”
lamented Mkhululi Ncube.
Efforts to obtain official com-
ment from ZINWA public rela-
tions department were futile at the
time of going to press.
There are fears that installation
of smart meters will prevent con-
stant flow of potable water and this
will also introduce major health
risks to communities.
 PUNGWE NEWS, MAY 24-30, 2021 page 09

NEWS

Foreign Affairs Minister

embarks on regional tour
Zimbabwe’s Minister of For-
eign Affairs and International Trade,
Frederick Shava on Tuesday set
out on a three-nation tour aimed at
meeting regional counterparts and
strengthening bilateral relations.
Ambassador Shava, former-
ly, Zimbabwe’s representative to
the United Nations, took over the
portfolio in March following the
death of then minister, Sibusiso
Moyo in January.
The minister’s first introductory
tour will see him visit Botswana,
then Namibia and South Africa
from May 18 to 21.
“The visits, a first in his capac-
ity as the foreign minister, will
accord the minister the opportu-
nity to exchange views with his Dr. Fredrick Shava
counterparts on the status of, and
Giant frog ‘size of human baby’ strengthening bilateral relations,” Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr. Shava
said Foreign Affairs spokesperson, “The minster will sign the and the other two countries – Bot-
leaves villagers stunned Constance Chemwayi. agreement on the establishment swana and South Africa – is al-
“They will also exchange views of a Bi-National Commission,” ready at BNC level.
VILLAGERS in the Solomon Islands were left stunned after coming on regional, continental and inter- Chemwayi said. “The visits are affirmation of the
across a giant frog, described as being as big as a human baby. national issues of common interest.” “This agreement will change the government’s policy of engage-
A photo taken by Honiara resident Jimmy Hugo shows a young boy During the Namibia visit, Sha- Joint Commission to a Bi-Nation- ment and re-engagement and are
holding the frog up for the camera - and it has created a huge buzz on va will co-chair the Sixth Zim- al Commission (BNC) which is also a platform to seek trade and
social media, sparking new interest in a species that is facing a decline babwe-Namibia Joint Permanent chaired at the Heads of State and investment opportunities for Zim-
in population. Commission with his counterpart, Government level.” babwe,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Hugo, the owner of a timber milling operation, said that mill work- Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Cooperation between Harare New Ziana
ers came across the frog while hunting for wild pig in April. He then

Government respects the Courts

shared a photo of the giant frog - a Cornufer guppyi - on Facebook.
“Where I come from, it’s called bush chicken,” Mr Hugo wrote while
sharing the pic.

– Ministry of Justice
The pic has gone viral on Facebook, collecting over 800 ‘shares’ and
thousands of reactions. “Amazing,” wrote one Facebook user. “That’s
the largest water frog in Solomon Islands and probably in Melanesia,”
another remarked.
“At first, I thought only a few people would see it and then suddenly I
saw lots and lots of people commenting,” Mr Hugo told ABC News. “I
was very surprised to see how people reacted to the picture.”
In the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, the Cornufer guppyi
frog is also known as “bush chicken” or as the giant webbed frog. It is
hunted by locals and prized for its meat.
“That’s the expression, it’s bush chicken and it’s more delicious than
chicken,” Mr Hugo said.
While social media users have been left amazed by the huge frog frog
- dropping stunned comments on Mr Hugo’s photo - even experts are
surprised by its size. “I’ve never seen one that big. It’s quite uncommon
for them to get to that size so this one must have been quite old,” Jodi
Rowley, the curator of amphibian and reptile conservation biology at the
Australian Museum, was quoted as saying by the National Geographic.
These frogs are today facing a decline in population due to habitat loss
and pollution.
111-year-old Australian recommends
THE government said on Tues- at the weekend after the ruling. bwe therefore recognises the
eating chicken brains day it respected and believed in Government has since appealed importance of the judiciary as
CANBERRA -Australia’s oldest-ever man has included eating chicken
the independence of the judiciary against the ruling at the Supreme a dependable interpreter of the
brains among his secrets to living more than 111 years.
Retired cattle rancher Dexter Kruger on Monday marked 124 days
as “a dependable interpreter of Court. law where various opinions may
since he turned 111, a day older than World War I veteran Jack Lockett the law.” However, Ziyambi’s criticism, arise.”
was when he died in 2002. This follows a recent outburst in which he claimed he had ev- Lawyers in the case said on
Kruger told Australian Broadcasting Corp. in an interview at his nurs- by Justice Minister, Ziyambi Zi- idence some judges had been Monday they had written to the
ing home in the rural Queensland state town of Roma days before the yambi who accused the judicia- bought, ruffled feathers. Judicial Services Commission,
milestone that a weekly poultry delicacy had contributed to his longevity. ry of being captured following a Ministry of Justice Secretary Judge President and Registrar
“Chicken brains. You know, chickens have a head. And in there, there’s High Court ruling that blocked Virgina Mabhiza said govern- of the High Court reporting the
a brain. And they are delicious little things,” Kruger said. “There’s only government from extending the ment respected the High Court’s Justice Minister for contempt of
one little bite.” tenure of Chief Justice Luke Mal- ruling although it did not agree court.
Kruger’s 74-year-old son Greg credits his father’s simple Outback life-
aba by five years. with its findings in the case. In criticising the High Court de-
style for his long life.
Nursing home manger Melanie Calvert said Kruger, who is writing his “The situation now in this coun- “The Government of Zimba- cision, Ziyambi claimed to have
autobiography, was “probably one of the sharpest residents here.” try is that there is a risk of judicial bwe strongly believes in the inde- evidence which he was going to
“His memory is amazing for a 111-year-old,” Calvert said. capture where the Judiciary has pendence of the judiciary and re- use “to expose” some High Court
John Taylor, a founder of The Australian Book of Records, confirmed been captured by certain elements spects the principles of separation judges whom he said “were not dis-
that Kruger had become the oldest-ever Australian man. both within and outside Zimba- of power as set out in the Consti- pensing justice according to what
The oldest-ever verified Australian was Christina Cook, who died in bwe who want to destabilise the tution of Zimbabwe,” she said. they are supposed to be doing.”
2002 aged 114 years and 148 days. (AP) Second Republic,” Ziyambi said “The Government of Zimba- New Ziana
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PUNGWE NEWS
Delta Beverages unveils
US$3m PSL sponsorship
ZIMBABWE’S top flight league
the Premier Soccer League (PSL)
received a timely boost ahead of the
resumption of local football next
weekend following the unveiling of
a sponsorship deal in excess of U$3
million for the next three years with
traditional sponsors, Delta Beverages.
The new sponsorship deal, which
was unveiled at a ceremony in Harare
on Thursday, will see the PSL receiv-
ing US$$1 130 000 per season for the
PSL Championship and the Chibuku
Super Cup.
The money will be payable in local
currency at the bank rate of the day.
The sponsorship package was an-
nounced by Delta Corporation Gen-
eral Manager, Patricia Murambinda.
She told guests at the launch cere-
mony in Harare Thursday that Delta
were committed to seeing the re-
sumption of domestic football after a
year of absence due to Covid-19.
The sponsorship package will be
channelled towards three competi-
tions up to 2023.
“Delta is excited to announce the
Zimbabwe Premier Soccer League
sponsorship package for the 2021-
STOP PRESS
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PSL chairman Farai Jere (left), Delta Beverages General Manager, Patricia Murambinda
(centre) and Delta’s Sparkling Beverages general manager Moses Gambiza
2023 period. 2021 will be an exciting
season for all, with various activities
lined up to restart our game in Zim-
babwe despite the Covid-19 challeng-
es,” said Murambinda.
PSL chairman Farai Jere (left), Del-
ta Beverages General Manager, Patri-
PUNGWE
SP
PUNGWE NEWS MAY 24-30, 2021
cia Murambinda (centre) and Delta’s
Sparkling Beverages general manager
Moses Gambiza pose with a dummy
check during the unveiling of a three
year sponsorship deal for the PSL in
Harare on Thursday
The Castle Lager Premier Soccer
Chibuku Super Cup roars into life
By John Chamboko
MUTARE- THE inaugural Chibuku
Super Cup roars into life this week-
end at Sakubva Stadium after one
year absence of football due to the
outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Football, which commands a
huge following in the country, was
allowed to resume by Sports and
Recreational Commission (SRC)
following the easing of Covid-19
lockdown restrictions by govern-
ment.
The much anticipated football
action will kick-off this weekend in
Manicand Province capital Mutare
and other three cities namely Harare,
Bulawayo and Zvishavane.
Sakubva Stadium will host group
three matches with four teams name-
ly Tenax FC, Black Rhinos, Manica
Diamond and Cranborne Bullets.
The debutants Tenax FC will host
army side Black Rhinos on Satur-
day at Sakubva Stadium at 3pm and
on Sunday the Ngoda Boys will lock
horns with another debutant side
in the group Cranborne Bullets at
Sakubva Stadium.
The top flight teams adopted the
proposal from the Premier Soccer
League (PSL) board to play in a
mini phased league.
RT
League will get the lion’s share of
US$700 000 per season while US$375
000 has been set aside for the Chibuku
Super Cup that begins next week.
Another US$55 000 will go towards
the season-ending Castle Challenge
Cup. The Challenge Cup features the
The PSL has previously set May
16 as the day for resumption; how-
ever, the day was pushed to May 22
for the 2021 season to start.
Local soccer fans said they were
happy with the resumption of the top
flight league although they will not
be allowed to watch their teams in
action.
Givemore Tsuro, a staunch foot-
ball supporter said: “We are happy
with the resumption of the world`s
most populous game but it’s unfor-
tunate we cannot be on the terraces
to watch our favourite teams locking
horns. Probably they can screen on
television for the benefit of support-
ers.”
Another football fan Leonard Chi-
ro echoed the same sentiments say-
ing: “I missed local football. I don’t
have money to buy data bundles to
live stream the match, why can’t
they allow us to attend live match-
es in small numbers say 100 to 200
supporters to allow social distanc-
ing.”
Meanwhile, group one for Hara-
re has six teams namely Dynamos,
CAPS Unites, ZPC Kariba, Heren-
tials, Harare City and Yadah.
CAPS Unites will clash with Ya-
dah in the first round fixture of the
winner of the main Castle Lager Pre-
miership and the Chibuku Super Cup.
The new season will get underway
next weekend with the Chibuku Super
Cup which will be played under a new
format where teams have been put in
groups in an effort to manage a safe
resumption of football after a year of
inactivity due to the coronavirus pan-
demic.
The previous format was a direct
knockout but the new format will see
clubs meeting in round-robin matches.
The top two teams from each group
will proceed to the quarter-finals.
The semi-finals will be paired by
the public drawing of the lots. The
tournament is expected to run for six
to eight weeks.
The Premier League season is ex-
pected to get underway in July.
The sponsorship launch comes after
the PSL signed a broadcast partner-
ship agreement with Zimpapers Tele-
vision Network (ZTN)
Under the arrangement, ZTN are
expected to broadcast PSL matches,
by livestreaming them on their online
television platforms, in a pay-per-
view model.
Chibuku Super Cup to be covered
by Zimpaper Television Network on
Saturday at 3pm.
Group 2 consists of Bulawayo
teams namely Bulawayo Chiefs, Bu-
lawayo City, Chicken Inn and High-
landers.
This will be a group of derbies
with four teams.
Group 4 has both platinum min-
ers within their ranks namely Ngezi
Platinum, FC Platinum, Triangle and
Whawha.
SATURDAY
Bulawayo City v Chicken Inn at
Barbour Fields Stadium 11am
Whawha v FC Platinum at Man-
dava Stadium 1pm
CAPS United v Yadah at the giant
arena National Sports Stadium 3pm
Tenax v Black Rhinos at Sakubva
Stadium 3pm
SUNDAY
Ngezi Platinum v Triangle at
Mandava Stadium 11am
Harare City v ZPC Kariba at Na-
tional Sports Stadium 11am
Bulawayo Chiefs v Highlanders at
Barbour Fields Stadium 1pm
Herentals v Dynamos at National
Sports Stadium 3pm
Manica Diamonds v Cranborne
Bullets at Sakubva Stadium 3pm