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1 281 pupils infected as Covid-19 outbreaks hit Zimbabwean schools

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A number of schools across Zimbabwe are battling Covid-19 outbreaks with 1 281 children and 131 teachers testing positive for the virus since schools re-opened on August 30, the government said on Friday.

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The Health and Child Care ministry said the majority of the cases were being recorded at boarding schools.

“As of the 23th September 2021, there are 1 281 school children and 131 teachers, who have tested positive for Covid-19 across the country,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The bulk of the cases are being reported mainly from boarding secondary schools across the country through the enhanced surveillance mounted by the Ministry in collaboration with the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education using the Joint Operational Plan for the Coordinated Prevention and Management of the Covid-19 pandemic at all learning institutions in the country.”

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The ministry said most of the cases recorded so far did not require hospitalisation.

“Most of the reported cases have been mild and not requiring hospitalisation and no fatalities have been reported,” it added.

“The ministry wishes to assure the nation and the affected parents that measures are being taken to safeguard the safety and health of the affected learners.”

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The mitigation measures which have been put in place to ensure total safety of learners, include increased Covid-19 testing of all suspected cases on-site, isolation and management of all positive cases at the affected schools, quarantine of the all learners that have been exposed at their schools and restriction of movement into and out of the affected learning institutions.

“The ministry urges the affected schools and communities to continue practising strict hygiene, sanitization, hand washing, physical distancing and proper wearing of masks,” the ministry said.

“Those suspecting Covid -19 must seek medical attention from the nearest health facility.

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“Furthermore, eligible people should go for vaccination offered at the nearest health facility.”

On Thursday, the Health ministry said 69 percent of the new cases were recorded in schools Mashonaland East (26), Midlands (28), Manicaland (14), Masvingo (48), Matabaleland North (23), Bulawayo (one) and Mashonaland Central (89).

In June the government was forced to suspend the re-opening of schools by two months as the country battled the third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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National

RemitHope launches “100 for 10” campaign to raise $100K for grassroots organisations across Africa

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

RemitHope, a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution.

That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances – redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

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New 600 schools vs. reality: Mat North rural students trek over 10 kilometers for class

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, proudly announced that the government has constructed over 600 schools across Zimbabwe between 2022 and 2025. “I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he stated, adding that “this year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

Despite this achievement, reports from Matabeleland North province reveal a stark contrast, where students in rural areas often walk over ten kilometers to reach their nearest secondary schools. For example, in Nkayi, learners from areas such as Menda and Mantshololozane must travel long distances to access secondary education at Tohwe and Nkayi High Secondary Schools, which are situated more than ten kilometers apart. This trend has persisted, making it difficult for many students to pursue beyond primary education.

While the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to educational development, the experiences of many rural students paint a different picture. One legislator noted, “We were informed in this House that we have a deficit of 3 000 schools in Zimbabwe… what could have probably caused the mushrooming of these schools is the fact that there is a gap, and children do not have to walk long distances.”

In response to the issue of unregistered schools, Moyo addressed concerns, stating, “It is mandatory for any school to be registered before they can operate.” He explained that there is a dedicated department responsible for school registration and encouraged those operating illegally to regularize their status.

 

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Four men on the run after allegedly killing man over relative’s death

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Four people from Silobela are being sought by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their alleged involvement in a gruesome murder that took place on Sunday.

The police are investigating the murder of 21-year-old Thandelwenkosi Moyo, who was allegedly killed by the four suspects after being accused of killing their relative.

According to the police report, the incident occurred at Munklenuck Village, Inyathi.

The accused have been identified as Nyoka, Zizimuzi, Mboya, and Aweli.

The police report states that the four suspects took turns to attack the victim with booted feet and a sharp object, resulting in his death at the scene.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and report to the nearest police station.

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