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2.5 million cattle at risk: Government establishes ward drought mitigation centers to provide relief

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The climate change crisis has taken a toll on Zimbabwe’s livestock, with 2.5 million cattle at risk due to drought.

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In response, the government has established ward drought mitigation centers to provide relief to affected areas.

Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Resettlement, Anxious Masuka, explained during the National Assembly meeting of July 23 that the centers will provide water, pastures, and supplementary feeding for livestock.

The government has also banned household-based cattle sales to prevent panic selling and ensure fair prices for farmers.

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However, some MPs raised concerns about the practicality of the government’s plan, citing the lack of dip tanks and the risk of overcrowding and disease transmission at the sales points. Masuka assured the House that the government has 4 009 dip tanks and is working to ensure that each ward has access to a dip tank.

The minister also emphasized the importance of community involvement in selecting the ward drought mitigation centers, saying that existing dip tanks with sales facilities will be prioritized.

While the government’s efforts are commendable, some MPs expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the plan. Shakespeare Matambo questioned the accuracy of the minister’s statistics, while Tafanana Zhou raised concerns about the spread of diseases among livestock.

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As the climate change crisis continues to affect Zimbabwe’s livestock, the government’s response will be crucial in mitigating its impact. The establishment of ward drought mitigation centers is a step in the right direction, but the government must ensure that the plan is practical and effective in addressing the needs of affected communities.

Questions and Concerns

– How will the government ensure that the ward drought mitigation centers are accessible to all affected areas?

– What measures will be put in place to prevent overcrowding and disease transmission at the sales points?

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– How will the government address the concerns of farmers who may be forced to sell their cattle at low prices?

– What is the government’s plan to provide long-term solutions to the climate change crisis and its impact on livestock?

Quotes

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– “We have 4 009 dip tanks in this country. We obviously have more dip tanks per ward, depending on the ward.” – Masuka

– “I am shocked, is what he is talking about practical? If he says dip tanks are the selling points, how many thousands of dip tanks are there in this country?” – Hamauswa

– “We are banning all household-based cattle sales, ban all village-based cattle sales so that the cattle sales can now take place at these ward drought mitigation centers on designated calendar days that are advertised in advance.” – Masuka

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– “What is happening ordinarily is that the buyer goes to your household asking to buy cattle and they negotiate with you on a household and buyer basis. That reduces your negotiating capabilities as an individual.” – Masuka

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

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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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