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Victoria Falls City Council sets 2023 budget at US$20 million

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Victoria Falls City Council is proposing a US$20 million budget for next year as it tries to keep up with rising inflation.

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Speaking on the sidelines of a recent budget consultation meeting, council’s finance director Neville Ndlovu said the proposed budget was a US$2 million increase from the combined 2022 budget and the supplementary budget that was adopted later in the year.

“For 2022, including the supplementary budget we were on US$18 965 149, and for the next year we are proposing US$20 083 932,” Ndlovu said.

The council’s finance boss had earlier told stakeholders that the 2023 tariff increase was mainly driven by the worsening economic situation, characterised by rising inflation.

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“Inflation rose from 66, 18 percent in February to 257 percent in July,” Ndlovu said.

“Fuel prices continue to rise and electricity (tariffs) went up by 342 percent while the official exchange rate moved from $85 to $621 yet the parallel market exchange rate has moved from $120 to $750 (to the US dollar).”

He said although the government had eased travel restrictions imposed during Covid-19 lockdowns, the war between Russia and Ukraine continued to affect the city’s biggest economy, which is tourism.

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If the proposed budget is approved by central government, 1 000 litres of water will cost US$1.07 cents from US$ 83 cents for the least paying ratepayers from high density suburbs.

Cemetery fees will be pegged at US$250 from $175 while expecting mothers will be paying 50 percent more for delivering at the council-run clinics.

Commercial license fees will go up by between 50 percent and over 170 percent.

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Helicopter helipad owners will pay US$1719 up from US$ 860 and operators said the fees were beyond their reach considering that the tourism industry was yet to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, residents pleaded with the local authority to revise the budget downwards arguing that the proposed tariffs did not match the level of service delivery in the city.

Most suburbs in the city do not have constant water supplies and suffer from frequent sewer pipe bursts.

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Ndlovu said council had managed to work on the storm drains in three areas and embarked on road rehabilitation programmes utilising its capital budget.

Council also bought a motorised grader, he said.

He, however, bemoaned shortage of manpower and support staff to efficiently execute duties.

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“We have a huge backlog on valve maintenance, both small and commercial, and we also lack service equipment for dewatering and jack hammers,” Ndlovu said.

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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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