National

Prevail International Group of Companies develops Talk Chart

Published

2 years ago

July 1, 2023

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

A local company, Prevail International Group of Companies has developed the first local communication and microfinance chat application called ‘Talk Chart’.

The application, which is downloadable onto Android and IPhones, allows people to connect seamlessly from anywhere and transact online.

It was developed a few months ago and has been introduced locally, as well as in the UK, Middle East, Philippines and UAE.

The developers who are in Victoria Falls to participate at the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon and introduce the application to the resort city, said they are excited by the overwhelming response the application has received.

Jonathan Muchengeti, Talk Chart chief executive officer said they want to take advantage of the international attendance at the marathon.

“Talk chart is a communication and microfinance application and is a one-stop-shop for business and individuals whereby you can transact and send money to your relatives.

“It’s different from other applications because you can transact with it. You can go into a shop and buy using Talk Chart. It is much better than other applications because it’s going to be faster, reliable and secure. So we are just here to interact with the people to show them that we are here for you,” he said.

Plans are underway to launch the application countrywide.

This is the first such application developed in Zimbabwe that provides home grown solutions to communication challenges as it will require less data compared to other applications such as WhatsApp.

Muchengeti said the company was motivated by the need to “have something of our own in Zimbabwe.”

“We have to make our culture proud and so we developed the application showing the world that we as Zimbabweans can do something better.

“Talk Chart is for everyone and we are here to activate it in Victoria Falls.” said Muchengeti.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

4 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.