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Chamisa hits back at critics, defends approach to fighting Zimbabwe’s ruling party

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Former Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) leader Nelson Chamisa has responded to criticism that he has failed to take decisive action against Zimbabwe’s ruling Zanu PF government.

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In a social media post, Chamisa defended his approach, emphasizing that the fight for change in Zimbabwe is a marathon, not a sprint.

Chamisa acknowledged the struggles and fatigue that come with fighting for justice, saying, “It has not been easy to stand for right, truth, and the authentic alternative. I can understand the struggle fatigue. It has been a long, rough, and tough journey.”

He also addressed criticisms that he has been too quiet on key issues, saying, “Some get genuinely tired, exhausted, and or get too old, yet can’t let go. Some are disappointed, depressed, and frustrated at the delay in quick results.”

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Chamisa emphasized that the struggle for change is not a solo effort, saying, “Some are pretenders, infiltrators, and establishment collaborators who play for the other team. And they often shout and caricature the loudest.”

He concluded by affirming his commitment to the fight for a better Zimbabwe, saying, “Some fight to the bitter end! These few are in it for the long haul, for service and for Zimbabwe and its people. AND I am proud to belong to this category.”

Direct Quotes:

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1. “It has not been easy to stand for right, truth, and the authentic alternative. I can understand the struggle fatigue. It has been a long, rough, and tough journey.”
2. “Some fall by the wayside, some go offside yet very few remain onside and inside!!”
3. “Some get genuinely tired, exhausted, and or get too old, yet can’t let go.”
4. “Some are disappointed, depressed, and frustrated at the delay in quick results.”
5. “Some may resort to finger-pointing and blame game as a post-election dissonance and frustration coping mechanism.”
6. “Some are pretenders, infiltrators, and establishment collaborators who play for the other team. And they often shout and caricature the loudest.”
7. “Some admire the opportunities offered by occupying office and being in government-as President, Minister, MPs, Councillors or public service.”
8. “Some are content with benefits and privileges of power and position as opposition for life.”
9. “Some are in it for survival and employment escaping poverty and never for service, change, and leaving a legacy.”
10. “Some seek short cuts decide that if we can’t beat them join them-so joining the gravy train becomes the easy answer!”
11. “Some choose to disengage and pursue personal goals, interests, and business as private citizens.”
12. “Some are perennial skeptics and perpetual cynics and armchair critics. The naysayers and doomsayers. These are a mortal danger to a people struggle for a better world.”
13. “Some fight to the bitter end! These few are in it for the long haul, for service and for Zimbabwe and its people. AND I am proud to belong to this category.”

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National

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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Parliament grills minister on Zimbabwe’s climate and food security policies

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Last week, the Parliament saw a robust exchange as Members of Parliament (MPs) probed the Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, and Rural Resettlement, Anxious Masuka, about the government’s plans to enhance food security amidst climate challenges. The session highlighted both the progress and the hurdles faced in rehabilitating irrigation schemes across the country.

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Addressing Food Security

Thusani Ndou initiated the discussion by questioning the government’s food security policies in light of reported irrigation schemes operating at a mere 20% capacity. He emphasized the critical food shortages resulting from this inefficiency, despite the season’s good rainfall. In his response, Minister Masuka underscored that the government considers food security a cornerstone of its agenda and described ongoing efforts to combat the effects of climate change on agriculture.

“We regard food security everywhere and every day as one of the philosophies of the Second Republic,” Masuka stated, explaining the government’s commitment to “climate-proof” agriculture. This involves implementing the Pfumvudza/Intwasa model, which promotes sustainable agricultural practices tailored to the environment, and accelerating irrigation development.

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Masuka announced ambitious targets to complete the development of 26 000 hectares of smallholder irrigation across 460 schemes by 2030, with 19 000 hectares already achieved. However, he acknowledged that regional disparities mean that some areas, particularly Bulilima and Binga, continue to face significant food shortages, despite the government’s commitment to addressing these needs.

Irrigation Scheme Oversight

Further inquiries from MPs, including Phathisiwe Machangu, Lupane east, raised concerns about idle irrigation schemes and the government’s policies for monitoring their functionality. The Minister acknowledged the historical context of these schemes, noting that many were established during colonial times as “uneconomic, unviable units.” He highlighted a new initiative aimed at transforming these uneconomical schemes into viable business units by restructuring governance and management practices.

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“We are now using the Vision 2030 Accelerator Model to pool smaller plots into larger, economically viable units, thereby improving their sustainability and profitability,” he explained. The Ministry has successfully onboarded 341 out of the 460 irrigation schemes onto this new model.

Budget and Development Challenges

Others further pressed the Minister on the apparent lack of follow-through on government budgets allocated for these irrigation schemes. Masuka expressed disappointment over budget allocations, revealing that as of June, only 37% of the requested resources had been disbursed.

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He urged Parliament to advocate for the importance of developing irrigation infrastructure, especially in light of changing climate conditions. “It is saddening that we have resources lying idle while communities suffer as candidates for social welfare,” he lamented.

Regarding the quality of irrigation contractors and value for money, Masuka acknowledged ongoing assessments by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee. He assured the MPs that procurement regulations were in place to ensure contractors deliver quality work but left the door open for evidence of failures to be addressed.

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