BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

In the heart of Binga, Susumbe Village, Margaret Bernard, a devoted Village Health Worker (VHW), tirelessly ensures children receive their vaccinations, the elderly get necessary aid, and government health programs are successfully implemented.

Yet, despite her vital role, she receives no salary from the government, a situation she’s appealing to change.

“We’ve been asking for years for the government to put us on the payroll,”Bernard says, her voice filled with determination. “We’re the first line of defense in our villages, but our efforts seem to go unrecognized.”

With over twelve years of service, Benard has never received payment or support for her family.

“Sometimes I feel like giving up, but that would betray my community,” she confesses. “People never stop coming for assistance, and we must help.”

Margaret is one of approximately 14 000 VHWs in the country who labor without pay.

Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), emphasizes the crucial role VHWs play: “They’re the glue connecting our healthcare system to communities… critical to health promotion, disease prevention, and early diagnosis.”

However, VHWs face numerous challenges, including lack of incentives, standardized payment, and protective gear. “We need political commitment to support them,”Rusike stresses. “Currently, VHWs rely on external partners, which is risky and unsustainable.”

Bernard’s story highlights the dedication and struggles of VHWs like her.

As Rusike advocates, “CHWs must be employed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, with standardized allowances and training… Donors should complement government efforts, not replace them.”

The current ratio of VHWs per population is alarmingly low, with approximately 14 000 serving a nation in need of 30 000. “We need more VHWs, protective gear, and inter-sectoral support,”Rusike emphasizes.

As Bernard continues her selfless work, her plea remains: “We’re not just asking for payment; we’re asking for recognition and support to continue serving our communities.”

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 42-year-old farm supervisor from Binga, has been sentenced to six months in prison for fraud after falsely claiming to be a Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) officer and promising to facilitate recruitment in exchange for money.

Timothy Ngulube, was convicted on his own plea of guilty to  fraud charges when he recently appeared before a Lupane magistrate’s Court.

According to the State’s case, Ngulube met the complainant at Auction Bar in Lupane Business Centre on September 13, and introduced himself as a ZNA officer.

He offered to help the complainant join the army in exchange for USD200.

The complainant paid Ngulube USD50 on September 16, and was told to prepare for travel to Harare that evening.

However, Ngulube kept postponing the departure time, leading the complainant to report the matter to the police.

Ngulube’s actions led to his arrest and subsequent sentencing to six months in prison, with one month suspended on the condition that he restitutes USD50.

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Domestic violence turned deadly when a man killed his wife and later committed suicide.

According to the police, the shocking incident of domestic violence ending in murder and suicide struck in Siantungwana 4 Village, Sikomena, Dobola, on September 16.

The husband, Zibusiso Mhlanga, a 44-year-old man, allegedly attacked his wife, Lydia Mlalazi, 19, with a stone for unknown reasons.

The brutal assault resulted in Lydia’s death upon admission at a local health center in Lusulu.

In a disturbing turn of events, Zibusiso then took his own life by hanging.

The motive behind the attack and subsequent suicide remains unclear.

The Lusulu police are currently investigating the case, attempting to unravel the circumstances surrounding this incident.