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Chess enthusiasm sweeps Matabeleland North Province
BY NOTHANDO DUBE
The brain game of chess has taken Matabeleland North Province by storm, with a recent tournament drawing 85 players from 20 schools and 4 academies
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The Safari Summer Chess Championships, held at Victoria Falls Primary, saw young minds compete in various categories, showcasing their skills and passion for the game.
Alpha Mathe, organizer and founder of Ally Chess Academy, expressed gratitude for the turnout and outcome.
“We’re thrilled to have hosted this tournament, providing a platform for young minds to shine. We appreciate the support from our sponsors, parents, and the chess community.”
Mathe encouraged the young players, saying, “Never stop exploring, learning, and loving the game. Chess has taught me resilience, strategy, and compassion, may it do the same for you.”
The tournament received sponsorship from The Lions International Club, contributing to its success.
Winners in each category received medals, certificates, and prize money, with the top player taking home US$ 60.
Ally Chess Academy, established in 2018, has grown significantly, now with 400 students enrolled.
Zimbabwe Chess Federation Chairperson and Chief Arbiter, Kripo Chivhenge, praised the growth of chess in the province. “The game is impressively growing, thanks to the establishment of chess academies in Hwange and Victoria Falls.”
However, Chivhenge noted the need for more female players and younger age groups to participate. “We still need more female players to achieve a balance and attract players from younger age groups like Under 8 and Under 10.”
The tournament’s success highlights the increasing popularity of chess in Matabeleland North Province, promising a bright future for the game.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
The once-thriving Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway has become a nightmare for motorists, with many labeling it “undrivable” due to its deplorable state.
As we drove through the Hwange area, close to Dete, Lubimbi Turn and Lupane, we witnessed firsthand the treacherous conditions that have left drivers frustrated and fed up.
The road is riddled with potholes, gullies, and mud-filled craters, forcing many to abandon the main road and opt for a dusty, makeshift alternative.
In some areas close to Lupane, villagers have taken it upon themselves to fix the road using the ordinary soils. This is usually done by the children and women.
“I’ve been driving for over 20 years, but this road is the worst I’ve ever seen,” said Thomas Moyo, a truck driver who frequently travels the route. “It’s like they’ve abandoned us. We’re forced to create our own paths, but even those are becoming increasingly difficult to navigate.”
Another motorist, Sarah Ndlovu, expressed her disappointment and concern for safety. “It’s not just the damage to our vehicles; it’s the risk of accidents and injuries. I’ve seen cars stuck in the potholes , and it’s only a matter of time before someone gets seriously hurt.”
The poor state of the road is also affecting travel times, with some motorists reporting journeys that take up to 10 hours to cover a stretch of 400 kilometers.
“It’s unacceptable,” said James Dube, a tourist operator. “This road leads to one of the world’s most iconic tourist attractions, and yet it’s in shambles. We need urgent attention to fix this road and restore our country’s reputation.”
However, in a recent statement, the government announced plans to prioritize the rehabilitation of the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway this year.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development, a significant allocation of funds has been set aside for the project, which is expected to commence in the coming months.
While this news has brought some relief to motorists, many remain skeptical, citing previous unfulfilled promises. “We’ve heard it all before,” said Moyo. “We’ll believe it when we see it.”
As the situation continues to deteriorate, motorists are calling on authorities to take immediate action to repair and maintain the highway.
With the peak tourist season approaching, it remains to be seen whether the government will follow through on its promises and restore the Victoria Falls-Bulawayo highway to its former glory.
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