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Chess enthusiasm sweeps Matabeleland North Province

Published

8 months ago

October 17, 2024

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

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.

In the community

Hwange police seek public’s help in locating missing teen

Published

3 weeks ago

May 15, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Hwange police are urgently seeking the public’s assistance in locating 16-year-old Latoya Lisa Munkuli, who went missing on May 7, this month.

Latoya, a dark-complexioned female juvenile, was last seen leaving her residence in Hwange around 4 pm.

She was wearing a distinctive outfit consisting of green trousers and a white T-shirt, and carried a black satchel. She stands approximately 1.6 meters tall.

Inspector Glory Banda of the Hwange police is leading the investigation and urges anyone with information about Latoya’s whereabouts to come forward.

If you have any information about Latoya’s disappearance, please contact Inspector Banda on 0785961747 or 0771256607.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

2 months 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.

In the community

Human-wildlife conflict claims 18 lives in Zimbabwe’s first quarter

Published

2 months ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has reported a disturbing trend of human-wildlife conflict in the country’s first quarter of 2025. According to the authority, 18 people have lost their lives, and 32 others have been injured in encounters with wildlife.

ZimParks spokesperson Tinashe Farawo revealed that the authority received 579 cases of human-wildlife conflict, which they managed to respond to promptly. The incidents have also resulted in significant livestock losses, with at least 53 cattle and 85 goats killed by wildlife.

The districts most affected by these incidents include Binga, Hwange, Kariba, Chiredzi, Hurungwe, Nyaminyami, and Mbire. ZimParks has been working tirelessly to raise awareness about wildlife behaviors and effective preventive measures in these areas.

In response to the crisis, ZimParks has translocated 129 animals back into protected areas and eliminated 158 animals deemed problematic.

“We encourage communities to continue reporting incidents to ZimParks Problem Animal Control numbers and local leadership, such as Councillors, Traditional Leaders, and Rural District Council Authorities, to ensure that we preserve lives,” Farawo urged.

The significant increase in livestock losses, with cattle deaths rising from 18 to 53 and goat deaths from 21 to 85 compared to the same period in 2024, highlights the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in Zimbabwe.

ZimParks’ efforts to mitigate the conflict include community initiatives to educate people on managing wildlife encounters effectively.