BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Matabeleland North minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Richard Moyo is warning about the dire situation of livestock, especially cattle, due to the El Nino-induced drought.

The minister mentioned that the situation is particularly severe in areas such as Tsholotsho,Nkayi, Binga, and other regions in the province.

“Umnotho wemhlubulweni wethu zinkomo (These are the symbols of our wealth in this region) and what we ate witnessing is catastrophic. People’s cattle are dying in large numbers because of lack of rains last year,” Moyo said.

Villagers are also echoing similar sentiments, adding that the drought has resulted in the death of many cattle and donkeys, with female cattle being the most affected.

The lack of water sources has led to the death of these animals, and the situation is further complicated by the fact that people are struggling to access water for drinking.

Minister Moyo emphasized the need for the government to invest in building dams in Matabelele North, including the Ziminya Dam in Nkayi district and the Gwai- Shangani Dam, to mitigate the effects of El Nino.

“That way, we can ensure that our livestock is covered in any event.”

The minister also mentioned that President Emerson Mnangagwa has initiated an agricultural scheme program to assist communities with stock feed.

However, the program faces challenges, such as the requirement for villagers to contribute funds to access the stock feed from Kwekwe. He encouraged villagers to come together and contribute towards the transportation.

The drought has not only affected livestock but also people, who are struggling to access basic necessities like water.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

An 18-year-old teenager from Victoria Falls has been arrested for suspected murder, where he is accused of murdering his 34-year-old  step father.

The accused, from Chinotimba is now under police custody charged with murdering the man identified as Trust.

According to Matabeleland North police spokesperson Glory Banda, the deceased was found hanging from a 1.8 meters long tree at a Truck Stop area, on November 4, with blood at the back of his head.

The accused allegedly assaulted his step father with a log after being instructed to stop insulting the family and refusing to stop.

The events leading up to the tragedy began when Trust, who was drunk, started insulting the accused’s mother and sister.

The accused asked him to stop, but Trust refused and insulted him as well.

In the heat of the moment, the accused picked up a log and assaulted his step father twice on the head, the limbs and several times on the body.

After the assault, Trust went to a neighbor’s house and reported that he had been assaulted by his son.

The neighbor advised him to sleep in his car to avoid further confrontations.

The next day, Trust’s body was found  by a 14-year-old at 6AM, hanging from a tree at a Truck Stop area.

Banda said he had used the rope extracted from a blanket.

Banda said investigation is ongoing, and the postmortem will reveal whether the cause of death was the assault or the hanging.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

In the parched lands of Matebeleland North province, a dire situation is unfolding. Villagers in Nkayi, Lupane and Hwange report that cattle are dying in staggering numbers, especially those that have recently given birth.

“The situation is terrible,” says Jane Ndlovu, a local farmer Simbo village.

Calf born alive, but immediately dies as the mother fails to feed

“Cows are dying after giving birth, and even the newborns are not surviving. It’s heartbreaking to see. We’re facing a catastrophic situation here. Our cattle are dying left and right, especially the ones that have just given birth. It’s like they’re being born just to die. And it’s not just the cattle, our donkeys are also perishing in large numbers. We’re talking about our livelihoods here, our source of income. Without our animals, we’re doomed.”

Ndlovu’s neighbor, Singaphi Sibanda, echoes her concerns.

“The situation is dire. We’re struggling to find food and water for our animals. The grazing lands are dry and barren, and the heat is unbearable. Our animals are suffering from exhaustion and dehydration. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle. We’re talking about our very survival. There’s no food, no water, no nothing. Our children are going to bed hungry every night. We’re forced to walk long distances just to find a drop of water. And when we do, it’s often contaminated. We’re living in a nightmare.”

Jambezi resident Lenziwe Moyo adds, “The drought is relentless. We’ve never seen it this bad. Our animals are suffering, and we’re struggling to find food and water. We’re trying to do our best, but it’s like fighting a losing battle.”

Sub-calf ravaged by the drought

As the drought worsens, concerns grow about the long-term impact on the community.

“This drought is a disaster, a complete and utter disaster,” says Lupane village head Phios Ncube, a local leader.

“We need help, and we need it now. Our people are suffering, our animals are dying. We can’t just sit back and watch as our community is decimated.”

Background:

The current drought in Matebeleland North province and the country at large is driven by the El Nino phenomenon, which has brought extreme weather conditions to the region.

According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, the country has experienced a 70% decline in maize production, and livestock deaths have surged.

The government has declared a state of emergency and launched the “Drought Relief Programme” to provide assistance to affected communities.

International organizations, such as the World Food Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization, are also providing support, but it is not reaching to everyone.

Research by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) shows that droughts in southern Africa have increased in frequency and severity over the past century, leading to significant livestock losses and food insecurity.