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Leaders commit to creating pathways for transformative education, skills development for children

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2024

BY SIRAK GEBREHIWOT

Victoria Falls – A historic gathering of seven Southern African leaders, international representatives, over 7000 children and youth took place at Baobab Primary School in the resort town of Victoria Falls to commemorate regional World Children’s Day.

The event, attended by dignitaries from across the southern Africa region, emphasized universal dedication to the rights and welfare of children, guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zimbabwe extending warm welcome to delegates, underlined the unity and shared goals of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). “Today is a powerful reminder of our collective duty to protect the rights of all children,” he affirmed.

President Mnangagwa’s speech underscored the importance of providing children with quality education and resilience against climate change, all while fostering their sense of identity and pride in their African heritage.

The President expressed gratitude to regional counterparts, particularly President Duma Boko of Botswana, for participating in Zimbabwe’s festivities. In a gesture of regional solidarity, he acknowledged, “Though we hail from different nations, we share a common vision for a vibrant, educated, and united Africa.”

Mr. Edward Kallon, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Zimbabwe, echoed the President’s sentiments. He stressed the significance of this event as a platform to emphasize children’s rights, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals.

“The UN2.0 and its quintet of change—embracing innovation, technology, and inclusivity—guides the United Nations renewed mission towards a brighter future for all children,” Mr. Kallon stated.

He underscored the UN’s reinvigorated strategy, UN 2.0, aiming for transformational change with children at its core. Kallon called on all stakeholders to remain accountable to the children’s Call to Action, reinforcing the imperative to incorporate young voices in policymaking processes and national development programmes.

Education: A Pillar for Progress

UNICEF Regional Director, Ms. Etleva Kadilli, focused on the transformative power of education. She recognized strides made in various SADC countries that have prioritized digital learning, inclusive education, and curriculum reform. “These advancements illustrate that when governments and educators listen to children and act, significant progress can be achieved,” Ms. Kadilli underlined.
Kadilli acknowledged the persistent challenges facing sub-Saharan Africa, where educational disparities remain stark. She encouraged children present, stating, “Your voices are vital. When you speak, you not only shape your future but ours as well.”

Collective Regional Pledge

His Excellency President Duma Boko of Botswana accepted the honor of hosting the next World Children’s Day commemoration. He pledged his administration’s dedication to addressing the needs and aspirations voiced by the children and youth. “We stand ready to work with you, empowering our children to lead with wisdom and courage,” President Boko assured.

Senior officials from Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Malawi, and South Africa echoed these commitments. They affirmed their governments’ resolve to enhance children’s access to quality education, healthcare, and social protection, reinforcing their rights as a priority.

Empowering Through Culture and Heritage

The celebration also spotlighted the role of arts, culture, and heritage in building inclusive societies. President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of embracing cultural identity and utilizing natural resources to foster development and unity. “Let us, together, promote our unique cultural products and enhance our children’s understanding of their heritage,” President ED Mnangagwa encouraged.

Combating Emerging Threats

Addressing contemporary challenges such as climate change and drugs and substance abuse, President Mnangagwa reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating these issues through strategic initiatives like the Presidential Borehole Drilling Scheme and the establishment of Child-Friendly Courts. “Our measures ensure that all children, particularly the vulnerable, have their rights upheld and their futures secured,” he stressed.

A Call to Action and Hope

Ms. Etona Ekole, UNICEF Representative for Zimbabwe said, “This World Children Day, I am incredibly proud to see children from Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe raising their voices for change. Their Call-for-Action is a testament to the power of listening to children and investing in their future.

The event underscored a unified call to invest in children as Southern Africa’s future leaders. With collaborative resolve, the leaders and stakeholders committed to translating discussions into concrete actions, guided by the insights and demands of the children and youth.

Facilitating a call to action from children and youth representatives across seven countries, Ms. Sithabile Mtigo, Speaker of the Junior Parliament of Zimbabwe, highlighted the critical role of young advocates throughout Africa. She declared, “We are the leaders of both the present and the future for Africa.”

The Regional World Children’s Day served as a reminder of the shared journey towards a future where every child’s rights and potential are realized, and every opportunity leveraged.

The commitment made in Victoria Falls to “Educate and Skill the African Child for Posterity” is not only a theme but a driving mission as the African continent marches towards a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.

SOURCE: Sirak Gebrehiwot is UN Partnerships and Development Finance Advisor at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Zimbabwe

Hwange

Chief Nelukoba-Dingani sounds alarm as water crisis and wildlife attacks threaten Mabale

Published

4 hours ago

November 26, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Deep in the dry plains of Hwange-Mabale, villagers say life has become a daily battle for survival — not only against the long distances they walk to fetch water, but also against the wildlife that roams the same paths their children must use to reach school.

During a visit by VicFallsLive, Chief Nelukoba- Dingani of Mabale painted a dire picture of a community caught between environmental hardship and the realities of living inside a wildlife corridor.

“We have no water up to Gwayi — we are suffering.”

Standing beside a recently drilled, but completely dry borehole shaft at his homestead, Chief Nelukoba said the area’s water table has drastically dropped, leaving families without reliable access to drinking water.

“We have tried drilling many times. The latest borehole went down almost 100 metres — still, nothing,” he said.

“People here are suffering. To get water, some walk more than five kilometres every day.”

The chief said several homesteads have abandoned shallow wells that dried up as temperatures soared and rainfall patterns shifted.

The water crisis is compounded by the fact that the community sits directly along a wildlife corridor used by elephants, lions and hyenas moving between protected areas.

Behind some homesteads, fresh elephant dung and large footprints are a daily reminder of how close danger is.

“These animals are always here,” said Chief Nelukoba. “Elephants are killing people, hyenas are killing livestock, and lions are hunting in our villages.”

He recalled a particularly devastating attack at his own homestead.

“In one night, I lost eight cattle and 16 goats. They were all taken from the kraal. This is what my people face often.”

Perhaps the most heartbreaking part of the chief’s concerns is the danger faced by school-going children.

Learners from the area walk between 5 and 10 kilometres to reach Nabushome High School.

“Children meet lions on the way. Sometimes they have to run back home,” he said.

“How can they learn in fear? How can they grow when they are not safe?”

“Conservation must benefit the people living with wildlife.”

Chief Nelukoba stressed that communities bearing the burden of wildlife presence should also receive the most support.

He urged conservation authorities and organisations to prioritise basic needs such as water, safe routes to school, and security for villagers and livestock.

“We support conservation. But conservation must also support us,” he said.

“We need water sources. We need protection from these animals. Rural people living with wildlife must not be forgotten.”

For Chief Nelukoba, the message is simple but urgent:

“Let conservation policies bring safety and dignity to our people.”

In the community

Hwange man jailed 19 years for sexual assault spree against relative

Published

5 hours ago

November 26, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 39-year-old man from Musuna area has been sentenced to an effective 19 years in prison after the Hwange Regional Court found him guilty of indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault against his 36-year-old cousin-in-law.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) , the offender targeted the woman on two separate nights at her homestead in Breamland Gardens, subjecting her to a series of disturbing assaults while she slept under her mosquito net.

The first attack occurred on 31 August 2025 at around 10PM. Prosecutors said the man crept into the complainant’s mosquito net while she was sleeping facing downwards, hugged her from behind, and began touching her inappropriately. She woke up and confronted him, prompting him to flee — but not before bizarrely offering her “sugar beans” as payment for her silence.

Although the complainant informed her husband, he initially begged her not to report the matter in an attempt to protect his younger brother.

Two days later, on 2 September at around 11PM, the offender returned. This time, he again slipped under the mosquito net and molested the woman, forcibly groping her and inserting his finger into her private parts. When he discovered that the complainant was menstruating, he stopped and pleaded for forgiveness, offering beans once again and urging her to sweep away his footprints to erase evidence of his presence.

After the second attack, the survivor refused to remain silent and reported the matter to the police, leading to the offender’s arrest and prosecution.

He was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment for indecent assault and 18 years for aggravated indecent assault.

In a statement, the NPA warned that the justice system will not be lenient with sexual offenders, stressing that “the sanctity of a woman’s body and the safety of her home must be respected. Family ties should never be used as a shield to silence victims of abuse.”

In the community

Tsholotsho man jailed for threats of violence and assault

Published

1 day ago

November 25, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 43-year-old Tsholotsho man, Ezekiel Ndlovu, has been convicted on two counts of threatening violence and one count of assault after a series of violent incidents at a local homestead earlier this month.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the offences occurred on the 10th 10 and 15 November, at Soluswe line. During a misunderstanding while socializing, Ndlovu reportedly threatened to kill a male victim using an axe. Five days later, he allegedly returned to the same homestead and again issued threats — this time targeting the owner of the property.

In a separate incident at the same gathering, Ndlovu struck another man on the left leg with an iron bar, causing bodily harm.

He was sentenced to 12 months in jail after being convicted at the Tsholotsho Magistrates’ Court.