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Recalls leave Victoria Falls with only two female councillors

Published

4 years ago

March 27, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The mass recall of councillors by Zimbabwe’s former main opposition coalition, the MDC Alliance, has knocked back the push for more female representation in the Victoria Falls City Council as the local authority now only has two female councillors.

Former ward one councillor Marguerite Varley was recalled two years ago and would not be returning to council chambers as she has since been replaced by a male councillor following by-elections held on Saturday.

The MDC-T-led by Douglas Mwonzora recalled over two dozen elected legislators and 122 local government representatives, saying they were no longer representing the interests of the party.

Observers, however, say the recalls dealt a huge blow to efforts to increase women representation in local governance platforms as there were already few elected female officials in Parliament and local councils.

Varley’s recall meant that Victoria Falls, the only city in Matabeleland North province, only has two female councillors namely Patricia Mwale and Netsai Shoko.

Victoria Falls has 11 councillors.

Varley did not stand in the March 26 by-elections to replace the recalled legislators and councillors, which means Victoria Falls might have to wait until 2023 when Zimbabwe holds its next harmonised elections to get a female councillor.

The main parties, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) and Zanu PF, both did not field female candidates in the two wards that were up for grabs in the by-elections in Victoria Falls.

Zanu PF’s Tonderai Mutasa, who is Varley’s successor as ward one councillor after the by-elections, said the lack of female councillors in Victoria Falls reflected the patriarchal nature of Zimbabwe’s political landscape.

“Some of them still believe that politics is a game for men,” Mutasa said.

“From my party in the ward where I contested there was a woman who was willing to contest, but she did not qualify because of Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) restrictions.”

Christopher Ndiweni, who contested in ward one on a CCC ticket said his experience from other parties where he has been a member, was that women were always willing to take part in elections, but they were being thwarted by their male counterparts.

He said women also needed to be assertive in claiming their space in the political terrain.

“Reading from the bible, it says a woman should be provided and protected by a man.

“So these people are probably not forceful in doing their things,” he said.

“There are some women, who are professionals who no longer want to get into politics because of other politicians who are always frustrating them to save their political positions.

“So when these professionals find out that such scenarios are playing out in politics, they then slide back as they naturally do not want to be seen to be forcing things.

Ndiweni said he has also seen male politicians discouraging women from taking part in important debates and this discouraged female candidates from taking part in important elections.

“Such professionals are seen as a threat by other male politicians,” he said.

Bekithemba Mlotshwa, who won the ward six by-election on a Zanu PF ticket, said his campaign team was driven by women whom he said were persuasive.

Mlotshwa believes rigid societal beliefs hindered women from running for political offices.

“Most of my campaigning teams were women because women make things move although there are instances where at times they might not fit,” he said.

“For example, 6PM to 7PM is the time for them to prepare dinner and that kind of time is not conducive for them to attend (to politics)

“We went to Binga in Siabuwa (last week) to campaign and we left at 4AM so that we will be there at 2PM.

“So that kind of situation for someone who is female and married becomes hard for them to partake in such activities.”

Mlotshwa said out of the 1210 registered voters in his ward, 709 were female and this made them the majority.

He observed that women were also discouraged from taking part in politics because of sexual and physical abuse.

According to the Election Resource Centre (ERC), the March 26 by-elections saw political parties fielding 128 candidates 28 constituencies and out of those, only 16 were women.

ERC said CCC fielded 28 candidates, but only three seats were given to women.

Figures showed that even Zanu PF with 28 candidates had only five female contestants.

Parties such as the Patriotic Zimbabweans, United Democratic Alliance and Zimbabwe African People’s Union did not field any female candidates.

Ndiweni said it was the duty of political parties to identify female candidates with a potential to win elections in order to achieve gender parity.

“It is our duty as politicians to identify people, who are capable of making things happen and persuade them to join politics,” he said.

“We should also try and support them because they are the most important figures in our societies.”

Mlotshwa said there was need for political parties to respect the constitution and ensure gender equity.

“I am happy that there has been some legislation, which promotes women to come through and partake in these positions and I am looking forward to that although the landscape does not favour participation of women in politics,” he added.

“So I would like to take it back to some political parties to promote women. We want them to come through because they are persuasive compared to us men.”

Zimbabwe’s constitutional provides for a women’s quota in parliamentary seats through proportional representation and there is a push to extend this to local government.

Lifestyle

Marvin Dube: Spreading hope and gratitude through gospel music

Published

3 days ago

October 24, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Born in Kadoma and raised across various towns in Zimbabwe, gospel artist Marvin Dube carries with him the deep spiritual and cultural roots of his Tonga heritage from Junamina village in Binga. Now based in the United Kingdom, Marvin is making waves in the gospel music scene, using his voice and message to uplift, heal, and inspire.

Following his previous single “Munoziva Zvose”, Marvin continues to evolve as a gospel minister and artist. His latest songs, Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari, showcase a refreshing mix of faith, gratitude, and reflection on the moral and spiritual challenges facing society today.

Below are excerpts from his interview with Nokuthaba Dlamini, Managing Editor for VicFallsLive, where Marvin opened up about his inspiration, journey, and the purpose behind his new work.

What inspired these new songs, and what message do you hope listeners take away from them?

Marvin Dube:

Both Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari were born out of reflection and prayer. Tinetariro speaks about hope — the kind that reminds us we are God’s children, even in times of moral decline and confusion. I was inspired by the challenges we are facing today, especially among the youth. Many have lost direction and respect, and social media has become a space where spiritual values are often mocked.

I wanted to use Tinetariro to remind people that there’s still hope for our generation — that God hasn’t forgotten us.

Tendai Mwari carries a message of gratitude. It encourages us to appreciate God for the little we have and to remain thankful even before we receive the big things we dream of — the car, the house, the job. Gratitude opens doors, and I want listeners to embrace that attitude of thankfulness every day.

How do these songs reflect your personal journey or growth as a gospel artist?

Marvin Dube:

These songs mark a point of maturity in my journey. I’ve grown to understand that gospel music is more than melody — it’s ministry. I now write with more purpose, aiming to address real issues affecting believers and society. Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari reflect my growth in both faith and artistry, showing that gospel music can heal, correct, and inspire all at once.

Can you tell us about the creative process, from writing to production, and who you worked with on this project?

Marvin Dube:

My creative process is very spiritual and organic. I draw a lot of inspiration from preaching. Often, a melody will start as a small tune in my mind — it keeps ringing until I can’t ignore it. Usually, the chorus comes first. I then take time to pray for inspiration to write the verses so that the message aligns with what God wants to say through the song.

After that, I play the song on my guitar, record a rough version, and share it with the producer or the band I’ll be working with. For this project, I worked with Hertz Records, who have produced all my music to date. They truly understand my sound and help me bring my ideas to life.

I also want to give a special shout-out to my wife, Leonora, and my two little kids. They’ve been my biggest supporters and motivation throughout this journey. Their love and encouragement mean everything to me.

How do you see gospel music evolving in Zimbabwe and Africa, and where do you see your work fitting into that movement?

Marvin Dube:

Gospel music in Zimbabwe and across Africa is evolving in powerful ways. Artists are finding new ways to reach wider audiences by blending traditional gospel messages with contemporary sounds. It’s exciting to see how the gospel is being shared in modern, relatable ways — especially among young people.

I see my work fitting right into that movement. My goal is to be a bridge between generations — to deliver timeless spiritual truths with a fresh, modern sound that speaks to today’s world while staying true to the Word of God.

What has been the most powerful reaction or testimony you’ve received from people who have listened to your music?

Marvin Dube:

One of the most powerful testimonies I’ve received came from a young listener who said Tinetariro gave them hope again after going through a very dark season. They told me the song reminded them that God still has a plan for their life. Hearing that touched me deeply. It’s moments like those that remind me this is more than music — it’s ministry, and I’m humbled that God is using my songs to touch lives.

Closing Note

Marvin Dube:

I’m truly grateful for the love and support I’ve received for Tinetariro and Tendai Mwari. If you haven’t listened yet, both songs are available on all streaming platforms and on my YouTube channel, Marvin Dube. The year 2026 will be even more exciting, with several projects already in motion that I believe will uplift and bless many lives.

National

Zimbabwe moves to establish tough drug control agency amid rising substance abuse crisis

Published

5 days ago

October 22, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

As Zimbabwe battles a surge in drug and substance abuse, the government has tabled a new Bill in Parliament seeking to establish a powerful agency to coordinate enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention programmes across the country.

The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill (H.B. 12, 2025) proposes the creation of a dedicated agency mandated to combat the supply and demand of illicit drugs, provide rehabilitation services, and strengthen coordination between law enforcement and social service institutions.

According to the explanatory memorandum of the Bill, the agency will operate under two main divisions — a Social Services Intervention Division to focus on prevention, treatment and community rehabilitation, and an Enforcement Division to target supply chains, trafficking networks, and related financial crimes.

The legislation describes drug abuse as “a grave internal national security threat” and “a public health crisis” that fuels organised crime, corruption and violence. It notes that drug profits have enabled criminal cartels to “purchase the instrumentalities of crime, including weapons,” and to corrupt both civilian and non-civilian public officials.

Under the new framework, the agency will have powers to:

Investigate and arrest individuals involved in drug trafficking and production;
Work jointly with the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, and Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe;
Establish checkpoints at ports of entry and exit to intercept harmful substances; and
Expand the legal definition of “harmful drugs” to include emerging synthetic substances, in consultation with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe.

The Social Services Division will lead prevention campaigns, develop demand-reduction programmes, and facilitate the creation of rehabilitation and detoxification centres nationwide. It will also introduce a monitoring system requiring schools, employers, and local authorities to adopt anti-drug awareness and intervention programmes within 90 days of the Act’s commencement.

Each province and district will host offices of the agency to decentralise services and ensure community-level engagement, while traditional leaders will help devise local prevention strategies.

The Bill further empowers the agency to employ prosecutors from the National Prosecuting Authority to handle drug-related cases, signalling a shift toward specialised prosecution of narcotics offences. It also introduces a new, stricter “standard scale of fines” and penalties for drug crimes — higher than those prescribed under existing criminal laws.

In a major development, the proposed law integrates the agency into Zimbabwe’s Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act, allowing it to pursue unexplained wealth orders and seize assets linked to drug cartels.

The Bill stresses rehabilitation and social reintegration as key pillars. It obliges the agency to support affected individuals through psychosocial counselling, vocational training, and community wellness programmes aimed at helping addicts rebuild their lives.

If passed, the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency will replace fragmented anti-drug efforts currently scattered across ministries and law enforcement agencies, creating a central authority to drive national strategy and coordination.

Parliament is expected to debate the Bill in the coming weeks amid growing concern over youth addiction to crystal meth, cough syrups, and other illicit substances that have taken root in both urban and rural communities.

National

Hwange unit 8 breaks down, deepening Zimbabwe’s power supply challenges

Published

6 days ago

October 21, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

ZESA Holdings has announced that Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the national grid following a technical fault, a development expected to worsen Zimbabwe’s persistent electricity shortages.

In a statement released on Monday, the power utility said the unit would be out of service for ten days while restoration work is carried out.

“Hwange Unit 8 has been taken off the grid due to a technical fault. The unit will be out of service for 10 days while restoration work is carried out,” ZESA said.

The company said Hwange Unit 7 remains operational, generating 335 megawatts (MW) to support system stability, while power generation at Kariba South Power Station has been ramped up with “careful management of water allocations” to compensate for the temporary shortfall.

ZESA apologized for the inconvenience and appealed for public understanding as engineers work to restore the unit.

Zimbabwe has faced recurring electricity supply challenges over the past two decades, driven by ageing infrastructure, limited generation capacity, and low water levels at Kariba Dam. While the commissioning of Hwange Units 7 and 8 in 2023 brought some relief, frequent breakdowns have continued to disrupt supply, forcing industries and households to endure prolonged load-shedding.

The latest fault at Hwange comes at a time when power demand is surging across the country, particularly during the hot season when air conditioning and irrigation systems increase pressure on the grid.

Energy experts say the outage highlights the need for greater investment in maintenance, renewable energy, and grid modernization to stabilize Zimbabwe’s power supply in the long term.