In the community

Steward Bank partners Foundation to end period poverty

Published

4 years ago

August 4, 2021

BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

Zimbabwe’s largest bank by depositors, Steward Bank, has joined forces with Kunashe Foundation to end period poverty in the country by supplying reusable sanitary wear to underprivileged girls.

A recent study by SNV Zimbabwe revealed that 72 percent of menstruating schoolgirls do not use sanitary pads because they cannot afford them resulting in the unhygienic use of rags and cow dung.

This not only affects the girls’ health, but also strips them of confidence and dignity.

Steward Bank’s head of corporate affairs, Nyasha Choga, said the bank decided to chip in after realising that many girls in Zimbabwe are at risk of developing infections and suffering the embarrassment of leakages and discomfort due to lack of clean sanitary wear.

“Hunhu/Ubuntu, as knitted into our model of business, calls for the expression of compassion, reciprocity, and actions that bestow dignity and humanity to the community,” Choga said.

“ We value the privilege of contributing towards the efforts to keep girls in school and equip women to make reusable pads for their families and communities as a means of income generation.”

In support of Kunashe Foundation’s vision to provide information and access to sustainable sanitary wear, Steward Bank responded with $300 000.00 in May 2021 to fund over 1 000 girls in the form of a charitable grant.

Subsequently, the Foundation distributed reusable pads, which can be used for up to three years, to 262 girls in Glenview, Glen Norah, Epworth, Hatcliffe and Highfields and at St David’s children’s home (Nyanga), Shalom Children’s home, Danai Children’s home, St Marcelin’s children’s home and at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.

Kunashe Foundation said the strategic partnership with Steward Bank will go a long way in empowering women and girls across the country in helping them gain access to reproductive health rights and restoring human dignity and confidence.

Period poverty generally forces many girls to miss out on important confidence-building experiences in the classroom or in after-school activities.

Missing out on things like this can limit girls from reaching their full potential during puberty and beyond.

The foundation not only seeks to provide sanitary wear but to also improve the lives of women and girls through the provision of reliable information on women’s health as well as related access to essential products and services.

In line with its objective, the team conducted menstrual hygiene management training at Chisipite Senior School with the Leo Club, where participants were also taught the art of making reusable pads using sewing machines.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in-person training for the bigger groups was not possible. As a solution, easy-to-understand training packs in the form of guide books, pamphlets, e-fliers, and video content were provided in both instances.

In the community

Woman connives with boyfriend to kill step mother

Published

4 days ago

September 4, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A chilling murder case has unfolded in Tsholotsho, where a 34-year-old woman, Linnar Muzimela, and her boyfriend, Nkosi, are being sought by police for allegedly killing Muzimela’s 58-year-old step mother, Jenifer Dube.

According to the police, the brutal murder occurred in Magotsha Line in May 2025. The suspects allegedly buried Dube’s body in a shallow grave in the garden, where it was later retrieved by police on Tuesday, this week.

Police are now appealing for information that may lead to the arrest of Muzimela and Nkosi. The motive behind the murder is still unclear, but the police are working tirelessly to piece together the events surrounding Dube’s tragic death.

In the community

Victoria Falls Junior Council urged to propose projects for 2026 budget

Published

1 week ago

September 1, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

In a significant push to empower the youth and encourage community development, Kholwani Mangena, the Chamber Secretary of Victoria Falls City Council, has urged the Junior Council to identify and propose projects they wish to see funded in the 2026 budget.

This call to action was made during a recent budget consultation meeting held at Chinotimba Clinic, where concerns about the lack of support for the Junior Council and local youth from the council’s livelihoods program were raised.

Mangena highlighted an opportunity, revealing that the council has earmarked a piece of land specifically for youth-led initiatives, particularly in agriculture.

“Otherwise, on the other projects you have proposed such as poultry in this coming budget, for 2026, we have earmarked some piece of land so that if you want to do poultry, you can do that,” she stated. Her message was clear: youth and women, as well as people with disabilities, must take the initiative to define their projects and funding needs.

The Secretary brought attention to previous efforts made by the council to support marginalized groups, mentioning, “We gave them a piece of land somewhere about three months ago,” referring to the land allocated for various community projects. She encouraged the Junior Council to be proactive in outlining their desired projects, saying, “Identify your projects. Be clear about the projects that you want to do and the funding. And then we can ask the council to fund those.”

Mangena also offered support for fundraising efforts, suggesting that the council could provide initial funding for activities like a talent show to help raise funds for their proposed initiatives. “Before the end of the year, we can do that. For example, maybe you want to do some fundraising. We can give you the money to start that fundraising,” she continued, emphasizing the importance of grassroots efforts in driving change and development.

Hwange

Argument over underwear leads to stabbing and attempted murder charge for Hwange woman

Published

1 week ago

August 29, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Eunice Ngwenya, a 32-year-old woman from Makwika Village, has appeared in the Hwange Regional Court, facing charges of attempted murder following a domestic dispute that left her boyfriend, Mbekezeli Sibanda, in serious condition.

The incident, which occurred on the 18th of August, began when Ngwenya, Sibanda, and Ngwenya’s sister were walking together. According to reports, the disagreement erupted over Sibanda’s inner garment, which Ngwenya allegedly refused to return despite his repeated requests.

Following a brief separation, Ngwenya returned to the scene with the garment in hand. However, she had concealed a kitchen knife within it.

As Sibanda reached to reclaim his clothing, Ngwenya allegedly pulled out the knife and stabbed him twice—once in the right arm and once in the right side of his chest.

Witness accounts indicated that Sibanda sustained serious bleeding injuries as a result of the stabbings.

In a state of distress, he attempted to seek help from a workmate but was unsuccessful. Despite his injuries, he managed to return home, where a friend assisted him in reporting the matter to the police and obtaining medical treatment.

A medical report confirming the wounds has been compiled and will serve as evidence in this case.

Following the incident, Ngwenya was arrested and charged with attempted murder.

She was remanded in custody today, with the court setting her next appearance for on the 5th of September, pending the finalization of investigations.