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Stressed by Covid-19, Zimbabweans Turn to Friendship Bench for Solace

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BY COLUMBUS MAVHUNGA

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has stretched people’s mental health around the globe, and Zimbabwe is no exception. 

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But some Zimbabweans hit hard by the stress have found unique support at the Friendship Bench, one of the country’s biggest counseling services.

The Friendship Bench was created in 2006 to provide counseling to those stressed out or depressed by the political and economic situation in Zimbabwe. 

The organisation now has branches at most clinics and hospitals in Harare, and it is the only large mental health therapy service operating in the country.

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The service is run by volunteers who say they do not want to see Zimbabwean people experience severe anxiety.

According to Chengetayi Nyamukapa, country coordinator for Friendship Bench, many people have stopped meeting others in person due to Covid-19.

“As Friendship Bench, are saying we are there, we continue to provide counseling to people who are infected, affected by Covid-19 pandemic,” Nyamukapa said.

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 “Again, we are saying that we are unable to do that using our conventional face to face, but what we have done as an organization is to migrate to an online platform. 

“We are accessible via WhatsApp, be it in audio, video call, being it texting and even a general call.”

But some, such as Elizabeth Chibeka, still come to their offices. The 49-year-old said her father is battling Covid-19.

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“I have nothing to pay for his medical bills,” she said. “I am unemployed, I have no means to raise funds even for his food. 

“Those are some of the things stressing me, hence I came here to talk to these people. 

“Covid-19 is there and it’s real, especially where we stay. We are failing to attend funerals because of Covid-19.”

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Fifty-three-year-old Forget Gutuza, one of the counselors at the Friendship Bench, said Covid-19 is dominating her counseling lately.

“Covid-19 has really spread its wings,” she said. 

“It’s all over. But people are not masking up. I do not know how awareness programs can be done. I wonder why people do not understand the situation we are in.”

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Debra Machando, chief of mental health for the World Health Organisation’s office in Zimbabwe, said Covid-19 has caused a lot of stress.

“Lately we have been seeing a number of psychological disorders, including panic attacks, insomnia, depression, and also a surge in terms of family conflict and violence,” Machando said.

 “So, there are a number of things that people can do to mitigate loss of income, to mitigate the stress. 

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“The first thing is to understand, to appreciate that we are living in strange times, and things are difficult. 

“When people understand, it also means that they are going to put their expectations into perspective.”

This realisation might help people to cope as the number of cases of Covid-19 continue to spike in Zimbabwe with the delta variant on the rise.  –VOA 

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National

Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition vows to resist term limit changes

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Zimbabweans are speaking out against proposed constitutional amendments that would extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure beyond the constitutional limit of two five-year terms.

A stakeholder engagement meeting convened by the Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition today brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including labor, church, and business representatives, to devise a collective strategy against the proposed amendments.

“The participants firmly argued that such changes would significantly undermine the spirit and collective will of the Zimbabwean populace,” the meeting noted.

They characterized the amendments as “self-serving maneuvers orchestrated by a small clique of politicians pursuing personal ambitions over the broader interests of the nation.”

“This clique’s pursuit of power undermines the very foundation of Zimbabwe’s democracy,” the meeting emphasized. Furthermore, the participants noted that the proposed amendments “fundamentally contradict the democratic principles enunciated in the country’s constitution.”

The meeting expressed concern that enacting such changes would exacerbate the lingering legitimacy crisis, leading to increased international isolation and a further decline in Zimbabwe’s global standing.

The participants also reflected on how these ongoing attempts to alter the constitution demonstrate a profound disregard of the will of Zimbabweans, as expressed in 2013 when they unanimously voted for the supreme law.

The meeting further noted that the relentless efforts to amend the constitution will continue to limit the democratic space in Zimbabwe. “The shrinking environment poses a serious risk of consolidating authoritarian practices and eroding the fundamental rights and freedoms of the citizens,” the meeting warned.

In addition to the constitutional amendments, the meeting highlighted the ongoing economic crisis in Zimbabwe, which has severely impacted the daily lives of ordinary citizens. “As inflation spirals and basic necessities become increasingly scarce, many families struggle to meet their fundamental needs,” the meeting noted.

The participants expressed concern that political elites and a small group of individuals with close ties to the government are exploiting the nation’s resources for their own gain. “This systematic looting occurs with little regard for the welfare of the populace, exacerbating the country’s economic plight and contributing to widespread hardship among the general population,” the meeting emphasized.

To resist these developments, the meeting resolved to:

– *Build a Broad-Based Movement*: Unite various stakeholders to defend democratic space and resist the proposed constitutional amendment. This comprehensive approach seeks to unite stakeholders, including the media, diplomats, community mobilizers, and rapid response teams, to ensure ordinary Zimbabweans are empowered to engage in this righteous and noble cause.
– *Mobilize Nationally*: Prioritize community consultation to safeguard the constitution and nurture a culture of constitutionalism. This mobilization effort must extend across all political affiliations and should commence without delay.
– *Convene a National Convention*: Organize an inclusive national all-stakeholders convention that incorporates all stakeholders to prepare for a united response, specifically a collective VOTE NO campaign, should a referendum be called regarding any constitutional changes.
– *Employ All Permissible Channels*: Utilize mass mobilization initiatives, organize demonstrations, engage in diplomatic discussions, and pursue public interest litigation to challenge and stop the encroachments on democracy.

The Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition emphasized the urgency of mobilizing citizens across the country to defend democratic ideals and resist any proposed amendments to the constitution.

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Update on Victoria Falls town clerk issue: Residents association speaks out

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Victoria Falls town clerk Ronnie Dube

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Victoria Falls Town Clerk Ronnie Dube’s suspension and reinstatement have sparked controversy.

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Late last year, Mayor Prince Moyo suspended Dube over corruption allegations, but the minister Daniel Garwe intervened, calling for the suspension to be rescinded.

The Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association (VFCRA) objected to the minister’s decision, citing concerns over corruption.

After a series of meetings and protests, Dube was reinstated in the first week of January.

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VFCRA Chairperson Kelvin Moyo met with VicFallsLive to discuss the developments.

NOKUTHABA DLAMINI: Maybe if you can start by briefing us on what has happened following the meeting before Christmas with the residents?


KELVIN MOYO: There was the rescinding of the town clerk’s suspension, which was done by the councillors in a special full council meeting, excluding residents. Afterward, the town clerk came back to work. We called a residents’ meeting and updated them on what had happened. Some councillors attended but couldn’t speak due to the code of conduct requiring them to speak through the mayor, who was unavailable that day.

As a result, residents resolved to go to the council and ensure that, on the day the town clerk was meant to return to work, January 6th, they would demonstrate peacefully to express their dissatisfaction with the decision. Residents expected the town clerk to clear his name through the courts and the commission of inquiry before returning to office. However, these expectations were not met, and he resumed his duties.

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We reported the issues to court and obtained a case number. Currently, we are following up on the investigation’s progress. The local ZRP advised us that the case has been referred to Hwange, where an investigating officer will handle the criminal aspects, while another investigator from ZACC will address the administrative issues.

Residents expect the town clerk to inspire confidence by clearing his name and ensuring that rates and tariffs are used effectively. They are worried about expensive rates and tariffs, which are linked to corruption allegations against the town clerk. We will continue to push for justice and ensure that the Victoria Falls remains a destination of choice for local and international investors.

Regarding the minister’s comments labeling our associations as “burial societies,” I view it as political banter. Our mandate is to represent the interests of Victoria Falls residents, and we are registered associations, not burial societies. We are constituted to ensure service delivery, particularly in areas like water, garbage collection, roads, and drainage systems. We will continue to be watchdogs, ensuring that the council’s actions are consistent with the laws of the urban council act and the nation.

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I believe the minister is misinformed about the situation on the ground. If he engages with us, I’m confident he will understand our perspective and not have the same views and comments about the Victoria Falls and our associations.

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Bulawayo businessman takes own life

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Picture: ZimLive

 

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

Tragedy struck in Bulawayo’s Cowdray Park on Saturday, when a 36-year-old businessman John Madzikatire took his own life by shooting himself.

According to a police statement, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on an unnamed dust road, where a motorist stumbled upon Madzikatire’s lifeless body lying next to his Mercedes Benz vehicle.

The vehicle was still idling with its lights on and the driver’s door wide open.

Madzikatire was found in a pool of blood, bleeding from a gunshot wound to the head, with no signs of life.

A pistol was discovered under his right knee, and it’s suspected that he shot himself in the head from the left side, with the bullet exiting from the right side.

A search of the vehicle revealed an army green bag containing a substantial amount of cash: $5,122 USD, 20,719 South African Rand, and $24 Zimbabwean dollars. The body was taken to United Bulawayo Hospitals for a post-mortem examination.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating the incident and encourages the public to seek help when facing challenges. “We urge people to engage with others and seek counseling from community leaders and professional counselors rather than resorting to taking their own lives,” said Inspector Nomalanga Msebele, Press and Public Relations Officer for Bulawayo Province.

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