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Top athletes primed for Econet Victoria Falls Marathon

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BY OWN CORRESPONDENT

With two weeks  before the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon (EVFM), seasoned athletes say they are ready for the popular race which will be held in the iconic resort town on July 3.

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World-class veteran athlete Moses Tarakinyu, who won the 21 kilometres half marathon the last time the marathon was held 2019 said he was ready to defend his title this year.

“I have been training hard in the past few months, and everything is going well so far,” Tarakinyu said.

“I am confident of winning the half marathon again at the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon in two week’s time.”

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Tarakinyu – member of the Black Rhinos Athletics Club – is clearly brimming with confidence, after winning the 21km Two Oceans Marathon in South Africa in April this year, in a time of 01:03:31.

Another veteran of the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, Christopher Gondwe, who won the 42km marathon title in 2019, said he was keen to win the event again this year and even break his own record.

“I am training hard and hopeful come July 3, I will be fit and ready. I am hoping to defend my title even improve on my performance this year.

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“So whoever tries to beat me will have to work very hard for it,” said the 35 year old athlete from Blanket Mine Athletics Club, who crossed the finish line in a time of 02:25:36 in 2019.

Africa’s premier marathon was last held three years ago, while the last two editions were put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic that saw countries closing their borders to curb the spread of the respiratory disease.

Since its establishment in 2006, the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon has grown bigger and now attracts veteran and burgeoning athletes, running and fitness enthusiasts, tourists and families from across the world.

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In 2019, the celebrated marathon hosted over 3 500 runners from 14 countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and South Africa, among others.

Strides Athletics Club captain, Taonga Mukonoweshuro, said members of his association were geared for the upcoming marathon.

Stride Athletics Club is mostly made up of professionals, such as medical doctors, lawyers, engineers and accountants, who run to stay fit.

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“I can safely say we are ready for the Econet Victoria Falls Marathon as we have been practising regularly, in groups and as individuals.

“The marathon has come at an opportune time since we will use it to prepare for the Comrades Marathon in August,” said Mukonoweshuro, who will be celebrating his birthday on the marathon day.

Besides the 2022 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon being an official Comrades Marathon qualifier race, participants also have a chance to win up to US$25 000 in prizes.

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In the community

Two missing Apostolic Faith sect members found deceased in Zambezi River

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI 

Two members of an Apostolic Faith sect who were swept away by strong currents during a baptism service on the Zambezi River in Victoria Falls on Saturday have been found deceased, two days after they went missing.

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Search and rescue efforts, which had been ongoing since the incident, culminated on Monday when the two bodies were located with the assistance of a local rafting company operating on the river.

Confirming the development, Victoria Falls Residents Association chairperson, Kelvin Moyo, said the discovery brought a tragic end to hopes of finding the pair alive.

“As of this afternoon, we have received confirmation that both bodies have been found,” said Moyo. “The operation was supported by a local rafting company, and at the time of the update, teams were still working on the process of retrieving one of the bodies from the river.”

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Moyo said the incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with conducting religious activities in the Zambezi River, particularly during periods of strong water flow.

He urged residents and visitors to exercise extreme caution when approaching the river and called on religious groups to prioritise safety when carrying out baptism rituals.

Authorities are expected to continue engaging relevant stakeholders on safety measures as the community comes to terms with the loss.

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In the community

Government intensifies crop pest control efforts in Mat North

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

The government has intensified efforts to contain a crop pest outbreak affecting parts of Matabeleland North Province, with enhanced control measures set to be rolled out this week.

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According to ZBC News, a visit by its crew to Hwange District revealed widespread infestation, with several farmers reporting damage to early-stage crops, particularly traditional grains and sunflower. Authorities say swift intervention is essential to prevent further losses and protect the current farming season.

Provincial Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) Acting Director, Mkhunjulelwa Ndlovu, told ZBC News that government has moved quickly to assist affected farmers through the distribution of pesticides and the deployment of extension officers.

“We have noted with concern the infestation of crop pests, particularly on small grains and sunflower, mostly at the early stages of crop development. As Government, we have moved in and this week we are distributing pesticides to Tsholotsho, Binga and Hwange so that farmers can effectively control the pests and protect their crops,” he said.

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Ndlovu added that extension officers are already on the ground working closely with farmers to ensure the correct application of chemicals and to assess the extent of the damage.

“We are optimistic that timely pest control and continued farmer participation will result in improved yields, enhanced household food security and the prospects of a bumper harvest in Matabeleland North Province,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Ndlovu urged farmers not to lose hope, encouraging them to replant where possible, as conditions remain favourable in most areas and support systems are in place.

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The distribution of inputs and technical support forms part of ongoing Government efforts to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen household food security.

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Hwange

Hwange Central finally receives long-awaited CDF funds

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BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Hwange Central constituency has finally received its long-awaited Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocation, marking the first disbursement since 2022, Member of Parliament for the area, Fortune Daniel Molokele, has confirmed.

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In a statement, Molokele said an amount of ZiG 1.3 million was deposited last week into a special bank account set up exclusively to administer CDF funds for the constituency. The disbursement falls under the 2024 national budget, following confirmation from the Parliament of Zimbabwe that no CDF disbursement will be made under the 2023 national budget.

He further noted that there is still no clarity on when CDF allocations under the 2025 and 2026 national budgets will be released.

“With this development, our local CDF Committee will, during the coming week, initiate the process of rolling out the approved projects,” said Molokele.

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Priority Wards and Projects

The initial phase of implementation will cover five wards, namely Wards 1, 4, 5, 6 and 14, with the remaining wards expected to benefit under the next CDF disbursement.

According to minutes from a public consultation meeting held on 13 April 2024 at St Ignatius Primary School in Hwange, the community unanimously prioritised solar-powered boreholes with JoJo tanks and fenced nutritional gardens as the flagship project for the 2024 CDF cycle.

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The project is set to be implemented at the following locations:

  • Ward 1: Chibondo
  • Ward 4: Baghdad
  • Ward 5: Empumalanga
  • Ward 6: Phase Four
  • Ward 14: Ngumija

Other proposals discussed at the meeting included the construction of an Advanced Level laboratory science facility at Nechilisa Secondary School and the refurbishment of Nengasha Stadium, but these were deferred in favour of addressing water and food security.

CDF Committee in Place

The public meeting also elected a new 2023–2028 CDF Committee, comprising:

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  • Alice Phiri (Trade Unions, Women and Local Communities)
  • Luka Katako (Traditional Leaders and Faith-Based Leaders)
  • Bryan Nyoni (Youth and Local Communities)
  • Shonipai Muleya (Finance and Accounting)

Francisca Ncube was nominated as the National Assembly representative, while Teresa Kabondo will represent the constituency in the Senate.

The CDF bank account signatories and procurement committee members include Molokele, Luka Katako, Thulani Moyo and Alice Phiri.

Funding Clarifications

Although earlier discussions indicated that the 2024 allocation would include outstanding funds from 2023—bringing the total to an estimated USD100 000, to be disbursed in ZiG at the interbank rate—the Speaker of Parliament later clarified that the 2023 CDF allocation was no longer available.

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“As a result, each constituency ended up receiving ZiG 1.3 million, which was meant to be equivalent to USD50 000,” Molokele explained, adding that the approved projects were subsequently endorsed by the relevant Parliamentary committee.

He also confirmed that no CDF proposals have yet been submitted for 2025 and 2026.

Residents seeking further information have been advised to contact CDF Committee Secretary Thulani Moyo on 078 648 3659.

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Molokele said at least two public feedback meetings will be held once implementation begins, to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of the funds.

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