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Tsholotsho villagers stranded as heavy rains destroy homesteads, crops

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BY BRENDA NCUBE

Several villagers in Tsholotsho district were left counting losses as their homesteads and properties were destroyed following excessive rains experienced across the country this past week.

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The three day heavy rain spell and destroyed homesteads in Ngamo, Nganyana and Sitambare villages which are situated on the low-lying flat land in the district.

Speaking in an interview with VicfallsLive, one of the victims from Nganyana area, Butholezwe Moyo said his whole homestead was swept away by the storms coupled with winds. 

“My four huts were completely destroyed by the rains,”Moyo said.

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“My family and I were left stranded with no roof over our heads. We are not the only ones who we affected, about seven other homesteads in my village lost huts to these rains.

“All our belongings and property were floating on water, the clothes and blankets were soaked in water such that we were unable to use them for sometime until the rains stopped,” he said.

Moyo added that the rains were too much as the floods responded immediately and got to knee level in some parts of Nganyana village.

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“We have never experienced the rains of this magnitude in this area. The last time we had something close to this was about 10-15 years ago. This came as a surprise to us.

“As we speak the crops are turning yellow in the fields as they are still half covered with water. Our yields will be affected if the rains continue.”

Another villager from Ngamo, Jerry Mpofu, echoed similar sentiments Moyo about the rains destroying property.

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“The rains caused a lot of disruption and destruction in our area. You find a homestead with four or five huts losing them all.

“They are in need of assistance with clothes and blankets,” he said 

In 2017, Tsholotsho district was the most affected area by floods caused by tropical cyclone Dineo that racked havoc across the country.

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About 850 people from Mbanyana, Mahlaba, Sheleni, Lutshomi amongst other areas in Tsholotsho district were displaced from their homes in the wake and passage of cyclone Dineo.

The affected families were later resettled in Esawudweni and Ngweba which are on higher ground from their former settlements which were on the low grounds of the river banks.

Meanwhile, the Department of Civil Protection has advised people to take caution against the tropical storm Freddy which is expected to make landfall in the southern parts of Zimbabwe from today. 

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Citizens living in low-lying areas were also encouraged to move to higher ground.

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education issued a statement urging all institutions providing Primary and Secondary Education to stay alert and keep students safe as there may be flash floods caused by the tropical storm Freddy.

According to the statement, Manicaland, Masvingo, Matebeleland South (parts bordering Masvingo),Mashonaland East ,Mashonaland Central province  and Harare metropolitan province have been placed on high alert and as a result, pupils within the areas are not to attend school or face to face instruction on Friday.

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National

RemitHope launches “100 for 10” campaign to raise $100K for grassroots organisations across Africa

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

RemitHope, a pioneering fintech social enterprise – founded by global philanthropist and social entrepreneur Tsitsi Masiyiwa – has launched a bold campaign to raise US$100 000 in just 60 days for 10 grassroots organisations serving some of Africa’s most vulnerable communities.

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The campaign – themed “100 for 10” – seeks to channel life-changing support to organisations on the frontlines of health, education, gender equity and community resilience.

The 10 beneficiaries span nine African countries, including Cancerserve (Zimbabwe), Cáritas Regional De Chokwe (Mozambique), Empowered Girls (Tanzania), Ewang’an Nadede Advocacy Initiative (Kenya), Child Restoration Outreach (Uganda), Hands of Hope (Zimbabwe), Bana Ba Metsi (Botswana), Njira Impact (Malawi), Phelisanong Children’s Centre (Lesotho) and Refugee Children’s Project (South Africa).

“The 100 for 10 campaign is intended to harness the transforming power of small acts of generosity into life-changing opportunities for communities too often overlooked. And every dollar given delivers hope, dignity, and the promise of progress,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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Running from September 15 to November 15, 2025, the campaign pivots RemitHope’s unique model of transparency, real-time storytelling and direct funding to vetted local partners, ensuring every contribution makes a measurable difference.

In a powerful show of commitment, and leveraging its network of donors and partners, RemitHope has pledged to match every donation given, dollar-for-dollar – effectively doubling the impact.

“If you give $5 it becomes $10, give US$50 and it becomes US$100. This is multiplying hope, opportunities, and futures with every dollar donated,” she said.

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The campaign builds on RemitHope’s recent success, where the platform raised over US$81 000 in funding to rebuild Mt Selinda Orphanage in Zimbabwe after a devastating fire swept through the institution.

That effort demonstrated RemitHope’s unique ability to mobilise rapidly, scale generosity and deliver urgent impact.

“We’ve witnessed how extraordinary things happen when people unite in moments of crisis. And now, with 100 for 10, we are channelling that same spirit beyond emergencies, for the long journey of community-led development,” Mrs Masiyiwa said.

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RemitHope seeks to unlock the transformative potential of diaspora remittances – redirecting a portion of the more than US$90 billion sent to Africa annually, into structured, high-impact community giving.

By blending trust, technology and targeted generosity, RemitHope aims to mobilise US$50 million for grassroots organisations over the next five years.

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New 600 schools vs. reality: Mat North rural students trek over 10 kilometers for class

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BY WANDILE TSHUMA

In a recent parliamentary session, the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Torerayi Moyo, proudly announced that the government has constructed over 600 schools across Zimbabwe between 2022 and 2025. “I can happily inform this House that we have constructed more than 600 schools,” he stated, adding that “this year, we are targeting to build not less than 200 schools in 2025.”

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Despite this achievement, reports from Matabeleland North province reveal a stark contrast, where students in rural areas often walk over ten kilometers to reach their nearest secondary schools. For example, in Nkayi, learners from areas such as Menda and Mantshololozane must travel long distances to access secondary education at Tohwe and Nkayi High Secondary Schools, which are situated more than ten kilometers apart. This trend has persisted, making it difficult for many students to pursue beyond primary education.

While the Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to educational development, the experiences of many rural students paint a different picture. One legislator noted, “We were informed in this House that we have a deficit of 3 000 schools in Zimbabwe… what could have probably caused the mushrooming of these schools is the fact that there is a gap, and children do not have to walk long distances.”

In response to the issue of unregistered schools, Moyo addressed concerns, stating, “It is mandatory for any school to be registered before they can operate.” He explained that there is a dedicated department responsible for school registration and encouraged those operating illegally to regularize their status.

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Four men on the run after allegedly killing man over relative’s death

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BY STAFF REPORTER 

Four people from Silobela are being sought by the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their alleged involvement in a gruesome murder that took place on Sunday.

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The police are investigating the murder of 21-year-old Thandelwenkosi Moyo, who was allegedly killed by the four suspects after being accused of killing their relative.

According to the police report, the incident occurred at Munklenuck Village, Inyathi.

The accused have been identified as Nyoka, Zizimuzi, Mboya, and Aweli.

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The police report states that the four suspects took turns to attack the victim with booted feet and a sharp object, resulting in his death at the scene.

The Zimbabwe Republic Police is appealing to anyone with information about the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward and report to the nearest police station.

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