National
Victoria Falls residents vow to bar town clerk from office despite minister’s intervention
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Residents of Victoria Falls have vowed to bar Town Clerk Ronnie Dube from returning to office despite Local Government and Public Works Minister Daniel Garwe’s intervention.
Garwe had nullified the council’s decision to suspend Dube over allegations of corruption related to land deals and contracts by mayor Prince Tuso Moyo.
The residents are adamant that they want investigations into the allegations to be completed, citing years of corruption in the town that have gone unchecked.
“The reason why we were here was to give the residents feedback that they had initially asked us to write to the mayor to say he should suspend the Town Clerk Ronnie Dube on the allegations,” said Kelvin Moyo, chairperson of the Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association this Sunday at Chinotimba Halls where hundreds of residents, including the war veterans and Hwange Residents Association gathered to discuss the matter and craft the way forward.
Moyo added that the residents were not satisfied with the minister’s decision to rescind the suspension.
“People have resolved after giving them the feedback that the letter that was written by the minister in terms of rescinding their decision, which was a resolution, it should be put aside because the section that he raised can only be raised when actually he is protecting the interests of the residents, but in this regard, the interests of the residents are known by ourselves and the residents are saying it is the right decision for them to suspend the Town Clerk inorder to pave way for the investigation,” he said.
The residents have resolved to stage a peaceful demonstration to ensure that Dube does not report to work until investigations are completed.
They plan to march to the council offices to bar Dube from entering.
Minister Garwe’s decision to nullify the suspension was based on Section 139 (4) of the Urban Councils Act, which states that the minister has the power to intervene in council decisions.
However, Moyo argued that this section does not apply in this case, as the minister is not protecting the interests of the residents.
The controversy surrounding Dube’s suspension is the latest in a series of allegations of corruption and mismanagement at the Victoria Falls City Council.
Dube has declined commenting on these allegations since his suspension last week.
In 2021, Dube was suspended over similar allegations, but was later reinstated.
More detailed story about the meeting to follow…
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
https://x.com/vic_falls_live/status/1941861569450725776?s=46
Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
-
Slider3 years agoInnscor launches brewery to produce Nyathi beer
-
National4 years agoIn perched rural Matabeleland North, renewable energy is vital
-
Opinion3 years agoA street art mural in Zimbabwe exposes a divided society
-
Tourism and Environment4 years agoStrive Masiyiwa’s daughter opens luxury Victoria Falls lodge
-
National2 years agoCommission of inquiry findings fail to be tabled as Victoria Falls councillors fight
-
National3 years agoVictoria Falls’ pilot dies in helicopter crash
-
National2 years agoHwange coal miner fires workers over salary dispute
-
National4 years agoVictoria Falls bartender gored to death by elephant