National

Victoria Falls town clerk digs in, says won’t be forced to resign

Published

3 years ago

October 26, 2022

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

Victoria Falls City Council town clerk Ronnie Dube has vowed that he will not resign over corruption allegations levelled against the local authority’s management and councillors, arguing that he is yet to be proven guilty of any offence.

Dube has been in the eye of a storm since the arrest of Victoria Falls mayor Somvelo Dhlamini early this month on allegations of fraud emanating from the acquisition of a housing stand from the local authority.

Dhlamini was arrested shortly after a group of war veterans and members of the Hwange Residents Association raided the town clerk’s office and force marched him out

The group said they wanted Dube to step aside to allow for investigations into allegations of corruption levelled against him to be concluded first.

A fortnight ago war veterans from Matabeleland North convened a meeting that was attended by over 300 residents to discuss the corruption allegations against the local authority.

Victoria Falls Combined Residents Association executive member Trymore Ndolo told the meeting that they had information allegedly showing how Dube and some councillors ‘corruptly’ sold commercial prime land known as Stand Number 8300.

Ndolo said the stand, which was earmarked for a water, hygiene and sanitation project, was sold for US$4 million instead of US$14 million that was agreed to by a full council meeting.

He claimed that councillors and Dube shared US$400 000 that was paid as a bribe by the lowest bidder for the stand.

The town clerk, however, said he will wait for ongoing investigations by various agencies to be completed before he could speak about the allegations.

“I have nothing really to say, but I will not be forced to resign because people have said things and judged me for corruption,” he told VicFalsLive in an exclusive interview.

“All I can say for now is I am watching the space because all these allegations have prompted various legal instruments to be put by central government, the police Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) and a ministry of Local Government investigation team.

“So let it be, let them come and let’s watch the space.

“For all those allegations I will only be able to fully comment after all the investigations have been completed, but on the calibre of councillors, that is not my call.

“It the same people who are complaining that voted for them and the good thing is that we are having elections next year.

“So they should start choosing councillors that would stand for their calls.”

Dube’s relationship with councillors has been deteriorating over the corruption allegations and before his arrest, Dhlamini was accused of organising the group that raided the town clerk’s office.

The mayor had unsuccessfully tried to suspend the town clerk over the same corruption allegations.

Two days after Dube was locked out of his office, the tables turned against Dhlamini as he was whisked away from his council offices by Zacc investigators to the regional court in Hwange where he was charged with fraud.

Court records alleged that “On the 15th of August 2022 and at Victoria Falls City Council offices the accused Somvelo Dhlamini, who is the mayor of the city council and in his capacity as such unlawfully and intentionally made a misrepresentation and purported to be Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko, who he had earlier on in 2003 purchased Stand 1139 by making an application using the name Valentine Munyaradzi Maseko to Victoria Falls City Council under the Wood Road Housing Scheme upon which the council offered him stand number 1771 Wood Road which needed a deposit of US$25 000.”

It was alleged that Dhlamini paid US$10 000 and the balance was supposed to be paid within five days, but he failed to settle the debt and paid $7 500 000 instead.

The mayor was denied bail and is detained in Hwange awaiting trial.

He made a routine appearance in court on Monday and was further detained until early next month as the investigating officers said they still needed more time.

The power struggles between the mayor and the town clerk have been raging on for some time amid charges by residents that corruption has paralysed service delivery in the resort city.

Victoria Falls ratepayers have been boycotting the city council’s 2023 budget consultation meetings demanding answers over various allegations of corruption and Dube said the stand-off will have far reaching effects on the local authority’s operations.

“This has had a negative impact, as you see that we are struggling to finish the budget (formulation process),” he said.

“People started boycotting the consultative meetings and naturally it’s got a demoralising effect on the management of council affairs and some council process subsidiary to how government operates.

“I think this year we will be found wanting as we won’t be able to submit our budget on time and the same people who are disrupting these processes will be the same ones crying next year that there is poor service delivery because we would’ve not been allocated what we should be because of the delays that have been taking place.”

Last week, the Douglas Mwonzora-led MDC Alliance, which controls Victoria Falls City Council, said its councillors that are being accused of being corrupt were victims of political machinations.

National

Government to reward top-performing schools nationwide

Published

1 week ago

January 27, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOSIZO MPOFU

The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has launched a new national initiative to promote and reward academic excellence across Zimbabwe’s education system, Minister Torerayi Moyo has announced.

In a post on X, Minister Moyo said the programme will recognise and award the top 10 best-performing schools in each province, based on their 2025 pass rates at Grade Seven, Ordinary Level and Advanced Level.

“The recognition is a celebration of high-performing schools that have consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to academic achievement and the holistic development of learners,” said Moyo. He added that the initiative aligns with the Government’s commitment to providing equitable, inclusive and quality education, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4).

In addition to provincial awards, the ministry will also identify and reward the top five best-performing schools nationally in the 2025 Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (ZIMSEC) and Cambridge examinations. These schools will be honoured on 20 March 2026.

According to the minister, the recognised institutions will serve as “beacons of excellence and inspiration,” setting benchmarks for quality education and academic performance across the country.

Minister Moyo also called on individuals, corporates, well-wishers and development partners to support the initiative through sponsorships, awards, grants and other forms of assistance.

“This support will go a long way in motivating our hardworking teachers and headmasters,” he said.

Those interested in supporting the programme have been advised to contact the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education Head Office through official communication channels.

National

79 dead as floods hit communities

Published

2 weeks ago

January 22, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

As the Zimbabwe enters the peak of its rainy season from January to March, communities across the country are being urged to remain on high alert following the deaths of 79 people due to flooding and rain-related disasters since October last year.

Speaking to the Herald newspaper, Department of Civil Protection Chief Director Nathan Nkomo said the department is closely monitoring the situation as more severe weather is expected in the coming weeks.

“We anticipate significant rainfall during this period. It’s crucial for everyone to stay informed and take necessary precautions,” Nkomo said.

According to the Department of Civil Protection, many of the deaths and injuries recorded since the start of the 2025/2026 rainfall season resulted from people attempting to cross flooded rivers and mining-related accidents, particularly involving artisanal miners operating near waterways.

“The statistics reveal a worrying trend of fatalities and injuries during this rainfall season,” Nkomo said.

Infrastructure worth more than US$1 million has also been damaged, disrupting livelihoods and access to essential services in several communities.

In response, Government has released funding towards disaster management and emergency response through a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach, involving security services and other stakeholders as outlined in the Civil Protection Act. Nkomo said the initial tranche of funds has already strengthened rescue operations.

“The money that was availed is not enough, but it is the first tranche. We are expecting another tranche from Treasury later this month to bolster our disaster response capabilities,” he said.

Authorities are urging communities to take an active role in disaster preparedness by monitoring weather forecasts, avoiding flooded areas, and implementing local emergency plans. Schools and community organisations have also been encouraged to conduct safety drills and ensure emergency procedures are well communicated.

With heavy rains expected to continue, officials warn that community vigilance and preparedness will be key in preventing further loss of life.

SOURCE: HERALD

National

Government warns farmers to step up tick control as January Disease threat looms

Published

3 weeks ago

January 15, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development has urged livestock farmers across Zimbabwe to heighten disease surveillance and tick control measures as the 2026 rainy season continues, warning of an increased risk of January Disease (Theileriosis).

In a farmer advisory posted on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, authorities said the tick-borne disease spreads rapidly under warm and wet conditions and can decimate entire cattle herds if not effectively controlled.

The Ministry emphasised that weekly cattle dipping is mandatory during the rainy season, in line with Government policy to curb the spread of the brown ear tick, the primary carrier of January Disease. Farmers were urged to pay dipping levies, ensure correct acaricide dilution as per manufacturers’ instructions, and utilise spray races where possible for improved effectiveness.

In high-risk areas or during active outbreaks, farmers may be directed to follow a 5:5:4 dipping regime, involving more frequent dipping intervals. The Ministry also recommended the use of tick grease on sensitive areas such as inside the ears, the udder and under the tail.

As part of broader prevention efforts, the Ministry said the locally produced BOLVAC vaccine is now available in increased quantities, with farmers encouraged to contact their local veterinary offices to access the vaccine.

Farmers were further advised to conduct daily inspections of their cattle and remain alert to early warning signs of January Disease, which include swollen lymph nodes, loss of appetite, breathing difficulties, frothing, watery or cloudy eyes, fever and general weakness.

The Ministry reminded farmers that all suspected cases or sudden cattle deaths must be reported to the Directorate of Veterinary Services within 24 hours, stressing that the movement of sick or tick-infested animals is prohibited as it contributes to the spread of the disease.

Failure to comply with dipping regulations constitutes an offence under the Animal Health Act, with penalties that may include fines or arrest, the Ministry warned.

Farmers requiring assistance or wishing to report suspected cases were advised to contact their local Veterinary Extension Officer or the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development.

“Prevention saves wealth,” the Ministry said, urging farmers to take proactive measures to protect their herds.