Vemuganga Community Radio

09/10/2025

Chiuyayi pano parukumbati tizwe ndaa dzemaponero edu muChipinge takaningira kodzero dzeanthu nentaraunda
Access to Justice and promotion of Human Rights

09/10/2025

Ngatidhibane timbohleya ndaa dzekodzero dzatinadzo seanthu muntharaunda dzatinogara.
Tichaitao mukana kuzwisisa kuti ndaa dziya dzemaSecurity Guards ekuponda vanasikana vechikora veizwi vaba nzimbe yaapari kumatare.

Join us for a live radio programme on:Access to Justice and Promotion of Human Rights with a guest from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Tatenda Sigauke.
It is also an opportunity for the public to participate and get feedback on the case involving Greenfuel security guards versus the girls who were beaten for allegedly stealing sugarcane

09/10/2025

Tinotsumba pamwepo nempuri yekwaMatinyarare ngekutamika kwaMadzibaba Matinyarare avo vaiye mukuwane weboka reMasowe mundau zhinji kushonganisa Checheche. Vaizikanwa ngekuti madzibaba Hozana.

Baba Matinyarare vakatamikira Harare sure kwekurwara kwemukuwo mudoodori, zvizhinji mukuhamba kwemukuwo.

08/10/2025

From Storytelling to Scrolling: The Shift in Family Dynamics

By Artwell Chingwara

In the 90s and decades past, evenings were a time for connection and storytelling. Families would gather around the fire, known as "paDare," the warm flames casting a golden glow on their faces. The air would be filled with the sound of laughter and conversation as grandparents shared tales of their ancestors' bravery and wisdom. Fathers would teach their sons the basics of life, from hunting and farming to the importance of respect and responsibility.

The phrase "Rooranai vematongo" – marry someone you know – was a common refrain, emphasizing the importance of choosing a partner from a reputable family. This approach was rooted in the belief that a person's upbringing and family values were crucial in determining their suitability as a partner. Young men would listen intently, their eyes wide with wonder, as their elders shared stories of love, loss, and triumph.

Fast-forward to the 2020s, the landscape has changed dramatically. The warm glow of the fire has been replaced by the harsh light of screens. Families are no longer confined to the traditional gathering around the fire; instead, parents and children alike are often glued to their devices, scrolling through their feeds and interacting with their gadgets.

The art of storytelling and passing down wisdom from one generation to the next is slowly being lost. The meaningful conversations, the laughter, and the bonding moments are being replaced by the hum of notifications and the glow of screens. While social media has opened up new avenues for connection and information-sharing, it has also led to a decline in face-to-face interactions and meaningful conversations within families.

In today's fast-paced world, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. However, it's essential to remember the importance of human connection and the role it plays in shaping our relationships and our sense of identity. By putting down our devices and engaging with each other, we can rebuild the bonds that once brought us together.

By finding a balance between technology and traditional values, we can preserve the wisdom of the past while embracing the opportunities of the future. We can rediscover the joy of storytelling, the value of face-to-face interactions, and the importance of human connection in our lives.

08/10/2025

: Zvikora zvendau yedu chamuri kupuwa ndiCheriel Dzobo neBazi redzidzo reihamba pamwepo ne CAMFED kuhleya ngechirongwa Early warning system . Clemence Tauya Nhliziyo

08/10/2025

# MweneweBhawa Campaign Firms Up as Chipinge Traditional Leadership Takes a Stand Against Child Marriages

By Claris Madhuku

The fight against child marriages and teen pregnancies in Chipinge is gaining momentum, thanks to the resolute stand taken by the local traditional leadership. The campaign, popularised by Vemuganga Community Radio from the programming in collaboration with National Aids Council (NAC), has successfully mobilized critical community stakeholders, including all eight chiefs in the district. Their collective resolutions underscore the importance of Ndau culture and values in combating these pressing social issues.

Traditional Leadership at the Forefront

The traditional leadership in Chipinge plays a pivotal role as gatekeepers of community values. The traditional leaders—Chief Mahenye, Mupungu, Garahwa, Musikavanhu, Mutema, Gwenzi, Mapungwana, and Ngungunyana—have reached a consensus to uphold cultural values and promote sound family practices. Their resolutions, announced by Chief Garahwa’s secretary, have established a framework for addressing child marriages and teen pregnancies.

These resolutions include significant penalties for families that marry off under-age children and impose fines on business owners, referred to as MweneweBhawa, who fail to safeguard minors in their establishments. The chiefs have also banned revealing clothing, emphasizing the need for modesty in the community. This commitment to traditional values is rooted in the belief that child nurturing is a collective responsibility, encapsulated in the adage, "it takes a village to raise a child."

Turning Resolutions into Action

While the campaign has set the stage for meaningful change, the challenge lies in rallying all stakeholders to enforce these resolutions. It is crucial that these resolutions do not gather dust due to uncoordinated implementation. The community needs comprehensive support from government agencies, NGOs, and civil society organizations to ensure that the advocacy is both implementable and sustainable.

The National Aids Council (NAC) and various partners, including the Ministry of Child and Health Care, Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender and Community Development, and educational institutions, must coordinate efforts to bring these resolutions to life. The traditional leadership's authority to enforce compliance at the community level can only be effective if backed by legal frameworks.

The Role of Community Radios

In this campaign, community radios like Vemuganga FM and Ndau FM are essential for tracking the progress of the initiative. These platforms provide a voice for the community, disseminating information, raising awareness, and fostering dialogue around the resolutions. They help keep the local population informed and engaged, ensuring that the campaign remains relevant and responsive to community needs.

Addressing Criticism and Moving Forward

While the resolutions have been met with some criticism—particularly regarding the restrictions on dress code—it's important to recognize the intent behind these measures. Critics argue that personal choice should not be compromised. However, supporters, including the Platform for Youth and Community Development (PYCD), emphasize that these resolutions aim to protect youth and preserve cultural values.

Balancing tradition with modernity requires ongoing dialogue and education. The campaign must continue to adapt and evolve, ensuring community goals are met without infringing on individual rights.

Conclusion

The resolutions by Chipinge traditional leadership are crucial in shaping future campaigns against child marriages and teen pregnancies. The remaining challenge lies in uniting all stakeholders to make these resolutions enforceable before the law. By doing so, the advocacy can be made implementable and sustainable, ensuring the well-being of the community's youth. The continued support of community radios will be vital in keeping the conversation alive and tracking the campaign's progress.

(Claris Madhuku is a political and social commentator whose views expressed in this article belong to him and not necessarily to the institutions he represents).

National AIDS Council of Zimbabwe
Fepa
Mercy Corps Zimbabwe
Plan International Zimbabwe
MISA Zimbabwe
Green Institute
Green Governance Zw
Platform For Youth and Community Development - PYCD
Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe Heritage Trust
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights
Zimbabwe Association of Community Radio Stations - Zacras

08/10/2025

Obituary for Daniel Chapfiwa(DC)

Mt Selinda Community Mourns Daniel Chapfiwa Tekeshe

By Achimwene Manyanza

The Mt Selinda community is in deep mourning following the passing of Mr. Daniel Chapfiwa Tekeshe, affectionately known as DC. He was a remarkable educationist, mentor, and science teacher at the school.

Mr. Chapfiwa began his educational journey at Chikore Mission, where his passion for learning and teaching first took root. His intellect and dedication earned him a British Council Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom during the colonial era.

After completing his teacher training in the UK, he returned home shortly after independence, answering the call to serve the country through education at Mt Selinda High School. Mr. Chapfiwa became a hero in the community due to his extensive knowledge of science and his exceptional mentoring abilities. He was admired for his nurturing teaching style and his capacity to inspire excellence among his students.

Even after his retirement, Mr. Chapfiwa remained a well of wisdom and humility, continuing to impact the lives of those around him.

Vemuganga Community Radio joins the family, the district, and the nation in honoring this remarkable man. May his soul rest in eternal peace.

His burrial is scheduled today the 8th of October 2025 in Rimbi.

06/10/2025

Taramba ana anoroodzwa ari adoodori. Give them books not husbands.

We are GIRLS not BRIDES

"I see that I don't have anyone to confide in, that's why it hurts me so much and I suffer." – Donna*, 18.
This , we're standing with girls as they call on decision makers to ensure their voices are heard and to end the practice of child marriage that affects 12 million girls every year.

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Plan International, Middle East, Eastern and Southern Africa - MEESA Amplifying Girls' Voices Through Digital Arts