The SUN Newspaper

24/04/2025

Savious Madanhire & Tanaka Chare

Gweru has been plunged into mourning following the sudden passing of Lazarus T. Chikadaya, a renowned Gweru entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Chikadaya, widely known as the founder and managing director of Drawlink Civil Engineering, was a towering figure in the Midlands’ economic landscape and a respected figure in national development circles.

The social media is a buzz with the business community, which is also mourning following the news of his passing away, which occurred peacefully in Harare yesterday.

However, details surrounding the cause of his death are still emerging, but close allies indicated that he had the previous day undergo an operation.

Furthermore, Chikadaya will be deeply missed for his larger-than-life presence, community contributions, and unmistakable laugh, which made it easy to interact with him.

He was known for being a generous “mbinga” and a passionate patriot who always wore his heart and often his scarf for Zimbabwe.

Additionally, many have sent condolence messages and tributes on social media platforms, “Rest in Peace Mhofela,” some stated, many describing him as a visionary leader.

Plans for his funeral and memorial are expected to be announced soon. READ MORE....

Savious Madanhire & Tanaka Chare Gweru has been plunged into mourning following the sudden passing of Lazarus T. Chikadaya, a renowned Gweru entrepreneur and philanthropist. Chikadaya, widely known as the founder and managing director of Drawlink Civil Engineering, was a towering figure in the Midla...

23/04/2025

Savious Madanhire

Former Zimbabwe national soccer player Maxwell “Marhino” Dube has been impacting local football through his Marhino 7 Football Academy, which has groomed hundreds of local talent.

The Academy, founded in 2000, has been a haven for young football talent, providing opportunities for underprivileged players to develop their skills and pursue their football dreams.

Marhino’s vision for the academy is clear: to provide a platform for young players to excel in football while emphasizing the importance of education and avoiding substance abuse.

“My message to them is to stay away from drugs and focus on their education and football, because there are many opportunities out there. “

“I have contacts in South Africa and the United Kingdom, so I can organize trials for them, ” he added.

The academy has produced notable players like Jacob Muzokomba, who played for Dynamos, Hardbody FC, and also had a stint with Telone FC. Other successful alumni include Milton Makopa and Smart Muchabaiwa, who have played in the premiership.

The academy’s main objective is to help underprivileged young players with talent, keeping them off the streets and away from substance abuse.

Marhino’s dedication to his students is evident in the way he expresses his gratitude to those who have supported the academy. During a recent awards ceremony, he thanked his mother, Gogo MaMoyo, who has been a pillar of support for the academy.

“I want to thank someone very special, my mom, Gogo MaMoyo. While I was away, she stood as the rock behind it all, supporting the boys in ways most people would not see, using her funds to make sure transport is covered, kits are clean, and above all, that no match is missed”, he said.

The academy has also received support from its main sponsor, Mr. Size, who donated a substantial amount of $800.

However, Marhino expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Size, saying, “A big thanks to our main sponsor Mr. Enos Size. This man is special to me, and he has donated a substantial amount of $800.”

Additionally, the awards ceremony recognized outstanding players in various age groups, including top goal scorers and most disciplined players.

The ceremony was held to encourage the young players to keep working hard and striving for excellence.

With Marhino at the helm, the Marhino 7 Football Academy is poised to continue producing talented players who will make a mark in Zimbabwean football.

Moreover, the academy’s focus on education, discipline, and football development ensures that its students are well-rounded and equipped for success. Read more...

Sports - Marhino 7 Academy center for football talent - The Sun Newspaper

23/04/2025

By Buhle Mhlaulo

Amidst the Bombshell Geza protest, councilor Philemon Mawere (51) of Gweru Urban and Parerenyatwa Nyika (44) of Vungu, along with six other demonstrators, were arrested by the ZRP Nehanda at Takwirira Primary School in Mkoba 17 on 31 March 2025 for participating in a demonstration intended to promote public violence.

According to the state outline, the victims are facing charges of participating in a gathering with intent to promote public violence, breaches of the peace, or bigotry as defined in section 37 of the Criminal Law and Reform Act.

The state asserts that Mawere and Nyika of the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC), elected officials, used their influence to gather residents for the protest.

The ZRP arrested five accused persons at the scene, and the other three were arrested at their homes.

The police report said four males and two females were among the two councilors.

The accused persons are Victor Changa (43), Movern Vurayayi (27), Wellington Chirozva (35), Jamson Magwizi (35), Mitchell Nyathi (25) and Sue Kombora (31).

The accused persons gathered at Takawira Primary School’s main gate in Mkoba 17, Gweru.

Five accused were arrested at the scene whilst the other three were later arrested at their home, but on the same day and prior to the arrest, they flashed placards with messages denouncing the President.

“ED MUST GO”, “ZVIGANDANDA MUST GO”, “DAMBUDZO IBVA NEMBAVA DZAKO,” “WABA ZVAKWANA,” “URIMBWA SAKA ENDA ZVAKO ED” and “OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW.”

The group also recorded photographs and video clips, which were later recovered from their cellphones.

The state insists that the demonstration was illegal and intended to undermine the authority of the President.

This case has rekindled debates among civil authorities in Zimbabwe and how far the system is willing to go in a silent evaluation.

Meanwhile, Nyathi, one of the accused persons of the demonstration, is spending nights in Shurugwi female prison with her three-month-old baby.

Her appeal for bail was denied by Provincial Magistrate Sam Chitumwa. Read more...

23/04/2025

Savious Madanhire

The Parliament of Zimbabwe Library is disposing of obsolete library books and ephemeral material that no longer meet the needs of its clientele.

However, interested stakeholders, including schools, libraries, the National Archives, government departments, and other social institutions, are invited to collect library book donations.

“We are kindly inviting all interested stakeholders from schools, Libraries, the National Archives, Government departments and any other social institutions that require reading materials to visit Old Parliament Library, Kwame Nkrumah and 3rd Street,” reads the statement.

The collection includes a multidisciplinary, weeded collection of physical books, journals, reports, bulletins, pamphlets, leaflets, and brochures.

Furthermore, the disposal exercise will run from 10 April to 9 May 2025, from 9 am to 12 noon daily (except on public holidays).

The collection will be based on a first-come, first-served basis.“Additionally, the library team will be available to assist with the disposal.

This initiative aims to promote reading and provide valuable resources to institutions in need in need. Read more....

Savious Madanhire The Parliament of Zimbabwe Library is disposing of obsolete library books and ephemeral material that no longer meet the needs of its clientele. However, interested stakeholders, including schools, libraries, the National Archives, government departments, and other social instituti...

23/04/2025

Buhle Mhlaulo

The Anglican Church’s presence was felt throughout the Midlands community through its multifaceted projects aimed at improving the lives of locals.

One notable initiative is the completion of a school in Gokwe, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for students.

This project has improved access to quality education, empowering young people to build a brighter future.

The enrollment had been from form one and two. Bishop Ingenious Makumbe beamed with pride as he spoke about the school’s potential. He also added on to say not only did they open in Gokwe.

The school’s facilities had been further enhanced by the drilling of a borehole, providing clean water for the students and the surrounding community.

The community’s joy was real as they benefited from this essential resource.

Meanwhile, the Church’s commitment to sustainability was evident in its innovative solar power project at St Patrick’s Farm.

A 157-kilowatt solar garden was set to support the school and hospital, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting environmentally friendly practices. Bishop Makumbe explained, “Our idea is to make our school one of the greenest, aligning with ZESA, with ZESA as our second option.”

The Church planned to take it a step further with a 5 megawatt solar farm, aiming to sell electricity to ZESA or direct customers.

In addition to these initiatives, the Anglican Church had also invested in improving mortuary facilities at St Patrick’s, which can contain nine people and offer affordable services at $10 for three days.

Bishop Makumbe highlighted the significance of this project: “We have a very good mortuary demonstrating our commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society.”

The Church project has not only improved their lives but also served as a beacon of hope for a brighter future to the Midlands community. Read more...

Buhle Mhlaulo The Anglican Church’s presence was felt throughout the Midlands community through its multifaceted projects aimed at improving the lives of locals. One notable initiative is the completion of a school in Gokwe, providing a safe and conducive learning environment for students. This pr...

22/04/2025

Blessing Nduku

Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) has taken a significant step towards fostering resilience and community engagement by launching the Voices of Resilience project, which highlights the work of Zimbabwean poets with disabilities.

Through this initiative, HACA brought together poets with or without disabilities, showcasing and highlighting the importance of inclusivity in the arts industry.

Speaking during the launch, which was held at the Gweru Press Club, the Executive Director of HACA, Dumisani Ndlovu, highlighted the project’s goal, which promotes inclusivity and diversity in the arts.

Voices of Resilience is an imitative that seeks to enhance inclusivity and representation within the literacy community, thereby offering a vital platform for gifted artists to express their unique experiences and viewpoints through poetry.

It is also an innovative anthology aiming at showcasing the work of emerging Zimbabwean poets with disabilities.

Ndlovu went on to explain how the project is going to promote arts inclusivity.

“The collection is titled Nhetsutsetu Dzamanyukira. will feature poems in Shona with Braille translations, ensuring accessibility for visually impaired readers.

We had planned to celebrate the resilience and creativity of around 100 poets nationwide, but due to limited funding,g we have scaled down to focus on a single Shona book.

The “Voices of Resilience” project commenced on March 25, 2025, with outreach efforts aimed at identifying and recruiting poets with disabilities from across Zimbabwe.

The project aims to promote inclusivity and diversity in the arts, providing a voice for poets with disabilities and highlighting the importance of accessibility and equal opportunities in crea tive endeavours.

In collaboration with local disability organisations, HACA will host both physical and virtual workshops focusing on poetry writing techniques and self-expression.

Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) is a collective of like-minded individuals from various artistic disciplines, including filmmaking, scriptwriting, music, dance, modeling, sculpture, editing, performing arts, cultural heritage preservation, sociology, pottery, architecture, basketry, fashion design, fine arts, and craft.

Our mission is to empower early-stage arts communities to reach new heights.“Registered in Zimbabwe in 2018, HACA initially focused on promoting arts and talent through performances and exhibitions.

However, we have since expanded our scope to align with international standards, embracing the three pillars of sustainable development: economic growth, ecological balance, and social progress.

Currently, we have 150 affiliates and envision expanding our operations globally.

By fostering a multidisciplinary and cross-cultural approach to edutainment, we aim to shape, foster, and define excellence in the arts, while contributing to job creation and sustainable development.able development. READ MORE.....

Blessing Nduku Hodzeko Arts and Culture Association (HACA) has taken a significant step towards fostering resilience and community engagement by launching the Voices of Resilience project, which highlights the work of Zimbabwean poets with disabilities. Through this initiative, HACA brought together...

22/04/2025

Savious Madanhire

Mtapa Hall, a historic building in Gweru, was renamed Monomutapa Hall after being declared a national monument by the National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe.

This iconic hall played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence, hosting the first ZANU PF Congress in 1964.

On May 21-23, 1964, the hall hosted the first ZANU PF Congress, a gathering that would shape the nation’s future.

However, during this landmark event, key leaders were elected, including the late Ndabaningi Sithole as President of the party Zanu, the Late leopold Takawira as Vice President, the Late Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe as Secretary General, the Late Cde Herbert Chitepo as Chairman, the late Enos Nkala as Treasurer, the late Michael Mahwema as Organising Secretary, the Late Edison Sithole as Secretary for Publicity, the late Cde Nathan Shamuyarira as Secretary for External Affairs, the late Edison Zvobvo as Deputy Secretary General, the late Simpson Mutambanenge as secretary for Pan African Affairs, the Late Cde Washington Mariyanga as Secretary for youths.

These leaders played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, and the hall provides a rail to reflect on the significance of that Congress. “

The Congress marked a turning point in Zimbabwe’s history, as it was then that the decision to wage the struggle for independence was made.

Following the mantra “We are our own Liberators” through the barrel of the Gun, was adopted, setting the stage for the liberation war that led to Zimbabwe’s independence.

The Congress did not just mark ZANU as a nationalist movement but also dedicated the party to fighting for independence from colonial rule.

It defined Zanu’s ideology and objectives centered around achieving freedom and social justice for the people of Zimbabwe.

The Congress was also attended by notable figures, including His Excellency the current President of Zimbabwe and SADC Chairman, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, who was part of a group trained in China, highlighting the party’s early international connections and commitment to the liberation struggle.

It is now 61 years since the first ZANU Congress that shaped the roadmap towards the liberation of our motherland through armed struggle hence Mtapa Hall was declared a national monument, a recognition that acknowledges the hall’s significant role in shaping the country’s history and serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the nation’s founding fathers.

As Zimbabwe continues to celebrate its independence, Mtapa Hall stands as a testament to the bravery and determination of the nation’s liberation fighters.

The hall’s legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of unity, leadership, and the unwavering commitment to freedom and social justice. READ MORE....

22/04/2025

Blessing Nduku

The Midlands Cricket Association (MCA) is set to benefit from a major partnership with Two Keys following the announcement of a double sponsorship deal aimed at supporting local sport.

Last year, Two Keys sponsored the T20 Tournament with US$2500, which was increased to US$5000 during a colourful dinner ceremony last week.

Speaking at the event at Gweru Sports Club, MCA board Chairperson John Makuwalo saluted the long-term sponsorship with Two Keys and hoped the relationship could be stretched to their main franchise team Rhinos.

“It is a testament that we are doing something right, and with the support of sponsors like Two Keys, it is motivating the youngsters to continue playing this game.

We are hoping to stretch our relationship as we move forward.

“On a national team ladder, you can see that we are producing a lot of players who are representing the country,” he said.

Currently, we have more than 9 players from the Midwest Rhinos who are eligible for the national team, which clearly indicates how hard we are working to produce and maintain talent.

Speaking to this reporter, the Rhinos Cricket Club Treasurer, Justice Madhaka, applauded Two Keys for their generous support and commitment to their shared vision.

“Over the next years, we will be working closely with Two Keys to deliver all our key projects and initiatives, which will have a lasting impact on the Midlands sporting community.

''To Two Keys, your contribution to the game will make a tangible difference in the lives of our cricketers, and we appreciate your continued support.''

“Two Keys Marketing manager Munyaradzi Mudadi said the sponsorship is an opportunity for them to give back to the community that had stood by them over the past years.

The T20 Tournament kicked off last weekend and games will be played at Gweru Sports Club as well as Kwekwe Sports Club. READ MORE...

22/04/2025

Albert Andiseni-Mashingaidze

The Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme (PRPS) in Zimbabwe has made notable strides since its inception in 2022, distributing nearly 2 million chicks to rural households across the country’s 10 provinces.

This initiative aims to provide a new revenue stream for families, particularly in communities that typically lack commercial activities after crop harvests.

The PRPS has made significant strides in its mission, with statistics from the Agricultural Research and Development Agency of Zimbabwe (ARDAS) revealing that as of January 2023, beneficiaries have received a staggering 368,331 birds in 2022 alone.

The momentum has continued into 2023, with an impressive 808,122 birds distributed, and projections for 2024 indicate that an additional 751,408 birds will be allocated to rural households.

This brings the total number of chicks distributed under the scheme to over 2 million, with plans to extend the program to reach three million rural households.

The initiative has introduced a variety of poultry breeds to enhance productivity and adaptability to local conditions.

Among the breeds distributed are the Bosch, Australorp, Kockock, Sasso, Kuroiler, and indigenous chicks, each selected for their resilience and high egg production rates.

This diversity not only caters to the nutritional needs of families but also opens up new avenues for income generation through the sale of eggs and meat.

Residents across the Midlands have expressed their gratitude for the PRPS on Facebook, highlighting the transformative impact it has had on their lives.

A beneficiary named Tendai Moyo shared her experience:
Before receiving the chicks, we struggled to make ends meet.

Now, I can sell eggs at the local market, and my family has a steady source of income.

This program has changed our lives.

The PRPS has also fostered community engagement and collaboration, with local farmers forming cooperatives to share knowledge and resources.

Workshops on poultry management, biosecurity, and marketing strategies have been organized, equipping beneficiaries with the skills needed to maximize their production and profits.

As the program continues to expand, the government remains committed to supporting rural households in their quest for economic independence.

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced plans to increase funding for the PRPS, ensuring that more families can benefit from this life-changing initiative.

“In addition to its economic benefits, the PRPS is contributing to food security in Zimbabwe. With the rising cost of living and increasing food prices, the ability to produce one’s food has become essential for many families.

The chicks provided under the scheme not only supplement diets but also promote healthier eating habits through the consumption of fresh eggs and poultry.“

As Zimbabwe moves forward, the Presidential Rural Poultry Scheme stands as a beacon of hope for rural communities, demonstrating the power of government initiatives to uplift lives and foster sustainable development.

To reach three million households, the PRPS is set to continue its journey of transformation, one chick at a time.

22/04/2025

Buhle Mhlaulo

Nyasha Shonhe has been elected a Member of Parliament for the Youth chapter representing persons living with disabilities in Midlands Province, marking a significant step forward for disability rights and inclusivity in Zimbabwean politics.

As the newly elected MP, Shonhe is committed to amplifying the voices of young people with disabilities and ensuring that their concerns are addressed at the highest levels of government.

Shonhe, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude to be given the opportunity to be a Member of Parliament and promised to work tirelessly.

“I am honored and humbled by this opportunity to serve. I pledge to work tirelessly to promote inclusivity, accessibility, and equal opportunities for all young people with disabilities in Midlands Province,” he said.

Shonhe said he was motivated by his own disability to stand for the rights and advocate for others.

“What motivated me is the fact that l am a person living with disability. I know all the challenges and drawbacks people and persons living with disabilities are facing and therefore seek to find the solution to curtail the problem,” Shonhe said.

“There are multiplicities of challenges facing people living with disabilities, such as transport, as many commuter drivers do not want to ferry us because it is burdensome. If they choose to do so, they do it at a cost.

“This is quite pathetic, more so, we face the linguistic barriers as the deaf need interpreters in all institutions so that they can get help, especially in hospitals and clinics,” Shonhe said.

The government must provide braille for the blind, hearing aids for the deaf, wheelchairs, crutches, and special cosmetics for people with albinism.

When calling a person with disability, we must use their real name and avoid calling them names like (Chirema).

“Disability does not mean inability, so people must respect our rights and we need to be part and parcel of everything happening in Zimbabwe.

I want to ensure that our rights and responsibilities are recognized,” he added.

All media platforms must advocate for the inclusivity of people living with disabilities in all facets of the economy.

These include television stations, radio stations and Facebook, WhatsApp Instagram. Read more..

Buhle Mhlaulo Nyasha Shonhe has been elected a Member of Parliament for the Youth chapter representing persons living with disabilities in Midlands Province, marking a significant step forward for disability rights and inclusivity in Zimbabwean politics. As the newly elected MP, Shonhe is committed....

18/04/2025

The Sun Independence Edition 2025

11/04/2025

The Sun 11-17 April 2025 Issue

10/04/2025

IMPORTANT NOTICE
https://thesunnews.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Important-notice.jpg

08/04/2025

Savious Madanhire

Gweru residents are ready to host Vice President Cde. Dr. CDG N Chiwenga at Mtapa Hall where he is expected to launch the Independence Flame on 10 April 2025.

This significant event marks the beginning of Zimbabwe’s 45th Independence Day celebrations, with the Midlands Province taking center stage.

The city’s efforts to clean and refurbish the area demonstrate its commitment to hosting the big event.

However, announcing the programne leading up to the main celebrations on 18 April, the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage said the torch will be taken for a stopover ceremony in Kwekwe where it will be officially presented to the Midlands Provincial leadership and later to a ceremony at Mtapa Hall on Thursday, to be presided over by VP Gen (Rtd) Dr. C.D.G.N. Chiwenga.

Additionally, when The Sun news crew visited Mtapa Hall, the area was full of activities to tidy up and create a welcoming atmosphere for the Vice President and other esteemed guests.

Speaking to the Sun Newspaper crew, the City of Gweru’s acting Town Clerk L. Churu emphasized the importance of the event.

“We feel greatly honored to host the Vice president and senior government officials who will launch the independence flame ahead of the Independence celebrations, which is an important day to the people of Zimbabwe, hence we are busy with preparations of the hall to make it more presentable”, he said.

Moreover, the city’s preparations are not limited to Mtapa Hall only but nearby shops are being cleaned as well, streets that lead to the hall are being prepared for easy access to the venue and the hall is being repainted to give it a fresh new look.

Mtapa Hall holds a historical significance as the venue of the first ZANU PF Congress in 1964.

However, preparations for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations at Nembudziya Growth Point in Gokwe are now 80 percent complete, with infrastructure development in full swing.

Furthermore, among the key developments is the roadworks connecting Gokwe to surrounding areas, ensuring access for the thousands of people expected to attend.

Meanwhile, some of the various development projects earmarked for Gokwe North district, including Infrastructure Development (Construction of new roads, solarized boreholes, and rural electrification), Education (Construction of classroom blocks, donation of computers, and establishment of computer labs) and Economic Empowerment (Business units, nutritional gardens, and network boosters.)

The official lighting of the torch will take place at Sikombela Detention Camp on April 17, before being relayed to the main venue in Nembudziya by torchbearers, with Vice President Kembo Mohadi leading the proceedings.

The Zimbabwe independence flame is an enduring symbol of the country’s struggle for freedom and its commitment to building a better future for all its citizens.

As the flame continues to burn brightly, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought for independence and as a beacon of hope for generations to come. Read more..

Local News - Gweru ready to host VP Chiwenga - The Sun Newspaper

02/04/2025

AS Bulawayo faces an increase in teenage pregnancy, with drug and substance abuse being one of the major contributing factors, the need to come up with urgent interventions to curb the scourge has been highlighted as key.

Recent statistics reveal a disturbing trend, with the National AIDS Council (NAC) reporting that approximately 2 000 girls in Bulawayo fell pregnant in the last eighteen months.

This alarming figure has underscored the vulnerability of the girl child and the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to address the root causes.

“The increase in teenage pregnancies in Bulawayo is deeply concerning. In 2024 alone, we recorded around 2 000 cases of girls falling pregnant.

While there are multiple contributing factors, we are increasingly seeing a correlation between drug and substance abuse and this rise.

Young girls under the influence are more vulnerable and susceptible to risky behaviors, which unfortunately leads to unintended pregnancies,” NAC Bulawayo Provincial Manager, Mrs Sinatra Nyathi said.

In response to this escalating crisis, the Zimbabwe Liberated Girl Child in Action (ZLGCA) conducted an awareness campaign in Bulawayo this Saturday, specifically targeting drug and substance abuse and its detrimental impact on young girls.

“We, at ZLGCA, felt compelled to act upon witnessing the growing challenges faced by young girls in our communities. The rise in drug and substance abuse is not only destroying their potential but also making them more vulnerable to exploitation and unintended pregnancies.

We believe that through awareness and education, we can empower these girls to make informed decisions and seek help when needed.

Our goal is to create a safe environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential, free from the clutches of substance abuse,” ZLGCA Zimbabwe’s Executive Director Mrs Anna Mabhena said.

Bulawayo Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Judith Ncube emphasised government’s commitment to tackle this issue.

“The statistics on teenage pregnancy are deeply troubling, and the link to drug and substance abuse is a serious concern for the government.

We are committed to working with organisations like ZLGCA, and other stakeholders to implement comprehensive strategies that address both substance abuse and teenage pregnancies.

This includes strengthening support systems for young girls, providing access to education and reproductive health services, and cracking down on the supply of illicit substances.

We need a multi-faceted approach to protect our girl children and ensure a brighter future for them.”

Last year, government launched the Multi-Sectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan (2024-2030) and is also expediting the establishment of a specialised Drug and Substance Abuse Agency to coordinate efforts to combat the scourge and strengthen the legal framework. Read more...