The SUN Newspaper

24/07/2025

The government has authorised schools to conduct vacation lessons for examination classes during the upcoming August holidays as part of efforts to enhance syllabus coverage and improve learner preparedness.

In a circular to school authorities, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has given the green light for Grade 7, Form Four and Upper Six pupils to attend a supervised 10-day learning programme scheduled from 18 to 29 August.

The lessons are intended to provide focused academic support ahead of final examinations, in line with the Ministry’s strategic goal of improving learner outcomes.

“The traditional approach to vacation schools has to be aligned to the Ministry’s strategy for ensuring continuity of learning,” the Circular states.

“The ministry looks forward to improving pupil performance through focused preparation.”
He said the decision aligns with the ministry’s broader learning approach under the Heritage-Based Curriculum, which encourages a blend of self-directed learning and teacher-facilitated instruction.

To ensure affordability and accountability, schools will charge nominal fees. For Grade 7 pupils, primary schools may charge up to US$2 per learning area. Secondary schools will charge US$3 for Form Four and US$5 for Upper Six students.

These fees are convertible to their Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency equivalents. For boarding learners, an additional upkeep fee of US$5 per day has been set.

The circular also stipulates that schools must issue receipts for all payments, and proper financial records must be maintained and audited.

Collected funds will be allocated as follows: 30 percent to utilities, 20 percent to administration, and 50 percent towards teacher appreciation. District inspectorate teams and literacy coordinators will monitor the implementation, while schools must ensure that all learners are in full uniform. Teachers are expected to maintain professional conduct in line with the ‘Safe to Learn’ framework. Every effort should be made to engage parents so that all candidates benefit,” the Ministry added.

Zimbabwe School Heads Association secretary-general Mr Munyaradzi Majoni welcomed the initiative, saying it offers a safe and regulated environment for learners to receive extra support. This is a good initiative, and we welcome it,” said Mr Majoni.

READ MORE.......

The government has authorised schools to conduct vacation lessons for examination classes during the upcoming August holidays as part of efforts to enhance syllabus coverage and improve learner preparedness. In a circular to school authorities, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has giv...

24/07/2025

The Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle has finally been put to rest following the installation of a new substantive Chief at a colourful ceremony held in Chirumanzu last Friday.

It was celebration time as the Chirumanzu community witnessed the installation of Abrahim Marufu Nyamande as the substantive chief following years of bickering that saw the chieftainship wrangle spilling into the courts.

Born some 65 years ago, Nyamande is the 18th chief of the Shumba Mhaze clan after taking over from Gerald Mudzengi, who died in 2019.

“We have been yearning for decisive leadership. Now that our substantive chief has been installed, we believe it is time for development,” a villager said.

“We are a community that is in a massive development drive. The installation of the Chief will give us more power to continue with this development,” a community member said.

“We currently have a cooking oil refinery plant, and we hope the Chief will push for the production of more sunflower so that we can push for the utilisation of the plant,” another villager said.

The installation ceremony was witnessed by the National Chiefs’ Council leadership, which made it clear that it is not amused by the current tendency of taking the chieftainship disputes to courts.

“Courts are not the ones who have the mandate to choose chiefs, but this is the responsibility of the responsible clan. The law is simple. If the family has a dispute, such disputes should be resolved by the local chiefs. If it fails, this should be solved within the province instead of rushing to the courts. As a council, we respect that which comes from the province and thus what stands. Yes, it took time for your installation due to bickering, but going forward, don’t take grudges,” President of the chiefs’ council, Chief Mtshane Khumalo said.

The government took time to spell out the mandate of the newly installed chief as the engine of development within the area of his jurisdiction.

“As the new Chief, you should be driving development in your area. You should be part of the council meetings where development will be championed. Take all the problems and accept everything. What is critical is to preserve the culture of the Chirumanzu clan. Also, it helps in the fight against drug and substance abuse. Drugs do not have a place in our development trajectory,” Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe, said.

“You are mandated to ensure that you help in the feeding of your people through Zunda Ramambo. You are also mandated to convey the government projects to your people. We rely on you for everything to do with development in your community,” Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Owen Ncube said.

The traditional leader’s installation ceremony also witnessed the new Chief being gifted with a vehicle, a smartphone, as well as the Chief’s regalia as part of his conditions of service.

READ MORE........

The Chirumanzu chieftainship wrangle has finally been put to rest following the installation of a new substantive Chief at a colourful ceremony held in Chirumanzu last Friday. It was celebration time as the Chirumanzu community witnessed the installation of Abrahim Marufu Nyamande as the substantive...

24/07/2025

The Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme, which is being implemented by the Young Women for Economic Development, is transforming lives in rural areas, benefiting over 150 women from Chirumanzu villages.

Guided by its vision to empower and equip young women to become self-reliant, the Young Women for Economic Development movement is leaving no stone unturned in complementing the government’s rural industrialisation agenda by spearheading income-generating initiatives, among them the Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme.

“I want to thank our President, Cde Emmerson Mnangagwa, and our mother, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, for giving us goats. As young women, we can be self-reliant, and we can be able to pass on to the next person and all be empowered. We witnessed these projects being done in other provinces, and today, we are happy to be given goats to start a goat project. I am going to grow this project and earn a living from it,” one of the beneficiaries said.

The ongoing programme seeks to promote the empowerment of the girl child and, at the same time, fulfilling the rural industrialisation drive.

“This programme was launched, and we decided to carry on with it. The President is saying no one should be left behind. Encouraged by the support from our President, we want to thank him. We will help to mobilise more resources to ensure more young women benefit,” Young Women for Economic Development Midlands Province Chairperson, Mrs Dorcus Masango noted.

“This project has the power to change everything for our women in rural villages. If they can make it work, the whole community and province will benefit immensely,” Midlands Province Women’s Quota MP, Honourable Rutendo Mpofu added.

The Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme was rolled out to boost the capacity of women small-scale farmers. READ MORE....

The Presidential Goat Pass-on Scheme, which is being implemented by the Young Women for Economic Development, is transforming lives in rural areas, benefitting over 150 women from Chirumanzu villages. Guided by its vision to empower and equip young women to become self-reliant, the Young Women for E...

24/07/2025

Blessing Nduku
It was an action filled week as police officers in the Midlands province converged at Gweru Central Police Grounds to battle it out in various sporting disciplines.

The past a week witnessed police officers from across the Midlands province battling it out in six sporting disciplines, including football, volleyball and netball.

In the end, it was the hosts Gweru Central police who emerged overall winners.

ZRP Officer Commanding Midlands Province, Commissioner Patson Nyabadza hailed police officers for bringing out their best during the sports gala.

“I am very delighted to note that you guys are improving your skills every time. This year you have shown maturity in conducting the various sporting disciplines. It is through sport that you preserve your dignity. Sport also helps in maintaining discipline,” he said.

Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen Ncube weighed-in saying government supports sporting activities in the country.

“This event resonates with the Second Republic’s NDS1 community sports and recreational development strategy which focuses on decentralising sport and recreation as well as encouraging physical activity as part of the overall commitment to professionalism and wellbeing,” he noted.

The Midlands Provincial Sports Gala is a precursor to the Commissioner General Sports Gala where winners will battle it out with other provinces at national level.

READ MORE....

It was an action filled week as police officers in the Midlands province converged at Gweru Central Police Grounds to battle it out in various sporting disciplines. The past a week witnessed police officers from across the Midlands province battling it out in six sporting disciplines, including foot...

24/07/2025

Tanaka Chare

Celebrations unfolded with live streaming and fun field activities at the Civic Centre as the local radio station, 98.4FM Midlands, kicked off its 8th anniversary in style.

The celebrations were running under the theme “ Harnessing the media for socio-economic development.” The theme embraces the promotion of media excellence, diversity, and national development, which are fundamentals of the Zimbabwe Media Policy launched by His Excellency in March 2025.

The 98.4FM radio personality Victoria Nyanhete, popularly known as Dynamite, expressed her joy over the accomplishments that the radio has made, the staff that keeps the audiences entertained 24 hours everyday and everyone who supports the shows.

“I would like to extend my gratitude to half of the 98.4FM team and to everyone who has been supporting us over the years. Today we celebrate the 8th anniversary with great joy and enthusiasm. l would like to thank our team for their dedication to keeping the audiences informed and entertained every day. “

The festivities commenced with Gweru’s most talented artists, Baba Gweru, Mai Elly, Xiddo Chikandamina, among others, who captivated the audience with their enchanting performances.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands Province Honourable Owen Ncube, was honoured to be part of the celebrations.

“ I feel greatly honoured to be invited to this momentous occasion. Radio stations are playing a pivotal role in amplifying the voices of previously marginalised communities, disseminating information about development issues, healthcare awareness, promoting local languages and enlightening the public on national priorities such as the Heritage-Based Education 5.0 and the Rural Development 8.0 Vision 2030 Accelerator Models.”

Hon Ncube urged journalists to practice ethical reporting and instill a culture of integrity.

“ I encourage media practitioners to install a culture of integrity, shun corruption, refrain from spreading falsehoods, creating disunity, and promote foreign narratives that oppose the development aspirations of our motherland, Zimbabwe. Journalists and other media personalities must practice professionalism and high ethical standards that propel delivery of accurate, balanced and factual reporting without fear of favor,” Hon Ncube said.

98.4FM, a regional radio station established in July 2017 by AB Communications, has taken the bold initiative to dialogue with its stakeholders on issues of national development, given the media’s leverage in promoting economic growth, fostering social development, and strengthening governance systems. READ MORE.......

Tanaka Chare Celebrations unfolded with live streaming and fun field activities at the Civic Centre as the local radio station,98.4FM Midlands, kicked off its 8th anniversary in style. The celebrations were running under the theme “ Harnessing the media for socio-economic development.” The theme...

24/07/2025

Tanaka Chare

The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Midlands officially opened the NGO Expo and Winter School at the Civic Centre, with the initiative to showcase the work of NGOs promoting civil society and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.

The Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Midlands Province, Hon. Owen Ncube, toured the exhibition stands of various non-governmental organisations showcasing their services and products, highlighting how they are being innovative and making them viable for communities.

The NGO Expo and Winter School theme ‘ Localisation as a Game Changer: CSO Advancing Local Solutions for Development Effectiveness’ is in line with the current development discourses in Zimbabwe and globally. It recognises that development is locally led and locally driven.

The chairperson of NANGO, Mr Charles Mazorodze, expressed his gratitude for NGOs’ work and their contributions to the communities in the Midlands region.

“ On behalf of NANGO, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude, celebrating the role and work of NGOs in transforming our communities. Your presence underscores the shared commitment you all have towards Zimbabwe’s inclusive and sustainable development.”

“NGO Expo reflects His Excellency, the President of Zimbabwe, Cde Dr E.D. Mnangagwa’s receptive leadership style as a listening President attributed by the Engagement and Re-engagement Policy that provides more civic space that enables Government and NGOs to enhance engagement as we march towards the attainment of a prosperous and empowered upper middle-income society by 2030,” said Hon Ncube.

He went on to say, “Furthermore, the localisation agenda entrenched by this Indaba is in support of the Second Republic’s Heritage-Based Modernisation and Industrialisation Agenda that underscores an inward-looking approach to development planning by leveraging on comparative advantages of natural resource endowments as well as human capital.”

Mazorodze emphasised the need to amplify local voices, champion localisation, and defend civic space as the sector navigates complex challenges.

This inaugural Expo is more than just an event- it is a platform for CSOs to showcase impact, a space to advance local solutions for national development, and a collective call to protect and enable civic engagement.

Mazorodze applauds everyone who took part in the inaugural of the NGO Expo and Winter School 2025.

“We thank all stakeholders, partners, exhibitors, and participants for joining hands in driving inclusive and sustainable development in Zimbabwe.”

READ MORE...

Tanaka Chare The National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (NANGO) Midlands officially opened the NGO Expo and Winter School at the Civic Centre, with the initiative to showcase the work of NGOs promoting civil society and sustainable development in Zimbabwe. The Minister of State for P...

24/07/2025

Blessing Nduku

Peter Dube, a once well-known car dealer in Gweru, who is accused of gunning down two people in 2021, is set for trial on 28 July in Bulawayo.

After years of trial, Dube’s mental state was an issue due to his initially claimed mental instability.

Dube was arrested in Ireland, where he had sought refuge under a false identity before being deported.

Allegedly, Dube drank water from a toilet basin and was talking to himself before his appearance in the High Court last year.

According to the State, Dube allegedly shot Shelton Chiduku, his wife’s suspected lover, and her friend Gamuchirai Mudungwe fatally.

He also allegedly injured his wife, Nyasha Nharingo, and her sister, Nyaradzo, during the attack.

Court records reveal that Dube was enraged after learning Nyasha had travelled to Masvingo with the three others without informing him.

He denied the charges in a statement made while being warned and cautioned through his then-lawyer, Tuso Maputsenyika of Mhaka Attorneys in Gweru.

Court papers read that following the shootings, Dube fled Zimbabwe for South Africa, then Eswatini, where he assumed a new identity, Xolile Mtsali.

He later travelled to Ireland and was arrested in Dublin last year for immigration violations.
He had claimed to be a Mozambican national, Armando Quenete Muchanga, to evade deportation.

Irish authorities deported him to Mozambique, where officials verified his true identity.

According to the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe(NPAZ), a second medical examination conducted by a doctor in Bulawayo contradicted an earlier report from a Gweru-based doctor, confirming Dube was mentally fit to stand trial.

The absence of a key witness also contributed to the case’s protracted nature. READ MORE.....

Blessing Nduku Peter Dube, a once well-known car dealer in Gweru, who is accused of gunning down two people in 2021, is set for trial on 28 July in Bulawayo. After years of trial, Dube’s mental state was an issue due to his initially claimed mental instability. Dube was arrested in Ireland, where ...

22/07/2025

VACANCY: HR OFFICER
Celebs OfficialRiver Valley Properties Private Limited CompanyGweru market placeMahogany Lighting & Sound GweruGweru ResidentSHURUGWI VIA BOTEREKWAVacancy Announcement in BDWillie Mponda

14/07/2025

Blessing Nduku

In a move aimed at improving the quality of refereeing in the country, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has taken a firm stance against referees who fail to meet the required standards, the association has announced.

In a statement by the ZIFA Media and Communication department, referees Lloyd Mapanje, Grace Gimo and assistant referee Claris Simango announced the trio’s suspension.

“Disciplinary measures have been taken against three match officials following assessments of their recent performances,” the statement reads.

“Referee Llyod Mapanje and assistant referee Claris Simango were both sanctioned for their performance in the Dynamos vs Yadah match at Rufaro Stadium on 19 June 2025. Referee Lloyd Mapanje is suspended from officiating Premier League matches from match day 17 to match day 20. This follows his performance, which was reported by the Match Commissioner as not meeting the expected ZIFA standards,” ZIFA stated.

“Assistant referee Claris Simango’s performance on the same game was assessed as not meeting the expected level of officiating,” ZIFA added.

“Referee Grace Gimo was suspended from matchday 16 to match day 19 after overseeing the match between Green Fuel and TelOne at Green Fuel Arena on 14 June 2025. Her performance was found to be below the ZIFA required standard,” said ZIFA.

All three referees were suspended under paragraph 21 of the referees’ code of conduct.

The football association stated that the move was necessary to protect the integrity of the league and to ensure that officials are held to a high standard.

“ZIFA emphasises the critical role that match officials play in maintaining the credibility of the game and reiterates its expectation that all referees and assistant referees consistently demonstrate fairness, competence and professionalism,” reads the statement.“

The disciplinary action serves as a wake-up call for referees to improve their performance and adhere to the rules, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of Zimbabwean football. READ MORE....

Blessing Nduku In a move aimed at improving the quality of refereeing in the country, the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) has taken a firm stance against referees who fail to meet the required standards, the association has announced. In a statement by the ZIFA Media and Communication departmen...

14/07/2025

Tanaka Chare

The transition to a 300kva solar plant has enabled Midlands Christian Group of Schools to have a power surplus.

The school is turning to net metering billing which credits solar systems owners with electricity they add to the grid.

The Principal Director, Pastor Daniel Pswarai gave an insight on how the school is supplying more power that it requires.

” The digital system makes the process very convenient, as we are able to monitor the statistics of how much power we are generating and consuming with just a click of a button using our mobile phones. The inventor room is remote controlled as well. We are generating 227 660W, our consumption is 213 033W meaning we are producing more than we require. From net metering we generate 1111kW. “

Pastor Pswarai highlighted the biggest problem they were facing as a school before the transition to solar energy.

” l’m glad that the financial viability with the help of partners has become a reality. Before we the project, we would pay close to a quarter of a US$ million on electricity bill which was a lot of money.”

He went on to outline the five factors they considered for the project.

” We looked at five factors and the benefits they would bring to the school. Firstly, it was scalability, we needed to come up with something that would accommodate our ever growing power needs. As a school we run projects where we can produce our food. Hence, we produce vegetables, hatch eggs, rear chickens, bread and confectionery. Moreover, for our students to look representable, they need a laundry facility that works.”

” Secondly, it was suitability meaning we needed a commercial and robust solution, thirdly it was performance, we needed a solution that would guarantee uninterrupted power supply, followed by quality, our system is backed with all the necessary warrantees and lastly, viability we have to be viable and as a school we are internationally accredited to inspire those within and outside,” he added.

MCGS is in the process of supplying electricity to ZESA grids and neighboring households.

READ MORE......

Tanaka Chare The transition to a 300kva solar plant has enabled Midlands Christian Group of Schools to have a power surplus. The school is turning to net metering billing which credits solar systems owners with electricity they add to the grid. The Principal Director, Pastor Daniel Pswarai gave an i...

14/07/2025

It’s the stuff of Hollywood heist movies but with a Gweru twist.

A cleaner and a gardener from a Chinese-owned company in Gweru teamed up with a cellphone dealer, two mystery men from Kadoma, and a whole lot of bad decisions to pull off a daring US$40 000 theft.

But instead of a clean getaway, they were tripped up by CCTV footage, nosy cops, and a trail of money that led straight under the bed. Literally.

Nelson Holdings was the scene of the epic drama and the date was 21 June 2025.

Rachael Mujakachi, a cleaner with sharp eyes and loose lips, discovered where her Chinese bosses were hiding cash, a fat US$40 000 locked in a company office safe.

Instead of keeping the info to herself, she whispered it to her ex-lover, popular Barhador cellphone dealer Langton Muza, also known as Gwedegwe.

Smelling opportunity, Gwedegwe called in Felix Chikowo, the company’s gardener, and two men from Kadoma who are still on the run to get the job done.

On 21 June, the safe was snatched from the office and dragged across town to Mujakachi’s house in Mkoba 6. Once cracked open, Mujakachi and Chikowo were handed US$6 000 each like it was Christmas in June.

The Kadoma duo vanished, allegedly en route to hand over Gwedegwe’s share.
But karma and CCTV came knocking.“Police identified Chikowo on footage entering and exiting the premises.

That’s when things fell apart faster than a Zupco timetable.
Cops pounced. From Chikowo’s rented room, police recovered US$3 000 hidden under the bed and another US$3 000 tucked away with his unsuspecting mother-in-law.

Mujakachi had tried to stash her share in her room but police sniffed out US$5 800.
She claimed she’d already splurged US$200 shopping in Harare.

The cleaner and gardener were both dragged to court where they were remanded in custody. Gwedegwe is denying everything.

All three are being represented by sharp-tongued Gweru lawyer Esau Mandipa.The case is far from over and the hunt is still on for the Kadoma duo.

Mr Brandon Ndlovu prosecuted. Stay tuned for updates as B-Metro follows the money trail. READ MORE.....

It’s the stuff of Hollywood heist movies but with a Gweru twist. A cleaner and a gardener from a Chinese-owned company in Gweru teamed up with a cellphone dealer, two mystery men from Kadoma, and a whole lot of bad decisions to pull off a daring US$40 000 theft. But instead of a clean getaway, [.....

14/07/2025

Tanaka Chare

Midlands Christian Group of Schools (MCGS) recently commissioned a 300kW solar plant with the initiative to reduce its carbon footprint and enable the smooth flow of lessons to students.

The Principal Director, Pastor Daniel Pswarai noted the benefits of 300kva solar to students.
“The 300kva is convenient to all the power demands of the school and it can generate excess power compared to the 100kva and 200kva solar we were using previously.

Engineer Takudzwa from Solar Energy company explained how the solar systems operate, the seamless transformation and how much capacity of energy they hold.

” We installed 720, 590W solar panels in the inventory room. We have 6 by 50 kW sun synking invertors, 6 by 60kWh battery storage. We have an integration between the generator and the solar. There is a seamless transformation between how the system operates when there is ZESA and when there is not. We have designed the system to automatically start the generator when the batteries go low to about 20% and the generator kicks in to charge for about 80% and when there is sunshine, it continues to charge. “

Moreover, MCGS student representatives expressed their gratitude and excitement about the solar system, citing all the benefits it will bring to their school days.

Patience Mutivhu, who is a student, said, ” We celebrate a big achievement in our solar project. This is good for us students who live in the boarding house, as it helps reduce our carbon footprint. It lowers our electrical bill and harnesses solar power. It contributes to a greener and healthier environment.”

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who was involved in making this project a reality. Let us continue to embrace sustainable practices and strive for a brighter, greener future. I am proud to be at a school that has innovation and sustainability. And with this, we are truly thankful as Midlands Christian College students, ” David Sibanda, a student, added.

Whilst, Elisabeth Maphosa another student further explained the benefits.

” As a green energy fanatic, l would like to thank the school and express how greatly the solar power system has been changing our lives at school. We now have electricity for the whole day, so this allows for the smooth flow of lessons, for example, when we are using the projector to watch Science videos and read notes from Google Classroom. More students can now finish their International Computers Driver’s License (ICDL). In the hostel, 24 hours of electricity can allow us to extend our study sessions.”

” Hot water, in this freezing season because of the solar geysers, we never have to worry about bathing with cold water. Speaking of the cold winter season, we can now enjoy hot tea, and charge our hot water bottles and the benefits are endless, which are reaped from the solar power plants. To the board of Trustees, the school leadership and everyone else who made this possible, we would like to thank you.”

The principal, Mr Lenard Mudiwa expressed his appreciation to funding partners who made the project a success.
” Your commitment to empowering institutions like ours is sincerely appreciated and to Solar Energy company thank you for your expertise and professionalism you have delivered a system that would serve us for a long time. l would also like to thank the Head of the board, Mr Max Levendale and his team for their support.”

During the commissioning ceremony, Mr. Max Levendale, who is the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, cut the ribbon and the celebrations began. READ MORE....

Tanaka Chare Midlands Christian Group of Schools (MCGS) recently commissioned a 300kW solar plant with the initiative to reduce its carbon footprint and enable the smooth flow of lessons to students. The Principal Director, Pastor Daniel Pswarai noted the benefits of 300kva solar to students.“The ...