Great Zimbabwe Times Magazine

03/11/2025

On 15 November in Masvingo, at a colourful and elegant event, the Women of Substance will reunite for a long-awaited POW-WOW, three years after their last gathering in the Ancient City. This year’s edition comes with an exciting and historic highlight — the launch of the Women of Substance book, a publication that captures the remarkable stories of Zimbabwean women who rose against adversity to claim their place in society. The book, published by Prof. Ken Mufuka and Dr. Gallie Kawanzaruwa, is designed to empower the girl child by offering real-life role models whose journeys reflect resilience, courage, and success in male-dominated environments.

Sources close to the organizers reveal that this year’s POW-WOW will be more than a mere book launch. It is expected to be a vibrant celebration of achievement, sisterhood, and elegance. The Women of Substance are said to be preparing to share their accomplishments, reflect on their life journeys, and enjoy an evening filled with inspiration, glamour, laughter, and heartfelt moments. The event will take place at an exclusive garden restaurant in Masvingo’s central business district, where guests will indulge in a stylish banquet. A key highlight will be the unveiling of a portrait of their “Hero Woman of Substance,” whose identity is being kept secret, adding suspense and excitement to the occasion.

The idea for the book was born three years ago when several distinguished women gathered to recount the trials and tribulations they had endured throughout their lives. Many recalled that, despite showing great talent and giftedness from an early age, cultural norms within the Bantu family structure, coupled with colonial attitudes, placed greater priority on the advancement of boys. Girls, no matter how brilliant, often found their dreams pushed aside. Yet, these women defied the odds, carved their own paths, and rose to positions of influence and leadership at national and global levels.

Among the trailblazers featured in the Women of Substance book are prominent figures whose names read like a Who’s Who of Zimbabwean excellence. These include Senator Minah Mandaba; Sub-Chief Supreme Sister Happymore Mudyahoto, a former liberation war fighter; Dr. Gallie Kawanzaruwa, a Senior Academic Advisor in the United Arab Emirates; and Dr. Jesimen Tarisai Chipika, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. The guest of honour for the launch will be Dr. Divine Ndhlukula, Founder and President of Securico Security Services and Chancellor of the Women’s University in Africa — a woman celebrated across the continent for breaking barriers and redefining female leadership. These distinguished women, affectionately described as “sisters in excellence,” share powerful narratives of sacrifice, vision, leadership, and transformation that will motivate girls and women for generations to come.

Registration for this prestigious Garden Party event is set at USD $20 including a book meals and refreshments. Attendance is expected to draw influential personalities, community leaders, and champions of women empowerment from across the country.

For bookings and enquiries, please contact Shekinah Media on 077 354 9575 or 071 954 9575, or email [email protected].

30/10/2025

11/10/2025

WEKWAMARAMBA & The Black Age Set to Ignite Masvingo with Electrifying Album Launch

The city of Masvingo is set to come alive on 18 October 2025 as Wekwamaramba & The Black Age present their much-anticipated Album Launch at the iconic Charles Austin Theatre. The event promises to be a night of pure rhythm, passion, and creativity, showcasing the group’s unique blend of Live Afro Jazz a genre that continues to capture hearts across Zimbabwe.

Fronted by the dynamic and multi-talented Wekwamaramba, the band has been steadily making waves in the local music scene with their rich, soulful sound that blends traditional African influences with modern jazz and acoustic vibes. Their upcoming album, set to debut at the launch, is expected to reflect this cultural fusion, delivering both lyrical depth and musical artistry.

Backed by a talented ensemble including skilled instrumentalists on keyboard, bass, drums, and percussion The Black Age promises a performance that will be as visually captivating as it is musically moving. Each song is crafted to tell a story of identity, resilience, and celebration, resonating deeply with audiences who value authentic African artistry.

Tickets for this grand occasion are now available at Music Corner, Tsungai Complex, and at Charles Austin Theatre. Prices are set at $5 for Ordinary, $10 for Middle Row, and $15 for Front Row, offering fans an opportunity to experience Afro Jazz in an intimate and inspiring setting.

The launch, which runs from 18:00 to 21:00 hours, is supported by various media partners and promises an evening filled with melody, dance, and connection. It is not just an album launch it is a celebration of Zimbabwean talent and cultural expression at its finest.

For more information and bookings, fans can contact 0776 167 243 or 0784 461 827. This October, Masvingo’s heartbeat will be jazz and Wekwamaramba & The Black Age will lead the rhythm

11/10/2025

UNA UNA — The Spirit of Victory

From the ancient stones of Great Zimbabwe,
Rises a roar, unshaken, unbroken Masvingo United, hearts of warriors,Tomorrow, destiny will be spoken. Hunters may come with sharpened spears,
But we come with courage, forged through years.
We’ve fought the storms, we’ve earned our place,
Now victory calls it’s ours to embrace.
Each pass, each tackle, each fearless stride,
Carries the spirit of a city’s pride.
From Mucheke’s echoes to Marondera’s ground,Our anthem thunders, a victorious sound.
Play with heart, Una Una strong, The field is yours where dreams belong.
For Masvingo stands with you today,
Believing, cheering, come what may.Raise the flag, let it wave so high,
Tomorrow, let no moment pass you by.
For in your stride and fighting story,
Lies the sign and spirit of victory!
GZTIMES magazine

09/10/2025

Sibanda Donates USD 2,000 to Masvingo United Ahead of Crucial FC Hunters Clash

Celebrating a Great Zimbabwean — Allen Sibanda, a proud son of Masvingo whose passion for football and community upliftment continues to inspire the city.

In a powerful show of support ahead of Masvingo United Football Club’s crucial encounter with FC Hunters in Marondera this Sunday, Sibanda has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment by donating USD 2,000 to motivate the team as they fight to maintain their top spot on the Eastern Region Division One log.

This timely contribution comes as Masvingo United — affectionately known as Una Una — pushes for a historic return to the Premier Soccer League. The donation is expected to boost player morale and cover essential team expenses as the squad prepares for what could be a season-defining match.

Sibanda’s support for Masvingo United has been consistent and heartfelt. Earlier this year, during the April fundraising dinner, he also donated USD 2,000, proving his deep and ongoing investment in the club’s success. Beyond financial aid, Sibanda has funded stadium repairs, drilled a borehole at Mucheke Stadium, and continues to champion community football through initiatives like the Deportivo and Mucheke Social Leagues, which bring together 20 ZIFA-registered neighborhood teams.

Speaking with pride, Sibanda reflected on his family’s long connection to the club:
“My father was among the first supporters of Masvingo United since its formation. Masvingo is my home, my passion — we are Masvingo.”

Off the field, Sibanda is a successful entrepreneur with business interests in real estate and mining in Mberengwa, employing over 500 youths across Masvingo.

02/10/2025

Foreword from Ambassador Onward Chironda, Executive Director, MyAge Africa

As we mark ten years of My Age Zimbabwe—now proudly transformed into MyAge Africa—we celebrate more than an anniversary. We celebrate a decade of resilience, innovation, and youth-led transformation that has shaped communities, policies, and possibilities across Zimbabwe and beyond.

Ten years ago, My Age began not as a formal organisation, but as a dream born in Masvingo—a small group of passionate young people using theatre to challenge stigma, ignite dialogue, and educate communities on sexual and reproductive health. With no office, no funding, and no formal recognition, what we possessed was conviction—a belief in our voice, our vision, and the power of young people to lead change.

The journey from a community theatre group to a registered youth-led organisation was not without obstacles. Resistance, scepticism, and moments of rejection tested our resolve. The environment for youth organising around issues of health and rights was often uncertain, even hostile. Yet, we persisted. We persisted because we believed young people deserve dignity, opportunities, and access to the tools they need to thrive.

Over this decade, the impact has been profound. We have grown into a vibrant organisation with a team of dedicated professionals whose expertise is matched only by their lived experience. Together, we have influenced national policies, championed youth-friendly health services, and opened spaces for young voices at decision-making tables—locally, regionally, and internationally.

Our media platform, 263 Youth TV, has become a powerful vehicle for amplifying youth voices, reshaping narratives, and driving cultural transformation. It is proof of what is possible when young people are not only included but entrusted to lead.

Yet, even as we celebrate, we recognise that significant challenges remain. Restrictive legal frameworks and policies continue to hinder access to essential sexual and reproductive health services for many young people. These barriers are not merely administrative—they put lives at risk. As we step into our next decade, we renew our call for reform: to build systems and environments that empower rather than exclude, protect rather than punish, and honour health as a right, not a privilege.

This foreword is not just a reflection on our past but a rallying cry for the future. The work ahead demands courage, collaboration, and unwavering commitment. MyAge Africa stands ready not as a service provider alone, but as a movement, a policy actor, and a community of dreamers and doers determined to create lasting change.
To everyone who has walked with us partners, allies, and, most importantly, the young people at the heart of our mission this milestone belongs to you. May the next decade of MyAge Africa be even bolder, more inclusive, and more impactful than the last. Together, we will continue to lead with youth and transform Africa, one community at a time.

25/09/2025

Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga has arrived in Masvingo to preside over the official opening of the Construction Industry Federation of Zimbabwe (CIFOZ) congress.