Lawson Chiwara: Words, Learning, and Life

Zaka-The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority vowed to act after a rogue hippopotamus began terrorizing Danda—but days later, their trucks are nowhere in sight. Spotted near Danda Primary School on Tuesday, the three-year-old hippo has since trampled crops and put lives at risk, while villagers wait in vain for the help they were promised. When contacted earlier this week, the Authority assured residents they were on their way to capture the animal. Yet, as of today, no rangers have arrived. Farmer Temba Ncube, whose maize and sorghum fields were devoured, is reeling. “They said they’d come, but my crops are gone, and I’m left with nothing,” he said. At the school, Headmaster Mr Vakai has resorted to escorting students home himself. “I can’t trust their words when my learners are in danger,” he said. Villagers are fed up. “We were told help was coming—where is it?” demanded resident Maria Moyo. “This hippo could kill someone while they drag their feet.” Village head John Du...

# Leaked Photos of Fifi waMai Titi: A Reflection on the Behavior of Today’s Youth *By Chiwara Lawson* In recent times, the internet has been abuzz with leaked photos of **Fifi waMai Titi**, a popular social media personality. The incident has sparked discussions about privacy, consent, and the impact of such leaks on individuals. However, beyond the immediate implications of this event lies a deeper question about the behavior of today’s youth compared to previous generations. Many have blamed the mother for her daughter's ways, while others have castigated those who seem to be chastising those posting and forwarding the inappropriate graphic pictures. One possible reason for the perceived waywardness of today’s youth is the influence of social media and technology. Unlike yesteryears when information was not as readily accessible, today’s youth are constantly bombarded with images and messages that promote instant gratification and superficial values. Social media platforms often ...

# Of Gift Cars and Money to Citizens: Wicknell Chivayo's Philanthropic Gestures* *By Chiwara Lawson* Wicknell Chivayo, the Zimbabwean businessman known for his affinity for luxury cars and philanthropic endeavors, has recently found himself at the center of controversy. His actions—whether they involve lavish vehicle gifts or political connections—have sent ripples through society, leaving both admirers and skeptics in their wake. In this article, we delve into the multifaceted implications of Chivayo's philanthropy, exploring the political landscape, socioeconomic effects, and the impact on religious figures. Chivayo's recent spree of luxury car donations, initially intended as acts of goodwill, has taken an unexpected turn. Allegations of money laundering now cast doubt on his true intentions. What began as straightforward philanthropy has morphed into a Pandora's box of political intrigue and social media skepticism. The alignment of his gifts with the ruling party, ...

**Zaka and Bikita Districts Face off in the Fitness and Wellness Games in Zaka** *By Chiwara Lawson* Yesterday, Bikita and Zaka Districts engaged in a spirited showdown during the Ministry of Sport and Recreation's promotional tournament for the Fitness and Wellness Games in Zaka. The Fitness and Wellness Games, initiated by the Ministry of Sport and Culture in November 2023, serve as a platform for civil servants and community members to actively participate in physical activities and promote overall well-being. Mr. James Gota, the District Sport and Recreation Promotion Chairperson for Bikita District, commended the friendly matches organized by the Zaka Public Service Commission. He emphasized that these matches provided much-needed respite for the hardworking civil servants. However, Mr. Gota also expressed concern about the challenges posed by inadequate facilities and limited funds, particularly when it comes to organizing sports events for disabled individuals. The event saw...

 **Rebel Writers and African Democracy: Amplifying Voices in a Patriarchal Landscape** *By Chiwara Lawson* In an African that is intrinsically shaped by patriarchal rule and the sovereignty mantra; freelance journalists and self-proclaimed advocates find themselves navigating treacherous waters. Their mission: to expose truths, challenge narratives, and uphold the principles of a free press. Yet, they face formidable adversaries—the very leaders who once fought for liberation. ## **1. The Silent War on Truth** African leaders, often hailed as "heroes" of independence, hold on to their power with an iron grisp. They view freelance journalists as Western-funded puppets, mere malcontents daring to unveil inconvenient realities. These truth-seekers become targets, caught in the crossfire of political agendas. ## **2. Intimidation Tactics** The playbook is familiar: intimidation, incarceration, and legal battles. Authorities silence dissent by branding these journalists as enemies...

**Ministry of Health and Child Care Temporarily Bans Gatherings During Public Holidays in Zaka** *By Chiwara Lawson* In response to the ongoing cholera outbreak wreaking havoc in Zaka District, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has taken decisive action by imposing a temporary ban on all gatherings during public holidays within the district. A communique has been dispatched to all religious institutions in the area, outlining the necessary precautions. Dr. B. Takaidza, the District Medical Officer for Zaka District, has put forth the following recommendations: 1. **Church Camps and Conferences**: During the Easter holiday, church camps and conferences are temporarily suspended. Additionally, all-night prayer services are also on hold. 2. **Local Church Gatherings**: Church gatherings are now restricted to local congregants from within the same ward. Furthermore, services are limited to a duration of three hours. 3. **Monitoring Hygiene**: Ordinary church services will be closely mo...

**Inter Africa Bus Involved in Accident at Nyamukunga Bridge Near Gumbo, Zaka** *By Chiwara Lawson* An Inter Africa bus was tragically involved in an accident at Nyamukunga Bridge near Gumbo, Zaka, resulting in multiple injuries to passengers on board. The incident occurred as the bus was traveling along the route from Chiredzi to Harare. For reasons yet to be determined, the driver lost control of the bus at the bridge location. The impact caused significant damage to the bus, and several passengers, including the driver and conductor, sustained injuries of varying degrees. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, promptly transporting the injured individuals to Ndanga District Hospital for medical treatment. The dedicated medical staff at the hospital worked tirelessly to provide necessary care and attention to those affected by the accident. Notably, one medical doctor, whose child and relative were among the accident victims, assisted in treating the injured at the hospit...

 **Masukwe Villagers Struggle Amid Land Evictions and Infrastructure Challenges** *Chiwara Lawson* In the heart of Chikombedzi lies Masukwe, a village grappling with the aftermath of a recent land eviction blitz. The consequences have left villagers with no choice but to embark on arduous journeys to access basic services. The Chiredzi Rural District Council executed a forceful eviction operation, demolishing tuckshops and "illegal shops" near Masukwe Clinic. As a result, villagers find themselves compelled to travel long distances—sometimes as far as Chikombedzi Business Centre or Malipati** to procure essentials like cooking oil and sugar. These shopping centers are several kilometers away, posing significant challenges for villagers who lack easy access to transportation.    The roads connecting Masukwe to neighboring areas are in **dire need of refurbishment**. To exacerbate matters, villagers must navigate a treacherous obstacle: a **crocodile-infested river** stands...

 *Cattle rustlers rack havoc in Malipati* *Chiwara Lawson* Villagers in Malipati have become victims of cattle rustlers who take advantage of the community's livestock smuggling them to the nearby Mozambique. Villagers suspected locals who they said probably connive with foreigners in the nearby country and steal their livestock disposing them to Mozambique for capital gains. "Just this week a villager's beast went missing and we know it has crossed over to Mozambique " a villager told this reporter. He revealed that many locals live in fear of having their hard gotten livelihoods stolen as authorities have not and are not acting despite being made aware of the shenanigans. Another villager also expressed concern over the authorities' lackadaisical approach to addressing the needs of the community. "We do not know our Member of Parliament, even during the election campaigns he did not show his face in this part of the country" the villagers complained. M...

 *Zaka North Voters Confront FAZ agents.* *Chiwara Lawson* Zaka North Ward 3 voters confronted FAZ agents who had assembled at some strategic positions outside polling stations with the aim of collecting voter data and details. The vigilant villagers quizzed the individuals representing Forever Association of Zimbabwe popularly known as FAZ an associate of the ruling party why they were bothering voters by asking them to give them their details before voting. Some of the villagers who approached the tables occupied by the FAZ agents went on to summon ZRP officers requesting them to dismiss the shadowy group from poling stations. The officers were left in a dilemma as ZEC training had not equipped election officers with what to do in regards to FAZ. Government and ZEC has remained silent in regards to the FAZ interference in the Harmonized General Elections. By the time of printing, voter turn out was low at Ward 3 tipping in favor of the elderly as compared to the youths.

**Zaka district evokes stringent measures to curb Cholera outbreak** *Chiwara Lawson * In a bid to contain the outbreak of Cholera in Zaka district which is the epicentre of the disease, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has with immediate effect banned all social gatherings.  In addition funerals are going to be monitored by health officials and cooking of food at funerals is prohibited. The District's Health department has since sent a communique to all Stakeholders in a bid to stop the spread of the disease that has taken it's toll in Wards 10, 14, 15 and 21.Its almost two months are the disease was reported, traced to Bikita and Siya dam. Efforts to stop the spread of the disease is on a snail path hence the increased spread.  Zaka District Education Health Officer Mr D Maemba who is stationed at Ndanga Hospital also communicated that all church camp meetings are suspended. All funerals must be attended by not more than 50 people and these must observe hand washing wit...

*Doves Vehicle Involved in an Accident while driver using vehicle as a "mushikashika"* *Chiwara Lawson* A vehicle belonging to Doves Funeral Services was involved in an accident earlier today while traveling from Zaka while carrying four unsanctioned passengers who included journalists. Ndanga District Hospital medical staff attended the scene together with ZRP Zaka Traffic officers and assisted the victims who suffered minor injuries save for one male passenger who had a spinal fracture. The spinal fractured passenger was consequently transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital. When this reporter sought to interview the victims he found them already discharged upon their own request. Factors leading to how the accident had taken place were still sketchy by the time of going to print but a number of factors could have led to this unfortunate incident. The Roy-Jerera-Chiredzi road is one which puts a dent in the Second Republic's Road Rehabilitation Program currently unde...

 *Ndanga District Hospital goes week on ends without medical supplies.* *Chiwara Lawson* The biggest government  referral hospital in Zaka District, Ndanga District Hospital is faced with medical supplies constraints to the extent of  having even paracetamol out of stock. As the Second Republic grapples with the healthcare system of the country, Zaka District residents are faced with a medical nightmare as Ndanga District Hospital is finding it difficult to cater for not just walk-in patients but admitted ones as well. A frustrated patient who had come to the hospital for consultations could not hide his contempt of the Second Republic's incapability to cater for it's citizens. "They claim that we voted for them to run this country but they are simply running this country to the ground. When you come to the hospital and you are not well you expect to get help but you never get it. " The patient revealed that after paying consultation fees if you are unlucky to get adm...

 *Zaka Rural District Council 'patches up' Roy-Jerera Roads.* *Chiwara Lawson* The Zaka Rural District Council, has embarked on a significant refurbishment project for the Roy-Jerera roads. This initiative aims to improve the infrastructure and connectivity in the region, benefiting both residents and businesses. The refurbishment project is a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation networks and fostering economic development in the area. The project would have encompassed various aspects of road infrastructure, including resurfacing, widening, and improving drainage systems along the Roy-Jerera roads. These efforts would gear towards enhancing road safety, reducing travel times, and ensuring smoother transportation flow for commuters and cargo alike. The project scope would likely also include the installation of road signage and markings to further enhance safety and navigation for road users. However the cash strapped Rural Council have only mana...

 **Zimbabwe launches nationwide cholera vaccination campaign** *Chiwara Lawson* Zimbabwe has launched a nationwide cholera vaccination campaign to protect over 2 million people from the waterborne disease that has killed hundreds of people since early last year. The campaign,  which started on Wednesday in Zaka District, is led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in collaboration with UNICEF, WHO, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance. It aims to cover 160 wards within 26 high-risk districts in seven provinces: Harare, Mashonaland West, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland Central, Manicaland, Masvingo, and Midlands. Areas being covered in Zaka District are Fuve, Zibwowa, Chiredzana, Machiva, Veza and Nemauku which are some of the water borne hotspots in the district. The cholera vaccine used in Zimbabwe is the Euvichol-Plus vaccine, produced by EuBiologics. It is an oral vaccine that is administered by mouth. One dose of vaccine protects against cholera infections for a period of at l...

 *Chimedza-Jichidza Road in Deplorable State Puts Lives at Risk* *Chiwara Lawson* The Chimedza-Jichidza road, located in Masvingo Province, has been in a deplorable state for quite some time, posing significant risks to the residents and visitors of the area. The road connects to Jichidza, where the Reformed Church in Zimbabwe Jichidza High School is situated. This school hosts a large number of children whose lives are put at risk due to the poor condition of the road, especially at the beginning and end of each term when students travel to and from the school. Jichidza Mission, which is also located along this road, houses a clinic that serves the local community. However, due to the inaccessible nature of the road during the rainy season, patients face significant challenges in accessing essential medical care.  The dire state of the road not only affects the safety and well-being of the children attending the school but also jeopardizes the health and lives of individuals ...

 *Land Dispute in Zaka Escalates to Legal Battle* *Chiwara Lawson* The land dispute in Zaka is not an isolated case, but part of a wider and deeper crisis of land ownership and governance in the country. Similar phenomena have happened in other parts of the country, particularly in Gutu, where hundreds of houses have been demolished and homeowners have been threatened by legal action if they do not comply by demolishing the "illegal structures" themselves. The illegal land sales and demolitions in Gutu have been caused by the same factors that have sparked the conflict in Zaka: the lack of clear and transparent land policies and procedures, the corruption and collusion of the land barons and the authorities, and the desperation and ignorance of the residents who have limited access to affordable and legal land and housing. The illegal land sales and demolitions in Gutu have also had devastating effects on the people and the environment: the loss of property and livelihoods, t...

 *Distracted Walking Blamed for Teen's Tragic Death* A 17-year-old ZIMSEC Form 4 learner was killed by a speeding car last week  as he was crossing the road with his headphones on. The incident happened at around midday, near Padare shops, in Zaka. According to eyewitnesses, the victim, identified as Tafadzwa Masocha, was walking home from weekend lessons, when he decided to cross the road without looking. He was listening to music on his headphones, and did not hear the car horn or the shouts that ensued. The driver of the car, tried to brake, but it was too late. He hit Tafadzwa with full force, sending him flying several meters away. The people at the scene shortly after, could not save Tafadzwa's life. He was pronounced dead on the spot. Tafadzwa's family and friends are devastated by his death, and have described him as a bright and cheerful student. He was preparing for his ZIMSEC exams, thus he had been coming from weekend lessons organized by the school .  His tea...

 **Domestic Tourism in Zimbabwe Faces Uphill Battle Amid Economic Challenges** *Chiwara Lawson* The allure of Zimbabwe's picturesque landscapes and vibrant culture beckons both locals and international travelers. However, the current economic climate poses significant obstacles to domestic tourism within the country. Here are the key points: 1. **Admission Fees**:    - **Adults**: Locals are required to pay a **USD $10 admission fee** to access various tourist attractions.    - **Children (Ages 6 to 12)**: The fee for children falls to **USD $5**. 2. **Accommodation Costs**:    - Accommodation options span a wide range:      - From **USD $110** for more budget-friendly choices.      - Up to **USD $480** for those seeking luxurious experiences. 3. **Game Drives**:    - Game enthusiasts can embark on half-day drives in custom-built, open-sided 4×4 vehicles.    - The cost for this thrilling experience is *...

 *Malilangwe Trust on Drug Abuse* *Chiwara Lawson* Malilangwe Trust has joined the Zimbabwe government to end drug abuse this come after they  have engaged the Child friendly unit of  Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) in Drug Substance Abuse in the local community this was said by Tendai Nhunzvi Human Resources Director of Malilangwe Trust during a briefing he revealed that they have engaged the ZTA, Chiredzi Council and the Zimbabwe Republic Police Child Friendly Unit during their popular Rhino Trophy to conscientise the teenagers and youths in general on the harmful effects of drug abuse. The tournament involves children from 12 different neighboring schools with the winners of the tournament enjoying a stay at the Hakamela camp and a game drive in the 48000ha park  He went on to reveal that they are also working on other projects in the near future that will be aimed at the youth to desist from drug abuse. Chiredzi has been battling with substance abuse particularly ...