Radio Bukalanga

05/09/2024

*Game Meat Rush in Plumtree*

This Thursday afternoon saw residents of the usually small border town abuzz with news of an elephant Caucasus at the local Zimparks Satellite office.

As this News Crew drove to the sudden place of interest, people of all ages could be seen carrying their 'share' of the elephant meat. This was complemented by some residents who live along the road to Zimparks offices whose homestead fences were lined with meat strips, a clear indication that we were late to the occasion.

Upon arrival at the scene, only the head skull and Rib Bones were left, giving the impression that a number of homes were assured of game meat delicacy in the evening.

An elderly lady could be heard saying ".. our children are no longer used to meat since it's expensive, so this is surely good fortune..". By Sunset, the Skin and Tusks of the elephant were safely secured by Zimparks Officials who declined to comment directing all inquires regarding the event to their National Public Relations Office.
*RBK NEWS*

05/09/2024

On this day, people join together to support various causes of the International Charity Day 2024 .
The United Nations recognised the necessity of such a day to foster a culture of giving, emphasising that collective efforts can lead to meaningful change.“For 2024, the World Charity Day focuses on compassion and action towards empowering individuals and communities through acts of kindness.

There is a significant reason that the 5 September was chosen as the date for World Charity Day, and this is to commemorate the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

The day provides an opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving and to inspire others to contribute to charitable causes.

Happy International Day of Charity Bukalanga!

04/09/2024

By Godwin Gumbo

Hundreds of people from Mangwe District Wards 5 and 6, this Wednesday thronged the Sibanda homestead in Matshongwani North to witness the grand installation of Headman Phahlana, born Senzangakona Sibanda

A brief background of the Phahlana headmanship dates back to the 20th century when the then headman Nganunu migrated from the Tsh*tshi area to Mphoengs in 1950. Headman Phahlana presides over Mphoengs, Bhulu , Mabuledi , Kheme , Sanzukwi, and Matshongwani.

Speaking to this News Crew the out going acting Headman Phahlana born George Mandulo Sibanda who held the position to date mentioned some of the previous headmen, "...We had ubaba uNganunu and after he passed his son Meki Sibanda took over and after him came Kefas Sibanda then came myself George Mandulo Sibanda as acting Headman Phahlana and today I am handing over the reigns to my grandson Senzangakhona Sibanda..." Said an elated Mr Sibanda.

The Incumbent Headman Phahlana, Senzangakhona Sibanda, who is one of eleven children, was appointed in 2019 when he had become of age and has been living and working in neighbouring South Africa.

Giving a Speech on behalf of the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works, District Development Coordinator Mangwe Madam R. Makhurane highlighted that a headman is expected to be actively involved in development issues, "...A headman should work hand in glove with other government agencies in the field of development and the local authorities..." Said Madam Rorisang Makhurane, who further added that the government was hard at work with systematically implementing NDS1.

Guest of honor at the event, the revered Chief Tsh*tshi gave a hearty congratulatory message, parts of which emphasized the need for leaders to shun alcohol influence, "... Respect yourself, my "uncle", get away from that because I know you're still young, but please shun alcohol influence for the benefit of your position.." said Chief Tsh*tshi. He further highlighted how the leader's spouse had a role to play in the proper governance of his jurisdiction.

The colorful event saw energetic performances from local youth dance groups, the Kweneng Primary School Traditional dance troupe, and Phahla. A traditional energetic Ndebele performance of 'ukugiya' by Headman Phahlana's male siblings enhanced the traditionally themed ceremony.

The Installation of Headman Phahlana was presided over Chief Tsh*tshi and District Development Coordinator Mangwe Madam R.Makhurane and was graced by fellow Headman from sorrounding villages, representatives of Mangwe Rural District Council, Mangwe DDCs Office and Bulilima DDC representatives.

03/09/2024

There was a lot of excitement at Ward 5, Ngwizi, Mangwe District, Plumtree in Matabeleland South, Zimbabwe on the 26th of August 2024 as there were commemorations for the World Breastfeeding Week. The event was held by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in conjunction with the Organisation of Rural Associations for Progress (ORAP) and other various stakeholders and Government departments were present in support of the commemorations. Many activities were done during the commemorations including guest of honour address, edutainments, breastfeeding testimonials and quiz.

During his address, the guest of honour who is the District’s health officer, Mr Ndlovu, highlighted that the theme for the commemorations was “Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all” and that mother’s breast milk has all necessary nutrients thus develops the child well. In an interview during the event the ORAP Board Chairperson, Mr. M. Nyoni, was pleased with the programme even as it tallied with the vision of the organisation.

The local councillor, Mr Tapa Dube, was glad that the locals were taught on the importance of breast feeding and was happy that they responded well. Ms A. F. Tshuma, the District Nutritionist, during an interview highlighted that the World Breast feeding Week is commemorated worldwide each year from the 1st to the 7th of August and in line with the theme everyone ought to be involved and not only the MoHCC thus closing the gap. She explained breast feeding is important in that it lowers child upkeep costs and that it has all nutrients including water and so encouraged exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a baby’s life before any supplements can be added. She highlighted that some mothers shun off breast feeding for many reasons which include beliefs that their bodies change as they breastfeed, the breast milk alone is not adequate for the baby and at times due to lack of adequate support from their environment. She encouraged mothers who have issues or problems with breastfeeding to visit village community health care workers, local care groups or hospitals where they talk to nurses and Environmental health Technicians.

A local Community Health Promoter, Ms T. Masuku highlighted that there are several Community Health Clubs(CHCs) she established wherein locals were taught on health matters including importance of breastfeeding and through these many health promoting activities were embarked on even with the support of the local leadership. There was much applaud from the crowd given to a man who volunteered to demonstrate how a baby ought to be breastfed and also to a lady who gave a brief summary on what they were taught which included to be always hygienic and wash hands constantly, having at least 3 litter holes within their residential compounds and the benefits of breastfeeding including the fact that it can serve as a means of birth control. The event concluded well with a promise by locals to practice what they were taught.

Report by Timothy Khupe for

03/09/2024

Bagali bemuTitji ayibhadaleni mari yevula yatinohingisa nemaRates. Hakutolakidza bunhu gwakanaka kuti tihaliligwe vula iswi tiyihingisa tisingabhatikane mukubhadala.
Amwe matoropo hana vula,anogala over 72hrs banhu besina vula koga Plumtree Town Council inotibhata zwibuyanana. Ayindeni tinobhadala zwikwelete tisihhaliligwe vula nsi wa 10 Ndlana.

02/09/2024

*Mothers in Bulilima remain committed to exclusive breastfeeding*

By Godwin Gumbo
Bulilima District hosted the belated World Breastfeeding Week on Monday 26 August 2024 at Bhagani Centre,which drew attendees from the Bulilima community and stakeholders as well as non governmental organisations.

Speaking during the celebrations, which ran under the theme, *Closing the gap: Breastfeeding support for all*, Bulilima District Environmental Health Officer Mr T. Mpofu was vocal in encouraging mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding and placed emphasis on how it also benefits the mothers "...Omama bavikeleka kumikhuhlane ehluphayo efana labo Breast cancer le Bp...". He further alluded to how breastfeeding provides a balanced diet for infants.

Mr Mpofu also touched on how mothers should take care of themselves during what he termed the first "1000" days of pregnancy which include an extra meal on top of their usual diet and rights to maternity leave.

Various speakers, including nutritionists and health workers, highlighted why mothers need to be accorded adequate time to breastfeed and denounced giving water to infants under six months. Lead Mothers from Gwambe who participated at the celebrations conveyed breastfeeding awareness through drama and poetry.

Babongile Gumbo, a young mother, gave a presentation on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding and the advantages it has . Part of her presentation, read, "... breastmilk is hygienic and strengthens the bond between the baby and mother.."

Breastfeeding week is observed from the 1st to the 7th of August every year by the World Health Organisation to raise awareness on the importance of breastfeeding to both mother and child. This year's Bulilima District celebrations were held at Bhagani in Ward 21 and was graced by the Ward 21 Councillor Dolly Dube ,officials from the Office of the DDC, Ministry of Health and Child Care, ORAP and NAZ.

02/09/2024

Lets buy our tickets from muTitji (PLUMTREE TOWN)

02/09/2024

We are live on-air with our beautiful artists. BANAA BANTOGWA BW
Ayihanganeni kuChitawa nedzi 21 Ndlana(September 2024)
RA
MO
JA
KGA

Your favorite station will be there,
this year we are fighting crime together and creating awareness in Bukalanga, tihha tsotsie!

01/09/2024

*Plumtree District Hospital vital medicine stock status at 49%*..

By Godwin Gumbo

This was part of a list of challenges presented before the Minister of State for provincial affairs and devolution for Matebeleland South Province Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu by Plumtree District Hospital DMO Dr Nganunu while presiding over the donation of 2 tonnes of Mealie meal to the Hospital. Amongst other issues, the DMO cited challenges with a non functional X-ray machine owing to lack of funds.

".. ideally, as a hospital, we want our medicines stocks to be above 80%, although currently we have issues with stockouts, and we are at 49%" said Dr Nganunu.

Coming to the donations, the Minister of State for provincial affairs and devolution for Matebeleland South Province Honourable Evelyn Ndlovu said that the timely intervention was as a result of an outcry from the Mangwe community who raised concern about the Hospital. "..I had to react to the outcry, and I have in stock Mealie meal, which I will donate to Hospitals in Matebeleland South.." said Honorable Ndlovu. The Minister emphasized the need to prioritise nutrition at the hospital in order for patients to have a better stay and recover faster.

The Mealie meal, which was donated to the Minister of State for provincial affairs and devolution by The Ministry of Public Service Labor and Social welfare, will be distributed among the Province's seven district hospitals. Another component of the mealie meal will be donated to families facing severe food shortages of note child headed families and the elderly.

The business community was also tasked to lend a hand in donating food stuff to hospitals as part of their corporate social responsibility.

In her closing remarks the minister urged residents of surrounding districts to pay for services rendered at the hospital, "...There is a challenge that people come and get treated but they don't pay even those that are able to pay, bantu bakithi let's be responsible citizens so that this hospital can function.." said Honorable Ndlovu.

The Mealie meal donated by the office of the minister of State for provincial affairs and devolution will be distributed among the seven district hospitals of Matebeleland South, which has been severely affected by the El Nino induced drought. The Mealie meal donation is set to bolster the hospital's ability to adequately provide a good diet for its patients.

31/08/2024

Big shout out to RBK's newest top fans! TheEntrepreneur Nkomo, Khaluphethe Mzilankatha, Thobekile Ndebele, Edious Mlevu, Nehemiah Anderson Jnr, Mamlambo Mandolo Ludo Gwamwali, Mukani Masha Nleya, Nhlalo Mpatiwa Zora, Cossam Ndlovu, Own Moosa Ndlovu, Josh O P Khux, Sebenzile Moyo, Msebenziwenkosi Nkomo, Manyae Oka Mdlulie, Bafana Ncube, Mathew Thabang, Wiseman Sibanda, Nokuthula Mpofu, Bukhosie Phenduka, Bruce Moyo, Mlingi Khupe, Loveus Ndebele, Elvis Tshuma, Sphee Hellen Nyanda, Faith Neo Phuti, Ishmael Mbelu, Limhlonipheni Ndebele, Kwanele Nyathi, Fle Canthola, Snogate Sola, Wise Nicky Sibanda, Albert Mbogwa, Mercy Dube, Antony Dube, Elvis Mkwananzi, Nobuhle Ngwenya, Merlin Thandiwe Moyo, Mague Nonoe Sebele, Talent Phuti, Sandra Madawu, Soneni Sibanda, Austin Nation

31/08/2024

Mamo akuhhe.

31/08/2024

Someone's son is having fun

30/08/2024

Big shout out to RBK's new rising fan! Mbonisi Ndlovu

30/08/2024

Kati banhu banodlani tjinobathama bekabe nemeya yakayipa zwingapa. Tohaka mihingo ngobe tohaka be banhu bahine ngono habo banozana naswi.

30/08/2024

Take note of these dates and attend.
Ayindeni kuzwidiyo zwisingabhadagwe. Ayizebeni nlandu wedu nemilayo yeZIMRA. AYIHANGANENI KU Plumtree Town Council.

30/08/2024

Thank you all for staying with RBK. Toboka kwazo kwazo banotebela Radio Bukalanga nebanotihohhela nebanotilakidza lukudzo neludo. Togalabgwe togalikabgwe nen'hingo watinothama. Musinyale Bukalanga and friends

28/08/2024

Zimbabwe PICSA TRAINING 2024
WFP HARARE.
2024 farming season, Radio Bukalanga is ready



4 radio stations trained (2 commercial radio stations, 1 campus radio station & 1 community radio station)

27/08/2024

Zimbabwe PICSA training for Radio ( ) -2024
PARTICIPATORY INTEGRATED CLIMATE SERVICES FOR AGRICULTURE (PICSA)

NTJENJEBVU WEVULA NDEWALIMA

25/08/2024

*..May we please have the Family Week on a Monthly basis...* : Inmates Plead with ZPCS

25 August 2024
By Godwin Gumbo

As the RBK news crew drove through Plumtree Prison Gates , the tense nature of security protocols were quickly absorbed by a different lighter atmosphere, It was smiles everywhere during this year's Family Week at Plumtree Prison.

After a four year COVID 19 induced Sabbatical, the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Service Family Week got off to a lively return with Families literally thronging Plumtree Prison to visit their convicted family and friends.

Families and Inmates were took time to mingle with hugs betraying how badly needed this Family Week was. We took time to interact with some families who visited their convicted relatives.

An elated Mother , Ms Ncube who was in the company of her two young daughters visiting her son said "I truely appreciate the opportunity to bring my Son's Siblings and see all my children at the same time. At least my son will not feel forgotten."

We also caught up with a jovial group of inmates who had a lot to say about the Family Week as one inmate put it , ".. We are pleased to see our relatives come in some almost everyday and this gives us a chance to catch up on what happened back home..". Another inmate jokingly added , "..we got to see our wives and especially enjoyed grilling meat for them, and we would wish to have the Family Week on a monthly basis.."

However, as expected, a particular recent inmate who declined to talk on record was evidently emotionally overwhelmed with emotion upon seeing his sister who came bearing goodies.

ZPCS Public Relations Officer Plumtree Prison Correctional Officer Grade One Mgcini Ncube emphasized the importance of the Family Week,which seeks to enhance bonding between family members and inmates which is critical during rehabilitation. During the Family Week, regular prison regulations are relaxed to allow for a seldom chance to interact.

24/08/2024

BeZETDC bekati banokumbila mazwibhatigwa
Bekati banobe betidzimila magetsi kwazo betjabankanya ku Whange.

24/08/2024

Big shout out to RBK's newest top fans! TheEntrepreneur Nkomo, Khaluphethe Mzilankatha, Thobekile Ndebele, Edious Mlevu, Nehemiah Anderson Jnr, Mamlambo Mandolo Ludo Gwamwali, Mukani Masha Nleya, Nhlalo Mpatiwa Zora, Cossam Ndlovu, Own Moosa Ndlovu, Josh O P Khux, Sebenzile Moyo, Msebenziwenkosi Nkomo, Manyae Oka Mdlulie, Bafana Ncube, Mathew Thabang, Wiseman Sibanda, Nokuthula Mpofu, Bukhosie Phenduka, Bruce Moyo, Mlingi Khupe, Loveus Ndebele, Elvis Tshuma, Sphee Hellen Nyanda, Faith Neo Phuti, Ishmael Mbelu, Limhlonipheni Ndebele, Kwanele Nyathi, Fle Canthola, Snogate Sola, Wise Nicky Sibanda, Albert Mbogwa, Mercy Dube, Antony Dube, Elvis Mkwananzi, Mague Nonoe Sebele, Talent Phuti, Sandra Madawu, Soneni Sibanda, Austin Nation

24/08/2024

How To Improve Soil Fertility

1. Practice crop rotation: By planting different crops in a specific order, farmers can help to prevent soil nutrient depletion and improve soil structure.

2. Use organic fertilizers: Natural fertilizers such as compost and manure can help to replenish soil nutrients and improve soil structure.

3. Reduce tillage: Excessive tillage can lead to soil erosion and degradation. By minimizing tillage, farmers can help to preserve soil structure and fertility.

4. Irrigate wisely: Proper irrigation techniques can help to conserve water and prevent soil erosion.

5. Plant cover crops: Cover crops can help to reduce soil erosion, improve soil structure, and increase soil fertility.

24/08/2024

Whenever thinking of poultry farming, here are seven things you need to know:

1. Market research

It is very important to critically look at the demand that needs to be met. Is there a high demand for table eggs, out grower chicken, or broiler meat? Most start-up farmers go by what a friend or relative or neighboring farmer is doing and hope to reap the benefits.

It is important that you take your time to talk to clients or potential customers and listen to them. Do a survey on restaurants, hotels, open air or takeaway eateries, supermarkets, and delis and collect as much data as possible.

Ask questions about seasonal trends of products that you intend to bring into the market. Sometimes, your assumptions may not match your survey results or outcome, so be ready to change your original plans and make new decisions.

2. Farm location

A poultry farm can be located on any dry land anywhere in the country as it is not dependent on any weather patterns. However, the ideal location would be outskirts of urban or peri-urban cities where there is a ready market for both meat and eggs. Construct your farm where there is access to all weather roads, away from riparian land that experience occasional flooding and landslide.

3. Housing system

The most common housing system in this country is deep litter, where the entire floor is covered by wood shaving and the other equipment like nest boxes, feeders, and drinkers are centrally located. It is best suited for all types of birds and conforms to animal welfare requirements.

The free-range type is common for Sasso chicken with a bit of housing at night and scavenging in an open enclosure. In organic farming, the chickens are most of the time on free-range scavenging and are on restricted commercial feed with no use of antibiotics and any additive.

4. Demand for building

The most ideal house in this region must be open sided rectangular shaped structure, with a roof made of iron sheet or locally available waterproof material. The long side of the house must be on an East-west orientation to reduce direct sunlight on the chicks.

Side walls should be 2-3 feet high made of bricks, iron sheet or block and the rest covered by wire mesh and chicken netting at 6-7 feet high. The floor could be concreted or compacted with red soil.

5. Choice of breed and supplier

If you want to keep commercial layers, choose type of breed which is hardy with low mortality rate, fast growth rates, high peak production, long peak period and good persistence (like Bovans brown). If it is for both meat and egg production, look for a breed of high feed conversion efficiency, and of good tasty and tender quality meat (like dual purpose Sasso).

6. Optimal health protection

Threats to your flock will include but not limited to protozoal and parasitic diseases, bacteria, yeast and mold and viral infections. You will need good rearing conditions that include proper brooding, temperature control, ventilation and humidity as well as quality water and adequate feed supply all the time.

Biosecurity is pivotal to your success; the premises must be highly sanitised within and around the site with limited flock visits to only authorised personnel. Vaccination schedule must be followed to the letter and must be chosen based on efficacy and administered professionally.

7. Record keeping

Anything that can not be counted can not be measured. Most farmers ignore the value of good record keeping. Feed being the highest production cost in poultry production, means that it must be weighed to the level of grammes fed/bird/day, and weight sampling must be done on weekly basis to establish production efficiency.

23/08/2024

*Bulilima District forges ahead with climate change adaptation Strategies*

In the wake of the devastating El-Nino induced drought which gripped the entirety of Southern Africa, Zimbabwean Communities are beginning to be proactive in terms of improving their adaptation to climate change.

True to this statement a combined initiative between the Meteorological Services Department and a non governmental organisation , HOCIC (Hope of a Child In Christ)
undertaken from 29th of July to the 2nd of August 2024 which saw installation of ten standard rain gauges in Bulilima District, Matabeleland South Province.

This was viewed as a milestone achievement by the MSD- Rainfall Section and the nation at large, to increase their station network as they are working towards one rain gauge per ward in every district.

The 10 rain guages installed by MSD are additional to more than 810 rain gauges which the Department has installed throughout the country. The additional 10 stations were installed under the CARL 2 project and are going to read and record rainfall data and submit it to MSD head office on a monthly basis. The Climate Adaptation for Rural Livelihoods in Zimbabwe (CARL) Phase 2 project is a comprehensive initiative aimed at enhancing the resilience of rural communities in Bulilima district, Zimbabwe to the impacts of climate change. By focusing on climate-smart agricultural practices, improved water management, and strengthened disaster preparedness, CARL 2 targets 4473 smallholder farmers in parts of wards 1,4,5,20,12, and 13 using what is referred to as the microwatershed approach( households dependent on rivers: Tjankwa, Tjehanga, Maitengwe, Moza and Thekwane). This is a 36 month project that commenced in September 2022 and ending August 2025.

In Bulilima, this brings the total of rain gauges installed by the CARL project to 20 stations (10 installed during CARL 1 and 10 in CARL 2). The MSD team managed to go around installing raingauges in identified wards and villages, as well as spot training the Agritex staff and participants in those wards, who will be doing the measuring , recording and sending the rainfall returns at the end of each month.

The MSD team comprised of the two Met Technicians Mrs A. Chirenje and Mr B. Manyonga from Harare, accompanied by Provincial Chief (Mat South) Mr R. Munyira based in Gwanda.

*Radio Bukalanga News*
📸 cc HOCIC

23/08/2024

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to RBK's weekly engagement list! Sphee Hellen Nyanda, Stianoe Trymore Dewa, Manurse Ndlovu, Nehemiah Anderson Jnr, Broe Butcher, Lungie Nyoni, Albert Mbogwa, Mamlambo Mandolo Ludo Gwamwali, Edious Mlevu, Snogate Sola, Cossam Ndlovu, Talent Phuti, Puregirl Banzanyama, Lee MaMthembo Dube, Nokuthula Mpofu, Sebenzile Moyo, Mandla Norman, Kwanele Nyathi, Makhosonke Mpofu Mzimbeni, Manyae Oka Mdlulie, Arthur Dube, Unathi Quinly, Mukani Masha Nleya, Hanani Kole, Mlungisi Dube, Nicolasi Mkhoni, Dumisani Nkomo, Dorcas Masawi Nyabadza

23/08/2024

Big shout out to RBK's new rising fans! Mehluli Mambazo Ncube, Merlin Thandiwe Moyo

22/08/2024

https://youtu.be/u7bD1dkW51c?feature=shared

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https://youtu.be/cCqQ2scAj5E?si=H1Z0RiLeFcfmfWTx

HOW POTRAZ AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS SECTOR FITS IN THE THEME OF ONGOING SADC SUMMIT

21/08/2024

*Nasi ihhuba lewhola dzedu: World Senior Citizens Days*

Join us as Radio Bukalanga as we honor and celebrate the wisdom, experience, and contributions of our senior citizens. Your life journey has shaped our communities, and your legacy continues to inspire future generations.

We recognize the challenges you've faced, the obstacles you've overcome, and the sacrifices you've made. Your resilience and determination are a testament to your strength and character.

As we celebrate World Senior Citizens Day, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting and empowering our elderly population through our cultural Radio programming.
We strive to create a world where seniors can live with dignity, respect, and purpose.

*Happy World Senior Citizens Day!*

18/08/2024

https://youtu.be/0jHu7C2j5cw?si=g9-jjonahWuoMF0m

"Family Week is here!

We're excited to welcome families to our Correctional facilities for a special Family Week starting tomorrow, August 19th, and running until August 25th!

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, please remember these important guidelines:

All adult visitors must produce positive identification documents.

A maximum of 10 visitors per inmate per day will be allowed.

Fruits must be washed under running chlorinated water.

Visitors showing signs of flu or respiratory symptoms should be given or asked to wear face masks.

No cooked food from home will be accepted. However, stations will prepare food for sale at affordable prices under proper hygienic standards.

Visitors are not allowed to bring alcohol, beer, or any other drugs.
No one is allowed to bring contraband, knives, hacksaw blades, or any other sharp objects.

Visitors are not allowed to take pictures of Prison walls or any infrastructure besides taking pictures themselves at designated areas.

We look forward to welcoming you all!

Assistant Commissioner Meya Khanyezi,

ZPCS National Public Relations Officer"

https://youtu.be/0jHu7C2j5cw?si=g9-jjonahWuoMF0m