The Guiding Star

29/12/2024

BOXING DAY WATER DELUGE: MBIZO RESIDENTS CALLS FOR URGENT COUNCIL ACTION

Staff Reporter

Standing in their flooded yard in Mbizo Section 5, Mr. and Mrs Dube (not their real name )stare helplessly at the pool of water that has invaded their space. The Boxing Day downpour left their home and many others in disarray, as water from clogged drains on the nearby tarred road gushed into their property.

“Our yard has become a dam,” Mrs. Dube said, her voice filled with frustration. “The water came from the street, overflowed into our home, and ruined almost everything. We barely had time to move our belongings to higher ground.”

This scene played out across several homes in Mbizo Sections 1, 3, 5, and 15, where the rains exposed the chronic drainage problems that residents have been complaining about for years. The heavy rains overwhelmed the outdated and poorly maintained drainage system, causing water to flow into homes, destroying property, and leaving families devastated.

For the Dubes, the night was chaotic as they scrambled to save their valuables. “We spent hours sweeping water out of the house, but it kept pouring in,” Mr. Dube said, gesturing at the muddy waterline on the walls of their living room.

Florence Mangena from Section 15 echoed the same struggles. “My children’s books and uniforms were soaked. We had to scoop water out with buckets all night. Now we’re left with nothing,” she said, pointing to a pile of damaged household items.

Residents say this is not the first time they have dealt with flooding, but the Boxing Day rains were particularly severe. They blame the Kwekwe City Council for failing to maintain and upgrade the drainage system, which is clogged with debris and incapable of handling heavy rains.

“This happens every rainy season,” said Simbarashe Rudhu, a local community youth. “We’ve reported this issue repeatedly, but nothing changes. The council must take responsibility before we experience an even bigger disaster.”

Rudhu noted that the problem is worse in sections like 3 and 15, where water flows downhill, accumulating rapidly in residential areas.

While the residents demand action, the Kwekwe City Council has remained largely silent on the issue. Efforts to get an official comment were unsuccessful, but a source within the council admitted that the drainage infrastructure in Mbizo is outdated and in dire need of upgrading.

“The system was designed decades ago, and it was not built to handle the volume of water we see today, especially with the increasing urban population,” the source said. “Unfortunately, budget constraints and competing priorities have delayed any meaningful work.”

Frustrated by years of inaction, residents are demanding immediate measures to address the drainage problems. They are calling for regular maintenance of the drains, community education on waste disposal to prevent clogging, and investment in modern drainage systems.

“We can’t keep going through this every rainy season,” said Mrs. Dube. “The council must clean the drains, upgrade the infrastructure, and engage with the community to find lasting solutions.”

As the rainy season continues, residents fear more flooding could occur. Many are urging the council to be more transparent about how rates are being used, particularly in maintaining critical infrastructure, “We pay our rates every month,” said Marufu. “We deserve better than this. The council must be held accountable.”

For now, families like the Dubes are left to clean up and rebuild. In their yard, the water level has receded slightly, but the damage is evident. Wet furniture, ruined clothes, and muddy floors serve as painful reminders of the storm.

“We don’t want to live in fear every time it rains,” said Mr. Dube. “We just want a safe home for our family. Is that too much to ask?”

The ball is now in the Kwekwe City Council’s court. Whether they will address the drainage issues in Mbizo remains to be seen. For the residents, however, one thing is clear: they can no longer afford to be ignored.

16/12/2024

LIGHTING THE WAY: ENERGY EFFICIENCY REVOLUTION AT GWERU PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL

Perseverance Javangwe

In a landmark move towards promoting energy efficiency and sustainable energy use, Minister of Energy and Power Development, Edgar Moyo, officially commissioned the Energy Efficient Retrofitting Project at Gweru Provincial Hospital today.

Sponsored by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA), the project aims to showcase the transformative potential of energy-efficient technologies while addressing critical energy supply challenges faced by Zimbabwe.

During his address, Minister Moyo emphasised the critical role of energy efficiency in the country’s economic and environmental sustainability. "The Ministry of Energy and Power Development approved the National Energy Efficiency Policy on October 22 this year. This policy seeks to accelerate the deployment of energy-efficient devices and practices across all sectors of the economy," he said.

He highlighted LED lighting as a cornerstone of the policy, citing it as one of the most effective energy-saving technologies being promoted. “Through various strategies, this policy seeks to unlock potential energy savings, estimated at 19% of total consumption, as noted during a national energy efficiency audit conducted by ZERA in 2015,” he added.

Minister Moyo acknowledged the pressing power supply challenges facing Zimbabwe and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region, attributed to increasing electricity demand, limited local generating capacity, and reduced imports. He underscored energy efficiency as a practical and cost-effective solution to these challenges.

“Energy efficiency and conservation measures have the potential to create a virtual power station in Zimbabwe,” said Minister Moyo. “By reducing energy consumption, we can redirect saved capacity to other productive sectors of the economy, reducing electricity imports, curtailing carbon emissions, and ultimately mitigating load shedding.”

The Minister further linked energy efficiency to Zimbabwe’s commitment to combating climate change. He stated that improving energy efficiency would significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, helping the country fulfill its climate change targets of reducing emissions by 40% per capita below the business-as-usual scenario.

As Zimbabwe works towards achieving its National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) goals, Minister Moyo stressed the importance of using minimum energy to maximize economic output while minimizing harm to the environment.

“Energy efficiency is integral to achieving the targeted outcomes of NDS1, including promoting renewable energy sources, adopting high-tech equipment, and implementing demand-side management strategies. Projects like this one at Gweru Provincial Hospital are a testament to our aspirations under NDS1,” he said.

He called upon stakeholders to support government-led energy efficiency initiatives, urging collective participation to reduce the strain on the national grid and foster sustainable energy use.

The Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs, Owen Ncube, also lauded the project, describing it as a step toward modernizing the region’s energy infrastructure. “This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting energy efficiency and adopting alternative energy technologies, which are key enablers in our modernization and industrialization agenda,” he said.

Minister Ncube emphasized that energy efficiency contributes to creating excess power for key economic sectors such as mining, agriculture, and manufacturing, thus anchoring GDP growth in the Midlands Province and beyond.

ZERA Board Chairperson Dr David Madzikanda highlighted the practical benefits of the Energy Efficient Retrofitting Project, which involved a $79,435 investment to replace outdated lighting at Gweru Provincial Hospital with 2,871 LED lighting units.

“The hospital’s average electricity demand was previously 463 kilowatts, with lighting alone accounting for 102 kilowatts. This project will reduce the hospital’s total energy consumption by approximately 10%,” he said.

He explained that before the retrofit, only 55% of the hospital’s lighting capacity was operational, with inadequate illumination levels falling far below the recommended 300 lux. Poor lighting conditions posed challenges for healthcare workers, particularly at night, compromising patient care.

“The LED retrofit project ensures 100% lighting functionality across all departments, improves safety, and enhances patient care. Furthermore, LED lighting is 85% more energy-efficient, has a longer lifespan, and requires minimal maintenance, reducing the hospital’s operational costs,” he added.

Minister Moyo concluded his remarks with a call to action, urging citizens and stakeholders to embrace energy efficiency practices. “Energy efficiency is our low-hanging fruit in addressing energy supply challenges and reducing our carbon footprint. I appeal to all stakeholders to actively participate in energy efficiency initiatives and programs spearheaded by the government,” he said.

As Zimbabwe continues to face mounting energy and environmental challenges, initiatives like the Energy Efficient Retrofitting Project serve as beacons of hope. They demonstrate how innovative solutions can not only address immediate power supply issues but also lay the foundation for a more sustainable and energy-secure future.

16/12/2024

Minister of Energy and Power Development Edgar Moyo commissioned the Energy Efficient Retrofitting Project at Gweru Provincial Hospital today. The project was sponsored by Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA)

Full story to come...

13/12/2024

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13/12/2024

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12/12/2024

Amplifying Voices of Persons With Disabilities in Zvegona, Zimbabwe:

Watch this short video where persons with disabilities in Zvegona, Zvishavane air put their challenges and expectations

11/12/2024

CHALLENGES PERSIST FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN ZVISHAVANE

By Perseverance Javangwe

As the world commemorated International Day of Persons with Disabilities, individuals with disabilities in Zvegona area, Ward 12 under Village Head Manenji as well as Chief Mafaro shared their ongoing struggles during Biannual persons with disabilites dialogue organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe. The event highlighted the persistent challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in accessing meaningful support and opportunities to improve their livelihoods.

One of the participants, a woman who identified herself only as Sarah, expressed her deep frustration with the lack of tangible assistance. "I have heard promises since I was in primary school, and now I have five children, but nothing has materialised. I have lost belief that we will ever be assisted," she lamented. Her sentiment was echoed by many others, who feel excluded from economic and social development initiatives in the area.

The participants highlighted the need for sustainable income-generating opportunities to escape the cycle of poverty. Some PWDs pleaded with the government to allocate small-scale mining areas for their use, enabling them to earn a living rather than relying on charity.

“There are a lot of areas that gold is being discovered in this village. Sometimes I can come across an area that has gold, and so we are appealing to the government to allocate a place that we can also mine as PWDs so that we can irk a living,” said one elderly identified as Sekuru Machokoto.

“My child who is disabled was at Ndanani Primary School, and she encountered a lot of challenges with the teacher even neglecting him. Some times when he went to the toilet and later on if there was an issue raised in class for messing up the toilet the teacher would accuse him stating that, ‘hakuna umwe angaita izvi kunze kweakaremara (it is obvious the student with disability did it)’. When we had found a form one place for him at Mpumelelo High school, he refused stating that it was okay for him to end at grade seven that is when his father realized that he was being abused at the previous school. So I believe that government should capacitate teachers so that they know how to treat and deal with PWDs. Some of these teachers are the ones perpetrating stigmatisation,” added MaSibanda.

Employment is another sector where PWDs said they are never considered, “there are some general hand work even at council that as PWDs we can partake in, but sadly you will never see any of us being employed to do such work. Yes, I am not educated but, I do not need education just to sweep the offices at the council, yet I can afford but we are never considered for such work, we are always neglected,” said a dejected Roland Maendese.

“The challenge is that most of the persons with disabilities do not have capital or any resources to start doing projects on their own. Most of them they have the brightest mindset to do great projects, but lack a start-up fund. If they can be assisted with some form of funding from the government that could be better” said a father whose child has a disability.

Zimbabwe has a robust legal framework aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of PWDs. The Constitution of Zimbabwe, under Section 83, guarantees the rights of PWDs to education, employment, and participation in social activities. It also mandates the state to provide access to public buildings, infrastructure, and materials and to take appropriate measures to ensure the welfare of PWDs.

Additionally, the National Disability Policy, launched in 2021, seeks to create an inclusive society where PWDs can fully participate in social, economic, and political activities. Despite these provisions, implementation gaps remain, leaving many PWDs in rural areas like Zvegona struggling to access these rights.

Statutory Instrument 144 of 2013 also provides for the establishment of a Disability Board, which is tasked with overseeing the welfare of PWDs and advising the government on disability-related issues. However, workshop participants expressed concern that such initiatives have yet to translate into real benefits for grassroots communities.

Kevin Muzadzi the Project Officer for the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, emphasized the need for structured representation of PWDs within Runde District. “There is a critical need to formulate committees for Persons with Disabilities so they can actively engage with local authorities and advocate for their needs,” he said. He noted that such committees could serve as a bridge between PWDs and the government, ensuring their concerns is addressed in development plans.

In addition to the challenges faced by PWDs GBV remains a significant concern. Most PWDs face heightened vulnerabilities due to their disabilities. Advocacy for accessible reporting mechanisms and support services is essential to address these issues effectively.

Addressing the issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a government official from the Women Affairs department in Zvishavane present at the workshop urged PWDs to report cases of abuse. "We encourage you to speak out against GBV. The government has structures in place to assist victims, and we are committed to ensuring justice for all," the official stated.

A commentator suggested that the government should introduce monthly grants for PWDs to empower them economically. “Providing financial support would enable Persons with Disabilities to invest in small businesses and other income-generating projects,” the commentator said.

Participants also emphasised the need for increased government support and collaboration with civil society organizations. "We cannot do it alone. The government must take the lead in addressing these issues," one participant noted.

As Zimbabwe commemorates International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is clear that significant work remains to be done to achieve true inclusivity. Economic empowerment, representation in local governance, and enforcement of legal provisions are essential to improving the lives of PWDs.

By addressing the systemic challenges faced by PWDs, Zimbabwe can move closer to realizing its vision of an inclusive society where no one is left behind.

UNDP Zimbabwe Disability Aid Makeover - Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, And More Breaking Barriers Disability Zimbabwe Invisible Disabilities Association International Disability Alliance Disability Youth Advocacy Network In Zimbabwe Disability Justice Advocates

11/12/2024

PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES DECRY EXCLUSION FROM 2025 BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

BY Perseverance Javangwe

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Zvegona area in Ward 12 have raised concerns over their exclusion from the 2025 budget consultation process. Speaking during a Biannual Persons with disabilities dialogue organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, PWDs expressed frustration that their voices were not included during consultations.

“It is disheartening that we were left out completely. The community leaders who attended these consultations did not even gather our input, let alone represent our specific needs,” said one participant.

The dialogue revealed that only selected leaders from the community were chosen to represent everyone during the consultations, yet no one was specifically tasked with advocating for PWDs. This is despite Zimbabwe’s commitment to inclusive governance under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which emphasizes the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

The exclusion of PWDs from budget consultations contradicts both national and international frameworks advocating for inclusivity. The Constitution of Zimbabwe, under Section 83, guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities, including their participation in social and economic activities. It mandates the state to take measures to ensure their involvement in decision-making processes.

Additionally, Zimbabwe’s Disability Policy, launched in 2021, commits to removing barriers that hinder PWDs from accessing opportunities and participating in governance. Yet, these commitments seem to fall short at the grassroots level, as evidenced by the Zvegona case.

PWDs at the dialogue emphasised the need for their inclusion in all governance processes, particularly budget consultations that determine the allocation of resources for essential services.

“Nothing for us without us,” remarked Nyasha Murandu an advocate for PWDs. “We know our challenges better than anyone else. How can decisions about our lives and needs be made without involving us?”

PWDs highlighted specific issues they wanted addressed in the budget, including improved access to healthcare, assistive devices, and income-generating projects tailored for their abilities.

The dialogue facilitator who is also the Project Officer for Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Kevin Muzadzi, emphasised the importance of creating dedicated structures to address the concerns of PWDs.

“We should today formulate a committee specifically for persons with disabilities at the ward level. This committee would act as a platform for PWDs to voice their concerns and ensure that their needs are considered during consultations. We have to live this place today with that committee in place and ready to represent people,” he said.

He further stressed that such a committee could engage directly with local authorities, ensuring that PWDs have a representative voice in the decision-making process.

The exclusion of PWDs from the budget consultations has real consequences for their quality of life. Without their input, critical needs often go unaddressed in the final budget. Participants at the workshop noted that basic services such as accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, and healthcare tailored for PWDs are often overlooked.

“Year after year, we struggle with the same challenges because our needs are not prioritised,” added one participant. “This exclusion is not just about the budget; it is about being denied the right to participate in shaping our own future.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the dialogue Project Officer Philemon Handinahama Hwami summarised the recommendations necessary to address the plight of PWDs.
“To address these challenges, participants at the workshop made several recommendations including establishment of disability committees at ward-level. These committees for PWDs will provide a structured platform for their input during consultations. Training programs such as this one are necessary so that we empower PWDs with knowledge about their rights and how to engage in governance processes.

“In addition to that leaders should ensure that at least one representative for PWDs is included in consultation delegations. Community leaders should also be held accountable for engaging with all groups, including PWDs, before attending budget meetings. And on the other hand civil society organizations and local authorities should conduct awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of inclusive governance,” said Hwami.

The exclusion of PWDs in Zvegona underscores the broader challenge of implementing inclusive policies at the grassroots level. While frameworks like NDS1 and the Disability Policy provide a roadmap, the reality on the ground often falls short due to a lack of awareness, resources, and commitment.

Muzadzi noted that inclusive governance is not just a legal obligation but a moral one. “If we are to achieve sustainable development, we must include everyone, especially marginalised groups like persons with disabilities. Their insights and contributions are invaluable,” he said.

As Zimbabwe continues to pursue its development goals, the experiences of PWDs in Zvegona serve as a reminder of the work that remains to be done. Inclusive governance requires deliberate efforts to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly in critical processes like budget consultations.

By establishing dedicated structures for PWDs, building their capacity to participate, and holding leaders accountable, communities like Zvegona can take significant steps toward true inclusivity.

UNDP Zimbabwe Disability Aid Makeover - Wheelchairs, Mobility Aids, And More Invisible Disabilities Association Disability Sekaurema Wafa Breaking Barriers Disability Zimbabwe International Disability Alliance

11/12/2024

YOUTHS IN ZVEGONA CALL FOR REPRESENTATION IN COUNCIL

By Perseverance Javangwe

Youths from Zvegona area in Ward 12 have voiced their concerns over the lack of representation in local council structures. Speaking during the Biannual youth’s dialogue organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, the youths highlighted how the absence of a dedicated representative has left their issues largely unaddressed.

“We feel like our voices are not heard,” said 23-year-old Tanaka Matsa. “The council meetings come and go, but there is no one who speaks for us. How can we contribute to decisions that affect our future if we are not represented?”

The young people who spoke during the dialogue expressed frustration over the lack of platforms to share their concerns and contribute to local governance. They cited issues such as unemployment, lack of recreational facilities, and limited opportunities for skills training as key challenges that require immediate attention.

“There are no jobs, and the few projects that come to our community do not involve the youths. Without someone to represent us, we are left out of the decision-making process,” said Linda Msindo, a 26-year-old aspiring entrepreneur. She added that the council could address these challenges more effectively if youths had a seat at the table.

The youths requested that the local leadership facilitate the election or appointment of youth representatives to the council. They argued that having a youth representative would ensure their issues are prioritised and adequately addressed.

“Other groups have representatives, but we as youths are left on the sidelines. We need someone who understands our struggles and can fight for us in the council chambers,” said 20-year-old Brian Ncube. He noted that a representative could also help bridge the gap between the council and the youth, fostering better communication and collaboration.

Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe Project Officer and dialogue facilitator Kevin Muzadzi acknowledged the youths' concerns and emphasized the importance of inclusive governance. He pointed out that involving young people in decision-making processes is not only a constitutional right but also essential for sustainable development.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe under Section 20 provides for the rights of youths, emphasising the state’s responsibility to ensure their active participation in public life. However, the absence of specific structures to facilitate this participation remains a barrier for many young people in rural areas like Zvegona.

Participants at the dialogue called on local authorities, civil society organizations, and development partners to prioritize youth inclusion in governance. They suggested that councilors and traditional leaders work together to establish platforms for youth engagement.

“Youths are the future of our communities. If we continue to exclude them, we are missing an opportunity to harness their potential and energy for development,” said the Philemon Hwami Project Officer for Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe.

As Zvegona looks toward a more inclusive future, the voices of its young people underscore the urgency of addressing systemic gaps in representation. By empowering youths and ensuring their participation in governance, the community can pave the way for sustainable development and progress.

UNDP Zimbabwe United Nations Development Programme - UNDP World Vision Zimbabwe

11/12/2024

WOMEN IN ZVEGONA DEMAND INCLUSION IN BUDGET CONSULTATIONS

By Perseverance Javangwe

Women from Zvegona area in Ward 12 under Village Head Manenji and Chief Mafaro have raised serious concerns about their exclusion from budget consultation processes. Speaking during a Biannual women’s dialogue organized by the Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, women highlighted how decisions about the budget are made without input from the community, leaving their priorities unaddressed.

“When it comes to budget consultations, only the leaders are chosen to attend, and they go there without gathering contributions from the community,” said Jestina Dhliwayo.. “This means that our voices are completely left out, and when the budget is finalised, it does not reflect our needs or expectations.”

The women emphasised the importance of inclusive budgeting, where all community members, particularly women, are given the opportunity to contribute their ideas and priorities. They pointed out that issues such as water access, healthcare, and education, which are critical to women and children, are often neglected in the final budget due to their exclusion.

“We are the ones who fetch water, care for the sick, and ensure our children go to school, yet we are not consulted on what should be prioritised in the budget,” said 45-year-old Martha Mlilo. “How can they plan for us without hearing from us?”

The women’s concerns are backed by the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which emphasizes the principles of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in governance. Section 13(2) of the Constitution states that “the state and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must involve the people in the formulation and implementation of development plans and programs that affect them.”

Furthermore, Section 141 mandates Parliament to ensure that communities have a voice in legislative processes, including budget formulation. This provision extends to local government, which is required to facilitate public participation in the development of council budgets and plans.

The Local Government Act also supports participatory budgeting, requiring local authorities to conduct public consultations before finalising their budgets. However, women in Zvegona feel these provisions are not being effectively implemented in their community.

Union for the Development of Apostolic Churches in Zimbabwe, Project Officer and facilitator for the dialogue Kevin Muzadzi underscored the importance of including all community members in budget consultations, emphasizing that meaningful development cannot be achieved without their input.

“Every member of the community, from women and youth to persons with disabilities, should have the opportunity to contribute to the budget. Leaders must hold pre-budget consultation meetings at the community level to gather these contributions before attending district-level consultations,” he said.

Women also argued that the current approach, where leaders represent the entire community without seeking their input, often leads to budgets that do not address their needs.

“When the budget comes, it is like it was drafted for another community because it does not address our realities,” said 36-year-old mother of three, Esther Marimbe. “For example, we have been asking for medication at our clinic for some time now, but it is never prioritised. How will leaders know our needs if they do not consult us?”

As Zimbabwe strives to achieve sustainable development, inclusive governance is essential. Women, who make up a significant portion of the population, must be given a voice in the budgeting process to ensure that their needs and priorities are addressed.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe provides a strong foundation for participatory governance, but its implementation remains a challenge at the grassroots level. The women of Zvegona have made it clear that they want their voices heard and their contributions valued.

Muzadzi emphasised that inclusive budgeting is not just a legal requirement but also a moral imperative. “When everyone is involved, the budget becomes a true reflection of the community’s needs. Leaders must listen to the people they represent to ensure that no one is left behind,” he said.

The call for inclusion by the women of Zvegona is a reminder that participatory governance is crucial for meaningful development. By addressing the gaps in the budgeting process and ensuring that all voices are heard, local authorities can create budgets that truly serve the needs of their communities.

As Zimbabwe works towards building an inclusive society, the experiences of women in Zvegona underscore the importance of empowering marginalized groups to participate in decision-making processes. Only then can the country achieve its vision of equitable and sustainable development.