The ManicaPost
Freedom Mutanda Post correspondent—
THE year 2016 is on its last painful legs; this Sunday (1 January 2017) a brand new year begins and it is appropriate to give the readers of the province’s favourite family weekly to give a small dose of the highlights of events that occurred in the eastern border district.
Human –animal conflict took centre stage in the low lying area of the district especially in the Middle Sabi, Chibuwe, Mutema and Birirano areas. Lions killed cattle in huge numbers and left villagers counting the cost. In Middle Sabi, a woman lost her life at the hands of a buffalo. A boy from Chibuwe lost his life after an encounter with a herd of elephants.
This human-animal conflict resulted in Minister Oppah Muchinguri addressing stakeholders and reassured them that the government would partner the private sector in a bid to minimize the bad effects of the conflict which has grave consequences for the farming sector.
Chipinge was plunged into mourning after a total of seven youths perished at Mupanda curve when boards of a lorry flung open throwing them onto the tarmac; they were on their way from a ZANU PF rally which had been convened to initiate stands allocation for them as a way of empowering youths. The party came in to assist in the burial as the youths were declared district heroes. Significantly, the party promised the families left behind that they would benefit from the stand allocations.
It was not all dark and gloom for the farming town as NSSA built a state of the art behemoth which now houses OK Supermarket. For The Manica Post readers, you remember an article on the public toilet in Chipinge story which appeared in this newspaper. It was destroyed and in its place, the NSSA building was erected. From an eyesore to a marvelous building! The building has given the town a refreshing look.
Interestingly, this year marks an important milestone in the life of the town. Robots were erected to govern the vehicular movement in the town. Thus, learner drivers use available resources when they are tested on their capacity to drive. It is a development worth mentioning. The story is told of a man who passed his driving competency certificate in Chipinge but every time he went to Mutare, he parked his car at Sakubva Musika and boarded a commuter omnibus to get into and back as a result of the fear of robots.
Thousands of cattle lost their lives because of the debilitating drought leaving villagers facing a bleak future as they rely on their livestock to negotiate life in this modern world. Pasture and water was scarce because of the climate changes that have resulted in the change of weather conditions. However, it is noteworthy that the government in partnership with development partners instituted measures to arrest the sad trend.
The long-running Mount Selinda High School saga seemed to be at an end after the UCCZ church returned the D4D luxury vehicle to the school. One hopes that the truce will hold.
Gaza and Chipinge Schools and Rimbi, Chikore and Mutema High Schools joined the bandwagon in acquiring buses which augurs well for the future and set a precedent which other schools are advised to follow rather than moan and groan about lack of money.
As the political tensions in Mozambique escalated, some refugees trooped into Zimbabwe to seek sanctuary; they were briefly allowed to stay in the buffer zone or in the Mabee and surrounding areas but later with the assistance of the UNHCR, the government helped the refugees settle at Tongogara amid resistance from the refugees who preferred to stay where they were staying. Recently, suspected bandits stole some cattle and allegedly killed someone in the Zamchiya area prompting security forces to go and investigate.
NASHH Chipinge proudly hosted the 17 and under national soccer tournament at Chipinge High School, Chipinge Junior and Gaza grounds. Pamushana won the tournament and Chipinge failed to reach the semi finals. In the same breath, NASH hosted the Beach Voleyball tourney at Birchenough Bridge right under the bridge and it was a success thanks to the hard work of coaches, sports directors, heads and players. Gaza School had an incredible 31 high fliers who were stand out performers at Grade 7 with 4 units. Not to be outshone, Chipinge School had 26 students with 4 units and a 100% pass rate. Chancellor, with 72 high fliers had the national record.
Veteran District Administrator, Cde Edgar Seenza bid farewell to the district to take up a similar post in Mutare district. Mrs Chiedza Betah, the District Schools Inspector, left the district to take up a similar post in Chimanimani. In her place, Mr Richard Gabaza took over having held a similar position in Buhera.
Bangira came alive when NDAFA illuminated the whole area in October. Chipinge Ndau Arts Festival which is becoming more popular with each passing year showcased the richness of Ndau culture and drew participants from all over the district as well as Mutendi High School dance group that left onlookers crying for more.
The Chinokoro family found itself hurting when a black mamba lunged at its 10 year old son who was on his way from Sabi Valley School in Middle Sabi; George Mataruka, a local teacher rushed him to hospital but after some hours, the young boy gave up the fight much to the immense grief of the young family. He was buried at Muzite Village in Chief Gwenzi area.
What does 2017 have in store for us? Next week, the crystal ball goes overdrive on what may occur in the year of our lord, 2017.
