From one public breakup with Itumeleng Khune to another with Quinton Jones, South African television and radio personality Minnie Dlamini is ready to be roasted with no holds barred.

The 33-year-old TV star is the latest A-lister to take the hot seat in the local (South Africa) version of the Roast series. The Showmax Roast of Minnie Dlamini (not to be confused with the Comedy Central version) will be filmed on April 5 and then aired on April 26. Khanyi Mbau, Somizi, Kenny Kunene, Steve Hofmeyr, and late AKA have in the last few years felt the harsh burn of the Comedy Central Roast.

Khanyi Mbau- Picture taken from News24

“I’m from a family of roasters and I’ve always loved comedy and it’s always been my thing. I’ve always been a supporter of incredible comedians… so, saying ‘yes’ to something like this was an easy call to make,” said Dlamini.

“I’ve always been a fan of the roasts … one of my favourite scenes from an international roast was when Snoop Dogg was a roastee on Justin Bieber’s panel. I was just intrigued about how they took themselves lightly and had some light-hearted fun. Roasts bring a different side to a lot of celebrities and yes, they do get wild and out of hand but I think I’m ready for what my panel of roasters plan to bring at me.” 

Justin Bieber- Picture taken from Teen Vogue

The roast comes on the verge of her divorce to Jones, following the three-part reality show Becoming Mrs Jones, about their lavish wedding in 2017. They share a son, Netha, together.

“My team is excited that we’re doing things differently. This is one of the opportunities I can be myself… we think this will push me out of the box. Last year ended off when I was on Curated on Mzansi Magic, my style of presenting on that show was very different to how I’ve previously been presenting. 

“I was a little feisty and I made fun of myself in front of people. At that point, I thought that everything that could be said about me has been said… luckily, with the roast I can set the record straight and rectify a few things. So, in hindsight, this is a win-win for me.” 

As much as the show is scripted, Dlamini said nothing will be off-limits. The celebrity panel set to roast Dlamini will be announced at a later stage.

Minnie Dlamini

“I can’t mention who’ll be on the panel but you’ve seen how my career has been in the spotlight over the years. You’ve seen how I’ve been dragged on social media… I don’t think there’s anyone in the industry with skin as thick as mine, honestly.”

Dlamini further opened up about motherhood.

“It’s not easy having everything on your shoulders. But what motherhood has done is give me a new sense of self and it makes me want to work harder and fight. It’s made me realise that not everything is about me but about my son’s future. I want him to look at me one day with pride and know that I was there. I want to be the example he sees, that it takes hard work to get there and succeed. I always keep him close so that he can see my hustle.”- (Source: www.sowetanlive.co.za)

Nkosilathi Sibanda, Sunday Leisure Reporter

ON any given Sunday morning, Joel Chibaya first attends a service at the Roman Catholic Church St Mary’s branch in Hwange.

Clad in his simple casual yet respectable wear, he does his Christian rituals and later on, after the parish priest is done preaching, he awaits another event, a football match where his favorite team Hwange is playing in the afternoon.

Chibaya does not need to return home to change his attire. Upon leaving the church, he simply contacts Leon Mwale, a sports fashion entrepreneur in the coal mining town. Mwale is the go to man for  anything sports apparel in Hwange these days. 

He is the owner of Lefae Genius Outfit, a business that is solely based on sports fashion and other consignment related to sport.

For Chibaya and many of his kind who are fanatics of the game, the Lefae brand is a symbol of identity in Hwange. There is a feeling that he cannot describe when he puts on a yellow shirt and a black cap stitched with the brand and the colours of the Hwange football team.

Chibaya is well assured of a Sunday well spent in spirituality, football and style. His satisfaction is to keep Mwale and his sport fashion brand going. In a meet up with Sunday Leisure, Mwale revealed that his business is going well and the vision of expanding to other areas is still alive. This is one businessman who found a niche that many overlooked. 

He launched his start up a few years back inspired by the top billing fashion industry. He admits, the t-shirts, hats and other sport apparel he has been selling, have really kept him well, with a promise of bread and butter on the table.

He cannot complain, for he has all the gratitude that the gods have smiled on his hustle. 

Being the son to Weekely Mwale, the famed former Hwange Football Club great, Leon also had a stint on the field as he too, was a goalie for the same team. He was a football coach at Makomo, a team that once plied its trade in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League. So, the love of the game never faded.

He merged his passion for fashion and football and that made up for a good business venture. 

The Lefae Genius Outfit was established in Hwange in 2018, with a specialty on casual, sports and formal wear. Mwale started off working with Godwin Ndlovu, Blaqstone, Willie Gates, Koshen Sibanda, and Jay Bling.  He told Zimpapers Sports Hub that he is still in the game.

“I am still in the business. The vision is to grow the brand and also keep abreast of the latest trends so we go with the market flow. Ever since we started, ours was to bring football to the people and the best way to do that was through fashion. Everyone wants to be associated with a team they support. We got off to a good start here in Hwange and I must say that home has been so good. The communities of Hwange have been the backbone of our existence. When we first hit the newspaper headlines and got all the interviews, we didn’t think that years down the line Lefae Outfit would be this big. We are what we are because of the people who love sport,” said Mwale.

The brand has reached the United Kingdom and other communities in the Diaspora. “I would like to thank Zimbabweans abroad who saw our brand and continue to buy out stuff. It is amazing how they appreciate our products. The overseas market pushed us to be visible online and we did that. We are in the digital era and as a brand we just have to be online every time. That is where people are and that is where there is money.”

The Lefae Genius Outfit has brought a celebrity shine on its display. Player endorsements have been made with one of the most glorified Hwange legends, Method Mwanjali. Mwanjali is former Warriors player, a household name in the coal mining town. He also played for Premiership side CAPS United.

Other notable names in football that are official ambassadors of Lefae Genius Outfit include footballers Obert Moyo, Dominic Chungwa, cyclist Siza Chuma and goalie Collen Dida Phiri. Of these, Mwanjali was the face of the brand for a long time. A visit to Hwange, one is bound to meet the legend donning Lefae label either a cap, T-shirt or hoodie.

 “If Mwanjali wears it, everyone has to. This is a Hwange brand,” said Mwale.

Other than football, Mwale said he will soon venture into elite sport wear in support of his other passions of swimming and golf.  Last year he landed a deal to brand bucket hats with the Hwange Football Club logo, in what has got as many of the team’s supporters buying the merchandise. It now makes sense. There is money in football, we just have to tap it. Business is growing and people are supportive. I started small. Now I work daily and I am proud to say I am earning a living from this hustle.”

He said over the years, his label has also been supporting Hwange musicians. “This is popular culture and as a brand we cannot escape the fact that we in that culture as well. We have been into music, making videos for upcoming musicians. In the future, we are the brand to watch and follow,” he said.

Mwale has won awards, a testimony that his business is being noticed and appreciated. In 2023 he was given the Influential and Ecosystem Builders Award by Youth Network Connect.

-@NkosieLegend

Sione Amidu, Gwanda Correspondent

While many people solely devote their time to looking after their families, Ms Tomesina Ndlovu, better known as Aunt Tomesina or Sahwira spends a significant chunk of her time consoling the bereaved and celebrating with those with reason to be merry.

 Aunt Tomesina takes the front row seat at every occasion in Gwanda town and beyond. You find her at every important gathering such as funerals, weddings, national events, community activities and parties.

 Aunt Tomesina takes pride in being the town’s funeral chorister and has the zeal to travel far and wide in the company of strangers in the name of consoling the bereaved.

 The Gwanda community appreciates and recognises this rare gift as she has turned into an aunt to all. She has travelled as far as Victoria Falls, Mutare and Masvingo accompanying mourners.

Music

 Some call her Sahwira. In the African context, Sahwira plays an important role in comforting the bereaved and making sure that everyone is well taken care of.  When it comes to Aunt Tomesina, her main role during funerals is singing, dancing and cracking jokes. In many instances, music is used as a means of consoling the bereaved over their loss as it lightens the mood and gives hope.  The chorister said her love for people pushed her to be who she is today. She still recounts the years she started attending funerals, saying she would collect mealie-meal and cooking oil as contributions towards funerals for a club called Dhlulisela.

 “I started this at an early age and we would collect mealie-meal and other basic commodities to contribute to funerals whenever there was bereavement in the community. This was when I learnt the importance of unity whenever families lost a loved one.

“I have accompanied a lot of people to funerals as far as the National Heroes Acre in Harare, Victoria Falls and in the Manicaland province, as long as transport was provided,” said Aunt Tomesina.

 She said she is proud of what she does for the community as it consoles the bereaved.

 “I believe that by doing this, I will be playing the role of Sahwira who is more like a family aunt. My mind will be at peace knowing that I have played my part and when I die they will also return the favour.

“I can do anything that makes people smile like cracking jokes, singing and playing drums so that they don’t think much about their deceased loved one. Mina ngingu muntu wabantu, iJahunda elihle uMaNdlovu special (I’m a people’s person),” said Aunt Tomesina.

 While some take her for a community clown, she is just a woman with a heart for people.

 “I grew up in Gwanda and attended school up to  tertiary level at Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic where I studied teaching. I used to work as a teacher. I am married and was blessed with a daughter,” she said

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic

 Aunt Tomesina said mining communities used to follow certain traditions which have changed due to globalisation.

 She said she would continue playing the role of Sahwira as long as she can.

 “I grew up in the mining town (Gwanda) seeing what my elders were doing. We used to live with people from different tribes but we could interact well in unity. Things have changed nowadays as relations are no longer of importance to many.

“Children in the mining town are now losing direction due to modernisation and the collapse of the extended family unit. I have taken it upon myself to play the role of Sahwira for the betterment of the community,” she said.

 Mrs Melinda Maseko from Gwanda town said communities appreciate this rare gift in the form of Aunt Tomesina.

 “Her gift is rare and we are grateful to God for giving us this lovely Aunt. Tomesina is loved by everyone and she loves everyone even up to their time of death. She likes cracking jokes, singing and doing what the deceased loved doing when they were still alive.

 “MaNdlovu special has travelled across the country accompanying strangers. She makes sure that no one is sad. She is our hero that needs to be recognised. You find her at every event in the town whether it’s a funeral, party, church crusade or wedding.

 “She also plays the role of an aunt to our children. If she catches you on the wrong side of the law or doing bad things, she makes sure that she sets you straight. Aunt Tomesina is a very talkative lady who has the ability to unite everyone,” said Mrs Maseko.

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

NINE years after the song Disappear started blazing a trail on the Zimbabwean music scene, Winky D fans were last week shocked to find the smash hit song was no longer available on video sharing channel, YouTube. 

In an ironic twist, the song had disappeared, as its title suggests, leaving no trace behind and confused looks on the faces of Gafa fans that might have been searching for another dose of the dancehall maestro’s timeless party tune on the platform. 

The song, alongside another tune, Mirror, is now a digital ghost, living only on the flash sticks and memories of Winky’s die-hard fans.  

The two tracks were victims of an alleged copyright complaint by Kenako Muzik, the forgotten record label that once housed Oskid, a man responsible for several of Winky D’s hits over the years. 

Oskid’s Midas touch is littered all over the Gafa Life Kickstape, a project some regard as the best from a musician whose career is studded with gems. The alleged copyright strike on Disappear and Mirror meant that Winky was now just a strike away from having his entire YouTube channel pulled down, cutting him off from his multitudes of fans in Zimbabwe and beyond. 

Oskid

According to some music insiders, Winky D allegedly had an agreement of a 60/40 split of royalties when the album was made and now, the chickens have come home to roost, with Kenako demanding its dues. While two songs have been pulled from YouTube, the record label had other songs from that album to flag and trigger a fatal blow to Winky’s YouTube page. Not Nice, Gafa Life, Idya Mari, Survivor, which features Shinsoman, the ironically titled Copyrights and Woshora were some of the songs remaining from the Kickstape that had been left unscathed. By the middle of last week, these songs had been removed by Winky’s team from his page. 

The Gafa’s tribulations came only a week after Jah Signal had found himself on the end of a copyright strike that also placed his page in danger after Charles and Olivia Charamba’s Fishers of Men flagged him for sampling the song Tengai Mafuta on his smash hit song Sweetie. 

The sudden outbreak of copyright strikes and allegations of artistes stealing melodies has raised concerns that the country’s musicians are not familiar with laws that govern copyright and intellectual property rights. While Winky and Jah Signal are accused of two different transgressions, one for not remitting royalties and another for “remixing” a song without the original composer’s permission, some believe that the two cases illustrate the fact that, a lot of artistes have been sitting on copyright complaints because their eyes were not open to action that they might take to claim what is theirs. 

“Musicians in Zimbabwe are generally not sufficiently educated about this,” said blogger and arts commentator Plot Mhako. “It is actually  deep-rooted because this is a subject that not a lot of people have been talking about, but it has been affecting a lot of creatives. It is not just musicians but even people in other fields, like fashion designers, are grappling with issues to do with copyright and intellectual property. 

“There’s not a lot of information available for artistes to access regarding the issue locally and in addition to that, the artistes and the managers are not taking enough time to invest in understanding the subject. Digital platforms are fast-changing in terms of how they deal with matters relating to copyright and other things.” 

Mhako said he believed that Jah Signal and Winky D’s cases might have kick-started an avalanche that will likely gather pace in the next few months.

Jah Signal

“There are many issues at hand and the situation is fast-changing and the only way that people felt that they could address these issues and express themselves was through YouTube but beyond that we have to realise that this is a deep rooted issue. We have seen a lot in terms of artistes reacting to their copyrighted work being abused and we are going to see more in the future because the root challenge has not been dealt with. 

“There’s knowledge gap and a lack of education. So until artistes, their managers and teams have an appetite for knowledge, we will be having a lot of problems because there will be a lot of scenarios or circumstances that people will find themselves that will be to their detriment. This can either be sampling songs, collaborating or even playing instruments on a song because everyone has a right there. It all comes down to how people handle split sheets and the property rights emanating from that,” he said. 

Rapper Asaph said musicians in the country were not aware of the steps they needed to take when clearing pieces of music of another artistes’ work they might have used in making their own songs. 

Asaph

“Well, basically artistes are not well versed on what really goes on when it comes to clearing tracks and handling copyrights. Even just the term clearing tracks, I don’t think a lot of artistes know what it means. I don’t think they know who they can approach or talk to when it comes to all of that. They don’t know what the procedure to get a track or sample cleared,” he said. 

Asaph said there was a need from the country’s music bodies to educate artistes on what they stood to lose and gain from knowledge of copyright laws. 

“More information is needed and I guess the Zimbabwe Music Rights Association (Zimura)could be responsible for making sure that type of information is readily available and at the disposal of musicians. I have been seeing the drama unfold over the last few weeks and what is amazing is that this is not involving small artistes but big artistes that are being penalised for songs that they have sampled. Now, if this is happening to those guys, what of artistes that have just started. So, I think that information is really necessary,” he said. 

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter 

WHEN Sandra Ndebele took to the stage during her roast on 17 February, some in the audience might have felt as if they were watching a victory lap than strut of a defeated roastee about to wave the white flag of surrender. 

For the previous few hours, Ndebele had been the proverbial butt of all jokes, as panellist after panellist lifted the lid on every facet of her life and derived maximum comedic pleasure as they did so. 

Everything from her politics to her music and even her body was touched. Nothing was off limits, as each panellist would approach the microphone with an arsenal of jokes that plunged the knife deeper than where the previous roast master had left it. 

However, when her turn came, Ndebele responded with the poise and humorous grace of a seasoned stand-up comedian. It was a fitting end to a successful night that showcased the best of Bulawayo, with Ndebele at the helm again unsurprisingly. 

“She was a great sport and we cannot take away the fact that she used the roast to own the narrative about all the press and media have said about her,” said Dalubuhle Sibanda of Umahlekisa Entertainment, who put together the event.

 “She cemented her relevance on the arts scene and also showcased her range as an artiste. Look at Sthandazile Dube who owned the night on the comedy stage despite the fact that she is a renowned poet. I won’t be surprised to her venturing into comedy in the near future because she showed that she is a natural.”  

While on the night, everything had seemed to fall into place seamlessly, for Umahlekisa founder, Ntando Van Moyo, the roast was the culmination of an idea that had been long in the works. 

“We actually approached different people and this was before elections (23 August 2023). We had wanted to do it as a campaign strategy for people that were taking part in the elections. People such as Mthuli (Ncube), Qhubani (Moyo) and such. We approached a lot of people but most of them were fearful but Sandra was the first person to take it up and say ‘guys, let’s do this.’ 

Mthuli Ncube

“We couldn’t do it before elections because she ended up being too busy. We had set it for November but unfortunately for November there were by-elections so we thought we would do it later on so it could serve as a celebration if she won the election. Sandra and her team were also very hands-on, suggesting people that they thought could serve on the panel. Some of the people came through, like Babongile (Sikhonjwa), came through but others were sceptical and didn’t come to the party,” he said.

Van Moyo said once Ndebele had signed on the dotted line, it was not hard to find seasoned roasters eager to cook her hide in public. As organisers, however, they were keen to sift through the chaff and separate those with genuine comedic intent from those that just wanted to trade insults. 

“Once we had secured a contract with her, it was easier to get other people on board. Other people who weren’t initially involved, like Carl, started campaigning to be a part of the roast and it helped us a lot. What we were looking for from panellists was the quality of delivery, quality of content and also people that would add value to the Sandra brand, to the Umahlekisa brand and to the concept of roasts. 

“We could tell that there were some people that just wanted to join the roast not for the comedy but just to insult. We had to do away with such people because we didn’t want anyone smuggling their personal or political agendas and tarnish what we were trying to do. And yes, Sandra was paid well in advance of the roast,” he said. 

For many, it was a surprise that Ndebele had actually agreed to be a “victim” of a gruelling roasting process. As a recently elected councilwoman, Ndebele is now one of the fabled “City Fathers”, or more appropriately in her case, mothers, and some thought this would make her even more vulnerable to the tsunami of sharp-edged jokes that awaited on the night. However, for those that have followed Ndebele through her career, this is the kind of thing she has done all her life and career. She has always danced where angels fear to tread. 

“I met Sandra when she transferred from Founders to Mpopoma High School and she approached me intending to do poetry during a talent show l organised with Albert Nyathi for all Matabeleland Schools,” narrated Nkululeko Dube of Inkululeko Yabatsha School of Arts (Iyasa).

Albert Nyathi- image taken from NewsDay

 “She won the category and then asked to join the drama club. Sandra’s enthusiasm drove her to discover and rediscover herself many times. She had a life of a butterfly. She would try any challenge ahead of her. She immediately stood out of the team as one who would be innovative. 

“A dancer, an actor, a singer and all self-made, from her belief that she could be anything she wanted to be.  When Iyasa took off she played an amazing administrative role. Sandra was daring. So daring that when we were fundraising for our maiden international tour she convinced the school to allow her and others to sell boiled eggs and sandwiches to raise money for flights and visas. She was our top event organiser and would knock at people’s doors, banks, supermarkets and other business people in her school uniform to convince them to support our projects. She was not easy to ignore and stood out in her confidence. She was destined to be what she is today and l mean all of it,” he said. 

Dube said, because of her character, which allowed her to dust herself up and move on quickly whenever she fell down, there was no better candidate than Ndebele for the roast. 

“It was therefore no surprise that even during our international expeditions she just wowed people especially off stage. One thing she had an appetite for were ideas for making money and more money! It was no surprise that she was one of the first who requested to do solo projects out of Iyasa and immediately made waves. You would think her success would get into her head and make her pompous but not Sandra. 

“She has always had this strength of keeping calm even at the worst of pressure and sometimes terrible criticism. I have known Sandra since her teenage years but l cannot remember seeing her angry. Always quick to apologise and laugh off any situation that could put her down. How many people could handle comedy roasts like Sandra did? Sandra has also remained with roots in the ground, grounded despite her success,” Dube said. 

For Raisedon Baya, the roast and Ndebele’s entire career for that matter, were an example of how business acumen is a necessary bow in every artiste’s string.

Raisedon Baya

 “I would attribute her success to the fact that Sandra has a business mind. She is not your typical artiste who thinks that all they have to do is produce a hit album and people buy and that will sustain them. From an early age, I think she is someone who realised that an artiste should have more than one life. She realised that you have to do more, than create. You should network, interact with business outside the arts and dare to see yourself beyond Bulawayo. 

“I think we know her as someone who sees herself as an artiste that is bigger than Bulawayo and perhaps even bigger than Zimbabwe itself. I think that is something that has meant that she lives longer in terms of the industry. She is someone who also has realised the power of collaboration. She knows that alone, she can walk but with others, she can run. If you look in the past years and how many young people she has been able to collaborate with, from dancers to musicians, you will see how much she values collaboration. I think this is something that we can all learn from her after this roast,” he said. 

SOUTH African Police minister Bheki Cele has confirmed that six men believed to be killers of mega star Kiernan AKA Forbes have been arrested.

They will appear in court on Thursday. The first group of suspects were arrested in succession from last year and last two men, who are believed to be masterminds, were found in a house where they were hiding in eSwatini at the weekend, KZN police commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi said.

Cele said: “There’ve been things that have been done (to find them). From us in the national office, we congratulate the men in blue. They did not sleep until it was done. The first person was arrested in April last year.”

“I hope South Africans will have a better sleep after this,” Cele said.

There’s a total of six suspects arrested in connection with the murder of AKA and Tebello Tibz Motsoane who were shot dead in Durban in February last year.  These six played different roles in the murder, Mkhwanazi said.

“We have a co-ordinator, he is in custody, two shooters and one was inside observing Mr Forbes in the restaurant.”

“The spotter followed Mr Forbes all the way from the airport when he arrived. The second suspect supplied firearms and vehicles. The third is a shooter linked to another murder case. We have another spotter who was outside the restaurant. We also have another spotter linked to another case and a shooter linked to another case. We have a total of four vehicles, firearms and cartridges.”

Mkhwanazi said a BMW was discovered on 2 August last year. Other two vehicles were hired from the owner who rented them out to some of the suspects. AKA and Tibz were gunned down in an apparent hit outside the popular Wish restaurant in Florida, Durban a year ago.

“We have all the vehicles and are comfortable with the evidence of this case,” Mkhwanazi said. (source: www.sowetanlive.co.za)

Bongani Ndlovu in Binga

THE Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, is expected to officially open Twasumpuka Community Radio Station in Binga today.

Running under the tag line: ‘Twaambo Twini Kuluundu’, Twasumpuka FM is one of the 14 community radio stations that were licensed by the Second Republic.

Seven of the community radio stations are in Matabeleland North and South provinces.

Twasumpuka FM is situated at Binga growth point in Matabeleland North province, and broadcasts in Tonga within a 40KM radius.

Dr Muswere will be joined by Matabeleland North Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Richard Moyo, chiefs, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana, Binga council executives and various senior Government officials in the official opening ceremony.

The community radio station started renovations in 2022 and broadcasting last year, catering for Binga, Kamativi and surrounding areas.

In line with Government policy of leaving no person or place behind, the community radio licenses were issued as an important development tool.

The community radio plays a critical role at grassroots level, hence it is critical for them to amass as much content as possible so that they broadcast meaningful, and helpful programmes.

Therefore, by supporting a robust rollout of community radio stations licensing, Zimbabwe is fulfilling its promise to broaden access to information for the benefit of citizens.

The Second Republic has been commended for recognizing the importance of pushing development from the grassroots level while also preserving language, culture and heritage.

The community radio stations will push developmental issues from the grassroots level in line with the devolution concept and the National Development Strategy (NDS1), which should be unpacked to everyone across the country in a language one understands through the community radio stations.

A recent discovery into slain South African rapper Kiernan ‘AKA’ Forbes’s murder case revealed that six people who are linked to his murder were paid an amount of R800 000 to have him dead.

AKA and his longtime friend Tebello ‘Tibz’ Motsoane were shot and killed outside Durban’s Wish restaurant on busy Florida Road last year.

His case was later said to be a hit, with police stating that they were still gathering enough information for the arrests. The recent news of the arrest of the rapper’s killers was first shared by the Eswatini newspaper, Times of Eswatini.

The newspaper identified two suspects in the case as brothers Siyabonga Gezani Ndimane (Nxele) and Malusi Dave Ndimande (Mjay). It is said that they were arrested by the Royal Eswatini Police Services while hiding in Mbabane’s zone four. Both suspects are said to be from Durban.

The publication also adds that out of the R800 000 that was allegedly paid for the rapper’s murder, the brothers received R133 000 as their share. The brothers are also allegedly linked to two other murders.

According to the newspaper, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Eswatini is in possession of the Standard Bank account statements where the brothers’ payment was deposited after they successfully executed the murder.

Five suspects appeared in court in South Africa today (Thursday), and we remanded in custody. The pair arrested in Esatwini is awaiting repatriation to face the court in South Africa. (source: capetownetc.com)

Fungai Muderere, Senior Sports Reporter

THE Zifa Southern Region Division One League will hold its belated 2023 awards ceremony on a date and venue to be advised.

The region’s spokesperson, Blessing Mbwanda, said while they are still in the process of concluding deals with sponsors, preparations for the event have reached an advanced stage.

“We will soon be having our belated 2023 awards ceremony. We are yet to conclude on the date and venue the event will be held. Preparations are at an advanced stage and I must say the organising team has concluded on how individual awards will be done and we are in the process of talking to various sponsors. We are very much confident to have an event to remember,” said Mbwanda.

The past season was dominated by Arenel Movers, who got the region’s sole ticket to Premier Soccer League (PSL) football.
ZPC Hwange finished second and Talen Vision concluded their campaign as second runners-up

Meanwhile, last week Mbwanda revealed that four Division One clubs CIWU, Indlovu Iyanyathela, DRC and Binga Pirates are facing the axe, as they are not in good standing with the league.

The clubs are said to be owing the league substantial amounts of affiliation fees which they were expected to pay in full last season. In that regard, Mbwanda, said they have since written to the four clubs to remind them that they owe the league.
Affiliation fees in the league range are US$1    500 for members and US$2 500 for new clubs. The league’s annual general meeting (AGM) is set for 23 March.

“We have also made it known to them that they will only attend the meeting as observers because they are not in good standing. All the other teams that make up our constituency will be expected to take part,” said Mbwanda.

Last season, the league was compelled to expel former Premier Soccer League (PSL) side Zimbabwe Saints, Mountain Climbers and Emakhandeni Pirates for failure to pay their affiliation fees and fulfill fixtures.

Mbwanda, said they have accepted ex PSL side, Bulawayo City to rejoin the league.

Bulawayo City last played in PSL in the 2022 season and were relegated after a dismal campaign and opted to play Division Two and had an academy concept in mind.

Greetings beloved nation. Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” Spiritual seasons come and go, just like the natural cycle of summer and winter.

And just like seasons of nature, seasons of the spirit will always come and go in our lives. In the natural, we know that once winter passes, summer will follow without fail. It is the same with spiritual seasons, different seasons will come and go, the only difference is we have no idea exactly when the transition from one season to the next will be, how smooth or difficult that transition will be and how long each season will last. We all go through spiritual seasons, however, we don’t go through the same season at the same time nor do our seasons last the same amount of time.

The bible tells us in 1 Chronicles 12:32, “And of the children of Issachar, which were men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do; the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.” The bible tells us about the children of Issachar and it highlights two important characteristics about them. (i) they understood the seasons and (ii) they knew what Israel ought to do.

There is a difference between what you ‘ought’ to do and what you ‘want’ to do in this journey of life. What you want to do is mainly based on your emotions and feelings i.e what the flesh wants to do. On the other hand what you ought to do is based on the will of God, which means knowing the mind of God. As believers we go through many seasons in our lives. The problem is some believers (i) cannot discern that seasons have changed and (ii) they do not know what they ought to do in that particular season. What you do in one season is not necessarily the same thing that you do in the next season. For instance, in the natural seasons, we know that when its winter, we have to wear warm clothes to keep our bodies warm and even the food we eat changes, we start to eat and drink hot drinks and food.

Then in summer we know we have to wear light and cool clothing and also drink a lot of water to keep our bodies hydrated. So it is the same with spiritual seasons. As believers, it is important that we understand when a new season is coming and to know what you have to do in that particular season. When you enter a new season, each season will have specific instructions and those are not written down but they are discerned through the Holy Spirit. We read in the bible in 1 Kings 18 the story about Elijah. He was a man who understood the times and seasons and he knew what he ought to do. In verse 1 of 1Kings 18 the bible tells us, “ And it came to pass after many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.”

A new season was declared by God, a season of restoration. This is after there had been drought in the land of Samaria for three and a half years. The only instruction we see here is ‘go and show yourself to Ahab’. Yet the bible goes on to tell us from verse 19, 40 that (i) Elijah goes on to confront and kill the prophets of Baal, (ii) verse 30-32 he repairs the altar of God that was broken down, (iii) verse 36-38 he calls upon the fire of God to consume the burnt offering that had been put upon the repaired altar and (iv) verse 42 he climbs on to the top of Mt Carmel and goes into a position of prayer to birth the rains. What we ought to do is not written in black and white. It is from the Holy Spirit. It will come as a result of our relationship with the Holy Spirit, that intimate relationship. Elijah was told to go and show himself to Ahab, yet he goes on to do other things that had to be done first in order for the rains to come. Some of us go from season to season (i) not discerning that seasons have changed (ii) not knowing what we are supposed to do in that particular season. And as a result we end up missing what |God wants to do in our lives, our families, our businesses and our ministries in that particular season.

We miss out because we are not aligned with the plans and purposes of God for that season. In the book of Numbers 13:1-2, the bible tells us about the children of Israel and an instruction that God gave to Moses, “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men to spy out the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel; from each tribe of their fathers you shall send a man, every one a leader among them.” When we read the rest of the chapter we will discover that 12 men were chosen from the 12 tribes of Israel, 10 men came back with a bad report about the land and its people and only two,  Caleb and Joshua were bold and prepared to enter and possess the land. We see here that God is taking the nation of Israel into a new season. All along in Egypt up to the time when it was time to enter into the promised land, the children of Israel were used to being given things by God, most of the things were not of their own effort. They had never fought wars.

But now God was taking them into a season, where they had to possess the land. Where they had to fight. We see in Numbers 14:2-4, how the children of Israel complained saying, “And all the children of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation said to them, “If only we had died in the land of Egypt! Or if only we had died in this wilderness! 3 Why has the LORD brought us to this land to [a] fall by the sword, that our wives and children should become victims? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 So they said to one another, “Let us select a leader and return to Egypt.”

Their complaining causes God to pass a judgement in verse 23, where God says they will not enter the promised land because they have rejected him. As a result, they wander in the wilderness for 40 years and they miss a season of entering into the promised land because they did not know what they ought to do. It took 40 years for that season to come again, for them to enter the promised land. As believers, how many seasons have we missed in our lives or even as ministries because we did not know what we ought to do or because we did not discern that seasons have changed. How many seasons have been declared in our ministries that we have missed because we have not understood how to align ourselves with the word for that season. It is my prayer that we develop an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit and that we get to a dimension of knowing the mind of God, so that we may discern through the leading of the Holy Spirit when seasons change and what we are supposed to do to align ourselves with each season. I would like to invite you to receive Jesus as your personal Lord and saviour, by believing in your heart and confessing with your mouth that he is your Lord and saviour and you shall be saved. May God bless you all.

Feedback: dominionlifechurch01@gmail.com/Whatsapp Number: 0772494647

Judith Phiri, Features Reporter     

A gift is an item given to someone, without the expectation of payment or anything in return. For women, the most popular gifts are usually flowers, jewellery, chocolates, perfume, clothes or that perfect classy handbag.

Now, imagine receiving something that you are not so familiar with, how would you react? Ms Paidamoyo Sibanda (30) of Emakhandeni suburb in Bulawayo, received a Canon camera as a random gift from her husband in November last year and her reaction to the unfamiliar gift has started opening up possibilities she never imagined for herself.

The mother of two girls had studied beauty therapy between 2015 and 2016, and also did a bit of graphic designing sometime in 2022 ,but had never worked. She did not know what she was going to use the camera for.

“At one time my husband who is a taxi driver and is also into business, was thinking of what else we could do to make more money. He and his friend did their research and they thought about starting a media company, however, that just fizzled away over time,” she said.

“To my surprise, last year in November, he bought a camera for me as a random gift. So, the debate was now on who was going to operate the camera since none of us had camera skills. The two options we had, were to either hire it out here and there or get someone to be using it.”

Ms Sibanda, said she began to develop an interest in the camera sometime in December last year and started taking random pictures of her children.

“At first, it was just wanting to know, which button I press when switching it on and which one when taking the pictures – just the simple things so that I could take family pictures on days we went out. I began carrying it often for family outings and trips,” she narrated.

Ms Sibanda said the camera seemed non-compliant and the pictures would either come out too dark or at times with too much sunlight exposure, making them white.

She said this motivated her to want to learn more about the camera and possibly upscale her skills in camera work.

“My husband did some research on who would be able to teach me, while I was debating on whether to do home school or be enrolled somewhere. We then decided to look for someone who would be teaching me and that is when I ended up at Innovation Photo Studio sometime in December,” said Ms Sibanda.

She said in two weeks, she had learnt and grasped how to operate a camera from the basics and how to control lighting since she used to take dark pictures.

Ms Sibanda said her instructor (Mr Innocent Ngwenya), was very patient with her, ensuring that he took his time teaching her until she understood what she needed to do.

“For the first lesson, he told me to go out and come back with questions. I went and did some practice then came back with some questions. He said the more you practice, the more you grasp key things. That’s when I decided that after lessons, I would go to the Centenary Park ,to utilise what I would have learnt that day to test my skills,” she said.

“I would then get help for the challenges I would have faced. At first it wasn’t easy going to the Park because it’s mainly male photographers operating there, so I was really scared. However, with time, I got to know them and they welcomed me.”

Ms Sibanda said some of the photographers even advised her to get a permit from the Bulawayo City Council (BCC) Parks Department, in order to be allowed to take pictures at the Centenary Park.

She got her permit in January this year for US$20 and it expires in December. The permit states that besides the Centenary Park, she can also do photography in areas where there are recreational parks such as Nketa 6, Entumbane, Sizinda, Luveve and the greater part of Bulawayo.

“When I got the permit that was when I was then able to get people to pay for the photoshoots. It was no longer for free, unlike during the first days when I was still practicing. I then decided to make it a personal project as I realised I could earn a living from photography. I registered my company and named it Glems Multimedia.”

Inspired by the word “glamorous”, Glems Multimedia aims to take pictures full of glamour, charmingly or fascinatingly attractive, especially in a mysterious or magical way, while also full of excitement, adventure and unusual activity.

She said she gets most of her clients from Centenary Park and has managed to build a clientele, while also expanding her marketing on social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Twitter and Tiktok among others.

Capitalising on her graphic designing skills, Ms Sibanda, said she was setting up a photo studio to fulfill her photography passion.

“I want to open a photo studio next month, motivated by the skills I have gotten so far and the support I continue to receive from my current clientele as well as my husband. He has been my biggest cheerleader and at times when I feel like throwing in the towel, he pushes me forward,” she said.

Ms Sibanda, who has been able to assist during photoshoots for two weddings in January and a number of birthday shoots, said the tokens of appreciation were a testament that she was becoming good at what she is doing.

She said Valentines’ Day awakened the passion she has developed as an upcoming photographer.

“I really enjoyed the shoots on the day and getting feedback from the happy clients. Hearing that they were satisfied meant a lot to me. To upscale my skills, I intend to study further and do videography. It’s funny how a random gift of a camera has turned into a passion in photography for me,” marvelled Ms Sibanda.

She said she was looking forward to broadening her clientele base to include photoshoots for schools (primary and secondary), businesses and key events.

Like any other profession, Ms Sibanda said she faces a number of challenges in her newly found passion for photography.

“This field is like entering a male territory so to say. Some female clients are even sceptical of having a female photographer take photos of them, as some feel they will be below standard.

“I’m adapting and the other male photographers at Centenary Park are now supportive towards me. They have seen that

I’m also trying to make a living from this and they now advise me like their little sister. Also, as a woman, I have to be on the watch out for thieves.”

Ms Sibanda said if she can do it, she believes other women who may be interested in photography can also discover their passion.

She called upon women not to shy away from women photographers and rather uplift them by supporting their initiatives.

Her story is a testament to the fact that every gift counts. No gift is too small or too big, it is what you make out of it that makes it better or meaningful.

Nkosilathi Sibanda. Sports Reporter

IT’S the athletics season in all the country’s schools and nothing grips the excitement among learners and those who follow budding talent in sport.

This is a time when learners get to pull a muscle or two on the track and field, as they try to outdo one another in the quest for glory. The ultimate goal is to get hold of the gold medal, or at least rise to the podium for silver or bronze.

In that grit and grind for honours, schools competitions present opportunities that have a ripple effect on as many businesses in communities. The frequent travelling by athletes as they move from one stage of the competitions, has benefitted the tourism sector the most.

From food, accommodation and leisure activities, the local tourism sector reaps rewards. It has been identified that schools sport contributes a lot to the domestic tourism earnings. Domestic tourism, as explained by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), is when a visitor travels within their country of residence. The activities they partake in are part of domestic tourism.

In that sense, young school athletes travelling to compete from one province to the other, can be classified as local tourists, with sport boosting the tourism. Since the start of the term, the National Association of Secondary School Heads (Nash) and National Association of Primary School Heads (Naph), have been busy organising the athletics competitions, which are now headed for the provincial finals before the nationals.

To take a look at it from a realistic point of view, Clackson Masakwa, a senior manager with Bakers Inn in Bulawayo, on Friday announced that the Bulawayo Province’s 120 athletes for the Nash track and field championships in Victoria Falls on 19-20 March, would be taken care of by his company.

He said Bakers Inn would ensure that athletes and coaches including management will not sleep in classrooms. The hotels in the resort town will benefit as well as other service providers. This year, for the national competitions, athletes in primary schools will converge in Masvingo, while secondary schools meet in Victoria Falls.

Both destinations are top tourism attractions in the country and this means the competitions will bring brisk business in these areas. The travelling done by school teams, dovetails with what Government through its tourism marketing arm, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), has been championing.

ZTA launched the #ZimBho Vakatsha campaign that is being supported by the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe (TBCZ) and other key stakeholders in the industry. Educational institutions have also been identified as key drivers of domestic tourism and destination promotion.

In Masvingo, the primary school pupils, their coaches and school mates will enjoy the spectacle and heritage filled environment of Masvingo Province that includes Great Zimbabwe. For the secondary school athletes, the splendour of the majestic Victoria Falls, will no doubt leave a lasting legacy, as athletes will forever cherish the moment as well.

The importance of schools in boosting local tourism earnings is echoed by service providers in hospitality, who say they have always appreciated that extra “cent” from schools. One of Matabeleland North’s renowned tourism entrepreneurs in Dete, Hwange and Binga, Wilbert Makonese, said beyond athletics competitions, school educational tours have benefitted them immensely.

“Undoubtedly, schools play a part in local tourism. Whenever there are competitions, our room occupancy increases. We appreciate the continued support over the years,” said Makonese.

For the schools, it is more of exposing learners and they fully know how their competitions leave an impactful contribution to the country’s tourism economy, according to Nash president Arthur Maphosa.

“Schools have a huge constituency that indeed supports domestic tourism. Our learners who partake in sporting activities ,travel to as many parts of the country and that is what makes our tourism tick. The young athletes who travel, become an inspiration to their peers. They share memories and pictures that will inspire others to partake in sport as they would want to experience the same,” said Maphosa who is also the president of the Confederation of School Sport Associations of Southern Africa (Cossasa).

At a time when schools are appreciated in their contribution, other stakeholders in the tourism sector feel there has to be a radical change in the pricing system in hotels and lodges.

The Hospitality Association of Zimbabwe (HAZ) is on record, saying price increases were harming growth and the country could be prejudicing itself of thousands of potential local tourists because of exorbitant charges. An athletics teacher at a city school, Khumbulani Mhlanga, was of the view that pupils have a lot to learn from their travels.

“Pupils who do sport are the most exposed to tourism activities. They get to see as many places of interest that some in the country find hard to visit. These competitions are really beneficial to the education sector as well,” said Mhlanga.

A tourism and conservation expert Langton Masunda, told Zimpapers Sports Hub that over the years, he has witnessed that schools have often been sidelined in their contribution to domestic tourism. He applauded the organised set up in school when they travel.

“Schools from urban areas are already contributing to local tourism through organised school trips, to our tourism attraction local destinations. In our local province of Matabeleland North we are pleased to hear that the athletics national finals for secondary schools will be in Victoria Falls. Even if they come to compete, schools will surely do other activities.

We have pro-active organisations that schools can benefit from like Painted Dogs and  Gwango among others offering students weekend excursions which are educational. These enhance awareness and appreciation of our wildlife to schools,” said Masunda.

AFTER several moves as a football player, it was bound to happen that when he calls time on his career, he would settle away from the town of his birth. This is the story of once fierce some striker, King Jones.

With a brother who played for Highlanders in 1981-83, Henry, it did not come as a surprise that his starring role as a tough tackling no nonsense defender, King, would follow in his footsteps. And he did but became the opposite, a fast-paced forward, who went about his business with a mean attitude, terrorising defenders with his pace and physical presence and giving goalminders a torrid time with goals from either foot and head.

He was your typical man at work, kind of a striker, who even after a brace or hat-trick, he would not show it off that he was the day’s hero. His career took him to Stud Stars, TK United, Zimbabwe Saints, Shushine, Kismet, AmaZulu and botched up registration in Botswana, where he eventually settled and married Rymke Annecina De Groot. Born King Dia-Wyn Jones on  10 October 1968, King attended Mckeurtain Primary School in Bulawayo up to 1980 and went through Founders and Northlea High Schools.

“I was captain at Mckeurtain. I captained the boys’ first team,” said King from Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.

Jones with his wife and child

He played for Queens Sports Club’s juniors, who in 1982 were Under-14s national champions. King graduated into more competitive football, turning out for Stud United in Division Three in his early teens. He would naturally move to TK United where most of his friends and childhood inspirational heroes were. Some of the players he had played with or against, at both primary and secondary school level and he felt at home.

He scored for fun in the lower divisions and attracted the attention of several Division One clubs and the two big city sides of the era, Highlanders and Zimbabwe Saints. He landed at Zimbabwe Saints where after a trial he earned himself a deal at the 1988 champions in 1989 at the age of 20.

“I played for Stud Stars in Division Three, TK United in Division Two. I finally got my break in 1989 after a trial at Zimbabwe Saints. I played alongside John Sibanda, Misheck Sibanda, Melusi Nkiwane and I was striking partners with Goodwin Mangayi, Joseph Machingura, Rabson Muchichwa and Agent Sawu,” said King.

He made his debut against a strong Caps United, which was adding younger players to replace the 1979-1985 Cup Kings with the likes of Gift Mudangwe.

“I made my debut at Barbourfields vs Caps united, we lost 2-1,” said King.

With competition tight, King opted to join Shushine United in Zvishavane the following year in Division One, an ambitious project that paid players their worth.

“I then moved on loan to Shushine United, where I played alongside Isaac Riyano, Willard Khumalo, Martin Ncube, Timile Ncube, Isaac Malunga and Tavaka Gumbo. I was then loaned to Kismet United of Masvingo in 1995, where I married my amazing wife Rymke Annechina De Groot, born in Botswana, but grew up and schooled in Zimbabwe,” said the former bullish striker.

The father of Dia wyn Jacobus Jones, played alongside Micheck Makota, Jerry Sibanda and Joe Kwangwari at Kismet, an ambitious project that came close to bringing Premiership football between 1995 and 1996. It had some good players, most of whom were student teachers at Masvingo Teacher’s Training College and Bondolfi, among them Dumaza Dube, Max Chambarara, Lloyd Hlahla and Kwangwari. After two seasons of scoring for fun in the Zifa Southern Region Division One League, King joined another team that had big dreams in the Premiership while they were in Division One, AmaZulu.

“I moved to AmaZulu while they were in Division One and we won promotion to the Premier League with the likes of Isaac Riyano, Goodwin Mangayi and Nqobizita Maenzanise,” said King.

Like a rolling stone that does not gather any moss, King was soon on the way after two seasons with Usuthu, this time to Arcadia.

“At Arcadia United, I played with Abdul Karim, Brian Abrahams and Shepherd Muradzikwa, after which I then moved to Botswana in search of better work opportunities, my football life didn’t take off, though I had pre-season stints with Notwane FC, Township Rollers and Gaborone United. I never got to play any league games due to paperwork being not submitted in time for registration,” he said.

In 2001 it was all over for him on the pitch as he called time on his career as a professional footballer and opted instead for social soccer for a team called Swift.

“I met my great friend and teammate Moitseki ‘Chex’ Lekalake, I played for a few years, had some great times, until a back and knee injury forced me to leave the game I love so much. But I still get to enjoy watching Botswana Premier League games, and I am a staunch West Ham United supporter. Now I have a small family business called Home Improvements, run by my wife, son and myself,” said King.

His company, Home Improvements BW, does house maintenance and construction. He reckons his best season in Bulawayo was 1997 ,when he scored 14 goals for AmaZulu having played half of the season. But his Masvingo sojourn, he believes saw the best of his boots and head as he for a number of seasons averaged 20 goals plus in a deadly partnership with Kwangwari.

He contends that:” My best partnership was with Goodwin Mangayi and Rabson Muchichwa at Zimbabwe Saints in 1991 season, where I scored seven goals in the Super League.”

His best game was a 2-1 win over Highlanders, a local derby with the usual ingredients of great rivalry.

“My best game has to be against our bitter rivals Bosso, at Barbourfields Stadium, we won that game 2-1, I remember everyone saying the girls in town are ours, we had bragging rights,” King said.

His strength was heading, endurance, speed, stamina and aggression.

“I never feared a challenge or tussle. Some opposition defenders used to say that I was on drugs.”

He said the toughest teams he faced were Black Mambas and DeMbare. King never believed in “juju”, but acknowledges that at one of the clubs, he wore pants with stuff inside but still went on to lose the match. He regards Philemon Dangarembwa as the best coach he worked under.

Actor Wiseman Mncube has penned a heartfelt message to his ‘Uzalo’ fans upon the airing of his last scenes on the South Africa Broadcasting Corporation 1 drama.

Mncube joined ‘Uzalo’ in 2018, playing the role of Sbonelo, who arrived as a medical doctor, but fell into criminal activities.

His exit was announced in September last year and his last episode aired on Wednesday, after his character was killed.

“RIP Qhawe. Its been a long beautiful journey. Ngyabonga kakhulu for the love and support you gave Sbonelo Babongile Mhlongo,” Mncube wrote on Facebook.

The actor reflected on how he won’t forget the journey that changed his life, as he wished the remaining cast members luck as they continued with the journey.

“I will never forget this journey which changed my life. Good luck to the remaining soldiers…continue with the baton maQhawe. One love one Blood, for ever UZAAAAAAAAALO!!!!”

Following his last scenes, fans have been showering the actor, who is currently on Mzansi Magic’s ‘My Brother’s Keeper’ with praise, which has left him very touched.

Reflecting on the outpouring love he received, Mncube shared that sometimes you don’t realise the impact you have on people.

“At times, we really don’t know the impact we have on people cause we are all human who wake up in the morning and go to work.

“I’m really touched by this massive love I’m witnessing, it really shows that you truly invested your times in my art of acting.

“The messages and inboxes, I’m receiving it all love. The actor also promised to keep making his fans proud and inspiring them.

“Ngyabonga kakhulu and I will continue to make you all proud and to be an inspiration to those who believe that it’s possible.”-Online sources

Khami Ruins National Monument is located to the west of the Khami River, 22 km from Bulawayo. The property, located on a 1300 m hilltop downstream from a dam built during 1928-1929, covers an area of about 108 ha, spread over a distance of about 2 km from the Passage Ruin to the North Ruin.

The property was the capital of the Torwa dynasty, which arose from the collapse of the Great Zimbabwe Kingdom between 1450 -1650 and was abandoned during the Ndebele incursions of the 19th century. It is composed of a complex series of platforms of dry-stone walled structures, emulating a later development of Stone Age culture. The chief’s residence (Mambo), was located towards the north on the Hill Ruin site with its adjacent cultivation terraces. The population lived in daga huts of cob work, surrounded by a series of granite walls. These structures display a high standard of workmanship, a great number of narrow passageways and perambulatory galleries and impressive chevron and chequered wall decorations.

Khami conforms to Great Zimbabwe in a number of archaeological and architectural aspects but it possesses certain features particular to itself and its successors such as Danangombe and Zinjanja. Revetments or retaining walls found expression for the first time in the architectural history of the sub-region at Khami and with it were elaborate decorations; it still has the longest decorated wall in the entire sub-region.

The architecture of the site and the archaeological artefacts provide evidence for an exceptional understanding of strong, united, early civilisations. They also offer information on the property’s complex socio-economic, religious and spiritual significance for the local communities and for the overall chronological development of Zimbabwe tradition; initiated in Mapungubwe (South Africa), extending to Great Zimbabwe and through the emergence of later states. The archaeological remains are also a testament to long-distance historic trade links with the Portuguese and the wider world, the diverse range of imported artefacts provide evidence of 15th and 17th century Spanish porcelain, Rhineland stoneware and Ming porcelain, many of which are on display in the Museum of Natural History in Bulawayo. There is also a monumental granite cross, which illustrates the contact with missionaries at a traditionally revered and sacred spiritual site.

Khami is the second largest stone built monument in Zimbabwe. Its historical importance lies in its position at the watershed between the history of Great Zimbabwe and the later Zimbabwe period. It is one of the few Zimbabwe sites that were not destroyed by treasure hunters and its undisturbed stratigraphy is scientifically important in providing a much clearer insight into the history of the country. The climate supports a natural vegetation of open woodland, dominated by Combretum <http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Combretum> and Terminalia <http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Terminalia> trees. Being close to the Kalahari Desert <http://www.worldlingo.com/ma/enwiki/en/Kalahari_Desert>, the area is also vulnerable to droughts, and rainfall tends to vary considerably. The property has suffered some degradation due to variations in temperature, ground water, tourism, encroaching vegetation and applied preservation techniques.

The authenticity of the historic evidence is unquestionable. The ruins generally follow the pattern and style of the Great Zimbabwe ruins but are considered to be a later development of that culture. It remains an undisturbed, non-functional, archaeological site whilst also still being used by contemporary communities for spiritual purposes. The dry-stone building traditions enhance the sacredness of the area, where human presence is traceable over 100,000 years. Acknowledging huts made of cobwork (daga) enhanced by decorative friezes, and surrounded by a series of granite walls, and with a great number of passage ways and uncovered perambulatory galleries, the current population maintains the historic traditions of the site.

Khami has retained its authenticity largely in part due to the minimal interventions that have been carried out. All restorations have used traditional methods and no new materials have been added. Restorations nowadays are by anastylosis, which ensures that no new materials are introduced to the fabric of the site and promotes use of traditional methods of construction.

Protection and management requirements

The archaeological zone was protected as a ‘Royal Reserve’ until the death of King Lobengula in 1893. In recognition of the historic, cultural and architectural significance of the site, it was scheduled as a National Monument in 1937. Currently,the National Museums and Monuments Act Cap. 25:11 legally protect the property and its resources. Khami Ruins National Monument is managed by National Museums and Monuments,as overall responsible Agency. At local level, Khami falls under the Western Region administrative unit and a project manager, who liaises with the Regional Director and Executive Director on administrative and policy issues and is responsible for conservation and development.

The government of Zimbabwe partly funds conservation work and also makes available funds for capital improvements through its Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP). National Museums and Monuments provide some funds raised through entrance fees, filming fees, etc. for conservation. International cooperation has existed for financial support, including assistance for the development of a conservation and site management plan. — .(source: whc.unesco.org)w

Sunday Leisure Reporter

ZIMBABWE socialite, hustler and self-proclaimed heir to the late flamboyant socialite Genius “Ginimbi” Kadungure’s legacy, Brian Goshomi, better known as Ginimbi Lite, has publicly advocated for Bulawayo to be recognised as Zimbabwe’s cultural capital.

Speaking to Sunday Leisure at the sidelines of the recently held 2024 National Arts Merit Awards (Namas) at the Bulawayo International Trade Fair Hall and after being charmed by the city’s rich history and vibrant artistic scene,Ginimbi Lite, who is also known for his adherence to his predecessor’s lavish lifestyle and social media presence, said Bulawayo offers a captivating experience for travellers seeking the essence of Zimbabwe.

“Bulawayo, is a city with a rich cultural heritage and an exciting future. The city is home to numerous galleries and art spaces, including the National Art Gallery in Bulawayo, which exhibits a wide array of contemporary and traditional art. Festivals such as the annual Intwasa Arts Festival also showcase the city’s vibrant creative scene,” he said.

He emphasised the city’s cleanliness, safety, and welcoming atmosphere, further positioning it as an ideal gateway to explore Zimbabwe’s natural wonders.

The self-styled king of bling, specifically mentioned Matobo National Park, renowned for its remarkable wildlife and historical significance, including ancient San rock paintings and colonial-era landmarks. He said the unique colonial architecture of some of the city’s buildings was also fascinating.

“This is because the buildings showcase the colonial style that was popular in Europe at the time. The streets are also extremely wide and there is no doubt that this is a historic landmark and must-visit attraction for anyone interested in the history of Zimbabwe,” he said.

He said Bulawayo was a perfect destination for travellers who wanted to experience the best of Zimbabwe.
“Known for its cleanliness, safety, and welcoming locals, Bulawayo serves as a gateway to some of Zimbabwe’s most magnificent natural wonders,” said Ginimbi Lite.

Ginimbi Lite’s recent visit to Bulawayo included appearances at local nightspots alongside young entrepreneur and chief executive officer of Sentrail Investments ,Dzikamai “DZ” Hungwe, who reportedly invited him to Bulawayo.

This marked his first engagement with the city’s nightlife and artistic community. As if taking a cue from the late flamboyant socialite Ginimbi, Goshomi seemed to have also developed a knack for hosting supposedly expensive parties after he reportedly bought champagne worth nearly US$1   000 at one of the city’s night spots.

DZ hailed Ginimbi Lite’s visit to Bulawayo, saying it set a precedent for socialites, especially those from Harare, to visit other cities and discover the vast opportunities that Bulawayo offers.

“It’s great to see socialites, especially those from Harare, visiting other cities and becoming charmed by and identifying the vast opportunities found in Bulawayo. We hope this becomes an ongoing process where we can facilitate the exchange of socialites between Harare and Bulawayo, allowing them to experience each other’s cities’ beautiful and historic hospitality.

We also plan to do the same for Bulawayo socialites, enabling them to connect and collaborate with their Harare counterparts,” said DZ.

Nobukhosi Ndlovu, Sunday News Reporter

ENTREPRENEUR and philantropist Anitta Neshiri, is a change maker from Zimbabwe, who has dedicated her years of life to helping other people through her organisation, Girl Talk Zimbabwe.

The organisation seeks to help young girls become the best version of themselves through mentorship, education and empowerment. Inspired by her role model Oprah Winfrey, Neshiri hoped to embody the strength displayed by her, as she was inspired by the way she speaks, stands for herself and helps others selflessly.

As a young child, Neshiri states that the word ‘difference’ was never in her vocabulary because she noticed everyone was just like her.

“I come from a Christian background family, giving back has always been a part of us and I think that played a role in the person that I am today,” she said.

She holds two degrees, one in Tourism and Hospitality Management and the other in Marketing and Business Management, from the University of South Africa (Unisa). However, she never pursued her career in the tourism industry after failing to get employment.

“l ended up starting my own thing and that is how I became an entrepreneur,” she said.

In October 2020, she launched Girl Talk Zimbabwe, a community driven organisation designed to help young women have confidence and skills to be successful leaders. The organisation’s thrust also revolves around making sure that every woman or girl child,has an opportunity to play their part in the mainstream economy.

“Our curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as diversity and inclusion, body image, sextortion, women’s health and fitness. We also share affairs of the female universe and create a space where the girl child feels free and safe to talk about issues that affect them on a daily basis,” she said.

Girl talk Zimbabwe also spearheads a social responsibility drive to collect and distribute sanitary wear to less privileged girls in Zimbabwe.

“We support girls fight period poverty by providing them with high quality sanitary wear. We mainly target girls at school and those in rural areas who cannot afford to buy pads, hence we are the mother of the biggest pads drive in Zimbabwe,” added Anitta.

Neshiri said it has always been her passion to bring out a positive social impact in communities and her ability to solve problems promptly and the desire to bring out change in Zimbabwe and Africa as a whole, inspired her to start the Girl talk program.

“It has been a journey that has challenges here and there but we are pulling through. We have never had a non-successful program or initiative ever since we launched and our brand has grown beyond our expectations, as we are now an internationally recognised organization,” she said.

She recently landed a spot on the 100 most Influential Young Africans list, where she was recognised as one of the young people doing great things in Africa.

“To be honest it feels good and amasing that I am actually doing something great. For me, to land in that position shows the level of my hard work. I believe the influence Girl Talk Zimbabwe has in a girl child’s life is the reason why l got the recognition. I seek to re-imagine social change by identifying ways to maximise the impact Girl talk has to young girls so that I achieve a greater impact. My initiative does not only empower, but also gives unforgettable memories to young girls,” she said.

Confidently, she holds steadfast to the idea that anyone can be a changemaker. With big voices exploding from young bodies, she hopes to see major changes in the world.

“My advice to young people is to always practice resilience, be stubborn when it comes to achieving your goals, be of service to others, demonstrate strength with grace and kindness and always be willing to take calculated risks.”

Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter

IN Njelele-Dewe and Silungudzi A in Kezi, Matabeleland South province, nowadays the weather is the talk of both villages.

For the last few months, villagers have looked to the heavens for the expected downpours, but their hopes have been repeatedly dashed, as temperatures soared daily, leaving in their wake dried water sources and depleted pastures.

Right at the foot of Njelele, a place that is ironically synonymous with rain-making rituals, villagers have been left searching for answers as they wonder where the next drop of rain will come from. Amidst the doom and gloom, however, there are unlikely bright sparks of cheer.

On the walls of shopping centres that have looked in desperate need of urgent paint jobs for years, works of art that seem to have transplanted onto them, are bringing colour into the modest lives of villagers.

Mural at Dewe Business Centre in Matobo District

Painted by Leeroy Brittain, better known as Bow, with input from the youth of 70 youths from Ward 17 Matobo that were trained by veteran visual artiste Dumisani Ndlovu, the murals at Chapo, Dewe and Nathisa have added a dash of colour to the otherwise modest business centres.

More than just the visual eye candy that the expertly drawn murals depict, the murals have been embraced as an example of what can be achieved, when idle youths in the area are given a chance to shine.

“We are happy that our walls now look like this and we did not have to pay anyone for the pleasure,” said Mr Morison Ndlovu, a villager who lives next to Dewe business centre.

“More importantly, we are grateful that young people from our villages,were important in the making of the murals and they have also acquired skills that will allow them to do things of a similar nature in future on their own.”

Near the shopping centre in Nathisa, another villager, Mrs Orillia Ncube, said such initiatives were taking away young people from harmful substances and activities.

The murals are a product of Visual Expressions of Matobo Youth Voices (VEMYV), a brainchild of Amagugu International Heritage Center, with support from the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust under CreativeActions2, which is funded by the European delegation in Zimbabwe.

According to Amagugu Programmes Officer Alington Ndlovu, the VEMYV project empowered young women and men with knowledge and skills in research, citizen reporting, and advocacy. The young people under the project were taught storytelling and citizen journalism by experts in the field, while visual artist Ndlovu,  was roped in to help them learn how to paint their lived experiences.

“The project leverages the power of visual art to contribute accountability transparency that will lead enlivened social fabric and improved livelihoods and inspire increased participation and representation of young women and men in decision-making, by bringing out socio-economic challenges and also proffering solutions for inclusive and sustainable peace and development. The project targeted youths from Matobo in ward 17, specifically Njelele-Dewe village and Silungudzi A village. The project was inspired by the availability of artistry that exists in the locality, evidenced by other programmes like

‘My Beautiful Home’ and other festivals. It was noticed that beyond petition letters, reports and other communication channels, art will communicate Matobo youths’ voices effectively,” he said.

Ndlovu said the murals were thus the product of the extensive period of training that the youths had undergone over the last few months.

“The murals are the crux of the matter in this article because they mark the end of the project and they are at the climax of the project as they amplify the voices of youths. A mural is like icing on the cake in as far as visual art is concerned in this project. Everything that was done during this project ,was expressions leading to these three murals that were executed in three Matobo business centres in Ward 17. Themes were coined by project participants and Amagugu contracted the award-winning mural artist, Leeroy Spinx AKA Bow to execute murals,” he said.

All in all, the three murals each tell their own separate stories. In Nathisa, the Motobo hills that surround the area are given their colourful portrait, while in Dewe, tribal art that has been popularised by ‘My Beautiful Home’ competition, help youths scream out about the challenges that they face. In Chapo, the beaming face of a child with the balancing rocks of Matobo in the background, brings out the central theme of the project: the need to capture and amplify young people’s voices.

“The first one was at Dewe business centre,with tribal art and infusion of local artistry borrowed from My Beautify Home.

The message says, “SIKHALA SILETHEMBA” meaning we cry/plead with hope and these are the youths who plead for access for resources, employment, quality education, better health facilities, reduced crime rate and network installation, with hope that the intended audience will heed to their plea. At Chapo business centre, the graffiti featured tribal art, rocks that validate Matobo identity and a child who represents the youths participating in the project and the child is contemplating about access to education, network and health.

The message says, INTSHA YIYO IKUSASA: ASIBAZWENI, which means the future is youth and let’s hear them. The final site is still in the process of being executed and like the previous two murals, it also has tribal art featuring the rocks which are the identity of Matobo and the main character who will be receiving opportunities from the duty bearers,” he said.

Sandisiwe Gumbo, Sunday Life Reporter

Today marks a special day for Mzoe7 as he celebrates his birthday and the release of the music video for “Summer Vibe,” a collaborative effort with Lamas Ellz and Sandra Ndebele, featuring producer SeewellTone and Collus Move.

According to Mzobanzi “Mzoe7” Mlauzi, the song’s message revolves around appreciating life, having fun, and promoting togetherness, despite the challenges faced in life.

“The visuals are about appreciating life and having fun, though we go through a lot in life. It is also about spreading the message of togetherness,” he expressed.

Sandra Ndebele

Speaking on collaborating with the other artistes, Mzoe7 stated “It’s always great to work with fellow creatives, you get to realize how much potential you have as an artist. The producer SeewellTone has always been great.”

The video was directed by Keaitse films.

As Mzoe7 embraces another year of life, he expressed gratitude for the blessing of being alive and the support he has received.

“I feel good for being alive, it’s actually the best blessing. Life itself is more than great, and I appreciate God, my mother, and everyone who supports me,” he said.

Mzoe7 revealed that he is away for holiday celebrations and work, with plans to celebrate his birthday in South Africa and Zimbabwe next Sunday.

Simbarashe Murima

Love is a beautiful, emotional feeling, it is therapeutic, relieves stress by lowering levels of cortisol, blood pressure and increasing oxytocin levels, but not between students and lecturers.

It is natural for lecturers and students to be attracted to each other. However, the fiduciary relationship between the student and lecturer is just not cricket in any form of justification. As a result, a lovey-dovey relationship between the two, whether consensual or not, shears the self-respect and faith within the academic realm.

The purpose of this article is premised on the fortification of socio-academic responsibility and zero tolerance for the evils of sexual harassment behaviours, perpetrated by some members of staff in higher tertiary institutions.

The lecturer’s role is loco parentis as he/she is positioned in a knot of dependence and confidence to the students they educate.

It is blue to discover that some of these perverted staff members, who are carnally involved with students are either married, divorced, engaged or misogamist.

Contrariwise, such affairs adversely promote inequalities of power in the relationship, encourages favouritism, nepotism and or the deflation of confidence in the educational practices.

Generally, if a person has control over another, he/she, time and again can exploit his/her position, thus creating an imbalance of equal energies. Some lecturers use their powers to coerce female students into sex and threaten to fail them if they do not comply.

Therefore, there is always an innate power disproportion in the relationship between the educator and the learner. For example, the lecturer can use the quixotic relationship as a way to reward or punish the student.

The punishment is mostly effective and ‘fruitful’ on practical subjects and or research projects assessments, which are based on the lecturer’s judgement and as a result, will be biased towards the wished-for victim.

For example, in hospitality training, the candidate may be “intentionally” failed or deemed “Not Yet Competent (NYC)” during food preparation task (s) by the assessor/lecturer, citing poor texture, taste, garnish or plating of the product.

For that reason, this judgment may be hard for the complainant (student) to make an appeal for a remake since it is the lecturer’s discretion and power to award the marks in most cases.

Despite the fact that most assessment results are finalised after external moderation, there are greater chances that the moderator endorses the initial mark. In consequence, such a deceptive practice is unethical and is against the fundamental principles of assessment and expertise.

According to Bull, “if you allow sexual and romantic relationships, then you are allowing staff to make sexual and romantic approaches to students and that can be seen as harassment”.

On the other hand, some female students can have more power over the lecturer, thus resulting in the lecturer indulging in such romantic acts, thus weakening professionalism.

Once the relationship is known, the student may suffer the moral disapproval of the other students and staff members. Equally, the lecturer may also face moral disapproval from colleagues and other students he/she lectures.

Educators are obliged to act in a way that safeguards student welfare and as well as to maintain standards of academic integrity and avoid conflicts of interest. Nonetheless, students who feel their academic growth is hinged upon submissive to a sexual relationship with a lecturer or member of staff ,have the right to report sexual harassment.

I must admit that student-lecturer romantic relationships have been in existence for ages and still exist and are still common than you’d think. Likewise, this is to enable students to have a greater understanding and knowledge of what is an acceptable practice or not in their learning settings.

Thus, robust policies on this matter should be activated and toughly enforced in tertiary institutions if absent. To sum up, a strong emphasis must be put forward, to educate both educators and students on the inappropriateness of such acts in education, so that there is a reputable and equitable teaching and learning environment.

Mr Simbarashe Murima (PhDc) University of Johannesburg (UJ) Writing in his own capacity as an Education, Tourism and Hospitality expert in Namibia and Zimbabwe. Feedback: s.murima@yahoo.com/ +264814571709/ +263781480742