Munyaradzi Blessing Doma

Youth Service in Zimbabwe should start from Primary School

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Youth Service in Zimbabwe which was rebranded from the National Youth Service; should start from Primary School Level as a subject, such that young people are inculcated with the values of patriotism and responsibility right from the onset.

This was revealed by Bishop Never Muparutsa who represents the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations and Evangelical Fellowship of Zimbabwe, on the sidelines of a meeting which religious leaders had at the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training on drug and substance abuse.

Bishop Muparutsa said the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme “is a powerful, powerful programme,” which could also help in eliminating the drug and substance abuse scourge.

Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme is for youths aged between18-35 and it ensures patriotism and empowers them for nation building through life skills training and leadership development.

“The only issue is we have 1 000 people who are starting (Youth Service in Zimbabwe) versus 5 million youths, so the proposal that I bring is that why not make it a subject from Primary to Secondary School.

“Make it one of the key subjects that our young people are developed from the very word go; to be people who value the nation.

“The values of our nation must be inculcated in our children right from Primary School up to Secondary education.

“Rather than just make it vocational issue, make it part of our training of our young people.

“So that it can actually be made one of the conditions to go into next level of education rather than do you have Mathematics, English and other subject.

“That can be one of the conditions because our young people have been trained to respect their flag, to respect their nation, to respect their ubuntu values, to respect all that.

“Then it becomes very pertinent and critical, so we were very touched and we are very excited by that,” said Bishop Muparutsa.

He added: “what we want is let’s catch them young, so that they are not by the time we try to talk to them about drugs, we have already missed a lot. So that’s basically what we think must happen.”

Chief Director in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Elias Murinda, said the idea is to ensure that all young people aged 18 to 35 years go through this training programme.

“So you can see that we have started with just 1 000 which is just almost nothing and therefore the Ministry of Youth might not succeed in reaching out to every young person.

“And therefore the programme will need to be mainstreamed in education, both primary, higher and tertiary in churches, religious institutions.

“We have to work together this objective in molding these young people in implementing this programme.

“And government has also said our youths whom we see that have really grasped the ideals of this programme and because of the orientation that they go through; might then not engage in drug and substance abuse.

“We strongly believe that the programme will have to reduce drug and substance abuse among young people, therefore they will be properly guided,” said Murinda.

He added that youths who go through the Youth Service in Zimbabwe will get priority or preference for enrolment in public institutions preferably they have the right qualifications that are required.

“And there are other advantages like getting access to institutions like the Police, Army, Prisons or even for those who want to further their education, so that they are better able to serve the country.

“So this is a rebranded National Youth Service training programme and we believe it will be different from the programme that we were implementing.

“And the message is we need to be working together in actually implementing the programme,” added Murinda.

While applauding the Youth Service in Zimbabwe programme, Davis Mambwe from the Zimbabwe Council of Pentecostal Churches said, those who are trained should not be seen to be violent as was associated with graduates from the former programme.

“Members from the National Youth Service were notorious for violence and people were really afraid of them because of those uniforms as some of them would terrorize even the elderly.

“So we hope with the coming in of this rebranded programme, they (youths) will be disciplined,” said Mambwe.

Minister Tino Machakaire, assured that such unruly behaviour will not be condoned as they (graduates) will be instilled with strict discipline.

Divine intervention needed to fight drug and substance abuse

**Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire speaks, whilst his Deputy, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga looks on**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Government has called on religious organisations to complement its efforts in fighting drug and substance abuse which is threatening the lives of many youths.

Speaking at a meeting with various religious leaders and representatives at his offices on Monday; Minister of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, Tino Machakaire, said there was need for divine intervention as the scourge was proving to be a menace.

He also revealed that youths had to be empowered in various business ventures like agriculture, so that they can develop themselves.

During the same meeting, the Zimbabwe Multisectoral Drug and Substance Abuse Plan 2024-2030, which was launched by President Mnangagwa recently, was also presented.

“Esteemed leaders, as shepherds of the youth in our congregations and organisations, we desire to get your views and ideas on ways to effectively collaborate to empower our youths and extricate them from this bondage.

“We do acknowledge that as religious organizations, you play a critical role in shaping the development of our youth and do have programmes in place that are dedicated to moulding and guiding them as they traverse the delicate phase of transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

“These programmes promote values of compassion, empathy, tolerance, and righteousness to help youth that agriculture is not a dirty business but lucrative and profitable.

“They should start to view farming as a business and a dynamic venture that rewards if done with passion. The most important thing is to farm from an informed point of view, and in this regard, my Ministry has a Business Development Department that can give information on what to grow for both the local and export market,” said Minister Machakaire.

Similar sentiments were also echoed by his Deputy, Kudakwashe Mupamhanga, who said the challenge which the country was facing requires collective efforts.

“There is need for a whole of government approach but I would also add to say the whole of society approach, so as a Ministry, we saw it fit to say, on this challenge that we are facing, let us call and invite leaders of religious organisations.

“This meeting is crucial so that we discuss all the issues affecting the youths. We did that because we realised that there are about 5,4 million youths, so looking at the church as a constituency and other religions organisations, we realise that you do quite a lot work.

“And you are a big stakeholder in shaping the moral fibre of our youths, so as a result, it’s very important that if are doing this, we need you. It is a fact that as government, we cannot do it alone and I would like to thank the vision of our President Dr E.D Mnangagwa because he has pushed for an inclusive society, he has pushed for inclusive government, he has pushed for the inclusion of young people, women and just last week, we were at a disability expo, where we had a lot of religious organisations there.

“So that as we build our nation, we leave no-one and no place behind, everyone has a role to play, so as result when we talk about fighting drug and substance abuse, all religious organisations, be it Christian, Moslem, Jewish, whatever, we each have a role to play,” said Minister Mupamhanga.

Speaking on the sidelines of the same event, Sheikh Ishmail Duwa, Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs Zimbabwe President, said the programme was really good because in all the scriptures be it in the Quran or Bible, God abhors the taking of drugs or substances.

“Because if people just take drugs willy-nilly, then there is no development in the country so I actually think that this programme should really be driven by all religious leaders.

“And according to Islam, the taking of drugs is a great sin against God, so we really support this programme.

“So we now need to look at how we can empower the youths, because we need to look at the root cause of these problems and most of this, is being caused by unemployment,” said Sheikh Duwa.

Another religious leader, Bishop Kingstone Musarurwa Chirau from the Church of God of Africa, said he was grateful for this programme because if all the plans are implemented, the country will make great strides to eliminate the scourge.

“If this problem is left untamed, it will really ruin the youths, we will have serious challenges hence we need to deal with this once and for all. If we have lost our youths, then it will spell doom for our nation.

“But with this programme, we are bound to have a better future because our youths will stop taking drugs because religious organisations have been included.

“We need to eliminate all harmful practices which are leading our youths to take drugs and we want to thank the President for launching Drug and Substance Abuse programme; we are really grateful for this.”

From pain to passion; the birth of The Frame Foundation

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Following a near fatal accident, one woman decided to turn her pain and traumatic experience into a passion.

She refused to let this experience kill her fighting spirit and today, she is an inspiration to other victims of trauma.

And with that same spirit of positivity, she decided to start an organised called The Frame Foundation, to help other victims of trauma.

“I started The Frame Foundation because I understand the pain and struggle of living with trauma.

“Having gone through my own traumatic experience, I know first-hand how hard it is to find support, resources and a safe space to heal.

“I felt lost and alone; like I was navigating a dark journey without a map,” said Memory Tafadzwa Maja, affectionately known as Sister Maja.

She added: “by the grace of, God I found courage to put one leg in front of the other, till I found a solid rock to stand on and found my life-and I wanted to help others do the same.

“I realized that trauma survivors often feel silenced, stigmatized, isolated and that’s when the idea struck me-to create a platform where survivors could share their stories, connect with others, and access the resources they need to heal.

“The Frame Foundation was born out of my passion to help others reframing their stories, reclaim their lives and find hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

“It’s my way of paying it forward and I’m committed to creating a safe, supportive community where survivors can thrive.”

Sister Maja further revealed that The Frame Foundation is a trauma survival foundation dedicated to empowering survivors of trauma to reclaim their lives and thrive.

She added that their mission is to provide a safe space for trauma survivors to share their stories, access resources and connect with others who understand their journey.

Their aim is to break the silence and stigma surrounding trauma, fostering a culture of resilience and hope.

“Our objectives are to create a supportive online community for trauma survivors, offer resources and tools for healing and growth, raise awareness about trauma and mental health, provide access to expert advice and support.

“Our vision is a world where trauma survivors are seen, heard, and empowered to frame their own stories and shape their own futures and our tagline is Reframe Your Story, Reclaim Your Life.”

ZWACT to action report findings

**Sandra Matendere, ZWACT Executive Director, flanked by Dr Onesmus Nyaude** **(left) and Allan Chaumba**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

The Zimbabwe Women Against Corruption Trust (ZWACT) which recently successfully launched its report titled, “Gendered impact of land corruption and displacements on women’s access to social-economic rights in Zimbabwe”, is now working on implementing the research findings.

Speaking on the sidelines of the launch, ZWACT Executive Director, Sandra Matendere, said while the research was carried out in Masvingo and Manicaland, it was a fact that displacements are happening in various other provinces, hence when resources permit, they will move to other areas.

“After launching this report, our next step is to publicize our research findings, on various platforms.

“And another point of action is we are going to engage the Parliament and also local authorities, sharing with them our findings and recommendations.

“And very soon, we are going to have an engagement with the Parliamentarians and we are going to give them the recommendations and also influence policy reforms in terms of land allocation and also the reactions of the governments when displacements take place.

“These are the issues which want to be addressed, especially on compensation in terms of the gendered approach in terms of addressing these displacements,” said Matendere.

She added: “these issues of displacements are happening countrywide so if resources allow, we are going to do similar engagements and researches in various provinces so that we see which area is affected the most in terms of the land corruption so that it can be addressed.”

Matendere said in these two provinces where the research was conducted, evictions took place, leading to women experiencing a lot.

“So we went to these areas to find out how these issues of land corruption and displacements affect women and girls in those communities.

“So today we were sharing the findings from the report and basically, it shows that a lot of women who are staying there, they got the land from the traditional leaders from those communities.

“But however they didn’t have the title deeds and they were settling in State land which is not allowed for them to reside. So the issue is why are the evictions happening this year after 10 years of settling in these communities.

“So we wanted to find out how we can chip in, in terms of coming up with policies or recommendations to the policy makers on the existing legal frameworks in terms of the land distribution to have a gender lens in terms of land distribution because we have seen that the evictions were done arbitrarily without protecting the rights of women especially those with disability, they were affected by these evictions.

“And also we wanted to see the existing legal frameworks which allow people to settle and they are evicted from their communities,” she said.

Matendere added that another issue that came out from the report is that women lost their livelihoods from the evictions, as some of them were not evicted physically but emotionally. She added that in some of the court cases, the women were represented by some human rights lawyers pertaining to the evictions and they won the cases.

“Regardless of winning the case, the challenge is that they were affected psychologically because of the uncertainty of their stay in these communities, they are not sure when they will be evicted again from those communities.

“So they won’t make any meaningful developments in these communities. So it is affecting them, so they actually need support, psychologically or counselling because most of them they have been affected.

“There are also some women who are from migrant backgrounds, they bought the land from the local leadership because they don’t have anywhere they can stay, so these are their only homes, so evicting them from those places it’s a mammoth task, it’s a challenge to them, so it’s something that is affecting these women.

“So we want our policy makers to assist in terms of implementing the existing policies and also to amend the legal frameworks that are allowing the disagreement in terms of who owns which land. Because as it stands, some local authorities are allocating land and then the village heads are also allocating, so we need a single framework which is clear on who owns land, who has the power to allocate land,” she added.

TX Money Transfer promises reliability

**TX Money Transfer Executives at the launch**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Reliability, transparency and efficiency, were the major value propositions made as Bard Santner Incorporated launched a new money remittance platform, TX Money Transfer in Harare on Wednesday.

The event which started with a press briefing, then a launch at Africa Unity Square, saw the company painting the central business district red, white and blue, in a marketing drive which will remain etched on many of those who witnessed.

The company’s model is built on partnerships, through strategic collaborations; providing a platform for other remittance providers to deliver services to their clients.

Lucia Chingwaru, Executive Director of TX Money Transfer, said they were coming in to give solutions to some of the challenges which members of the public were facing in remittances.

“The launch marks a pivotal moment as we introduce TX Money Transfer, specifically designed to cater for the urgent financial needs of individuals requiring swift fund transfers.

“Our main objective is to bridge the existing gaps in the remittance sector by offering a reliable and transparent service.

“The remittance industry in Zimbabwe is currently characterized by the physical cash outflow of sent funds. The necessity of cash transactions poses several challenges at the point of collection. “Receivers often encounter obstacles such as system failures, insufficient funds at collection points, long waiting times, and undisclosed charges that become apparent only upon collection.

“When analyzing the entire value chain, it becomes evident that sending money is efficient, but collection process is inefficient,” said Chingwaru.

She added: “the challenges faced at collection points can be summarized as reliability issues.

“TX Money Transfer, we assure the availability of funds for disbursement and guarantee no hidden fees. “Our fee structure is a flat 3 percent, providing clear and predictable costs for our clients.

“Moreover, the remittance market is fragmented, resulting in redundant efforts. For instance, multiple remittance services often deliver funds to the same destination, leading inefficiencies and increased transaction costs.

“TX Money Transfer is addressing this issue by concentrating on the challenges faced by receivers throughout the value chain. These challenges will be mitigated through partnerships with other remittance providers, assisting in their disbursements as part of the value chain. These collaborations will facilitate economies of scale, streamline processes, and consolidate efforts. This approach will enable other remittance providers to offer services more efficiently and reliably to their customers.”

She further revealed that they are currently offering this service to InnBucks and finalizing similar agreements with other key players in the market and their service is currently in Edgars Stores.

“This strategy not only reduces costs but also ensures timely and secure fund transfers for customers,” added Chingwaru.

Also speaking at the same launch, Tatenda Hungwe, also a TX Money Transfer Executive Director, said their launch underscores their unwavering dedication to financial inclusivity and our support for Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030.

“We understand the importance of ensuring that financial services are accessible to all, including the hardworking individuals contributing tirelessly to infrastructure projects within our nation.

“At TX Money Transfer, we establishing a robust and dependable hub that other remittance providers can count on.

“By emphasizing reliability in cash disbursements and customer service, this hub will serve as reliable foundation for providers to deliver steadfast and trustworthy services to their clients,” he added.

The launch at Africa Unity Square saw three lucky members of the public going home US$2 400 richer after they won in draws which were conducted. Award winning artiste Killer T, was the headline act at the launch.

TX Money Transfer is set to launch in Bulawayo this Friday and they will move other cities.

The service is currently being offered in Harare, Bulawayo, Zvishavane and Victoria Falls.

Bard Santner Incorporated, a leading financial intermediary firm specialising in asset management, corporate finance and wealth management, was established in Zimbabwe on February 1, 2022, and their reach has extends to Botswana, South Africa, Zambia, Mauritius, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Vaccines save lives

**WHO Zimbabwe Representative Dr Desta Tiruneh**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Vaccines are one of the major medical advances that have been made, leading to the saving of many lives as they are safe to use, World Health Organisation (WHO) Zimbabwe Representative, Dr Desta Tiruneh has said.

Dr Tiruneh revealed this on Tuesday during a media science café organised by WHO and Health Communicators Forum.

According to WHO, vaccination is defined as “a simple, safe and effective way of protecting you against harmful diseases, before you come into contact with them. It uses your body’s natural defenses to build resistance to specific infections and makes your immune system stronger.”

Dr Tiruneh revealed this as Zimbabwe is preparing for another round of oral cholera vaccine soon.

“Zimbabwe is preparing for another round of oral cholera vaccination, for a small targeted area this time. The vaccine is going to be received soon, then we have to do the campaign.

“One of the issues that we noticed in the last campaign is that some people or some different groups of people for different reasons, either religion or other conspiracy theories, they don’t want to take vaccines.

“But if we talk about medical advances, vaccines are the best thing that ever happened in health sector because with the vaccines you can prevent lots of deaths,” said Dr Tiruneh.

He revealed that it was unfortunate that many children were dying of diseases which can be easily prevented by vaccination, hence there is need for more awareness such that people are fully aware of the life saving impact of vaccines.

“We can see for example I can tell you that small pox is gone and now we have polio almost at the point of eradication because vaccines change the world.

“We have many kids that are dying because of measles and measles you have vaccination, with two doses, you are done for life.

“You have yellow fever, I think with just one dose, you are done for life.

“So we have vaccines which can prevent lots of killer diseases, so this is something that we should appreciate.

“But I know with anti-vaxxers, they will create all sorts of stories, that if you take this, you will become sterile, but people will be infertile for other reasons but they associate it with that (vaccination) and then they say no, this is my lived experience, I was vaccinated now I cannot have a baby.

“But it has nothing to do with the vaccine. And there is no proof,” added Dr Tiruneh.

Similar sentiments were also echoed by Dr Lincoln Charimari, WHO Zimbabwe, Emergency Incident Manager, who spoke of the oral cholera saying it is safe as it can be used in all people who are aged one year and above.

“It can even be used in pregnant women, it can be used by even those who are HIV positive, it’s one of the safest vaccines around, so it is safe and you use it with other measures.

“And now that the cases have reduce to zero, it doesn’t mean it (cholera) has completely gone away, we have to continue to be vigilant and to continue to observe the necessary hygiene practices,” said Dr Charimari.

Anti-vaxxers are people who are opposed to vaccination and it has been revealed that several vaccination campaigns were hampered because of conspiracy theories around vaccination.

It said while anti-vaxxers refuse to vaccinate, they have also influenced other people not to vaccinate, giving all sort of theories.

Journalists urged to promote Zim as destination of choice

**Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Journalists play a critical role in promoting Zimbabwe as a safe destination of choice, Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Barbara Rwodzi has said.

Minister Rwodzi revealed this on Monday in Harare, during an interactive media workshop with journalists from local and international media houses.

She stated that her ministry is “an enemy to none”, hence they were going to work with journalists to tell the Zimbabwean story, which will make tourists want to visit “our national heritage.”

Minister Rwodzi also said the country was a heritage which all Zimbabweans were given by God so we should cherish it and promote it.

“As a Ministry of the Tourism and Hospitality Industry, we recognize the critical role that media plays in shaping perceptions, disseminating information, driving positive change and highlighting our natural wonders, cultural heritage, as this is instrumental in attracting visitors and investors alike.

“Your role extends beyond reporting; it is about shaping narratives, influencing perceptions, and inspiring confidence in Zimbabwe as a safe, welcoming, and vibrant destination.

“As a Ministry, we are grateful to each member of the media for your tireless efforts in showcasing Zimbabwe’s diverse tourism offerings to the world.

“Your presence here underscores the importance of our dialogue in fostering understanding, transparency, and collaboration,” she said.

**Deputy Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa**

Similar sentiments were also echoed by her Deputy, Tongai Mafidi Mnangagwa, who said such media engagements were critical in creating partnerships which help to drive country’s tourism.

He reiterated that for the country to be marketed as a destination of choice, the media had a critical role to ensure that is achieved by telling the good Zimbabwean story.

“Our ministry is the only ministry which was given the mandate by his Excellency (President Mnangagwa) to sell the country, selling it in a good way. And any company which does sales, has sales representatives or agents whom you send out with the product, and the agents are sitting in front of us.

“It’s you (journalists) who should market the country. But sometimes there is always an issue of sensational reporting, because apparently it pays to write negative things, but be at forefront to market your country.

“Be at the forefront to tell the true story about Zimbabwe. There is so much development in the country; we are under sanctions but look at what we are doing, we are progressing. Those are some of the stories that you need to talk about.

“If I were a King, I was going to Knight all of you, who will go and tell the true Zimbabwean story,” said Minister Mnangagwa.

He also emphasized that journalists should protect their country, as he also echoed President Mnangagwa’s mantra, “nyika inovakwa nevene vayo.”

“That is your role, you build the image of the country, you have thousands and millions of followers in your groups, tell the Zimbabwean story, so that we build our country and we move forward.

“It is a benefit for everyone, and as visitors come, the country will also benefit,” added Minister Mnangagwa.

Menstrual health is men’s issue too

After noticing how menstrual health issues significantly affected girls and young women in farming communities, one man decided to become a champion of reason.

He decided to help ease the burden of those less privileged, so that they access one of the most important health needs of women and girls. Today he is a menstrual health champion, something he has dedicated his life to.

To know more about his cause, our reporter MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA (MBD) had a chat with TATENDA COLE CHIGWADA (TCC), National Projects Coordinator at Next Generation Capacity Building Space.

MBD: What made you decide to be a menstrual health champion, and why this cause in particular?

TCC: Growing up in a farming and rural area, I witnessed first hand how limited access to information around menstrual health affected many young girls and women. Poverty was a significant barrier, and the spiritual beliefs from apostolic sects often exacerbated the stigma and misinformation surrounding menstruation. I chose this cause because menstrual health is fundamental to the dignity, health, and empowerment of women and girls. Addressing this issue can lead to broader societal changes, including improved education and economic opportunities.

MBD: Being a man, some would also want to know why you embarked on this journey.

TCC: As a man, I recognize that menstrual health is not just a women’s issue but a societal one. I embarked on this journey because I believe men have a crucial role to play in breaking the taboos and supporting the women in our lives. My experiences growing up in a community where this topic was shrouded in silence, motivated me to become an advocate for change and ensure that no girl or woman has to suffer in silence or miss opportunities because of a natural biological process.

MBD: What do you hope to achieve and how many people do you aim to reach?

TCC: I hope to achieve a community where menstrual health is openly discussed and supported, and where girls and women have access to the products and information they need. My goal is to reach as many individuals as possible, starting with hundreds in Mashonaland Central and expanding to thousands across other rural areas. I aim to empower both men and women to be advocates for menstrual health in their communities.

MBD: Why did you choose Mash Central?

TCC: I chose Mash Central because it’s a community close to my heart, with many facing the same challenges I observed growing up. The lack of resources and information there, is particularly acute, and I believe that by starting in Mash Central, I can make a significant impact and create a model that can be replicated in other similar communities.

MBD: Is this a once-off thing or an ongoing project?

TCC: This initiative is an ongoing project. I plan to continuously engage with the community, provide education, distribute menstrual products, and advocate for systemic changes that support menstrual health. My long-term vision is to establish sustainable programs that empower local leaders and educators to continue this important work.

MBD: Anything else you may share?

TCC: I would like to emphasize the importance of community involvement and education in breaking down the myths and stigmas associated with menstruation. I am also working on partnering with local and international organizations to amplify our efforts and bring more resources to the communities in need. Menstrual health is just the beginning; I hope this initiative will pave the way for broader health and educational improvements in rural areas. At Next Generation Capacity Building Space we aim to create a world where every young person thrives mentally, socially, economically, empowered with the knowledge and resources to overcome challenges and build a sustainable future.

MBD: Thank you for time Tatenda.

TCC: You are welcome and I thank you for giving me space to share my vision on this worthy cause.

Trio in court for fraud

COURT CORRESPONDENT

Three men allegedly misrepresented to a Harare businessman that they had funds in an offshore account before duping the latter of US$11 000.

Albert Savanhu, 55, Alen Marimbe, 56, and Mthokozisi Mpofu, 31, who are all facing fraud, are appearing before Harare Magistrate Ethel Chichera and their trial has been set for June 25.

Complainant in the case is Redmark Service Private Limited, trading as StemMagnetics represented by its Managing Director Matthew Manyangadze.

Savanhu is employed by Craft Silicon Zimbabwe, while Marimbe is self-employed as a Banking Consultant and Mpofu is employed by KNARS Petroleum as the Sales and Marketing Officer.

State led by prosecutor Zebediah Bofu alleges that on January 6, 2022, Marimbe, who is a friend of Manyangadze, heard that the latter was looking for someone with an offshore account to pay his supplier Computrone Estore FZE Saif Zone based in Dubai.

It is also alleged that the following day, Marimbe then hatched a plan with the other two accused persons to misrepresent that Savanhu had some money in his offshore accounts.

Manyangadze is alleged to have been interested in the arrangement and he forwarded the banking details of his supplier to Marimbe via WhatsApp and instructed for a transfer of US$11 000.

Claims are that after transferring the money to Manyangadze’s supplier, the trio was going to then receive the cash from him here in Zimbabwe.

Allegations are that on the same day around 1pm, Savanhu then forwarded a proof of payment using his Econet WhatsApp account into Marimbe’s number and this was later forwarded to Manyangadze’s number, alleging that he (Savanhu) had transferred US$11 000 to the supplier.

Acting on the proof of payment from Marimbe, Manyangadze instructed his Operations Manager Diploma Mudarikwa to deliver US$11 000 to the trio.

Mudarikwa went to Chisipite Shopping Centre in Harare, where he met Savanhu and Marimbe whom he handed the money, which was all verified.

On January 11, 2022, Manyangadze was informed by his supplier that no money had been deposited into their account and they indicated that failure to get the money, they would not send the consignment from Dubai to Zimbabwe.

Claims are that Manyangadze then revealed to the Savanhu and Marimbe that the transaction was unsuccessful.

When Manyangadze met Savanhu and Marimbe in Harare, it is said Savanhu then implicated Mpofu, saying he was the recipient of the money and had defrauded Manyangadze.

During the meeting, it is said Mpofu acknowledged receipt of the money and promised to pay back Manyangadze on January 29, 2022; if the transaction was not successful.

It is further alleged that the agreement was signed by all those who were present.

Manyangadze is alleged to have realized that he had been duped and he made a police report and during investigations, it is said cellphones belonging to Manyangadze and the trio were taken to the Zimbabwe Republic Police Cyber Laboratory and all proof of payments, WhatsApp messages, audios, pictures and documents from all the parties involved were retrieved by the cops.

All the retrieved information will be produced in court and Manyangadze is said to have lost US$11 000 and nothing was recovered.

Merck Foundation gives 760 scholarships

**Merck Foundation, CEO**
**Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej**

BY MUNYARADZI BLESSING DOMA

Merck Foundation in partnership with African First Ladies and Ministries of Health and medical societies, have provided more than 760 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

The scholarships are for one year Post-Graduate Diploma and two-year Master Degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity and Weight Management.

The scholarships are part of the total 1 810 which Merck Foundation has provided to doctors from 52 countries in 42 critical and underserved medical specialties such as Oncology, Sexual and Reproductive Care, Acute Medicine, Respiratory Medicine, Embryology and Fertility specialty, Gastroenterology, Dermatology, Psychiatry, Emergency and Resuscitation Medicine, Critical Care, Paediatric Emergency Medicine, Neonatal Medicine, Advanced Surgical Practice, Pain Management, General Surgery, Clinical Microbiology and infectious diseases, Internal Medicine, Trauma and Orthopaedics and many more.

The philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, had marked the ‘World Hypertension Day 2024’ together with Africa’s First Ladies, Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, through their “Nationwide Diabetes and Hypertension Blue Points Program” by providing scholarships for young doctors to transform the patient care landscape in the fields of Hypertension, Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, and by raising awareness in communities in Africa and beyond.

Merck Foundation Chief Executive Officer Senator, Dr. Rasha Kelej, said, “at Merck Foundation we mark “World Hypertension Day”, by improving access to quality and equitable Hypertension, Diabetes and Cardiovascular preventive care, which are all co-related, in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

“Together with our Ambassadors – The First Ladies of Africa, and partners like Ministries of Health, Medical Societies and Academia, we have till today provided more than 760 scholarships to doctors from 52 countries, of One-year PG Diploma and Two-year Master degree in Preventive Cardiovascular, Diabetes, Endocrinology and Obesity & Weight Management, and also a special 3 month Diabetes Master course in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish.

“These scholarships have been provided to the young doctors to form a strong platform of experts nationwide, and not only from capitals or big cities.”

Senator, Dr. Kelej further added, “we recently launched new Fellowship Programs of one-year Clinical Cardiovascular care and one-year Clinical Diabetes, onsite training programs in India for African doctors.

“These programs will help us to further improve cardiovascular, Hypertension and Diabetes care in Africa and other developing countries.”

Doctor Victoria Mumbo, Merck Foundation alumnus from Kenya said; “I have completed the post-graduate degree in Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, provided by Merck Foundation. I would like to extend my gratitude to Merck Foundation for this life changing opportunity. After the completion of this course, my approach towards patient management has changed. It has helped me to also educate the community about the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.”