An ANC councillor in Mpumalanga, Timothy Lukhele, has been accused of assaulting Mashia Sithole, a charity worker from Empumelelweni Community Development, during a community meeting aimed at seeking assistance for a feeding programme. Lukhele denies the charges, attributing them to political enemies. Sithole has filed an assault case with the Vosman police, who are currently investigating.

Zimbabwean women are challenging the government's ban on the importation, possession, and use of sex toys, arguing that it infringes on their rights to choose, associate, and enjoy safe sexual pleasure. Sitabile Dewa, from the Women’s Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence, has filed a court order to declare the ban unconstitutional. The government, however, remains firm on its stance, suggesting alternatives like cucumbers and candles. The ban, enforced under the Zimbabwean Customs and Excise Act, has led to legal actions against individuals like Shirley Chapunza and Ayanda Muponda for importing and selling sex toys. The case is yet to be addressed by the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ziyambi Ziyambi.

Supporters of Zimbabwe's main opposition party, Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC), allege that Zanu-PF youths are intimidating them and preventing voter registration in Mbare, a Zanu-PF stronghold. Accusations include confiscation of personal information and voter registration slips. Ellen Shiriyedenga of CCC condemns these actions, attributing them to the Zanu-PF-aligned Forever Association of Zimbabwe (FAZ). Zanu-PF spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa and Zimbabwe Republic Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi claim unawareness of these issues.

Bereaved families in Matabeleland view President Emmerson Mnangagwa's upcoming Gukurahundi healing program as a political strategy rather than a genuine effort to address past atrocities. Survivors express deep skepticism and trauma, criticizing the administration for using the program to gain political favor ahead of general elections. The Gukurahundi genocide, which resulted in the deaths of over 20,000 Ndebele people, remains a deeply painful and unresolved issue for many in the region.

A new trend in Harare sees men consuming pig testicles, known locally as 'gearbox,' believed to enhance sexual performance. Tendai Chisvo and Margret Chahwahwa are key figures in this craze, with Chisvo advocating for its benefits and Chahwahwa capitalizing on the demand by selling the delicacy. Despite the popularity, there is no scientific evidence supporting the claims of improved sexual performance. The practice is part of a broader global tradition of using animal genitals as aphrodisiacs.

A 29-year-old male sex worker in Harare has seen a significant increase in business, particularly from government officials and married men, as the election season approaches. Initially introduced to sex work after losing his job during the Covid-19 pandemic, he now charges between R500 and R1,200 per session. Despite the legal risks and challenges, including abusive clients and non-payment, he continues to operate secretly. He imports goods from South Africa to disguise his true source of income from his family.

Zimbabwean business owners express dissatisfaction with the government's insistence on using the local currency for domestic transactions, citing issues with importing goods and severe inflation. The annual inflation rate has doubled, leading to a significant depreciation of the Zimbabwean dollar. Business owners prefer using the US dollar due to the local currency's instability. Economist Brian Masuku highlights that nearly 70% of domestic transactions are conducted in foreign currencies, indicating the local currency's inadequacy for the economy.

Ritual killings in Zimbabwe are on the rise, causing widespread fear. Victims, including Faith Musonza and Takesure Samwari, have been found with missing body parts, believed to be used in rituals by unscrupulous traditional healers. Police are actively investigating these cases, appealing for public assistance. The Zimbabwe National Traditional Healers Association condemns these acts, emphasizing their commitment to preserving lives.

Residents in Penhalonga, Manicaland province, are consuming water contaminated with mercury and cyanide due to illegal artisanal mining activities. Despite the Environmental Management Authority's (EMA) order to cease these activities, illegal operations persist, posing health risks to the community and livestock. Local residents and officials are calling for urgent government intervention. The EMA has acknowledged the issue and has taken action against some illegal mining operations, but residents remain concerned about the ongoing pollution.

In Zhombe, Zimbabwe, minor schoolgirls are dropping out of school due to hunger and becoming sex workers, charging as little as a plate of pap or $1 per session. The dire situation is attributed to poor harvests and economic hardship, pushing young girls into exploitation by illegal gold-panners. Local leaders and organizations like the Girl Child Network are calling for government intervention to create employment and empowerment projects to combat poverty and its devastating effects on the youth.

Zimbabwean children, driven by poverty, are increasingly working on farms, often under inhumane conditions and for minimal pay. Many are forced to drop out of school or marry young, sacrificing their right to education. The article highlights personal stories, including that of Sadam Mhiti, whose young sons work on a farm in Kadoma. Child Rights Zimbabwe director Vincent Majohonye attributes the rise in child labour to grinding poverty, which leads to psychological and physical harm for the children involved.

Health professionals in Zimbabwe are engaging in illegal abortion services due to economic hardships and low salaries. Abortion is illegal in Zimbabwe, punishable by up to five years in prison, but the demand for abortion pills is high. Nurses and pharmacists are part of syndicates providing these services, charging significant fees. The economic situation has forced many health professionals to resort to illegal activities to sustain their livelihoods. A student shared her experience of using abortion pills without complications, highlighting the underground nature of these services.

Blessings Ncube, a 20-year-old from Plumtree in Matabeleland South, invented a solar-powered AI-based walking stick named 'The Keeper' to assist the blind. Motivated by her blind grandmother's struggles, the stick can detect obstacles and capture features of nearby individuals. Despite her grandmother's passing before using it, Ncube's innovation earned her the Oracle Academy Award. She continues to address challenges in developing the stick and other ideas.

Young people in Zimbabwe are reportedly boiling the gel from used disposable nappies and sanitary pads to get high, often mixing it with cough syrup. This practice is driven by poverty and the lack of affordable alternatives. Munyaradzi Clayton Shinda and Tinotenda Chikwambe, both from Harare, shared their experiences of addiction and societal scorn. Dr. Clement Nhunzvi, a psychosocial occupational therapist, warned of the long-term toxic effects of consuming the gel.

Tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe have increased their farming hectares by 4% with the aim of turning the crop into a billion-dollar industry. Despite climate change affecting rainfall patterns, farmers are optimistic about a prosperous season, expecting higher prices for top-quality tobacco grades. Smallholder farmers contribute significantly to the country's tobacco exports, which earned US$650 million last season. The farming ministry anticipates increased revenue in the current selling season starting in March.

Zimbabwean farmers are grappling with fertiliser shortages amid a looming severe drought, exacerbating their struggles with crop yields. The country's sole fertiliser supplier, Sable Chemicals, is facing production issues, leading to escalated prices beyond the reach of many farmers. Government efforts to import additional fertiliser are underway, with expectations of significant deliveries soon. Farmers are appealing for government assistance through programmes to mitigate the impact. Agronomists suggest organic alternatives to cope with the shortage.

Police in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe have arrested the father of an eight-year-old girl who was raped and impregnated, allegedly under the instruction of a prophet to cleanse bad luck. The minor is currently 33 weeks pregnant and under medical supervision at United Bulawayo Hospital. Civic organizations, including Real Open Opportunities for Transformation Support, have expressed outrage and emphasized the need for support and resources for the minor. The Zimbabwe Republic Police are conducting ongoing investigations, with the father being a key figure in establishing the details of the abuse.

More than half of Zimbabwe's rural school minors drop out before completing their education, with many turning to illegal mining for income. Matabeleland South is severely affected due to poor rainfall, forcing children as young as 12 to work in mines. Villagers, including Sikhumbuzo Thebe, justify this as a means to fend for their families. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe reports a 63% drop-out rate, attributing it to disparities between rural and urban schools. The Ministry of primary and secondary education has not commented on these claims.

Verify Engineering in Zimbabwe has developed technology to convert coal into fertiliser, aiming to address the country's significant fertiliser demand. The innovation, which includes producing ammonium nitrate and urea, awaits government funding for implementation. Stakeholders, including farmers, express optimism about the potential economic and agricultural benefits, such as reduced import costs and increased local production. The initiative is seen as a step towards enhancing food security and creating employment opportunities.

Sand poachers in Epworth, near Harare, Zimbabwe, are illegally mining sand from a cemetery and discarding skeletal remains into the community's water source. Community members, including Samuel Katsande and Givemore Mukushi, express distress over the desecration of graves. Local authorities, including the Epworth Constituency Member of Parliament Zalerah Makari and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, are aware of the issue but have yet to make arrests. Efforts are being made to collaborate with the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe to find a solution and relocate affected residents.

Cynthia Sibanyoni experienced a tragedy when she gave birth to a still-born baby last December, but the situation worsened due to negligence at Witbank Hospital. The hospital presented her with the wrong remains, leading to a nine-month ordeal that included a legal case against Health MEC Sasasekile Manzini and the hospital. The high court ordered the MEC to cover the costs of the missing baby and DNA tests. Eventually, after DNA testing, the correct baby was identified and returned to the family, allowing them to find closure. The Mpumalanga Department of Health acknowledged the error and stated that internal investigations were conducted.

Zimbabwean business owners express dissatisfaction with the government's monetary policies, particularly the enforcement of the local currency for domestic transactions. The Statutory Instrument banning foreign currencies has led to significant challenges, including difficulties in importing goods and severe inflation, which doubled to 175% from May to June. Business owners like Nomsa Matemanebwe and Henry Chasara prefer using US dollars due to the local currency's rapid depreciation. Economist Brian Masuku highlights that nearly 70% of domestic transactions are conducted in foreign currencies, underscoring the local currency's inadequacy for the economy.

In Zimbabwe, government school teachers' inconsistent attendance due to poor pay is causing concern among parents as national examinations approach. The low pass rates, with O Level at 28.96% and grade seven at 40.9%, are attributed to the teachers' financial struggles, with basic salaries eroded to around US$13 a month. Parents are unable to afford extra lessons, and teachers are leaving for better opportunities abroad. The Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe demands a minimum salary of US$1,260, rejecting any lower increment.

Women candidates in Zimbabwe's upcoming presidential elections face significant barriers due to a high nomination fee of R360,000 (US$20,000). Despite a 2013 quota reserving 30% of parliamentary seats for women, the lack of female candidates this year highlights ongoing political exclusion. Elisabeth Valerio of the United Zimbabwe Alliance and Linda Masarira of the Labour, Economist and African Diplomats party criticize the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) for creating economic barriers that disproportionately affect women. Sitabile Dewa of the Women's Academy for Leadership and Political Excellence also condemns the fees as discriminatory. ZEC's chief elections officer, Utoile Silaigwana, stated that the commission extended the nomination time due to banking issues.

Zimbabwean workers are facing severe economic hardships as their salaries fail to keep up with skyrocketing prices for basic goods. Talent Zimbuya, a security guard, and Christine Moyo, a domestic worker, share their struggles with low wages and high costs of living. Japhet Moyo from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions notes the deteriorating status of workers, contrasting it with better conditions in the past.

Zimbabwean workers are facing severe financial hardships as their salaries fail to keep up with the rapidly increasing prices of basic goods. The local currency's devaluation exacerbates their struggles, making it difficult to afford necessities and school fees. Workers like Talent Zimbuya and Christine Moyo share their personal challenges, while Japhet Moyo from the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions reflects on the deteriorating conditions compared to the past.

Women from the Apostolic sect in Zimbabwe, facing over 600 child deaths due to measles in 2022, have defied their religion's anti-vaccination doctrine by forming the Apostolic Women Empowerment Trust (AWET). The group promotes women's and children's health, vaccination, and education, while fighting against child marriages and for young women's empowerment. Members like Alice Mhendambuya have secretly vaccinated their children, challenging the patriarchal norms of the sect.

In Kwekwe, Zimbabwe, illegal miners known as 'zama zamas' caused a classroom floor at Globe and Phoenix primary school to collapse into a sinkhole, injuring 17 students. Parents and the school's headmaster have raised concerns about the safety risks posed by the mining activities. The school, originally built by a mining company and now privately run, has been closed due to the incident. Local officials and a member of parliament have condemned the illegal mining and are seeking safer alternatives for the students to continue their education.

In 2018, 16,000 Zimbabwean nurses were fired for protesting against low wages. The Zimbabwe government has now called for these nurses to reapply for their jobs, offering the same salary of R1,800 per month. Nurses, including Nomsa Ngwenya, have dismissed the offer as laughable and insulting, citing poor working conditions and inadequate resources in hospitals. The Health Services Board claims the move is to fill vacant posts urgently, while the Zimbabwe Nurses Association indicates the situation in hospitals is dire.

Zimbabwean musician Winky D was violently removed from the stage by police during his live show in Chitungwiza, Harare, after a period in hiding due to his album criticizing the ZANU-PF government. His manager, Jonathan Banda, is considering a formal statement with the Vigilante Family record label. MP Temba Mliswa condemned the police's actions, while Information Minister's Secretary Nick Mangwana praised the crackdown on drug use at festivals. Police spokesperson Paul Nyathi was unaware of the arrest details. Winky D's music, which speaks to the struggles of Zimbabwean youth and denounces social injustice and corruption, has faced censorship, with his latest album 'Eureka' banned from radio play.

Cyclone Freddy has caused significant damage to the Hippo Valley sugarcane plantation in Zimbabwe, leading to anticipated sugar shortages and price hikes. Farmers like Daniel Kadema and Simon Mutori report devastating crop losses, exacerbating existing tensions between small-scale farmers and sugar refinery companies like Gold Star over raw sugar prices. Economist Malvin Chidembo predicts astronomical price increases, while Tongaat's Dr. Dahlia Garwe awaits a full damage assessment but reassures that current and projected sugar stocks are adequate.

Zimbabwean teachers are planning a nationwide strike on March 1 to demand salary increases in US dollars, citing that their current earnings are insufficient compared to the standard cost of living. They have been advocating for a 200% salary increase since 2017. Teachers feel neglected by President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government, which they accuse of not addressing their grievances. The Ministry of Education's director of communications, Taungana Ndoro, criticized the planned strike, stating it would deprive children of their right to education. Teachers express desperation and readiness to strike, with one teacher from Harare highlighting the inability to meet his children's needs on his current salary.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission's high nomination fees for the upcoming elections are seen as disenfranchising marginalized groups, including the poor, young people, women, and people with disabilities. Opposition parties and activists argue that the fees, which have dramatically increased since the last election, are unfair and undemocratic. Observers suggest that the ruling Zanu-PF may be using the fees to maintain its parliamentary majority. The ZEC has acknowledged the complaints and will review the fees.

In Zimbabwe, ahead of the 2023 general elections, the decentralization of districts by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has made voter registration centers inaccessible for many, with the nearest centers over 100-200 km away from towns like Victoria Falls and Chikombedzi. Citizens, including a game ranger and a businessman, have voiced their inability to afford the travel costs for registration, fearing a significant decrease in voter turnout. ZEC commissioner Jasper Mangwana acknowledged the issue and stated plans to further decentralize registration centers to ease the process.

Zimbabwe is experiencing a significant increase in drug and substance abuse among its youth, with limited rehabilitation options due to the capacity constraints of the two main government mental institutions, Ingutsheni Hospital and Parirenyatwa Annex Centre. Youths under 35 represent 67% of the population, and a study indicates that around 57% are involved in drug abuse. Personal accounts from users and concerns from parents highlight the severity of the issue, with drugs like crystal meth causing overdoses and school expulsions. Experts warn of the psychoactive effects and health risks associated with these substances.

Zimbabwean dance-hall musician Wallace Chirumiko, stage name 'Winky D', is reportedly in hiding following the launch of his 'Eureka' album, which criticizes social injustice and the ZANU-PF led government. His manager Jonathan Banda denies the claims, describing Winky D as a social commentator through his music. ZANU-PF's Tafadzwa Mugwadi accuses Winky D of sabotaging other musicians' careers with his collaborations. Previously, Winky D faced a media blackout from state-owned radio stations for his music that drew parallels between Biblical oppression and Zimbabwean struggles.

Reflecting on a tumultuous 2022, Dalphine Tagwireyi recounts how covering the tragic story of six-year-old Bontle Mashiyane, who was found murdered in Mpumalanga, South Africa, deeply affected her. The emotional toll of the story, combined with the anti-Zimbabwean sentiment in South Africa, motivated her decision to return to Zimbabwe. Despite challenges like load-shedding and financial issues, she finds solace in being surrounded by family and the familiarity of home.

Zimbabwean farmers are reportedly using anti-retroviral drugs (ARVs) to accelerate the growth of their chickens, raising significant health concerns. Experts warn that consuming such chicken meat can lead to cancerous cell development in humans and contribute to drug resistance. Farmers, including Tendai Hwamanda from Harare, admit to using ARVs without understanding the health risks, driven by the desire for higher profits. Dr. Amos Marume from the Harare Institute of Public Health emphasizes the dangers of this practice, highlighting the need for better farmer education to prevent misuse and protect public health.

Nyau dancers, part of a secret society of the Chewa, are often misunderstood and associated with evil in Zimbabwean society. Garai Happymore Sante, a Nyau dancer from Harare, explains that Nyau is a Malawian tradition that practices Ubuntuism and communicates between the living and the dead. Despite rumors, Sante clarifies that they do not harm people and only retaliate when provoked. The initiation process for Nyau dancers includes rigorous training and secret rituals.

The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has demanded R3.3 million from the Election Resource Centre (ERC) for access to the voters' roll, raising concerns about transparency ahead of the 2023 general elections. ERC director Babra Bhebe criticized the high fee and the reluctance to release the electronic roll. Opposition parties, including the Citizens Coalition for Change, have expressed concerns about the lack of transparency. ZEC maintains that the fees are legally stipulated and justified.

A Zimbabwean girl from Tsholotsho district in Matabeleland North, raped and impregnated by a relative at eight years old, is now eight months pregnant and under medical supervision at United Bulawayo Hospital. Dr. Ishmael Mhonde attributes her condition to precocious puberty. Police Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed ongoing investigations, with the Department of Social Welfare involved. Zimbabwe faces issues with child pregnancies and marriages, particularly among certain apostolic religious sects. In a related case, a 14-year-old girl died at a shrine in Mutare after being left there by her parents during labor.

The Media Institute of Southern Africa criticized ZANU-PF for not allowing independent media to cover their congress in Harare. MISA Zimbabwe's chairperson, Golden Maunganidze, suggested ZANU-PF might be hiding negative actions. Independent media outlets like Scrolla.Africa, TechMag, and NewsDay were barred from the event. The Young Journalists Association also condemned the ban and highlighted a similar incident where the opposition CCC barred state media. The situation raises concerns about media freedom ahead of elections.

Faris Takawira, a breast cancer survivor from Harare, Zimbabwe, celebrated 14 years of being cancer-free despite being diagnosed during a period of economic turmoil in 2008. With the support of her family and medical attention from St Anne’s private hospital, she underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, although she had to forgo radiotherapy due to non-functional machines. The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights has urged the government to address the healthcare system's inadequacies, as cancer patients struggle with care accessibility and the high cost of medication.

The article announces the release of the fixtures for the 2021/22 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League (PSL) season in Zimbabwe. The season is set to commence on Saturday with several matches lined up. The article highlights that the football giants Dynamos will be playing against Yadah on Match Day 1. Defending champions FC Platinum are scheduled to play at home against the newcomers Tenax. Additionally, the Highlanders will be starting the season with an away game. The article serves as an update for football fans and followers of the PSL.