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Check FAQAbout Kovedzayi
Kovedzayi Takawira is a Harare-based journalist renowned for his in-depth coverage of social issues, human rights, and environmental challenges in Zimbabwe and Southern Africa. His investigative reporting has been pivotal in bringing to light the forced displacement of families due to mining operations, where he has underscored the human rights violations and the local communities' fight for fair treatment and compensation. Kovedzayi's work extends to the environmental sector, where he has reported on the innovative use of organic repellents by local farmers in Hwange National Park to protect their crops from elephants, thereby addressing human-wildlife conflicts. In addition to environmental journalism, Kovedzayi has highlighted the impact of technological advancements in agriculture, such as the rise of hydroponic farming, which offers solutions to land shortages and the challenges posed by climate change. He has profiled entrepreneurs like Tinodaishe Mukarati, who are at the forefront of this agricultural innovation. His articles have also given a platform to political prisoners, exemplified by his coverage of Yvonne Musarurwa's fight for electoral reform and the rights of incarcerated individuals. Kovedzayi's reporting does not shy away from the harsh realities faced by the most vulnerable in society. He has drawn attention to the plight of homeless children in Zimbabwe, advocating for government action to provide essential health services and protection. Through his journalism, Kovedzayi Takawira paints a vivid picture of a region wrestling with the effects of political turmoil and economic challenges, while simultaneously celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of its people.
Portfolio
Battle for the Streets: Tuck Shops Edge Out Zimbabwe’s Supermarkets as Economic Strains Deepen
Zimbabwe's economic challenges have led to a shift in consumer behavior, with tuck shops gaining popularity over traditional supermarkets like OK Supermarket. The decline in supermarket sales is attributed to high operating costs and economic constraints, while tuck shops offer cheaper alternatives. The Ministry of Finance criticizes supermarkets for lack of innovation, and experts suggest strategies like vertical integration to combat the rise of tuck shops. In South Africa, Shoprite's expansion into townships with spaza shops is seen as a strategic move to increase market reach and offer convenience to consumers.
Zimbabwean Farmers Use Organic Repellent to Guard Crops Against Elephants
In Hwange, Zimbabwe, farmers like Mildred Mangwana are using an organic repellent to protect their crops from elephants. The repellent, introduced by Tikobane Trust, is made from ingredients like eggs, garlic, ginger, neem leaves, chillies, and cow dung, and has proven effective in deterring elephants. The Hwange National Park, where the community coexists with wildlife, is facing challenges due to drought and an overpopulation of elephants. The repellent, which is expensive to produce, is a community-driven solution supported by WildAid. It is environmentally friendly and does not harm the elephants. However, the increasing elephant population and the high cost of repellent production pose challenges to sustaining this method. The Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water, Climate and Rural Development in Zimbabwe and ZIMPARKS are also involved in addressing human-wildlife conflicts. Tikobane Trust aims to reduce production costs by growing some ingredients locally.
The Forgotten Children of Zimbabwe's Streets
The article discusses the dire situation of children living on the streets in Zimbabwe, estimated at 150 million worldwide by the United Nations. Dr. Ruth Labode, chairperson of the Health and Child Care Parliamentary Portfolio Committee, criticizes the government's neglect of these individuals. The article highlights the struggles of street children in Harare, including exploitation, abuse, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their access to resources. Personal stories from Nyasha and Rudo Mhondiwa illustrate the harsh realities of street life, including sexual exploitation and the use of condoms as a form of currency. Social worker Tinotenda Marimo from SHRAT calls for government-provided mobile clinics to offer sexual and reproductive health services to street dwellers. The article underscores the lack of care for street children by the government and community leaders, despite the urgent need for action.
The displacement of the Chiadzwa people after the discovery of diamond reserves in Marange produced extreme levels of precarity and marginality
The article by Kovedzayi Takawira discusses the forced displacement of over 1500 families from Chiadzwa, Zimbabwe, in 2003 to make way for diamond mining operations. The families were moved to ARDA Transau Farm without proper social and cultural considerations, leading to a loss of identity and leadership. Clara Magobe, a local resident, expresses her community's feelings of neglect and uncertainty. The article highlights the protests by the Chiadzwa people against their living conditions and exclusion from the diamond wealth. James Mupfumi, Director of the Center for Research and Development (CRD), criticizes the government and companies for the inadequate relocation process. The article also mentions a press conference by a working group advocating for a dedicated government agency to manage displacements and address grievances related to human rights violations.
Ex-prisoner becomes legislator
Yvonne Musarurwa, a Zimbabwean politician and former political prisoner, recounts her harrowing experience of being wrongfully accused and imprisoned for the murder of a police inspector in 2011. She was arrested along with other members of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) and faced torture and solitary confinement in Chikurubi Maximum Prison. Despite being released on bail, she was re-arrested and sentenced to 20 years, only to be acquitted a decade later. During her imprisonment, she fought for the voting rights of prisoners, a cause she continues to champion as a Proportional Representative Member of Parliament after being granted presidential amnesty and elected by voters. The article also touches on the lack of voter education for prisoners by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the internal split within the MDC-T party.
Mother-daughter team harvests first hydroponic farming crops
Tinodaishe Mukarati, a young entrepreneur from Harare, Zimbabwe, has successfully developed a hydroponic farming business in her mother's backyard, which has now expanded to two farms. This innovative farming method, which does not use soil and is less labor-intensive, allows for the production of clean and healthy crops. Hydroponics is particularly advantageous in Zimbabwe, where climate change has led to a shortage of farming land. Mukarati's business not only meets the high demand for vegetables but also provides educational opportunities as she trains others in hydroponic farming. The article highlights the benefits of hydroponics, such as environmental protection, reduced water usage, and the potential for continuous crop supply.
Zimbabwean political activist recounts time behind bars
Makomborero Haruzivishe, a Zimbabwean political activist, recounts his experiences of being imprisoned for nearly a year on charges he claims are false. Arrested on February 17, 2021, for kidnapping and other charges, he was released on bail in January 2022. Haruzivishe details the harsh conditions faced in prison, including beatings by guards and severe overcrowding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these challenges, he worked to educate fellow inmates about their rights and encouraged them to protest against mistreatment. The US Embassy in Zimbabwe's 2021 Human Rights report corroborates the existence of significant human rights issues in the country. Haruzivishe's activism began in high school and continued through his university years, where he fought for the right to free education.
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