MINISTRY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS

MATABELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE

TEL: (0292800) 227/314/334/578 Reference:
All communications should be DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
addressed to: MATEBELELAND SOUTH PROVINCE
DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT P BAG 5813
COORDINATOR ESIGODINI

ZIMBABWE
17 OCTOBER 2022

The Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Office of the President and Cabinet

Matabeleland South Province

GWANDA

RE: UMZINGWANE PROFILE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

UMZINGWANE PROFILE

1.0 INTRODUCTION

Umzingwane District is located north west of Matabeleland South province. It shares common
borders with Insiza on the east, Gwanda on the south east, Matobo on the south, Umguza and
Bulawayo on the west. It is made up of 20 wards.

2.0 NATURAL RESOURCE ENDOWMENTS IN THE DISTRICT

I. Minerals

Umzingwane is endowed with minerals chief of which is gold with deposits scattered across the
district. How mine is the largest mine in the district supported by a lot of small scale mines spread
across the district.

II. Tourism
 Lumene falls
 Matshatsha falls
 Mtshabezi dam
 Diana’s pool
 Orbicular granite
 Gulabatwa caves
 Mtshabezi valley
 Matopo heritage site
 Historical sites:
  Rhodes indaba site (Where Ndebele and white settlers had talks.
 Fort Mlugulu: Have graves for some white settlers who were killed in battle with
Ndebele warriors.
 Rock paintings left by the san and Khoi Khoi communities.
III. Agriculture
IRRIGATION
NAME HA STATE METHOD OF WATER CHALLENGES
IRR SOURCE
KUMBUDZI 10.7 FUNCTIONAL DRIP MTSHABEZI
PIPE LINE
5 FUNCTIONAL HOSE PIPE MTSHABEZI
PIPE LINE
MZINYATHI 32 FUNCTIONAL FLOOD UMZINGWANE CANAL LIKAGES
DAM PIPE LINE FROM
DAM NEEDS
REPLACEMENT
KOMANI 12.5 NON NIL BOREHOLE NO IRRIGATION
FUNCTIONAL EQUIPMENT
NO PROPER
FENCING
ZIMBILI 46 NON NIL DAM ELECTRICITY
FUNCTIONAL TRANSFORMER
REHABILITATION
OF IRRIGATION
EQUIPMENT
PORTBERY 35 PARTIALLY OVER HEAD RIVER STARTER AND
FUNCTIONAL WATER PUMP
NEED REPAIR
DELAPIDATED
FENCE
DUNCAL 14 NON FLOOD DAM NO FENCE
FUNCTIONAL BOREHOLE SILTATION
NEEDS A
RESERVIOR
Nutrition 6, 12, All functional Drip and flood Boreholes Need for improved
gardens 11,7 farmer training
established
 CROP PRODUCTION
The majority of farmers are relying on rain feed production and the major crops produced are
maize, pulses and legumes. There are a number of nutrition gardens which are individually
operated and some are collectively operated. Most gardens practise horticulture production.
Horticulture production needs to be resuscitated.

 SEED BANK
This is situated in ward 11 Dula, its purpose serves to safely store the locally available
traditional seeds
TILLAGE

 Currently we have 2 tractors and one plough in use. This has made us fail in providing
efficient service to farmers. We need a fleet of 6 fully equipped tractors to be able to provide
a good service. But with all things equal one tractor per ward will be the best.
 LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION
 Classes of livestock produced are cattle, shoats, poultry and rabbits. As for cattle and goats,
production is commercial and stud breeding. The district has 5 cattle stud breeders.
 DISEASE CONTROL
A veterinary service is providing services to curb diseases and other animal conditions as per
animal health act. Dipping is controlled by farmers who are now contributing to buy own
dipping resources under the self-financing dipping model.

 FEED LOTS
There are 3 feedlots (ward 6, ward and ward 12) which are non-functional. Main reason is
that there are no cattle for fattening. There is need to revisit these feedlots and make further
investigations to see how they can be brought to use.
 HAY BAILING
Individual farmers are bailing and 2004 hay bales have been recorded, bales are obtained from
veld grasses and grown velvet beans. More needs to be done in this area for the following
reasons:

1. Maximum utilisation of small A2 farms

2. As a strategy to curb veld fires
3. To increase value for land
4. To commercialise fodder production
5. To improve Livestock quality and reduce mortality(poverty related deaths)

 DAIRY PRODUCTION
Wards 5,6,13,17,18,20 have dairy activities, ward 17, 18 is sending to Kershelmar, wards
5,6,13 are producing for Mawabeni milk centre. This is an area with potential to grow. Need
to invest more time and resources.

IV. Indigenous Trees and Fruits

 Umbumbulu fruit
 Uxakuxaku
 Umqokolo
 Thatch grass
 Umtshwankela
 Ihabahaba
 Umnyi
 Umviyo
 Sour plum
 Umkhemeswane
 Umtshekisane
 Amarula
 Acacia pods
 Amacimbi
 Monkey bread

CHALLENGES GVT. INTERVENTIONS TO BE IMPLEMENTED

Few agro dealer shops Introduce an agro dealer at every ward
Poor net work Install more boosters
Dilapidated roads Tarring roads will lead to a lasting solution
Water shortages for human and livestock Drilling of more solar-powered boreholes
consumption and sinking of deep-wells where drilling is
impossible
Food insecurity Introduction of new farming techniques and
 establishment of irrigated nutrition gardens
Dry boreholes(3) GVT should engage professional water
surveyors when identifying borehole sites
Poor nutrition GVT to establish irrigation schemes along
Mtshabezi pipe line(5 take off points have
not been utilised)
Non-functioning of some irrigation Introduce the ARDA business model in all
schemes schemes. Enrolment of new energetic
members. Old members claim ownership
and are no longer capable. We need Govt to
take control of schemes and bring in new
membership
Shortage of tillage equipment Revitalisation of DDF and Mechanisation to
meet tillage requirements.
Major dams

1. Inyankuni
2. Lower Ncema
3. Upper Ncema
4. Umzingwane
5. Mtshabezi

Supported by 21 small dams. Most of the water in the major dam is used by Bulawayo city council.

INTRODUCTION

The report will focus on 2022 Social Services Programs. It will highlight on the
achievements attained and the challenges encountered. Recommendations will also be made
to enable effective achievement of set goals.
The social services report will be drawn from the following Departments
 Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
 Ministry of Women affairs Community…CSMED
 Ministry of Health and Child Care
 Ministry of Youth ,Sports, Arts and Recreation
 Social Development

2.0 .SOCIAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT

2. 1. Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MOPSE)

MOPSE has the following programs that have been in place in 2022

 PLAN International Funded Programs; Payment of fees for vulnerable Adolescent

Girls and Young Women under the Dreams Educational Subsidies Program, DREAMS
Guidance and Counselling focusing on Comprehensive sexuality. The assistance by PLAN
includes Tuition fees, Levies, Stationery, Uniforms, Examination fees and Sanitary Pads
1225 learners drawn from 16 secondary schools benefiting.
 CAMFED funded Programs: Payment of fees for Marginalised female learners. The
assistance includes provision of Uniforms, Sanitary Pads, Groceries and Stationery.453
learners from 16 secondary schools benefiting.
CAMFED also Supports Mother support Groups Projects where women are assisted
with capital to initiate income generating projects.
 CAMFED Learner guides program where Secondary school Learners are taught
Guidance and Counselling/ Life skills.
All the above programs are implemented in in 16 Umzingwane Secondary Schools and
the programs are on going
 BEAM: Basic Assistance Education Module; Vulnerable children drawn from 45
Primary Schools and 17 Secondary Schools are getting school fees assistance from this
program. The program set to benefit :
Primary level learners : Boys 2229 and Girls 2174 Total is 4403 Secondary learners :
Boys 1355 and Girls 445 Total is 1800 .All BEAM beneficiaries primary and secondary
is 6203 learners drawn from 62 schools.
 SCHOOLS FEEDING: The District has been benefiting from the Nutrimeal Porridge
schools feeding program. All 45 schools (16533 Learners benefiting). The program
started in 2019 and has been operational up to 2022. Term 2. The depletion of supplies
in term 3, 2023 has halted the program. However the program is set to resume as soon
as supplies are made.
 CHILD PROTECTION; As a way of protecting the vulnerable child and promoting
inclusivity, a Resource centre located at Longfield Primary School that caters for
Learners with disability was established. An assessment of 28 children and subsequent
provision of 3 Hearing Aids was made. Program funded by World Vision. The program
has been stalled due to unavailability of resources.
 MICRO PROJECTS FOR CHILD PROTECTION; Swazi High School supported through
the provision of broiler chicks to support vulnerable children in ward 6 and 7. The
program receives funding from world vision.
SCHOOLS Support; Provision of Stationery and 12 ECD Play Centre Equipment and 356
ECD furniture distributed to 12 Primary Schools. 792 textbooks distributed to 3 schools.
The program is funded by world vision and is operational in ward 3. 4. 5. 6 and 7

2, 2 .MINISTRY OF WOMEN AFFAIRS C0MMUNITY, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

DEVELOPMENT

 Gender Mainstreaming one stop Centre; the program that is implemented in

Partnership with ZWLA and ZFU has led to the establishment of a one stop centre to
cater for Gender based Violence Survivors. The one stop centre is located at the District
Hospital.
 One stop centre: 30 female survivors and 7 male survivors.
 Shelter: 10 women were given shelter.
 Safe Spaces; other programs include the provision of shelter and safe spaces for
Gender Based Violence Survivors. 60 women were funded in wards 2, 14 ,16 and 20
 Gender Based Violence Survivors Capacitation; Under the UNDP Initiative the GBV
Survivors receive funding and training to facilitate the establishment of income
generating projects. Viable projects are in place. 150 women and 70 men were assisted.

2.3 MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE

 COVID 19 vaccination Blitz; Vaccination successfully carried out in all the 20 wards
targeting all 63 schools. Over 70% of eligible learners vaccinated
 Other programs initiated by Ministry of Health and Child care include Measles and
Rubella Vaccination, Polio Vaccination Campaign and Vitamin A
supplementation .HPV. EPI and VMMC For Children
 TYPE OF VACCINE DOSE NUMBER VACCINATED
ROUND 1 Covid 19 Dose 1 9685
Dose 2 3109
Dose 3 1044
Round 2 Covid 19 Dose 1 1284
Dose 2 1550
Dose 3 225
Covid 19 blitz Dose 1 366
Dose 2 160
Dose 3 250
Measles rubella 6- 11 months 727
12- 59 months 6537

AWET Programs; Trainings on Covid 19 Prevention Protocols and Child Protection

focusing on Behaviour change.

The above programs were conducted in all the 20 wards inclusive of schools during 2022
period.

2. 4 MINISTRY OF YOUTH, SPORT ARTS AND RECREATION

 DAY OF AFRICAN CHILD; The Program sponsored by world Vision and successfully
conducted at Matshetshe Primary School in ward 3. The program has become an annual
event.
 FOOTBALL AND NETBALL TOURNAMENT; The tournament successfully conducted in
Ward 4 and its on-going and supported by World Vision.
 DRUG AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE AMONG YOUTHS.
Conducted drug and substance abuse awareness campaign in 20 wards that is ward 1 up
to 20.This was done through arts sports festival with the help of stake holders and other
partners.
Also junior call and MP elections were held and induction sessions were conducted.
 Youth Volunteers engaged in development processes.

2.5 OTHER PROGRAMS SUPPORTED BY WORLD VISION

 CCMP (Church Community Mobilisation Program} Successful Training of 18 Leaders in

community mobilization for development.
 Training on Faith and Development
 Training on Disaster Preparedness and Response of the community members
 Support extension services, community Vitamin A supplement in ward 3,4,5,6 and 7.
 Support access to water in health centres.
3. MAJOR CHALLENGES
 Drought. This has affected sources of income, thereby leading to an escalation in
the number of vulnerable children in need of safety nets.
 Depletion of food supplies that has led to the suspension of feeding programs
 Delay in the disbursement of funds for speedy implementation of some of the
social services projects...
 Transport constraints encountered to enable Vaccination teams to smoothly
carry out their programs.
  Failure by some members of the community to embrace MoHCC Programs such
as Vaccination.
 Lack of Secondary Schools in resettlement areas. We only have 1 Secondary School
servicing both ward 14 and 19 and most pupils from ward 19 drop out of school
after Grade 7 and only a few proceed to Form 1 in Umguza Schools.
 4. RECOMMENDATIONS
 Disbursements of funds to be expedited to enable smooth running of
schools.eg BEAM.
 Appeal for additional support from Partners to enable funding of all projects.
 Intensify training especially on the running of income generating projects
disaster risk reduction and Gender Based violence.
 Sensitization on the need for Vaccination and other Health related issues to
be intensified.

3.0 MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE AVAILABLE IN THE DISTRICT \

The district has the following major infrastructure:

1. Roads: Main Road State Owned

1. Bulawayo Beitbridge Main High Way (Tarred)

2. Bulawayo Mutare High Way (Tarred)
3. Bulawayo Old Gwanda Road (Gravel)

2. District Feeder Roads

1. Mawabeni Dula
2. Esigodini Mpisini
3. Mawabeni Sibomvu
4. Sigola Worringham
5. Bushtick Road
6. Esigodini Gadadi, among others

3. DDF Roads

1. Mawabeni-Kumbudzi-Dula C72101. 43 Dumping and Grading

2. Sibomvu-Mlomoliwoto. C72203. 9 Dumping and Grading
3. Sigola-Sihlengeni. C72301. 8 Grading
4. Ntshamathe-Mbizo. C72302. 7 In Progress
5. Irisvale RB72101. 32. Grading
6. Dobi-Sotshe. C72106. 22. In Progress

Comments: The district road network is sufficient such that you can be able to connect to any part of
the country from the district.

Challenges: Funds allocated for maintenance of roads are not adequate hence the present state of the
roads.

State Roads: Whilst the state roads passing through the district are trafficable, there is need for re-
surfacing and pot-hole patching. The toll gate has taken too long to complete thereby inconveniencing
motorists.

SOCIAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Health: 3 Government Clinics

8 Council Clinics

Comments: Some clinics in the district are still under construction with Phase 1 having been
completed. Shortage of funds is affecting the completion of these structures.

District Hospital: There is a serious need for this service, presently the identified land has logistical
challenges thereby hindering its construction.

Colleges

Esigodini district is home to the Agricultural College and Esigodini Youth Centre for the vocational
courses. We have also the Public Service Training Centre.

Schools

The district has several primary and secondary schools, however, there is still need to upgrade
primary and secondary school infrastructure in newly resettled communities. Some pupils are walking
long distances.

Challenges

1. Lack of adequate infrastructure for the learners at newly resettled areas.

2. Lack of funding e.g. in a PSIP Project at Ntabende Primary School by the Government, funds
never came.
3. Some learners at newly resettled areas are walking long distances of up to 14 km.

RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

1. Habane Township - Infills

2. Habane Extension (Mramba/Emlanjeni)
3. Mawabeni Rural Service Centre
4. Sibomvu Rural Service Centre
5. Fern-Spruit Low/Medium Density
6. Ncema Park Low Density

Comments: These are self-funded residential properties, construction is very slow due to the
economic challenges in the country and lack of players in the industry. There is no institutional
development due to funding constraints.

OFFICES

1. World Vision Offices: Under construction at the council premises 80% complete awaiting
painting and electrical.
2. Veterinary Offices: Stand fenced, awaiting contractor to do buildings.
3. EMA Offices: Completed
4. Solarisation of Agricultural College: Administration Block, Complete including street
lights

ZESA GRID

1. Sibomvu Zhilo L.T Line - Complete

2. Bezha Kumbudzi L.T Line - Complete
3. Matshetshe Nhlekiyana L.T Line - Complete
Comments: These are some of the rural electrification programmes targeting business centres,
schools and clinics.

TELONE

1. Digital Exchange

2. Fibre installations local, Mawabeni Secondary and Primary, Mbalabala Barracks, for Internet
Connections.

3. Satellite Stations, Whole district, Mbizingwe, Shale, Falcon College, Clinics, Schools

ZINWA

Upgrading of Mzingwane Habane delivery line - Complete

There is a serious shortage of water due to the low rainfall last season and water rationing from
Bulawayo City Council.

Since the inception of devolution from 2019 Umzingwane Rural District Council as of date has
received a total of ZWL$218 663 000.00 and has implemented various projects. These include
procurement of plant, equipment and construction of Shale Clinic among others. The table below
projects implemented with disbursed funds;

TABLE 1; DEVOLUTION PROJECTS IMPLEMENTED

PROGRAMMES/ SCOPE OF WORKS WARD IMPLEMENTING

PROJECT COVERAGE AGENCY

EMEGENCY REPAIR  Bayethe primary- Ward 6,12,14 Umzingwane RDC

WORKS repair of 2 and 19
classroom blocks
roof cover
 Impu primary-
repair of floors in 3
classroom blocks,
crack sealing walls
 Nswazi clinic staff
house renovations-
 Zimbili staff houses
renovations x2
PLANT MAINTAINANCE  Refuse truck All the 20 wards Umzingwane RDC
AND REPAIRS repairs1
 Tipper truck repair
 TLB repairs and
maintenance

CONSTRUCTION OF  Construction of a Ward 8 Umzingwane RDC

SHALE CLINIC staff house, clinic
ward, incinerator
and auto way.
 Fencing of the
premises
  Equipping the clinic
with beds,
resuscitation
equipment and
benches
ICT  Supply and All 20 wards Umzingwane RDC
installation of
server
 Purchase of
14*desktops
 Purchase of
8*laptops
 Purchase of screen
5*ups
 Procurement of
software,
maintenance of the
system and
upgrades of
software

WASH 
Zimbili clinic- Wards 16 and 19 Umzingwane RDC
borehole drilling,
electrification and
equipping
 Emlanjeni borehole
flushing and
equipping
 Emlanjeni water
reticulation-pipe
laying of phase 2 of
the project
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & EMPOWERMENT

This report is on economic & empowerment projects in Umzingwane District. The report will look at
projects for 2022 and plans for 2023 where possible the challenges and recommendations will be
given below.

1. Market place
This is being done in ward 16 by MWCSMED with the support from a development partner called
Katswe Sistahood. This market will be of great economic value to the district.

Comments

All the trainings have been done and procurements .The December target can be matched.

2. Projects Funding
This is being done in ward 11 where MWACSMED through women’ development bank.

One youth got funding from Empower bank and has since started repaying the loan.

Comments
Only one project was funded under community development.

1. Community Development Fund & Women Development Fund.

This is going to be in four wards and MWACSMED is the implementing agent.

Comments

Call for project proposals: ZCDF & WDF for community projects, Women & vulnerable groups in
the community has been done.

2. Livelihoods projects
With the help from partners like SNV, Plan International, CAMFED and World vision MoYSAR
have managed to assist vulnerable youth in the district to kick start livelihood projects.

a. SNV: is supporting youth in small breeds, goats and fodder production.

b. CAMFED: support the girl child with grants and loans to their beneficiaries.
c. World Vision: support the community with poultry project and leather works.
d. Plan international : is sponsoring in school income generating activities in ten schools

3. Mining
There are a number of mines in the district which provide livelihoods to a number of people including
youths. The major mineral found in the district is Gold. Major mines are 11 owned by males and one
owned by a female. Most of the youths are doing it on a small scale and needs assistance to get their
mine registered and get funding. Currently 10 males and 5 females are operating legally in the district.

Comments

A number of illegal mining is happening in the district. Recently some local miners pledged to
support youth miners as well as those interested in starting mining.

4. Business
There are a number of business centre providing a number of economic activities. The following are
some of the major business centres; Esigodini, Habane, Mawabeni, Mathendele, Mbalabala, Silobi,
Dula, Kumbudzi, Irisvale, Mpisini. All in all there are sixteen business centres. Most of the shops are
into groceries and clothing.

5. Agriculture
Agriculture is the backbone of the country and Umzingwane is one of the farming district as well. The
major crops are maize, sorghum, groundnuts and wheat. The district is blessed with sweet veld which
results in good breeds of cattle and goats. The district is home to small breeds like poultry.

Challenges:

 Limited resources/budgets
 Bureaucracy in availing and facilitating funds
Recommendations:

 Seeking partners for financial assistance and other resources.

 Have budget for all planned programs.
 Devolution money to be increased