ZANU PF DCC member for Nyanga Banarbas Mhaka
By Desire Tshuma
Nyanga – Mr Banarbas Mhaka, a member of the Nyanga District Coordinating Committee (DCC), has voiced concerns about the struggles faced by locals in Nyanga, highlighting issues of job exclusion and corruption in the mining sector, at the Presidential Constituency Empowerment Scheme event held at Nyajezi Secondary school on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
The event, attended by a large crowd from Manicaland, saw Presidential Special Advisor Dr. Paul Tungwarara presenting monetary donations, bicycles, and two full trucks of fertilizers to the community.
Mr Mhaka expressed concerns about the lack of job opportunities for locals, particularly in Allied Timber, a company that exploits the district’s natural resources. “It’s disheartening to see people from Harare, Gweru, and Bulawayo getting employed while our youth are left out,” Mhaka said. He also raised concerns about corruption in the mining sector, where locals are being removed from mine claims by individuals from Harare who possess mining certificates.
Furthermore, Mhaka highlighted the plight of Chimbwidos and Mujibas, who played a significant role in the liberation struggle. “Manicaland, particularly Nyanga, was a key crossing point for liberation fighters training in Mozambique. Our Chimbwidos and Mujibas made significant contributions, but they remain unrecognized and unsupported by the government and they are now loosing patience and getting tired of unfulfilled promised after which they were vetted and passed but no compensation have been given to them since 1980 ”
DCC Gender and Culture for Nyanga, Ephraim Sabamba, a war veteran, echoed similar sentiments. “We fought for this country, but our people are still suffering. We need jobs, we need recognition, and we need our share of the resources,” Sabamba said.
Meanwhile, Emily Muchaembera, Manicaland Provincial chairperson for people with disabilities for economic development, praised Dr. Tungwarara’s efforts in including and considering people with disabilities. “Dr. Tungwarara has been a blessing to us. In all seven provinces we’ve visited, he makes sure wheelchairs and white sticks are distributed to people with disabilities, and even fertilisers and other farming inputs are given,” she said.
“Our Zanu pf district office is in a shame state , with a a big party as we are but using plank cabin as an office, as you have a construction company , Special Advisor to the President, can you please consider this ”
Mr Mhaka urged Dr. Tungwarara to convey these concerns to President Mnangagwa, emphasizing the need for local empowerment and recognition of the district’s contributions to the country’s liberation. Dr. Tungwarara assured Cde Mhaka that he would present the issues to the President, who is committed to addressing the challenges facing the country.