Hot Topics Online ................. *Dad hugs kombi driver who killed his daughter* *Zimbabwe held to 1-1 draw by Niger in friendly encounter* *ZETDC presses on with prepaid street lighting* (Newsday) ............ ©Zoomic Media https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaD22E27YScxhpM8Re26 *Dad hugs kombi driver who killed his daughter* In a moment that left an entire cemetery hushed in disbelief, a grieving father embraced the man responsible for his daughter's death - offering not vengeance, but forgiveness. Fifteen-year-old Zinhle Mnkandla, a promising Form Three student and cherished choir member, was laid to rest on Monday at Luveve Cemetery following a moving service at Pelandaba Seventh-Day Adventist Church. Zinhle tragically lost her life on Friday after being struck by a speeding commuter omnibus (kombi), driven by Tatenda Pondo. What transpired at her funeral stunned mourners and silenced even the most hardened hearts. "I am setting him free," said Zibusiso Saunyama, Zinhle's father, addressing the hundreds gathered. "It was not his intention. No one is going to be charged for Zinhle's death." As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, a solemn calm hung in the air. Then, in a gesture that will be remembered for years, Saunyama called out, "Where is the driver's family?" Tatenda Pondo, visibly distraught and overwhelmed with guilt, stepped forward. His face streaked with tears, he looked like a man ready to be condemned. But what followed defied expectations. Instead of anger, Saunyama opened his arms. Gasps echoed through the crowd as father and driver embraced — one consumed by the agony of loss, the other crushed by remorse. In a deeply symbolic act, Saunyama removed a flower from his daughter's coffin and handed it to Pondo. "Come," he said. Together, they laid it gently atop the casket. "This is our peace offering," Saunyama declared. "Let us heal." Zinhle, born August 26, 2009, was remembered as a joyful and devoted young girl whose voice lit up her church choir. "She came to choir practice just the day before she died," recalled her tearful teacher. "She loved music with her whole heart. I've lost a daughter." Her friend Nyasha spoke through sobs. "She was my sister in everything but blood. Her smile could light up a room. I'll carry her memory forever." Zinhle's mother, Erica Nhliziyo, was inconsolable throughout the proceedings. Clutching her chest, she had to be held by relatives as she mourned her first-born child. Among the mourners was Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Edwin Ndlovu, who used the tragic occasion to call for urgent transport reforms. "All kombis must be registered under proper associations," he said. "We cannot keep burying our children due to reckless driving." While the day was one of unbearable sorrow, it was also a rare display of profound forgiveness — a reminder of humanity's capacity for grace even in the darkest of hours. Zinhle's voice may be silenced, but her memory — and the powerful message of love and forgiveness her funeral brought — will echo far beyond the grave. Rest in peace, Zinhle. Your song lives on. Source - B-Metro -------- *Zimbabwe held to 1-1 draw by Niger in friendly encounter* The Zimbabwe senior men's national football team was held to a 1-1 draw by Niger in an international friendly match played on Tuesday at Stade Père Jégo Stadium in Morocco. The encounter saw coach Michael Nees field a significantly changed starting eleven from the one that faced Burkina Faso last Friday. Magesi FC shot-stopper Elvis Chipezeze was handed his debut under Nees, while midfielder Jonah Fabisch and striker Tawanda Macheke were also given starts in a reshuffled lineup. Looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat against Burkina Faso, the Warriors made an early statement when Gerald Takwara put them ahead in the 9th minute. The midfielder capitalised on a goalmouth scramble and tapped home from close range to give Zimbabwe the lead. Despite applying pressure throughout the first half, Zimbabwe were unable to breach Niger's defensive line again and went into the halftime break with a narrow 1-0 advantage. In the second half, Nees brought on third-choice goalkeeper Marley Tavaziva, giving the young goalkeeper his senior international debut. However, Tavaziva's maiden outing was blemished in the 71st minute when Niger equalised from the penalty spot. The Warriors nearly reclaimed the lead in the 80th minute, but Walter Musona's powerful effort rattled the crossbar, leaving Zimbabwe to settle for a draw. Tuesday's result marks Michael Nees' fifth draw in ten matches as Warriors head coach. Under his tenure so far, Zimbabwe has managed two victories, suffered three defeats, and drawn five games. While the Warriors continue to show glimpses of promise, results remain inconsistent as Nees works to rebuild the team ahead of future international commitments. Source - NewZimbabwe -------- *ZETDC presses on with prepaid street lighting* (Newsday) The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has vowed to press ahead with its installation of smart prepaid meters for public lighting, despite complaints from local authorities, particularly the Municipality of Chitungwiza, that the project was implemented without formal consultation. ZETDC said the initiative - already underway in Bulawayo and Chitungwiza - is part of a nationwide transition aimed at improving efficiency, reducing losses, and ensuring that municipalities pay for the power they consume.Bulawayo tourism According to documents obtained by NewsDay, ZESA Holdings began formal engagement with councils in June 2024, and issued final notices on May 28, 2025, regarding the prepaid meter installations for streetlights. However, Chitungwiza municipal officials claim they were caught off-guard. Spokesperson Tafadzwa Kachiko said council only received formal communication from ZETDC on June 2, long after installations had already begun. "This project came as a surprise to the local authority," Kachiko said. "ZESA has been installing prepaid meters without any notification to council. The intent may not be bad, but the approach was problematic." Kachiko said the lack of prior coordination has led to service disruptions, including poor lighting and increased reports of night-time muggings in areas where meters were installed but not activated due to lack of top-up arrangements. He added that councillors raised serious concerns during a full council meeting last week, questioning why no joint planning had taken place and how the municipality was expected to budget for recharging the tower lights. In response to the backlash, ZETDC issued a statement defending the project, calling it a forward-looking solution that would modernise energy use and reduce waste. "The meters that we have now put in are smart intelligence, and they open up opportunities for municipalities to save energy," ZETDC said. "Many tower lights are now solar-powered, and these smart meters can even export power back into the grid." ZETDC added that prepaid metering is now the regional standard due to worsening power shortages and financial sustainability concerns. "From 2012, we have been transitioning from post-paid to prepaid systems to match supply and demand. Most new electricity contracts are prepaid across the region." ZETDC insists local authorities were informed of the programme well in advance and had already signed off at operational levels in some areas. In Seke, for instance, 42 out of 72 streetlights have already been converted to prepaid. In Zengeza, 54 out of 128 have been changed, with full installation expected to be complete by June 25. "Our team has worked with council electrical departments. CIUs [Customer Interface Units] and documentation were signed for. Finance departments were engaged regarding billing and migration," ZETDC said. However, ZETDC admitted that some council officials, such as the Zengeza director of works, refused to accept documentation, potentially explaining the disconnect between departments. Power Still Available, Says ZETDC Contrary to reports that some areas were left without lighting, ZETDC clarified that power supply had not been disconnected. "The tower lights have not been switched off. Power is available at the point of use. If council is facing challenges, ZETDC remains available to assist." As tension brews between the utility and local authorities, energy experts are urging improved coordination and transparency in service delivery rollouts. While ZETDC's push for prepaid meters aligns with modern energy management strategies, stakeholders warn that lack of consultation could undermine public trust and disrupt essential services such as street lighting and safety. The controversy underscores the need for clear communication, shared planning, and stakeholder buy-in when implementing infrastructure upgrades that affect communities directly. Source - NewsDay