Beyond the Misinformation: Understanding Autism
World Autism Awareness Day was first designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 2007. The resolution, known as ‘62/139’, declared April 2nd as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to improve the quality of life of individuals with autism so they can lead full and meaningful lives. Since then, every year, organisations, […]
Zimbabweans are not happy, they are only better able to navigate and cope with life’s stresses
CLAIM: ‘Zimbabwe is third happiest country in Africa according to the 2024 Mental State of the World Report.’ SOURCE: NewZimbabwe.com VERDICT: Misleading On 15 March 2024, NewZimbabwe.com, an online publication posted a message on its X (formerly Twitter) account claiming that Zimbabwe is the third happiest African country’. The claim further states that this is […]
Marriage certificates issued after September 2022 under Chapter 5:11 are defective BUT this does not render your marriage null and void
CLAIM: ‘If you got married after September 2022 and your marriage certificate says Chapter 5:11, you must get the marriage certificate amended at the Marriages Registry otherwise the marriage is null and void. It should read chapter 5:17.’ SOURCE: WhatsApp message VERDICT: Misleading. Authorities have indicated that there is a pending statutory instrument to correct […]
Malaba benefited from a change in retirement age, not term limit. The term remains 15 years and he is set to serve 9
CLAIM: Incumbent Malaba benefited from a term limit change. Courts set a precedence (sic). SOURCE: Account on X (formerly X) VERDICT: False There have been recent allegations on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF urging him to go for a third term, when the current one ends in 2028. Many articles have been written on the […]
No safe spaces: At least 49 percent of girls and women have been abused by their partners
CLAIM: At least 49% of ever-married adolescent girls and women aged 15-49 years have experienced some form of emotional, physical, or sexual violence committed by their current/recent partner. SOURCE: UNFPA on X (formerly Twitter) account VERDICT: True Gender-based violence is defined as violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects […]
Hold your horses: the Eswatini government is not about to fulfil anyone’s polygamy dreams
CLAIM: There is shortage of men in Eswatini SOURCE: Social Media post VERDICT: False Take off to a foreign country. Get there and find at LEAST 5 women waiting to marry you. Get married and have houses ready for occupation. All at the government’s expense. Sounds too good to be true? Yep. That’s because it […]
Did Obasanjo urge President Tinubu to get advice from the Zimbabwean government on how to address inflation? Not really
CLAIM: Former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, also Brenthurst Foundation chair, has advised Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu to engage the government of Zimbabwe and get advice on how to address the current unprecedented level of inflation Nigeria is facing. SOURCE: Account on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: Misleading On March 6, 2024, an account on X, […]
Number of Food-insecure Zimbabweans: a tale of misquotes and opaque data figures
CLAIM: 26% of 15,1 million is 3,926,000 not 2,715,717 as you portray. Your figure is wrong by over 1,2 million. How can the Govt make such a grave mistake on such a life and death policy issue? SOURCE: Fadzayi Mahere, on X (formerly, Twitter) VERDICT: Partly true but based on incorrect data. In short 26% […]
No end to US sanctions on Zim while ZIDERA remains in place
CLAIM: The United States has terminated sanctions on Zimbabwe which has (sic) been in place since 2003. Source: Sophie Mokoena on X (formerly Twitter) Verdict: Misleading On the 4th of March 2024, President Joseph R. Biden of the United States of America issued an executive order on Zimbabwe, and really threw the cat among the […]
Paracetamol with ‘Machupo virus’ message is an old hoax
CLAIM: Paracetamol P/500 contains Machupo virus SOURCE: WhatsApp groups VERDICT: False An old claim has once again resurfaced. The message circulating on WhatsApp claims that a certain brand of paracetamol tablets contain the Machupo virus. The text reads, ‘Be careful not to take the paracetamol that comes written P/500. It is a new, very white […]
Chill Zimbabwe, your army ain’t all that. Not beyond the borders at least
CLAIM: Besides being the most powerful military in Africa (Ground Force),did you know that ZNA has the most and highly trained officers in the Continent? SOURCE: An Account on X (Twitter) VERDICT: False A post on an X (formerly Twitter) account using the name and picture of former Buhera Member of Parliament, Joseph Chinotimba (it […]
FactSheet: Land ownership and administration in Zimbabwe
On the 6th of February 2024, a local publication, The Masvingo Mirror on X formerly Twitter, had a post to the effect that several villagers in Masvingo Province had appeared at the Gutu Magistrates Court charged with illegal settlement on state land. This includes land bought illegally in resettlement, communal and urban areas. In a […]
Zimbabwe a Christian nation? Nope, just a regular secular one
CLAIM: Zimbabwe is a Christian Nation SOURCE: Vice President Constantine Chiwenga VERDICT: False The question of whether Zimbabwe is a Christian country or not, is not new. It comes up regularly, like clockwork, whenever issues of morality, women’s dressing and, of course, sexual orientation are discussed. In recent days, the question rose to the fore […]
Often used picture is not of Nelson Chamisa but Sanderson Makombe
CLAIM: A young Nelson Chamisa (left) is consoled by the late Morgan Tsvangirai after sharing his ordeal at the hands of state security agents at an opposition rally. SOURCE:The NewsDay VERDICT: False The Newsday newspaper in an opinion piece it ran on February 9, used a picture and captioned it as; “A young Nelson Chamisa(left) […]
Pagan or Christian holiday? Who cares. Love is in the air!!
February 14 across the globe, Zimbabwe included, is associated with love and exchange of gifts between lovers, in what is known as Valentine’s Day. But have you ever wondered how this day came into being? Below are some beliefs about Valentine’s Day, whose history dates back to ancient Rome and Victorian England. Valentine’s Day was […]
The Supreme Court has not ordered ZESA to pay $33 million – or any other amount – to Wicknell Chivayo
CLAIM: Zimbabwe Supreme Court has ordered ZESA to pay Wicknell Chivayo US$33 million. SOURCE: COZWVA on their X (formerly Twitter) page VERDICT: False On Wednesday, February 7th, a tweet by COZWVA claimed that the Supreme Court has ordered the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) to pay controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo US$33 million for the former’s […]
Binga North MP has not dumped Parliament
CLAIM: Binga North Member of Parliament (MP) Prince Dubeko Sibanda has become the latest to dump the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) in solidarity with its former President Nelson Chamisa. SOURCE: NewZimbabwe.com VERDICT: Misleading In an article published by an online publication, Newzimbabwe.com on February 3, 2024, under the headline: “Prince Dubeko Sibanda dumps Parliament for Chamisa, as […]
ACF not offering free surgeries to breast cancer patients
CLAIM: Africa Cancer Foundation (ACF) will be offering free breast cancer surgeries to women SOURCE: WhatsApp VERDICT: False (old message been re-circulated) In a post that widely circulated on WhatsApp on Sunday, February 4, 2024, the author (identity not known) invites people who know of any women suffering from breast cancer, to advise them to […]
Overstepping: no, chiefs do not have powers to seize property to settle debt owed to schools
CLAIM: With all authority vested in me, I have got the right and privilege to seize your property. SOURCE: Chief Maduna VERDICT: False In a video clip circulating on social media, a man believed to be Chief Vezi Maduna of Insiza District in Matabeleland South, claims that as a chief he has powers to seize […]
No, Tshabangu was not blocked from signing NERA MoU
CLAIM: NERA blocks Sengezo Tshabangu from Signing MOU in Bulawayo SOURCE: Spikedmedia and Zimeye VERDICT: False On 25 January 2024, an online media publication, Spikedmedia, carried a story headlined: “NERA Blocks Sengezo Tshabangu from Signing MOU in Bulawayo.” The article by one Edward Makuzva, claims the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) on 24 January 2024 […]
No, the University of Zimbabwe is not offering free online courses
CLAIM: The University of Zimbabwe if offering free online courses SOURCE: Facebook VERDICT: False, a circulation sent by a Facebook page is a scam. A Facebook page by the name of CICI Merchandise Store on January 27 sent a post on the platform encouraging people to apply for free online courses offered by the University […]
Yes, Zimbabwe is one of two African countries which are wheat self-sufficient
CLAIM: Zimbabwe is one of the only two African countries which are wheat self-sufficient SOURCE: Nick Mangwana on X, formerly Twitter VERDICT: True Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, on January 17, 2024, claimed that Zimbabwe remained one of the only two African countries that are wheat self-sufficient […]
No, this video of a collapsed building does not show a school in Binga
CLAIM: Binga school collapses SOURCE: Account on X VERDICT: False An account on X, @shepherdyuda, has claimed that a video that has been circulating on social media is of a school in Binga, a district in the western part of Zimbabwe. The video shows rescue efforts to get school children from underneath a grass thatched […]
Yes, an average of 2000 people die in RTAs every year; if you trust ZRP figures
CLAIM: An average 2 000 people die every year on the country’s roads SOURCE: The NewsDay VERDICT: True, when using Zimbabwe’s own data and definition. Every time a person between the ages of 5 – 29 gets on the road, they face a high risk of dying. The risk increases if they are a pedestrian. […]
Yes, Zimbabwe does have 16 official languages
CLAIM: Zimbabwe has 16 official languages SOURCE: Africa Facts Zone on X, formerly Twitter VERDICT: True Zimbabwe is home to almost 16 million people. 15,178,979, to be exact, as of the 20th of April 2022. The country is home to people of diverse cultures and languages. The question of Zimbabwe’s official languages has been a […]
If you registered after June 3, 2023 and are in the 6 constituencies having by elections, you are now eligible to vote
Zimbabwe is due to hold by elections on February 3 2024. These will be for 6 National Assembly seats and 28 local authority wards. On 14 November Sengezo Tshabangu recalled 13 National Assembly Members, 5 senators and 31 councillors belonging to the Citizens Coalition of Change. Of the 13 National Assembly seats, 6 are constituency […]
Lightning can strike your home several times and no, it hasn’t been sent by your enemies. It’s just science and geography
CLAIM: Lightning does not strike the same place twice. SOURCE: Account on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: False It’s the rainy season in Zimbabwe and already a number of lightning strikes have occurred and fatalities recorded. Zimbabwe is prone to lightning strikes and was once entered into the Guinness book of records for the highest number […]
What would happen if CCC candidates pulled out of Parliament?
Zimbabwe’s laws do not expressly address a situation where a party withdraws it’s members from Parliament, except when it’s a recall. There are two ways, however, in which Parliamentarians belonging to the Citizens Coalition for Change can pull out of Parliament. According to Section 129 (b) of the Constitution they can resign in writing to […]
Not so fast, do not leave your passport when travelling to Botswana
CLAIM: Passports no longer required when travelling between Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 and Botswana 🇧🇼. SOURCE: Dr Anywhere Mutambudzi on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: Misleading Zimbabwe and Botswana have been trending following reports that the two countries have suspended the use of passports for its citizens to cross into each other’s countries. Chief Director Strategic Communications in […]
If you want a customary marriage and your culture believes in lobola, you have only one option – pay
CLAIM: Men can now pay lobola only if they want to as bride price is now a moral decision rather than a mandated legal necessity under the New Marriages Act. SOURCE: The Chronicle VERDICT: Misleading The not so new Marriage Act – having commenced in September 2022 – brought with it a number of changes. […]
No, SABC video not AI generated but old resurfacing from 2017
CLAIM: That’s an AI generated video that has NOTHING to do with SABC SOURCE: X, formerly Twitter VERDICT: False A video of the South African Broadcasting Corporation claiming that a new cabinet has been announced by President Emmerson Mnangagwa with Oppah Muchinguri as one of the vice presidents has surfaced. The video has been shared […]
Yes, white rules the sky. White is the most efficient colour for airplanes
SUMMARY: It’s not by chance that most planes are white with splashes of color on logos and tails. The white color contributes to the safety of the plane. Additional colors add weight, and mess up the efficiency of the plane. CLAIM: There is a reason why most airplanes have the white color. These machines take […]
Yes, while stock theft attracts stiffer sentences than rape in some instances, rape can get you life
CLAIM: Zimbabwe stock theft attracts a stiffer sentence than rape in some instances SOURCE: Account on X, formerly Twitter VERDICT: True While it is true that in Zimbabwe stock theft attracts a stiffer sentence than rape in some instances, its not as simple as that. Zimbabwe has in the past grappled with inconsistencies in the […]
Donkey milk not ‘pure’ but contains low fat content. More research needed to determine its healing properties
CLAIM: Donkey milk is characterized by its purity, containing no bacteria and boasting low fat content… research has indicated that donkey milk contains essential amino acids that support cardiovascular health, help in the treatment of thrombosis, and combat common ailments like colds. SOURCE: Takuwa Natural Products VERDICT: Partly True A Botswana company is seeking to […]
No, picture is not from Gukurahundi
CLAIM: Picture is of ‘Nkosilathi Ndlovu a victim of Zimbabwe’s Gukurahundi’. SOURCE: @auzqn on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: False Recontextualised images have become quite common on social media platforms. Recontextualized media is any image, video, or audio clip that has been taken out of its original context and reframed for an entirely different purpose or […]
FunCheck: Yes, expagorate is not an English word
CLAIM: Expagorate is not a word. SOURCE: Rudo Manyere on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: True How many Zimbabweans have used, or at least know, the word ‘expagorate’? Some call it ‘espagorate’ and even have a noun to go with it – ‘espagoration’. Many, if the responses to the post are anything to go by. Users […]
No, Prof Mthuli Ncube is not a member of Parliament and has never been
CLAIM: The constitution allows the President to appoint up to 7 (people) into Cabinet without them having been elected into Parliament. They automatically become members of Parliament with the same rights privileges and obligations as constituency MPs. Mthuli is already a member Parliament, he doesn’t need to represent a constituency to be there. He is […]
No, doctor who performed groundbreaking surgery on an unborn foetus is neither Chivayo nor Zimbabwean
CLAIM: A Zimbabwean doctor, Dr Chris Chivayo, cut a woman’s baby out of her womb at 21 weeks and successfully operated on it and took out a tumor, then placed the baby back in the mother’s womb. SOURCE: @blavkredd on X (formerly Twitter) VERDICT: False With the advance in technology, medical miracles have become common. […]
EXPLAINER: Parliamentary Recalls – What role does the speaker play?
The recall of members of parliament and councillors elected under the Citizens Coalition for Change, Zimbabwe’s main opposition party, has caused quite a stir and debate within Zimbabwean social and mainstream media here and here. In a letter stamped on the 3rd of October 2023 by the Parliament of Zimbabwe, Sengezo Tshabangu,who signed off as […]
NO, WFP is not providing cash assistance via a questionnaire. Beware of scams
CLAIM: World Food Programme providing cash assistance through questionnaire, $800 at stake SOURCE: Social Media (WhatsApp) VERDICT: FALSE, the organisation is not offering any cash assistance through such a process. It’s a scam. A message supposedly from the World Food Programme (WFP) has gone viral on WhatsApp, claiming that the non-governmental organisation is giving people […]