By A Correspondent- The Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe has clarified on pictures doing the rounds on social media portraying a bin full of bond coins reflecting to have been withdrawn from the bank.
The bank said there is nothing illegal about the bank disbursing such an amount to their client, since everything was done above board.
The pictures caused a stir among netizens with most people alleging that the coins had been leaked to the parallel market.
Read the CBZ notice:
STATEMENT ON PICTURES OF BIN CONTAINER WITH BOND COINS CIRCULATING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
In response to social media publications circulating, we would like to advise members of the public that CBZ Bank Limited conducted internal investigations regarding the issue raised.
The results confirm that a withdrawal of $1 and $0.25 bond coins took place at one of our Branches. The withdrawal, by a corporate customer, in the gaming business, was an authorised transaction that fulfilled regulatory requirements.
The funds in the container were a display of a subsequent pay-out to a punter at the aforementioned corporate customers’ premises.
By A Correspondent- The school head of Ntombankala Secondary School in Zhombe has reportedly gone into hiding after parents bayed for his blood linking him to a satanism scare rocking the school.
The school head, Edson Dube, reportedly fled the school following the mysterious death of a Form Four pupil who fell into a trance linked to satanism.
The death of the girl soon after writing her last Ordinary Level examination paper reportedly opened a can of worms as more pupils fell into trances calling out the school head’s name.
This, according to a source, did not go down well with the parents who called for a meeting with the head and village heads.Dube reportedly did not attend the funeral of the deceased pupil and ordered teachers to shun the funeral, further inviting the wrath of the parents who resorted to the use of force.
Dube could not be reached for comment as his phone went unanswered. Kwekwe District Schools Inspector Bernard Mazambani confirmed the development but said he was yet to get a written report.
“It is still rumours because the matter is yet to get to my office formally. I asked for a written report of which I will be able to comment after seeing a formal report,”said Mazambani.
He said Dube had applied for leave.
“I am told the head applied for leave. He did not run away from school as far as I know,” said Mazambani.
But a source close to the happenings said the situation had degenerated into chaos as more children became hysterical calling out the head’s name.
“It is chaotic at the school as we speak. Children are still falling into trances and to make matters worse, some are now falling while at home. Everyone wants answers from the school head but he is nowhere to be seen,” said the source.
Dube, the source revealed, transferred from Zvishavane to the current school.
Zanu-PF national political commissar in the Youth League, Godfrey Tsenengamu has called on young people to protest against the RBZ and corrupt, “useless” Ministers.
“This is time to demonstrate at RBZ. It’s time to defend the interests of the dispensation. (It’s) time to physically remove money changers on the streets.
“It’s time to block useless Ministers from getting to offices. The young people are the vanguard and should defend revolutionary gains lest posterity will harshly judge us,” Tsenengamu said.
Another youth leader, Tendai Chirau, urged the central bank to speedily deal with the matter. Chirau, who is the Zanu-PF Youth League’s national secretary for administration, says it should only take “seconds” to find out where the notes emanated from.
“Finding the bank which sent the new notes to the black market should not take seconds. The people who are the confidence builders need answers,” Chirau said.
Meanwhile, Government has said the central bank has launched investigations into the release of bulk, newly minted notes into the streets.
“Government through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is investigating allegations of abuse of newly released bank notes. Cash was collected by banks using their CIT (cash in transit) vehicles on Monday. All serial numbers were recorded in the register.
“The offending banks will be named and severe action taken,” said the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services on social media this morning.
The new notes were released into the public from Tuesday via banks, with each client having a maximum withdrawal limit of only ZWL$300. The aim is to ease liquidity which had resulted in a multi-tier pricing system.
By A Correspondent- ZAPU activists, who on Tuesday forced the temporary closure of the Catholic mission-run St Anne’s Brunapeg Nursing School in Mangwe, Matabeleland South province, protesting alleged unfair recruitment of trainee nurses, have been arrested.
Police arrested seven of the activists for disrupting activities at the nursing school.
The activists, who were represented by lawyer Prince Bhutshe Dube, were supposed to appear at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Zapu southern region spokesperson Patrick Ndlovu confirmed the arrest, but said the accused were not taken to court.
“They were detained overnight in Plumtree, but were not taken to court. They were released after signing warned and cautioned statements today (yesterday),” he said.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele referred Southern Eye to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Nyathi was unreachable for comment.
The incident comes less than a month after the opposition party and civic society activists in Bulawayo, among others, stormed Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals to protest over the same issue.
Southern Eye heard that the Zapu delegation met the priest-in-charge of the nursing facility, Hlakanipha Dube, and members of the hospital administration to register concern over the recruitment of trainee nurses.
It is understood that all trainee nurses at the institution are not from Mangwe district, with the hospital administration reportedly stating that they had no hand in the recruitment exercise. The recruitment was reportedly done in Harare through the online platform.
“Our visit to Brunapeg was a response to locals who complained about student nurse recruitment at St Annes Brunapeg Hospital as all the recruits were drawn from Harare, sidelining locals. We are challenging the State to drop its segregation of communities and implement devolution of power as provided for in the Constitution,” Zapu spokesperson Ipithule Maphosa said.
Repeated efforts to obtain a comment from St Annes priest-in-charge were fruitless. Government recently succumbed to pressure from local activists after it came under attack over the questionable recruitment at Mpilo and UBH nursing schools. Health minister Obadiah Moyo said the recruitment would be decentralised, beginning next year.
“Going forward the electronic recruitment will be administered by the province and central hospitals starting with the May 2020 intake. Government will continue to put in place measures and policies that will curb corruption,” the minister said.
However, Zapu said the system was open to abuse.
“We are suggesting an affirmative action for the southern region on education and training so that the people catch up with their northern counterparts on opportunities to jobs … Online recruitment must be ceased with immediate effect as it disadvantages others, while it is prone to manipulation by those in charge of that system,” Maphosa said.
ZAPU activists, who on Tuesday forced the temporary closure of the Catholic mission-run St Anne’s Brunapeg Nursing School in Mangwe, Matabeleland South province, protesting alleged unfair recruitment of trainee nurses, have been arrested.
Police arrested seven of the activists for disrupting activities at the nursing school.
The activists, who were represented by lawyer Prince Bhutshe Dube, were supposed to appear at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Zapu southern region spokesperson Patrick Ndlovu confirmed the arrest, but said the accused were not taken to court.
“They were detained overnight in Plumtree, but were not taken to court. They were released after signing warned and cautioned statements today (yesterday),” he said.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele referred Southern Eye to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Nyathi was unreachable for comment.
The incident comes less than a month after the opposition party and civic society activists in Bulawayo, among others, stormed Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals to protest over the same issue.
Southern Eye heard that the Zapu delegation met the priest-in-charge of the nursing facility, Hlakanipha Dube, and members of the hospital administration to register concern over the recruitment of trainee nurses.
It is understood that all trainee nurses at the institution are not from Mangwe district, with the hospital administration reportedly stating that they had no hand in the recruitment exercise. The recruitment was reportedly done in Harare through the online platform.
“Our visit to Brunapeg was a response to locals who complained about student nurse recruitment at St Annes Brunapeg Hospital as all the recruits were drawn from Harare, sidelining locals. We are challenging the State to drop its segregation of communities and implement devolution of power as provided for in the Constitution,” Zapu spokesperson Ipithule Maphosa said.
Repeated efforts to obtain a comment from St Annes priest-in-charge were fruitless. Government recently succumbed to pressure from local activists after it came under attack over the questionable recruitment at Mpilo and UBH nursing schools. Health minister Obadiah Moyo said the recruitment would be decentralised, beginning next year.
“Going forward the electronic recruitment will be administered by the province and central hospitals starting with the May 2020 intake. Government will continue to put in place measures and policies that will curb corruption,” the minister said.
However, Zapu said the system was open to abuse.
“We are suggesting an affirmative action for the southern region on education and training so that the people catch up with their northern counterparts on opportunities to jobs … Online recruitment must be ceased with immediate effect as it disadvantages others, while it is prone to manipulation by those in charge of that system,” Maphosa said.
Patrick Zhuwao, nephew to the late former President Robert Mugabe has warned former Vice President Joice Mujuru that she is about to be used by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in his bid to borrow a bit of time to fend off his perennial legitimacy issues.
Zhuwao’s comments are in response to former cabinet minister Jonathan Moyo’s sensational claim that Mnangagwa has offered Mujuru the vice presidency to take over from the indisposed Constantino Chiwenga. Zhuwao wrote:
“Mnangagwa is hoping Dr Mujuru will be pliable enough to become another victim to kuitiswa so that he can borrow a bit of time to fend off his perennial legitimacy issues. You can fool some of the people some time but you can’t fool all the people all the time.”
On Thursday, Professor posted on his Twitter handle that after having led and coordinated Joice Mujuru’s ouster from 2008 until he succeeded her as Vice President in December 2014, Mnangagwa has offered Mujuru the vice presidency and she’s happy to accept.
In response to Professor Moyo’s claims, Mujuru did not say much. She simply tweeted, “You are surely misinformed.”
By A Correspondent- Zanu Pf could soon embark on a new wave of purges on senior party leaders accused of sabotaging President Emmerson Mnangagwa under the guise of flushing out remnants of the G40 faction from the ruling party.
The Zanu PF youth league has already been placed in charge of the cleansing exercise, after Mnangagwa, while addressing the youths last month gave a directive that remnants of the G40 working against the party should be flushed out.
“I encourage you all to continue to work hard for the good of the party and guard against the whims of the enemies of our party. We still have elements of the G40 participating among us as wolves in sheep’s clothing. These must be flushed out, not only in the youth league but also within the rank and file of the party in general,” Mnangagwa said.
G40 refers to a rival faction in the ruling Zanu PF that was vanquished in November 2017 when Mnangagwa took over from the late former President Robert Mugabe.
Most of the faction leaders went into self-imposed exile after the coup that propelled Mnangagwa to presidency overtaking then Defence minister Sydney Sekeramayi, who was Mugabe’s preferred successor. But since then, the relationship between Mnangagwa and the G40 faction has remained turbulent.
The purge is looming after Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo on Wednesday this week described the G40 as a national security threat, setting the ball rolling for hostile purges of party members seen as linked to the group.
“Anybody; it doesn’t matter at what level, if they are hobnobbing with G40 they stand warned. G40 is not only a threat to Zanu PF. It is a threat to the country including the MDC. It’s a threat to national security and national security affects everyone,” Moyo said.
In 2014, Zanu PF had nasty purges of then Vice-President Joice Mujuru loyalists to prepare for Mnangagwa’s rise to the position of Vice-President. Purges continued after the vanquishing of the G40 faction in 2017.
The latest war against the G40 is likely to take a nasty turn with Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi, who is allegedly battling ill health, saying the faction, ousted from Zanu PF, had now employed maids to poison Mnangagwa’s ministers in their homes.
“Team G40 is back again with dirty tactics this time using house maids to administer poison, explosives and other harmful substances including ambushes, ministers be warned,” Mutodi said on his Twitter handle this week.
Self-exiled former Zanu PF commissar Saviour Kasukuwere, who was in the G40 faction and has reportedly been accused of mobilising fellow comrades through social media in order to return to Zimbabwe politics, immediately responded, saying Mnangagwa was just looking for an excuse to crush dissenting voices.
“The statement alluded to is a serious cause for concern. You want to continue the persecution of innocent citizens who happen to differ with your diabolical leadership? Will not be intimidated and better you pay attention to the crumbling health institutions,” Kasukuwere said.
By A Correspondent- The Warriors have said that they are not driven by the love of money to play for their country.
An unnamed player who spoke to The Herald told the publication that most of them earn good money at their clubs and what really motivates them is to win for Zimbabwe and make the entire nation happy.
Said the player:
We are professionals and we have never said that our aim is to make money out of playing for our country, we get some decent salaries at our clubs and this is national service and we are proud to do it because, in life, there are more important things than money and nothing beats making an entire nation feel happy and proud.
The Warriors became infamous during the chaotic 2019 AFCON finals in Egypt, where they reportedly threatened to abandon the tournament several times over unpaid allowances.
Meanwhile, the players have accepted ZIFA’s Z$30 000 (about US$1 500) winning bonus, for the two 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia.
State Media|THE Zimbabwe National Soccer Supporters Association have urged local football supporters to fill up the National Sports Stadium and give the Warriors a flying start in the 2021 AFCON campaign.
The match against Botswana will not be screened live on television because of a fallout between CAF and SuperSport, who hold the rights for the games.
ZNSSA organising secretary, Chris “Romario” Musekiwa, yesterday said the team needed the 12th man in order to get their campaign off to a good start. The match will get underway at 6pm but gates open at 1pm. ZIFA have urged the fans to come early to avoid the last-minute rush.
“The big match is upon us and, as a nation, we have a sacred obligation to give our gallant Warriors maximum morale and financial support,’’ Musekiwa said.
“Let’s come in numbers and solidly rally behind our boys. “We are confident of victory. We believe in coach Joey Antipas and we are very convinced he will guide the team to a resounding victory given the galaxy of stars who have reported for camp.’’ The local supporters will be joined in the stands by famous Bafana Bafana cheerleader, popularly known as Iron Lady, who arrived in the country yesterday to boost the team’s morale.
Meanwhile, ZNSSA said they were organising a trip to Zambia to support the Warriors in their second match. The ZNSSA leadership said those wishing to make the trip would pay a bus fare of US$30 or equivalent in local currency. They also said those without passports would be helped to get emergency travel documents.
“To those willing to go and support the Warriors in Lusaka, Zambia, please do not be troubled, there are Temporary Travel Documents being issued by the Registrar General’s Office for only 38RTGS$, you just need to carry your birth certificate, your National ID, you go and apply there or call us and we will be waiting to help you,’’ ZNSSA Northern Region Chapter chairman, Tatenda “Super’’ Mushonga, told freelance Takawira Photovet Dapi.
Algeria who are in same group with Zimbabwe and Botswana saw them thrashing 2012 champions Zambia 5-0 in the opening Group H game of the 2021 AFCON Qualifiers played in Algeria, yesterday evening.
The desert foxes opened the scoreline just before half time and went on to demolish the exhausted Chipolopolo with 4 more goals towards the end of the match. Their goals came from Bounedjah x2, Bensebaini, Belaili and Soudani.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Warriors are aiming for maximum points when they host the Zebras of Botswana at 6 PM CAT in Harare today.
The Warriors will then fly to Lusaka to play Zambia on Tuesday evening while Botswana will be hosting Algeria on Monday.
Paul Nyathi|CBZ has come out with an explanation about circulating images of bin containers with bond coins.
In an official statement the bank said that an unnamed betting house withdrew coins to pay them out as winnings to a punter. CBZ says that the withdrawing of these coins was authorized by the bank as it didn’t break any rules. And the circulating images of coins in a bucket were pictures of the winner taken from the betting house.
By David Coltart|Yesterday in his 2020 budget speech the Zimbabwean Minister of Finance announced plans to launch a space satellite, and repeated the statement to ensure we heard him, as shown in the clip downloading below.
Yesterday in his 2020 budget speech the Zimbabwean Minister of Finance announced plans to launch a space satellite, and repeated the statement to ensure we heard him, as shown in this clip. Normally one would praise such innovation but in the current situation this is a disgrace. pic.twitter.com/n2pR9kz19m
Normally one would praise such innovation but in the current situation, this is a disgrace.
This Minister has presided over an economy this year which has seen hospitals denuded of doctors and basic medicines and hundreds of thousands of children out of school. His policies have decimated people’s savings and the basic infrastructure of Zimbabwe is crumbling.
In other words, space satellites cannot possibly be a national priority when the most basic needs of the Zimbabwean people are not being met. To that extent, this proposal is harebrained and must be rejected. But it is worse than that.
Firstly the hypocrisy of the Mnangagwa regime, and its propaganda arms such as the ZBC and Herald, is breathtaking. These are the people who criticized Nelson Chamisa for dreaming of bullet trains and spaghetti roads, surely far more needed than satellites.
Secondly, there is no doubt a sinister or corrupt side to this fascist and corrupt regime’s proposal. Sinister in that the satellite may be intended to spy on citizens’ communications. Corrupt because billions more may be hived off to cronies who will be given satellite contracts.
All in all whilst this may be laughed off as a silly plan it must be taken seriously and rejected out of hand. For all the applause the ZANU-PF MPs gave it yesterday, mature, honest citizens must oppose this profligate and sinister plan.
By Edmund Kudzai|Barely two years into her husband’s tenure as President, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has diminished the little dignity she enjoyed having come into the comforts of State House on the back of a military coup.
In this short time, Mrs Mnangagwa has been caught on audio recordings threatening military officers and on camera intimidating workers at NatPharm, demanding they release medicines.
It is unclear as to whether her actions are a function of ignorance or an arrogant disregard for the structure of a constitutional democracy of which she has no codified or officially defined role.
Whatever the source of her political vigilantism, it is time for her to go home and attend to her domestic affairs. Mrs Mnangagwa must be under no impression that her meddling ways and cheap PR stunts are going unnoticed.
As mentioned above, Mrs Mnanagwa is not an elected or public official. She is merely the wife of the President. She must not mistake the deference she enjoys from those surrounding her husband for anything more than politeness and currying of presidential favour. In her verbal tirade directed at Lieutenant-Colonel Samson Murombo, in which she issued various empty threats accusing the military of trying to kill her husband, it was clear that she believed that she holds some power or authority entitling her to dress down a grown man who has distinguished himself in his career. This on the strength of her sharing a bed with the President.
The same tone could be heard when she appeared on national broadcaster ZBC haranguing executives at NatPharm, accusing them of incompetence and demanding they immediately “release” medications.
It goes without saying that Mrs Mnangagwa has no authority over NatPharm or its staff. On what basis did she visit that government facility to conduct herself in such an unbecoming manner? Perhaps the most shameful part of that visit was the fact that the national broadcaster saw nothing untoward in her conduct and choose to beam that shameful episode to the entire country.
She has also been known to summon ministers of government. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube and Obadiah Moyo, his health counterpart, have spent precious hours in her undesired company.
These are not isolated incidents but form part of a wider pattern that show First Lady who is now totally out of control.
During a previous doctors’ strike, their representatives found themselves at State House having been summoned by the First Lady. More recently, government business came to a halt after she called prayers at State House on a Monday to seek a divine intervention in the face of sanctions and a collapsing economy. The attendance by senior government officials must not be misread as signifying the importance of the event, but the power an unelected First Lady exerts over public officials to the extent of having them attend nonsensical events that serve no useful purpose in so far as governance is concerned.
Now reports have emerged that the First Lady has inserted herself in yet another matter which is none of her business. Over the weekend, phone recordings and documents surfaced appearing to show that Mrs Mnangagwa has waded into a custody battle involving the businessman, Frank Buyanga, whose ex-girlfriend is now serving as mistress to her son, Collins.
The First Lady has been allowed to carry on in this way largely because Zimbabwe is society controlled through fear. While society whispers at her endless absurdities, she continues to throw her borrowed power around, proving that she learned nothing from Grace Mugabe, for whom the ending was nasty as it sure promises for Mrs Mnangagwa.
The world over, first ladies – if they have to venture out at all – preoccupy themselves with charitable work, otherwise their main task is to support their very busy husbands in their domestic arrangement.
Being a first lady is not a career, Auxillia Mnangagwa should be reminded. She would do well to curb her enthusiasm and stop lording it over public servants, especially the men and women in uniform. She also should be reminded that every Zimbabwean has their inalienable rights, and issuing threats to arrest private citizens – as is reported to be the case in the Buyanga matter – shows her not as the powerful giant she envisions herself to be, but a dwarfish and clumsy usurper whose antics lead to the same lonely political and social graveyard Grace Mugabe now inhabits.
Edmund Kudzai is the editor of the Kukurigo news service
Own Correspondent|THE University of Zimbabwe (UZ)’s Student Representative Council (SRC) has elected Abiona Mataranyika as the president, becoming the first time ever that a female has led the students’ body at the UZ.
A jubilant Mataranyika said her victory was living proof that women can compete with men on an equal footing in all spheres of life.
“I feel very happy to become the first female president at this institution. This uplifts fellow women. It’s high time society realizes that women can also lead any organisation.
“I feel as a woman I have been given a chance to show my capability. However, I cannot take all the credit because it was all team effort. I would not have made it without those who rallied behind my candidature,” an elated Mataranyika said.
Her victory was backed by the Zimbabwe National Students’ Union (Zinasu). She polled 2,500 votes, beating Wilnert Muzaruwetu who was backed by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu) and polled only 1,000 votes.
By garnering 2511 votes in the presidential elections, Abiola Mataranyika has set a new record, surpassing the record set by iconic former president Learnmore Judah Jongwe.
The election was held on Tuesday.
Zinasu president Archibold Elias Madida said as a union they were happy for Abiona’s victory.
“We are happy to have won the SRC presidency. For the first time ever, the University of Zimbabwe has a female SRC president. It shows our commitment towards gender equity and women empowerment,” Madida said.
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta during a previous function. [Source/Yoweri K Museveni/Twitter]
Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has disclosed that he has been playing a major role in helping his daughters and granddaughters on matters taking care of their bodies.
Speaking during the opening of the ICPD conference in Nairobi on Tuesday, the long-serving head of state termed himself ‘the consultant of his daughters’ bodies’.
He said that even though the ladies and girls own their bodies, it’s his responsibility to offer the needed help and advice when some is needed.
“I had the slogan which I support that girls own their bodies…I agree that my daughters and granddaughters own their bodies. Remember I am here as a veteran husband, father, grandfather and freedom fighter,” he said.
He said that there is nothing that does not require advise, and being a father and a veteran husband and freedom fighter, he is the best placed to offer that to his daughters.
According to him, while people are offering consultancies for almost everything else, nobody seems to bother about advising young people on how to manage themselves.
“I have had people hiring consultants for business..now who are the consultants of young people?” he added.
In the forum, world leaders explained their commitments to come up with measures to stop violence against females, end preventable maternal deaths and meet all women’s family planning needs.
ZAPU activists, who on Tuesday forced the temporary closure of the Catholic mission-run St Anne’s Brunapeg Nursing School in Mangwe, Matabeleland South province, protesting alleged unfair recruitment of trainee nurses, have been arrested.
Police arrested seven of the activists for disrupting activities at the nursing school.
The activists, who were represented by lawyer Prince Bhutshe Dube, were supposed to appear at the Plumtree Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Zapu southern region spokesperson Patrick Ndlovu confirmed the arrest, but said the accused were not taken to court.
“They were detained overnight in Plumtree, but were not taken to court. They were released after signing warned and cautioned statements today (yesterday),” he said.
Matabeleland South police spokesperson Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele referred Southern Eye to national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi.
Nyathi was unreachable for comment.
The incident comes less than a month after the opposition party and civic society activists in Bulawayo, among others, stormed Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals to protest over the same issue.
Southern Eye heard that the Zapu delegation met the priest-in-charge of the nursing facility, Hlakanipha Dube, and members of the hospital administration to register concern over the recruitment of trainee nurses.
It is understood that all trainee nurses at the institution are not from Mangwe district, with the hospital administration reportedly stating that they had no hand in the recruitment exercise. The recruitment was reportedly done in Harare through the online platform.
“Our visit to Brunapeg was a response to locals who complained about student nurse recruitment at St Annes Brunapeg Hospital as all the recruits were drawn from Harare, sidelining locals. We are challenging the State to drop its segregation of communities and implement devolution of power as provided for in the Constitution,” Zapu spokesperson Ipithule Maphosa said.
Repeated efforts to obtain a comment from St Annes priest-in-charge were fruitless. Government recently succumbed to pressure from local activists after it came under attack over the questionable recruitment at Mpilo and UBH nursing schools. Health minister Obadiah Moyo said the recruitment would be decentralised, beginning next year.
“Going forward the electronic recruitment will be administered by the province and central hospitals starting with the May 2020 intake. Government will continue to put in place measures and policies that will curb corruption,” the minister said.
However, Zapu said the system was open to abuse.
“We are suggesting an affirmative action for the southern region on education and training so that the people catch up with their northern counterparts on opportunities to jobs … Online recruitment must be ceased with immediate effect as it disadvantages others, while it is prone to manipulation by those in charge of that system,” Maphosa said.
Tendai Biti|You can turn an aquarium into fish soup but you can’t turn fish soup into an aquarium. Put simply you can rig an election but not the economy. What a contradictory mass of confusion, contradiction and falsehoods. A cocktail of cowardice, deception, delay and delusion!
A budget of ZWL$ 63 billion is an illusion & unachievable but also reflects the extent of hyperinflation. The Pre – Budget Strategy Paper projected a ZWL$ 28.5 billion budget with an expenditure of ZWL$25 billion. How does this inflate to ZWL$ 63 and ZWL$58 respectively in days?
The macroeconomic framework is unsound and lacks credibility. Without fixing currency issues, power shortages, corruption, productivity constraints and an impending drought 2020 contraction is inevitable. Zim is now firmly in a recession and decisive measures were required.
The 2 % IMD tax should have been scrapped, SI 142 repealed, command Agriculture & export surrender requirements scratched &a modest budget in US$ terms presented. Concrete measures for fiscal consolidation, sovereign debt, SOE reform and major incentives for productivity
Own Correspondent|Corruption and the slow pace of dealing with it is among the biggest problems facing Zimbabwe.
This is according to finance minister Mthuli Ncube, who said the scourge was hampering the country in its attempt to steer the economy in a positive trajectory. He was making the statement during the tabling of the government’s ZWL$63.6bn (about US$3.97bn) budget for the 2020 year.
He singled out the explosive auditor-general’s report, which resulted in arrests and investigation of senior government officials and employees for abusing their office to procure cars, for unprocedural awarding of tenders to cronies and siphoning of public funds that have not been accounted for.
He raised fears that the level of corruption would result in investors shunning Zimbabwe which is desperate for foreign direct investment.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police has dismissed social media reports that link Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi to an alleged leak.
Energy Mutodi
The police spokesperson, Ass Comm’ Paul Nyathi said reports that police intercepted piles of new banknotes linked to Mutodi.
Com. Nyathi said: “The Zimbabwe Republic Police wish to categorically dismiss social media posts that they held a Press conference on the arrest of occupants of a Toyota Wish vehicle with money allegedly being linked to Honourable Mutodi or some political party youths.
“Police did not hold such a Press conference as falsely depicted on social media and any other statement being attributed to the police, is totally false.
“If at all there was such an arrest, it would be communicated through the normal channels and not through ghost media posts.”
Zimbabwean finance minister Mthuli Ncube arrives at parliament to present the national budget in Harare, November 14 2019. Picture: JEKESAI NJIKIZANA / AFP
Finance minister Mthuli Ncube said Zimbabwe will ditch its crippling austerity measures and forecast 3% growth in 2020 after a projected 6.5% contraction in 2019, its worst downturn in a decade that saw increased public protests and widespread shortages.
Presenting his proposed ZWL$63.6bn budget for 2020 in parliament in Harare on Thursday Ncube said the economic rebound was based on expectations that Zimbabwe would record a better rainfall season, as well as improvements in electricity supply and infrastructure development.
“Economic recovery of up to 3% is projected in 2020, primarily premised on key assumptions that include a better rainfall season supported by increased support towards rehabilitation and development of irrigation infrastructure to sustain agriculture activities,” he said.
He said he expected agriculture to grow by 5% while mining was projected to rise by 4.7%.
Ncube said the country’s budget deficit was projected at 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 from 4% of GDP this year.
The finance minister announced tax cuts including a marginally reduced value added tax (VAT) on non-luxury goods of 14.5% from 15%, effective in January 2020, to help Zimbabwe’s millions of poor and boost demand.
Corporate income tax will be lowered from 25% to 24%.
Ncube announced tax incentives for companies that create jobs to ease the country’s unemployment rate of more than 90%.
“The country’s economic challenges are surmountable provided we put our heads together as a nation and continue taking bold and decisive steps to open up and grow the economy,” he said. “This includes seriously pursuing policies that enhance production.”
The finance minister removed grain subsidies from January and millers will be free to import maize. The move may prove unpopular as it could drive up prices of staples mealie meal, cooking oil and bread.
Ncube said monthly inflation is expected to fall to single digits in the first quarter of 2020 on the back of commitment by the RBZ to implement a “tight reserve money targeting framework”.
While the government has stopped publishing month-on-month inflation figures, the International Monetary Fund estimates Zimbabwe’s inflation rate at more than 300%, making it the second-highest in the world after Venezuela.
Ncube said Zimbabwe’s government must fight corruption to develop its economy. He allocated resources to establish a centralised internal audit unit as part of a national anticorruption strategy. He also called for a law to protect whistle-blowers.
“Government is losing resources through corrupt activities. In addition, corruption in some parastatals and local authorities has compromised some desired development outcomes. There is a risk that some development partners may withhold funding for critical programmes and projects,” he said.
Commenting on the budget, Harare-based economist John Robertson said that while the budget was “well presented”, the impact of the measures will most likely be felt after 2020.
“The longer-term view is now looking better, but 2020 still seems likely to be a difficult year. Almost all the support measures mentioned will take time to build up momentum and if they do become effective, their impact will most likely be felt during or after 2021, not in the coming year.
“Investors cannot be attracted while electricity demands cannot be met and the quickest of the power station projects, extensions to Hwange Power Station, requires another year,” he said.
Former finance minister and MDC Alliance legislator Tendai Biti said the budget was a reflection of hyperinflation. He called it an “illusion” and “underachievable”
Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today officially open the ongoing Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe, UCAZ, annual conference at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition Centre in Bulawayo.
Opposition MDC which has been challenging Mnangagwa’s legitimacy as President on claims that he stole the 2018 elections controls almost all the urban local authorities in the country.
The party resolved at its annual conference after the elections that its elected representatives will never be addressed by Mnangagwa as long as the illegitimate claims have not been resolved.
The party representatives in parliament have been walking out on Mnangagwa every time he goes to parliament. The latest such action was on Thursday when the opposition party boycotted the budget presentation because of Mnangagwa’s presence.
Mnangagwa arrived in Bulawayo last night ahead of the 78th Urban Councils’ Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ) annual conference in the city today and was incidentally welcomed to the city by MDC Bulawayo Mayor Councillor Solomon Mguni and other senior Government officials .
The UCAZ conference is running concurrently with the Local Government Investment Conference (LOGIC) under the theme: “Urban Local Authorities: Embracing Devolution Towards Attaining Vision 2030.”
The urban local authorities conference started on Wednesday and ends tomorrow. Participants include Government officials, mayors, town clerks, councillors and other council management officials.
With the MDC Councillors dominating UCAZ, will the councillors stick to party resolution and walk out on Mnangagwa or the party will play double standards?
Paul Nyathi|The opposition MDC-T led by Thokozani Khupe has hailed the 2020 National Budget presented to parliament by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube yesterday.
The party celebrates the Budget claiming that it has fully acceded to presentations made by their Member of Parliament Priscilla Misihairabwi Mushonga on the girl child’s right to education.
Party Vice President Obert Gutu said:
“The budget responded to calls by the MDC-T through lobbying by our MP Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga for free education starting with rural children. It is a milestone achievement. It spoke to pertinent issues. Our MP also lobbied for scrapping of sanitary wear and that is factored in the budget.”
“At least certain things like the adjustment of tax will put some purchasing power in the hands of consumers. There has been a severe erosion of that. We really wanted macro-economic stability and that is what we were looking out for. We wait to see how the youth employment facility will be instituted but people must not look at budget as the only tool, what we need is production. We all need to go out there and grow something.”
State Media|GOVERNMENT has reviewed the tax-free bonus threshold from $ 1 000 to $ 5 000 with effect from this month with civil servants also expected to get their full annual bonuses pegged on gross income.
Presenting the 2020 National Budget Statement, whose theme is, “Gearing for Higher Productivity, Growth and Job Creation,” in Parliament yesterday, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said that the prevailing inflationary environment had eroded incomes for most workers.
“Government is committed to ensuring a decent standard of living for public servants, and will take inflationary developments (COLA) into account in the ongoing wage negotiations. Meanwhile, Treasury has made arrangements to pay all civil servants their bonuses in November 2019. I further, propose to review the tax-free bonus from $ 1 000 to $ 5 000 with effect from 1 November 2019 in line with bonus payments for civil servants,” he said.
Prof Ncube also announced an upward adjustment in the tax threshold for low income earners from $700 to $2 000 in order to improve disposable incomes.
“Wages and salaries have since been reviewed in line with economic developments resulting in bracket creep. I, therefore, propose to review the tax-free threshold from $ 700 to $ 2 000 per month,” he said.
The current tax-free threshold was last reviewed in August during the $10,85 billion Supplementary Budget and 2019 Mid-Term National Budget Review Statement.
The latest review is the third upward review of the tax-free threshold this year, after it was earlier adjusted from US$300 to US$350 (prior to the removal of the 1:1 exchange rate between the RTGS dollar and the United States dollar).
In order to safeguard the value of retrenchment packages, Prof Ncube reviewed the non-taxable portion of the retrenchment package from $10 000 to $50 000 or one-third of the package to a maximum of $80 000.
“Most retrenchees are unable to secure employment, hence engage in self-help projects to support their livelihoods using retrenchment packages as seed capital. Some of these self-help projects have transformed from micro to small and medium enterprises, hence have become the mainstay of the economy,” he said.
“In order to safeguard the value of retrenchment packages, I propose to review the non-taxable portion of the retrenchment package from $10 000 to $50 000 or one-third of the package, maximum of $80 000, with effect from 1 January 2020.”
As a way of cushioning low-income earners and high-volume businesses, Prof Ncube proposed to review the tax-tree threshold on electronic transactions from the current $20 to $100 and the maximum tax payable per transaction by corporates from the current $15 000 to $25 000 on transactions with values exceeding $1 250 000 and this becomes effective on 1 January next year. “I propose to review the tax-free threshold from the current $20 to $100 and the maximum tax payable per transaction by corporates from the current $15 000 to $25 000 for transactions with values exceeding $1 250 000,” he said.
State Media|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is investigating CBZ Bank and Ecobank for allegedly illegally releasing $59 180 of the new bond notes and coins to two clients.
Pictures of wads of bank notes and a bucketful of coins channelled to the black market circulated on social media platforms, sparking a public outcry at a time when depositors were struggling to withdraw money from banks.
Lucky depositors were getting as little as $100 each, amid reports that some illegal currency traders were already in possession of large amounts of the new notes and coins.
RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya yesterday said preliminary investigations into the suspected illegal issuance of coins and notes revealed that a CBZ Bank customer was involved.
“Investigations by RBZ at CBZ indicated that an amount of $44, 180 was withdrawn by one of their customers. In this regard, CBZ Bank together with their customer are now assisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police with further investigations,” he said.
“As advised in our earlier Press statement (involving Ecobank), appropriate disciplinary measures shall be taken against those bent on damaging confidence by placing such pictures on social platforms.
“Such behaviour causes unnecessary anxiety and despondency within the economy.”
Last night, CBZ Group Chief Executive Officer Dr Blessing Mudavanhu declined to comment, referring all questions to the bank’s corporate affairs manager Mrs Laura Gwatiringa, whose phone was not going through.
In the case of Ecobank, Dr Mangudya said the central bank had found out that the bank notes circulating on social media had emanated from the bank.
“Preliminary investigations by RBZ at Ecobank indicate that an amount of $15 000 was withdrawn by one of their customers.
“Ecobank, together with their customer, are now assisting the Zimbabwe Republic Police with further investigations,” he said.
No comment could be obtained from Ecobank.
Dr Mangudya said the apex bank will strongly punish the implicated banks to ensure illegal activities do not recur.
Before the presentation of the 2020 National Budget in Parliament yesterday, Makonde MP Cde Kindness Paradza rose on a point of privilege and called for the punishment of banks involved in channelling money to the black market when genuine depositors were not getting money.
State Media|Education leads Government spending with a combined $10,7 billion allocated to the Ministries of Primary and Secondary, and Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, with priority on setting up and equipping six innovation hubs.
Presenting the 2020 National Budget in Harare yesterday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said $8,5 billion was budgeted for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education and $2,2 billion for Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development.“Ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and the promotion of lifelong learning opportunities for all students remains the country’s top priority in the education sector as Government commits to leave no child behind,” said Prof Ncube.
Similarly, the energy for change, innovation and creativity and ultimate inclusive economic growth needs investments in human capital base. “Under the 2020 budget the major focus will be on completing the setting and equipping up of the first six innovation hubs and operationalising them to ensure existing innovations in the different universities are developed into prototypes that will be industrialised at the industrial parks,” he said.
He added that resources will be allocated to stimulate and support innovation and industrialisation. The Government will also initiate a graduate internship programme designed to equip graduates with entrepreneurial skills and business experience to enable them to become productive and play a key role in national development. “The apprenticeship programme initiated last year with 1000 new apprentices being recruited will see another cohort of 1 000 apprentices being recruited by the beginning of next year,” he said.
Starting from next year, the Government will provide sanitary wear for school going children to ensure the products are available to girls and enable them to attend their classes in comfort and dignity.
The minister said the budget responds comprehensively to the plight of girls in enhancing their dignity.
“In anticipation of the finalisation of the Education Act, the budget is required to have a provision for the supply of sanitary wear for female learners.
“Based on equity consideration, the proposal is to begin with rural primary and secondary learners from Grade four to Upper sixth form and a provision of $200 million has been made under this budget,” he said.
About 50 homesteads including some classrooms and government offices have been destroyed by heavy rains coupled with strong winds which pounded Nyika area in Bikita on Thursday.
Bikita District Cordinator Mr Benard Hadzirambwi confirmed the disaster but said he could not tell the magnitude of the damage as the district civil protection team was on the ground to ascertain the damage.
He said he could only give details tomorrow morning.
“I can confirm that we had heavy rains and strong winds which left a trail of destruction here.
However, at present I can’t tell the quantum of the damage as we are still assessing and there is our district civil protection team on the ground.
By mid morning tomorrow (Friday) I will be able to give details,” said Mr Hadzirambwi.State media
The Health sector is being allocated $6,5 billion next year allowing significant improvement in the health delivery system and sustaining gains already made in the sector.
Presenting the 2020 National Budget in Harare yesterday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Government was aware of challenges facing the sector, including shortage of medicines, consumables and essential medical equipment, along with overcrowding, poor diets, inadequate infrastructure and an ongoing industrial action by doctors.
He said the country’s health burden has also greatly increased with non-communicable diseases, like cancer and diabetes on the rise, coupled with most hospitals and clinics having to cope with more people.
“To consolidate our achievements in health care, I am allocating $6,5 billion to the sector. This will cater for health infrastructure, personnel welfare, medicines, drugs, and sundries, among other essential hospital equipment and necessities,” said Prof Ncube.
He said in 2020, Government will also prioritise building health infrastructure, including renovating both urban and rural health facilities by leveraging on public-private partnerships.
Priority will be given to recruit more doctors and nurses.State media
This is a day set aside to raise awareness on issues affecting people living with diabetes.
The theme for this year’s campaign is “Family and Diabetes.”
The family plays a crucial role in giving support to people with diabetes and it helps in the management, care and prevention of the condition.
Diabetes is a condition in which insulin is too little or unable to push the sugar we eat into the cells, leading to high sugar levels.
Insulin is a hormone produced by our body to help push sugar from the blood stream into the cells. Insulin facilitates the entry of glucose into the cells so that it generates energy.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) occurs when the body is not able to use insulin well and it is commonly diagnosed in adults, while Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is when the body cannot make insulin.
T1D is mainly diagnosed in children and adolescents, and without insulin, these children will quickly die.
Management of T1D requires multiple insulin injections every day with careful monitoring of sugar levels.
Most T2D patients can manage their diabetes through a combination of diet, exercise and oral medications. For a few (10-15 percent), insulin injections will also be needed.
Due to economic hardships, many patients cannot afford to buy insulin and syringes to be able to inject themselves.
Some patients are forced by circumstances to ration the insulin so that they have at least some insulin for each day, although the dosage will be wrong, with potential serious consequences.
Some patients also use one syringe and needle numerous times, often until it is blunt, instead of once.
Implications of not taking insulin
The implication of rationing and not following prescriptions are serious.
In T1D, such rationing can very quickly be life-threatening, access to insulin quite literally is an emergency for them.
Patients also risk developing complications such as kidney impairment, diabetic ulcers, strokes and heart attacks.State media
HON. T. MLISWA: Mr. Speaker Sir, good afternoon to you and in fact good afternoon to Ministers. We hardly see them; we only see them when the President is here. Mr. Speaker Sir, I stand before you as a worried citizen. On the right side I have colleagues, Members of Parliament belonging to the opposition. They are not here today and I am now starting to doubt their agenda. Are they for the people or they are for themselves? – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
This institution is an institution that belongs to the people of Zimbabwe. When we come here, national interest is first. We were elected by the people to come and represent them. There was an election which was disputed; it went to the Constitutional Court and a decision was made. His Excellency, Cde. Mnangagwa won the matter and as such, the process that was carried out allowed him to be the Head of State, which really means he is the head of the three pillars of the State; Parliament, Judiciary and the Executive.
I am worried that the councilors from the same party that also contested the same election appear before the very same President whom they do not respect. The decision that they make seems to be a decision which is not consistent with even their resolution that they passed. They say that they passed a resolution at their party conference to say that they will not respect the President but how come their councilors do the same? I thought that Members of Parliament were more mature, senior and they would be able to do what is expected of them.
Mr. Speaker Sir, time has come that this institution comes up with rules that will empower you to be able to deal with any Member of Parliament who behaves in a manner which is not befitting of this institution – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – We have national issues at hand. Mr. Speaker Sir, with the hypocrisy that they exhibit, they contribute to every Bill in this Parliament and that Bill ends up with the President signing. So, when the President is signing the Bill and they are contributing, who do they expect to sign that? It shows that they are aware that the President signs the Bills. They contribute to the bills and the bills are signed by the President, so how then can they not be part of this. They have been complaining about reforms in many ways and they are expected to be in this House to address the very same reforms that they say are not moving the country forward.
This event today is a critical event in terms of the country moving forward. The Minister of Finance and Economic Development will present the budget which equally they contributed to. We were in Victoria Falls together – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, we were in Victoria Falls together and the Ministers who were presenting their papers were appointed by the President. So, how can you separate a Minister appointed by the President? They are willing to listen to the Ministers but they are not willing to listen to the President. Whoever is giving them a strategy certainly is not a good a strategist, it is not sustainable – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
They need to go back to the drawing board as Zimbabweans and review their strategy because for four years they cannot sustain this. It is impossible. I see a day when they will be sitting down here and respecting the President. What will the nation say of them? What is the nation saying of them today with the inconsistencies of having councilors respecting the President and them not respecting him? The Office of the President must be respected and when we come to this institution politics must be outside. They can go and campaign and say whatever they want about the President but when we come to this institution, it is a sacred institution.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I would like you to take corrective action to ensure this does not happen. I am the one who got up the last time to plead for a rescission on the judgement that you had made that they must not ask Ministers. Today, I am equally one with my constituents who are saying that they are not sincere and as such wakuda shamhu in munyu chaiwo chaiwo Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to say you are the head of Parliament and as such, we submit to you and we must show respect. I think they are disrespecting you by pushing you to the edge. You are a reasonable leader who forgives, we have seen that but I think they have really pushed you to the edge. It is a pity I am not in that seat, otherwise I would have done things – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, I want to really implore my colleague Members of Parliament wherever they are that I think you are losing the plot. This nation is bigger than any individual, so is this institution.
Let me lastly say that I was a bit worried when I read that my colleague Cde. Julius Malema had mentioned that he wanted to mediate in the G40. Let me say this to Hon. Malema, that there is a law in this country. As much as he fights against corruption in South Africa, we equally fight against corruption. The best that he can do to mediate is talk to his fellow friends to come and face the laws of this country. They committed a crime and as such, there is no political matter which is stopping them from being here other than that they committed crimes which are well known and they must face the courts of this country because we are a law abiding country.
He is misinformed by thinking that there is any political motive on that. It is purely a law issue which can only be addressed by the courts, so the mediator is already, there being the courts. We do not need him to mediate in matters which are before the courts in this country. May he stick to his principles of being an Hon. Member of Parliament who fights corruption in his country and allow us to fight corruption in this country. If he has decided to be an external affairs officer for the G40 then he must come out in the clean. I thank you.
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order. I want to thank Hon. Mliswa for his observations. I do not want to be prophetic about that “shamhu” but I can assure you it is coming – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – I cannot say in what form, it would be reviewed at the appropriate time because enough is enough – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.]
BY DR MASIMBA MAVAZA | In the darkness of the Zimbabwean economy with ordinary people grinding beans using their back Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube casts a very bright light at the end of the tunnel. He said the country is expected to record an economic recovery of up to 3% in 2020 against a projected negative growth of -6.5% this year.
The light dazed through the tunnel to the windy end. Pundits have asked how the country recover at a minus Seven growth. Is Mthuli Ncube playing monkey business or is he a silent monkey seeing mirage at the end of the tunnel. Ironically his name is Loosely translated as a Silent Monkey. Ncube being the monkey totem.
Presenting his proposed $63.6 billion national budget in parliament minister Ncube pinned the economic recovery on the good rains expected in the draught promising season. We are thrown into a hope of faith where we hope in the unseen. The expectations of recovery is making the nation run after nothing like a madman chasing nothing. The projected economic recovery is based on the hope that Zimbabwe would record a better rainfall season supported by increased support towards a version of command irrigation infrastructure to sustain agricultural projects and other issues. We can only hope that Tagwirei will not be placed in charge of the recovery project. It will be a case of asking a hyena to sherpard the sheep.
Being that as it may the minister said the country is expected to record improved macroeconomic stability through continued fiscal and monetary discipline, as well as a substantial improvement in the balance of payments.
Minister Ncube put aside some economic upward factors, which includes importing electricity supply and financing other alternative sources of energy.
This introduces the highly financed solar energy to alleviate and easy pressure on electricity consumption. The minister introduced These include puting together emergency power generation capacity from independent power projects; extension of supportive tax and non-tax incentives to stimulate domestic production; advancing implementation of the ongoing ease of doing business reforms to improve the investment environment; and increased investments by both government and the private sector. Unfortunately there has been nothing put in place to curb corruption which has itself destroyed the recovery process.
Of great excitement was the hope that the monthly inflation will fall to single digit from the first quarter of 2020 to close the year around 2%. If these wishes can only become horses we will all ride.
There was further ululation when the minister noted that the national budget marks the end of austerity measures and the ushering in of growth stimulation and employment creation through promotion of production oriented investment and productivity, with more focus on fiscal responsibility.
Minister Ncube reiterated on the ongoing ease of doing business reforms to improve the investment environment; and increased investments by both government and the private sector.
Zimbabwe had pulled on without production at all. The minister has vowed to allow and finance production related investments to create job creation. The growth and productivity thrust will be supported by the reengagement process with the international community which will enable us to meet our budget objectives.”
Ncube said revenue collections for 2020 are estimated at ZWL$58.6 billion. “In order to avoid the undesirable impact of deficits on money supply and macroeconomic stability, the 2020 Macro Fiscal Framework espouses a low budget deficit of around 1.5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) implying expenditures of ZWL$63.6 billion, excluding retentions.”
He said the main fiscal policy objective in 2020 is directed at managing expenditure within the allocated framework supported by noninflationary financing and complemented by a tight monetary policy.
“… Strict adherence to the procedures laid out in the Public Finance Management Act [Chapter 22:19], including the issuance of warrants by the Accountant General prior to any spending commitment made by an accounting officer will also be strictly enforced. Rule of law will be the order of the day under my watch.”
The minister pointed out that there will be no development without fuel and electricity. So government will look at robust ways of dealing with load shedding and fuel shortages.
“Government has already instituted new pricing frameworks for fuel and electricity that adequately reflect costs, including those resulting from changes in import prices and exchange rate fluctuations. The pricing framework for fuel also ensures that pump prices remain comparable to those charged in neighbouring countries, so as to remove arbitrage opportunities arising from illicit fuel exports.”
He said ZWL$8.4 billion will be used for power generation.
“…The 2020 Budget seeks to alleviate power supply constraints through the rehabilitation and expansion of Hwange Thermal Power Station, supporting alternative sources of energy such as solar power projects through various fiscal incentives relating to importation of equipment and respective accessories. IPP solar projects are already lined up for implementation. While ZESA (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority) will raise the local resource component through cost recovery tariff model, Government through the RBZ (Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe) will assist to mobilise the requisite foreign currency from the market.”
If the budget is to live up to its soup corruption needs to be dealt with without fear or favour.
“Corruption causes economic malaise, wastage of public resources, jeopardises the environment for domestic and foreign investment and general morale in the public service, reinforces political instability and propagates social and economic disparities even in the presence of economic and social policies. Based on the Auditor General’s Report, Government is losing resources through corrupt activities. In addition, corruption in some parastatals and Local Authorities has compromised some desired development outcomes.
“There is a risk that some Development Partners may withhold funding for critical programmes and/or projects. Delays in taking remedial action against violations identified in audit reports has the unintended effects of propagating corrupt tendencies in the public service.”
He said to avert this risk, government from 2020 will focus on strengthening the internal control systems through among others, “finalisation of the establishment of the Centralised Internal Audit Unit; Developing and implementing a national anti-corruption strategy aligned with good practice principles with periodic monitoring and evaluation results; Enacting whistle blower legislation and protection in line with international best practices and capacitating institutions established to combat corruption,”
The finance Minister said the government would also tackle corruption through addressing conflict of interest issues where government is both regulator and player. “Furthermore, observations by the Auditor General will be pursued with a view of taking corrective measures.”
The main thrust of the budget targeted development which was a fresh air pumped into otherwise tired budgets.
This years budget becomes the first refreshing budget in decades.
The otherwise good budget came in the face of a ballooned cabinet a feat which was contrary to the pains the country has been labouring under.
With the open door policy the economy of Zimbabwe might defy all odds and shoot up.
All Zimbabweans do ponder the budget with great expectations.
THE Warriors have said their acceptance of Zifa’s Z$30 000 (about US$1500) winning bonus, for the two 2021 Afcon qualifiers against Botswana and Zambia, show that they are not a group of individuals inspired by monetary gains.
Instead, the players say, this demonstrates their quest to do well for their country.
The players also hope this will remove the myth that they are a bunch of mercenaries, who are only concerned about reaping huge financial rewards, rather than flying their national flag with pride by winning matches.
This evening, the Warriors start another Afcon qualifying campaign with a date against the Zebras of Botswana at the National Sports Stadium at 6PM, and the senior national team players have been on a charm offensive to reach out to their fans to repair the bond of trust broken by that Egyptian nightmare.
It’s the first time that such key players like skipper Knowledge Musona and Aston Villa midfielder, Marvelous Nakamba, will be playing for the team since that Nations Cup debacle.
“I think it’s very clear that our commitment to represent our country in the best way possible can never be doubted and that is why we have accepted what the Zifa officials have laid out on the table even though, when you look at the figures, it’s a far cry from what other teams earn,’’ said one of the players who chose not to be identified.
“Since we reported for camp, you guys have not even picked any reports that there were problems because we are all committed to burying the past because we acknowledge that, while we believe we were not wrong in Egypt, what happened there was not right for our image, the team as well as our country.”State media
Dear Editor. Collins Munyoro who's based in Ireland, partnered with Magaya on his Aguma project, sold his properties, stands & house to inject to the Aguma project. A few weeks ago he was in Zim and is now a drug addict because of stress & his marriage's on the rocks. Please help
Farai Dziva| Highlanders legend Malcolm King has died.
This was announced by former ZBC presenter Ezra Thsisa Sibanda:
Former Highlanders servant, legendary Bosso son and Amahlolanyama’s iconic warrior Malcolm King passed on in Cape Town South Africa today.
This was a top businessman and was instrumental in Bosso’s dominance of Zim football in the late 80s. He is the reason Bosso has a club house, a club office & a house in Luveve.
He was an incredibly Bosso administrator who was loved dearly by fans, players and technically teams during his time. May the brilliance and beauty of his life never be defined by his death. A beautiful soul will never be forgotten and his memories will serve as a reminder that King, showed us great kindness and true love for Highlanders FC lala ngoxolo Mdala, MHDSRIP
A Bulawayo-based nurse aide who was dragged to court for masquerading as a medical doctor on Facebook and accessing a laboratory which was a restricted area to her has been acquitted.
During cross examination Ruvarashe Gumbochena pleaded not guilty to contravening Section 121 of the Health Professions Act Chapter 27.19 which criminalises unregistered persons practicing as or representing themselves to be medical practitioners.
In her defence she said she posted the pictures on Facebook as a way to inspire herself to become a medical practitioner.
She said: “I posted my pictures on Facebook out of fun and as an inspiration because I have a dream to become a medical practitioner. I did put that caption that says ‘Doctor Ruvarashe Gumbochena, I am a dream designer and I do not chase dreams but I design them into whatever shape and size, I am just good at what I do’ so as to inspire myself in achieving my goal of becoming a medical doctor.”
She went on to tell the court that it was not her intention to represent herself as a medical practitioner.
The court heard when her former boss at Kes Laboratory Edward Muringani decided to view his subordinate’s social media pages he stumbled on Gumbochena’s pictures on the popular social media site.
Gumbochena allegedly posted her picture in a white jacket masquerading as a medical doctor while she was employed as nurse aide and did not possess enough qualifications to be a medical doctor.
The court heard that she also posted some of her photos while she was in the laboratory area which is a restricted area and she was not allowed to enter and her duties did not allow her to do so. The court further heard that by doing so she acted against the Health Professions Act.
After a full trial magistrate Lesigo Ngwenya found Gumbochena not guilty.
The magistrate said the accused must be discharged.
“There is no evidence to prove an essential element of the offence. Therefore the court says in respect of these Facebook posts the accused did not calculate the intention to commit offence to practice as a medical doctor without being registered,” said Ngwenya. – B Metro
A BULAWAYO man has been arrested for allegedly fatally assaulting his wife with an electric cable and a log accusing her of having an extra-marital affair.
Mike Nyoni (24) of Pumula South suburb allegedly assaulted Ms Moderate Ngwenya (21) on her thighs and butt0cks before hitting her on the head several times using a log.
Ms Ngwenya sustained serious head injuries, a laceration on the skull, swollen forearms, bruises on the lower limbs and on the chest.
She was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where she died while in the casualty ward waiting to be admitted.
Ms Ngwenya leaves behind a two-year-old daughter who is under the care of her in-laws.
Nyoni, who is said to be a gold panner, was arrested on Monday at Renkini bus terminus and is assisting police with investigations.
A source told the Chronicle news crew that a misunderstanding broke out between Nyoni and his wife while they were in Pumula North suburb where their relatives live. He attacked her all the way back home to Pumula South.
“This incident began in Pumula North where Mike was accusing his wife of cheating on him. He was assaulting her using an electric cable all the way from Pumula North until they got here. He finally took a log which he then used to assault her all over the body,” said a source.
According to the source, Nyoni contacted his wife’s alleged boyfriend and told him that he had assaulted her and she was in hospital.
The source said Nyoni’s mother Ms Thandekile Moyo was present when he finally assaulted her using a log.
“His mother was there when this happened. She tried to stop him but she failed and ran to her neighbour’s house as he had become violent,” the source said.
Chronicle news crew visited Nyoni’s residence in Pumula South suburb and spoke to his stepfather Mr Felani Ngwenya who said he was not in a position to comment on the issue.
“I cannot comment on the matter because I do not know much about what happened. It will be best if you contacted my wife as she is the one who was present when the incident happened,” he said.
Ms Moyo who was not at home was not reachable on her phone.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the incident occurred on Friday last week and investigations into the matter are underway.
She urged members of the public to resolve their differences amicably as opposed to resorting to violence.
This incident comes days before the start of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based-violence.
This campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10.State media
PUPILS at Prince Edward are living in fear of bullying from seniors at the school after a video of a senior pupil beating a junior before a fight broke out leaked.
The pupil being bullied in the video fights back with other pupils and social media users calling for action to be taken.
In the circulating video clip, a form four pupil in a white shirt is seen kicking a form three pupil in the face while other pupils watched with some recording the action.
The other pupil eventually fights back in a nasty exchange.
H-Metro spoke to a pupil who said he was at the scene when the fighting was taking place on the school grounds.
“What actually happened is that the form four boy in a white shirt got furious after his younger brother was beaten up and he confronted the junior leading to the fight.
“The fight went on and we could not get them apart as they equally exchanged serious blows but bullying is real here,” he said.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema implored schools to set up anti bullying campaigns and mechanism.
“No to bullying in schools, nobody in Zimbabwe should be bullied whatsoever.
“Teachers and school heads must set an example making sure that this does not go unpunished.
“No one can live alone, we appeal to communities, schools and everyone involved so we can fight this behaviour,” he said.
The school headmaster Dr Aggrippa Sora confirmed the incident saying he will be meeting with the parents of the pupils today.
“This incident is sadly an act of settling scores and a form four student knowing that he is about to finish his education at the school decides to leave a bad mark thinking that he will be untouchable.
“The school does not condone such behaviour, no boy should touch another boy and disciplinary hearing is in progress.
“We are going to give strong recommendations to the Ministry and send a strong message to the kids that such behaviour cannot be tolerated.
“We assure all stakeholders that swift action is going to be taken and the situation is under control as we will try to have anti-bullying campaigns in the school,” said Dr Sora.
— HMetro
PUPILS at Prince Edward are living in fear of bullying from seniors at the school after a video of a senior pupil beating a junior before a fight broke out leaked.
The pupil being bullied in the video fights back with other pupils and social media users calling for action to be taken.
In the circulating video clip, a form four pupil in a white shirt is seen kicking a form three pupil in the face while other pupils watched with some recording the action.
The other pupil eventually fights back in a nasty exchange.
H-Metro spoke to a pupil who said he was at the scene when the fighting was taking place on the school grounds.
“What actually happened is that the form four boy in a white shirt got furious after his younger brother was beaten up and he confronted the junior leading to the fight.
“The fight went on and we could not get them apart as they equally exchanged serious blows but bullying is real here,” he said.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema implored schools to set up anti bullying campaigns and mechanism.
“No to bullying in schools, nobody in Zimbabwe should be bullied whatsoever.
“Teachers and school heads must set an example making sure that this does not go unpunished.
“No one can live alone, we appeal to communities, schools and everyone involved so we can fight this behaviour,” he said.
The school headmaster Dr Aggrippa Sora confirmed the incident saying he will be meeting with the parents of the pupils today.
“This incident is sadly an act of settling scores and a form four student knowing that he is about to finish his education at the school decides to leave a bad mark thinking that he will be untouchable.
“The school does not condone such behaviour, no boy should touch another boy and disciplinary hearing is in progress.
“We are going to give strong recommendations to the Ministry and send a strong message to the kids that such behaviour cannot be tolerated.
“We assure all stakeholders that swift action is going to be taken and the situation is under control as we will try to have anti-bullying campaigns in the school,” said Dr Sora.
— HMetro
Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC has described claims that party leader Nelson Chamisa has dropped his illegitimacy challenge against Emmerson Mnangagwa as baseless.
Read full statement below :
Allegations by Newsday that Pres. Advocate Nelson Chamisa dropped illegitimacy challenge are FALSE and UNFOUNDED.
ED is Illegitimate. Period.
The MDC and indeed our President’s stance remains very clear and unequivocal … ED is illegitimate Period.
It remains our considered view as the people’s party that Zimbabwe still does not have a popularly elected President. The results of the 2018 Presidential elections as announced are definitely not a true reflection of the people’s electoral will.
The MDC has no doubt that our own candidate, Advocate Nelson Chamisa was the outright and undisputed winner of the 2018 Presidential elections with over 2.6 million votes.
The MDC remains fully guided by the resolution from the recent Gweru Congress that clearly gave the guidelines of the roadmap towards the return to political legitimacy.
The details of the roadmap are clearly explained under our strategic policy document, RELOAD.
The restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is unconditional acknowledgment that there is real need of a genuine or credible all inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.
The same dialogue process must also be able agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.
Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.
As such, unless and until that happens first; the issue of political illegitimacy will remain unresolved. Simple.
MDC: Change That Delivers
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi holds a news conference a day after William B. Taylor Jr., the acting ambassador to Ukraine, and George Kent, the deputy assistant secretary of state responsible for Ukraine, today testified before the House Intelligence Committee as part of the Donald Trump impeachment trial
Allegations by Newsday that Pres. Advocate Nelson Chamisa dropped illegitimacy challenge are FALSE and UNFOUNDED.
ED is Illegitimate. Period.
The MDC and indeed our President’s stance remains very clear and unequivocal … ED is illegitimate Period.
It remains our considered view as the people’s party that Zimbabwe still does not have a popularly elected President. The results of the 2018 Presidential elections as announced are definitely not a true reflection of the people’s electoral will.
The MDC has no doubt that our own candidate, Advocate Nelson Chamisa was the outright and undisputed winner of the 2018 Presidential elections with over 2.6 million votes.
The MDC remains fully guided by the resolution from the recent Gweru Congress that clearly gave the guidelines of the roadmap towards the return to political legitimacy.
The details of the roadmap are clearly explained under our strategic policy document, RELOAD.
The restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is unconditional acknowledgment that there is real need of a genuine or credible all inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.
The same dialogue process must also be able agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.
Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.
As such, unless and until that happens first; the issue of political illegitimacy will remain unresolved. Simple.
MDC: Change That Delivers
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. It began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union (The Union of all parliaments around the world).
Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated over the last question.
SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.
Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Excuse me?
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.
SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.
Mudenda: Thank you.
SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.
Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.
SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.
Mudenda: Yeah
SC: Thank you Sir.
Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.
SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?
Mudenda: Yes.
SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.
Mudenda: Okay.
SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.
Mudenda: What reasons does he give?
SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances.
Sir. Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?
SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.
Mudenda: I have what?
SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.
Mudenda: Into what?
SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
Mudenda: Yes
SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.
Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.
SC: Sorry?
Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.
SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?
Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.
SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: Aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.
SC: That we have a clear matter.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?
SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.
Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.
SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.
Mudenda: I am not.
SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.
Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?
SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.
SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.
Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.
SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.
SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.
Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.
Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]
So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.
Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.
SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.
Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?
SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.
A crime is being committed Advocate.
Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.
SC: I am not Sir.
I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;
I have got a legitimate legal concern.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:
Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.
SC: No you can’t do this.
SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?
Mudenda: Can you move out.
SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.
Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.
This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.
SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir
As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
So why are you shouting?
SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think it is more about threatening than anything.
SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN: I haven’t heard.
SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).
SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN: Thank you. POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW. THEY ASK QUESTIONS AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES THEY ANNOUNCE THAT THERE IS NO CASE AND WALK AWAY FROM MUDENDA. 2 COPS ALSO GO ON SELFIE VIDEO WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA OVER THE FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
Headmasters forced to invigilate as striking teachers boycott invigilating Zimsec examinations. The incident happened at Mosi oa Tunya High School where the teachers failed to turn up to invigilate an Ordinary Level History exam. There was absolute chaos in Victora Falls after striking teachers boycotted invigilation of Zimsec examinations.
Media reports indicate that the education authorities had to scramble to find substitute alternatives to invigilate the examination for one of the biggest schools in Matabeleland North Province.
A source who spoke to the publication said. I do not have the actual number of students affected by the unfortunate incident but I can tell you Mosi oa Tunya is one of the biggest schools in the province with about eight classes of 40 students each. The other thing is History is a core subject. So, you can imagine the disaster.
Teachers are now working on Mondays only but there had been an assumption they would come for invigilation.
Unfortunately, they did not and the PSC had to engage other schools for teachers to cover. Most teachers refused and eventually the Ministry directed some headmasters and their deputies to cover since they do not go on strike.
Teachers and the rest of the civil service are up in arms against the government over remuneration. Before the introduction of the bond notes and the local Zimbabwe Dollar teachers, they used to earn US$400 per month. However, they are now earning an average of US$50 per month.
Doctors have been on strike for well over 2 months now and the government has responded by firing well over 200 doctors and is threatening to fire a third of the doctors.
The strategy, known as the big flush, has been used in two previous drought years.
Residents of Zimbabwe’s drought-hit southern city of Bulawayo are on Wednesday being encouraged to flush their toilets at the same time each day.
The city has recently been hit by severe water rationing and needs synchronised flushing to unblock the sewage system.
Bulawayo’s sewage system wasn’t designed for water cuts.
But severe water rationing, lasting up to 72 hours a week, has been imposed on all parts of the city.
That’s playing havoc with sewage reticulation, as the system needs regular flows of water through it.
As a solution, the Bulawayo City Council has called on residents who do have water, to flush their toilets at the same time each day, at around 6 am and 8 pm.
The state-run Chronicle said the strategy, known as the big flush, has been used in two previous drought years.
A ceasefire between Israel and militants in Gaza appears to be holding, despite the launch of several rockets hours after it took effect.
The truce ended two days of intense fighting in which militants fired some 450 rockets towards Israel and Israeli aircraft carried out waves of strikes.
Early on Thursday, a family of eight were killed in an air strike in Gaza.
The fighting left 34 Palestinians dead and 111 injured in total, while 63 Israelis needed medical treatment.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said 25 of the Palestinian fatalities were militants.
The escalation began on Tuesday when a senior commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), Baha Abu al-Ata, and his wife were killed in an Israeli air strike.
The Israeli prime minister said Abu al-Ata was “responsible for most of the terror attacks in the last year from the Gaza Strip” and called him a “ticking bomb”.
PIJ spokesman Musab al-Buraim said early on Thursday that it had agreed to a ceasefire brokered by Egypt after Israel was “forced to accept the conditions set by the Palestinian resistance”.
Those conditions were to stop “assassination operations” and the use of live fire against protesters near the Gaza border fence, and to start implementing steps to end the blockade of Gaza, he added.
Is peace between Israel and Palestinians out of reach?
Israel did not publicly confirm the ceasefire, but Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Army Radio that “quiet will be answered with quiet”.
He also said he considered it a “matter of success” that the dominant militant group in Gaza, Hamas, had not been involved in the hostilities.
Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan denied any concessions had been made to PIJ, tweeting that the group “wanted a ceasefire and it received no commitments in exchange”.
Palestinian Islamic Jihad said it had forced Israeli to accept conditions for the ceasefire IDF Spokesman Brig Gen Hidai Zilberman said its operation in Gaza, dubbed “Black Belt”, had achieved all of its objectives.
“With a combination of military personnel from a variety of units who specialize in SIGINT [signals intelligence], HUMINT [human intelligence], we were able to attack cells and close the circle against targets very quickly. That’s what killed 25 terrorists who were in the midst of carrying out hostile activity,” he added.
UN Middle East peace envoy Nickolay Mladenov said both the UN and Egypt had “worked hard to prevent the most dangerous escalation in and around Gaza from leading to war” and called on all sides to “show maximum restraint”.
However, five rockets were launched from Gaza about five hours after the ceasefire came into effect, the IDF said. Two were intercepted by the Iron Dome air defence system.
There were no immediate reports of any injuries or damage.
In the late afternoon, rocket alert sirens sounded in Israeli communities near the Gaza border and the IDF said another rocket was shot down.
Teenage girls in Tanzania are routinely excluded from school if they become pregnant and are prevented from returning to complete their education. Yet a recent case in the Rukwa Region involving over 200 pregnant girls dropping out of school in six months, shows even this is not the worst outcome girls may face.
The threat of criminal prosecution continues to be wielded by government officials trying to find a solution to the escalating rates of teenage pregnancy in the country, up by 4% between 2010 and 2015. In the case from the Ruwka Region in West Tanzania, a local councillor told reporters that if men impregnating underage girls were going to be arrested and prosecuted, the same approach should be applied to the girls who had become pregnant.
This story is not new. In January 2018, five schoolgirls were arrested in Mtawara Region. The girls were eventually released and charges were dropped, but this incident brought international attention to Tanzania’s high rates of pregnancy.
Pregnancy at a young age presents various social and economic challenges. These include stigma, discrimination and risk of poverty. Punitive laws which prevent pregnant girls and young mothers from remaining in school reinforce these by closing off opportunities to improve economic outcomes as well as reinforcing shame and social exclusion.
A 2017 Human Rights Watch report estimated this policy has contributed to 1.5 million adolescents being denied access to education in Tanzania in 2017. In November 2018, the World Bank pulled $300 million in aid funding from the Tanzanian government. The organisation’s spokesperson cited unease with the country’s barriers to girls’ education that the policy represented.
The link between acquiring a secondary education, and outcomes such as expanded choices, opportunities and economic independence is well documented. Girls in Tanzania see education as key to their own personal aspirations around work as well as being intrinsically valuable. Yet World Bank data shows that girls’ completion rates at lower secondary level have dropped 6% since 2012.
Tackling this decline requires addressing barriers girls face to enrolment and retention, such as economic conditions and social inequalities. Yet reports like the one from Rukwa Region suggest that a hardline, punitive stance on teenage pregnancy in Tanzania isn’t going away any time soon.
Indeed, President John Magufuli, who was elected in 2015, has continued to reiterate support for the 1963 law which allows schools to ban girls once they become pregnant.
The root of the problem
It’s unlikely that the threat of arrest will reduce teenage pregnancy. Teenage pregnancy rates in Kenya, for example, are significantly lower at 18% compared to 27% in Tanzania, according to the latest Demographic and Health Survey. They have also not risen in the way that rates in Tanzania have. The Kenyan government actively encourages girls who have given birth to return to school. Kenya also has significantly better educational inclusion than Tanzania, despite Kenyan girls facing similar socio-economic constraints and pressures.
In contrast, the most recent large-scale data on teenage pregnancy from the Demographic and Health Survey in 2015/16 showed that more than one in four teenage girls in Tanzania had become mothers, increasing by 4% since 2010.
The justification for exclusion of pregnant teenage girls is that they are a “bad influence” on other students. This notion is echoed in calls for the arrest of pregnant girls by government officials; their pregnancy is treated as evidence of a moral failing, and they are at risk of contaminating others.
Yet a major factor driving rates of teenage pregnancy is a lack of social and economic capital, which makes girls vulnerable and forces them to seek out relationships which offer them the support they need to survive. Risk of pregnancy is increased by a lack of knowledge about contraceptive methods, and its inaccessibility – teenage girls in Tanzania have the lowest contraceptive use rates in East Africa.
What research tells us
My research shows that social networks like friendships and links to the community can be sources of support and solidarity for girls. These generate social capital which enables them to resist pressures around sex and relationships. Friendships with like-minded students and support systems in the wider community, including church groups, helped girls to feel confident about pursuing goals that mattered to them and to reject sexual relationships they did not want.
Excluding girls from school cuts them off from these forms of social capital. What’s more, the threat of arrest reinforces the stigma and shame around early pregnancy by framing it as a criminal act.
It’s likely to be girls who are already disadvantaged that will further suffer from this type of action. Given the unmet demand for contraception in Tanzania, the average age of first pregnancy is 19.5 years old.
In addition, girls from the poorest socioeconomic backgrounds are twice as likely to be married before the age of 18 compared with those in wealthier families. And in rural areas, 32% of girls become teenage mothers compared to 18% in urban centres.
Going forward
Instead of expelling and arresting schoolgirls, the government must pay attention to the drivers of teenage pregnancy, which are entirely overlooked in current punitive policies. Youth-friendly sexual and reproductive health services can help girls to avoid pregnancy, but gender inequality and poverty intersect in ways which increase the likelihood of girls getting pregnant while still in school.
Girls suffer from particularly high drop-out rates due to the demands of childcare, cooking and domestic chores that eat into their time to study. At secondary level, students must also pay fees for various items, even in state schools. Families that don’t recognise the value of educating their daughters are reluctant to fund their schooling. This means girls must make money themselves. Poverty is a significant driver of transactional sex in exchange for gifts and money amongst young women, which puts girls at risk of pregnancy because of the lack of negotiating power over condom use that characterises these encounters.
Rates of teenage pregnancy and childbirth in Tanzania are only likely to increase if action isn’t taken to help girls overcome challenges like these, rather than marginalise them further.
Tanzania ratified the 2015 Sustainable Development Goals and made a commitment to “leave no one behind” by addressing structural drivers of inequality in an integrated way. But if current trends continue, Tanzania will fail to meet these targets and fail a generation of the most vulnerable girls.
Agents|A Zambian woman reportedly divorced her illiterate husband who sponsored her education, saying she is no longer interested in marrying an uneducated man.
The woman who stays in Mansa divorced her husband after he sponsored her to school from Grade 9 to University.
When asked by the court why she was divorcing her husband ‘Vincent’, Maria Tembo said she was no longer interested in marrying someone who was not educated, adding that her friends were laughing at her because the husband was illiterate.
The two got married in 1997 and have two children together. The man had to sell his house he built in 1995 in order to take back his wife to school, ZambianObserver reports.
The wife started Grade 9 and went to university. And after being employed, she decided to divorce her husband in favour of a man she met at university.
The court has since ordered the woman to pay her ex husband K10,000 for abandoning him after sacrificing for her for 10 years.
It looks like the sand in the hourglass is about to run out on Days of our Lives.
The long-running American soap will reportedly be going on an extended hiatus from the end of November; however, there are enough episodes banked to play out until the end of the year and into 2020.
According to TMZ, the entire cast of the 55-season soap opera was recently released from their contracts (in other words, the actors are free to take on other projects). The outlet also announced that the show was going on an “indefinite hiatus,” and NBC and Sony Pictures Television will be deciding whether or not to renew the 54-year-old series early next year. While this doesn’t necessarily mean the show is getting canceled, it’s tough to say what the future holds for the beloved soap, at the moment.
After hearing this announcement, several fans expressed their utter disappointment. “WHAT?!?!?!? This must be a joke! Please say it isn’t true. So many good actors/stories. This breaks my heart,” one fan said. “It’s a tragedy to see the enduring format of the traditional afternoon soap winding down. And surprisingly so considering it’s #DaysOfOurLives which still enjoys a ferocious fan base around the world,” another tweeted. A different fan wrote: “This is sad and ridiculous @nbcdays should stay on air along with all other soaps.”
What does the long Days of Our Lives hiatus mean? And is it really ending?
Even though things seem grim, we know fans won’t be cut off immediately. According to TVLine, the soap shoots eight months in advance, meaning that DOOL will at least run through the summer of 2020. And if NBC and Sony Pictures Television do end up deciding to renew the series, production will resume in March.
One insider told the outlet: “It’s actually a shrewd — if cynical — business move … If Days gets picked up, [Corday Productions] can offer the actors new contracts at a reduced rate and with a ‘take-it-or-leave’ it attitude. Worst case scenario, they lose half their cast. Best case scenario [for Corday], everyone agrees to return at a lower salary.” Corday Productions, the production company that handles the actors’ deals, did not respond to TVLine’s request for comment.
Soap operas as a whole have been declining as the race for ratings has pressured networks to cancel many of them. Days of Our Lives aside, there are three big ones remaining — General Hospital on ABC and CBS’s Young and the Restless and Bold and the Beautiful.
So, to be clear … “Days of Our Lives” — which first aired in 1965 — has NOT been canceled. Not yet. It’s possible they’ll bring everyone back, if the network re-ups, but at lower salaries.
We’ve reached out to NBC … but no word back, so far.
CHAOS broke out at Beitbridge Border Post yesterday when a mob of cross border drivers attempted to burn a Toyota Quantum carrying the body of a gang leader accused of unleashing a reign of terror against them in Musina.
Border authorities had to call anti-riot police to quell the potentially volatile situation.
According to security sources, the body of Knowledge Mukachana (32) was being transported to Chief Chimombe area in Gutu for burial. “The man was notorious for robbing Zimbabweans and other travellers near a checkpoint 2km before Musina town. Unfortunately he was stoned to death by a mob on Monday after he attempted to rob some motorists heading to Zimbabwe.
“So when he arrived here, some of his victims wanted to set the vehicle carrying his body on fire and anti-riot police had to be called in to escort the body to a safe zone,” said an official with the Ferret Squad.
The Ferret Squad is made up of various security agencies including the police who are charged with enforcing security at the country’s ports of entries.
According to the official, Mukachana was notorious for robbing his fellow countrymen and in most cases travelled in a Toyota Wish.
“Many cross border traders lost huge monies to him and his gang hence they wanted to burn him to ashes. In some cases, transporters lost clients because the victims thought the transporters were conniving with the deceased and his terror gang,” said the official.
The officer commanding Beitbridge chief superintendent Tichaona Nyongo said he was yet to get details on the incident.
“We only heard about his death in South Africa and we are yet to get finer details on the matter,” he said.
Government has committed to provide sanitary wear for female learners between Grade 4 and Upper Sixth. Finance Minister has allocated $200 million for this. BEAM gets $450 million and food assistance $1 billion.
This was revealed in the Budget for 2020 presented by Finance Minister at parliament today.
State Media|Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is investigating allegations of corruption regarding the release of bank notes after a picture of a person with a bulk of new notes went viral this morning.
The bulk of the sealed notes appeared more than the $300 withdrawal limit from banks, resulting in an uproar from social media users.
“Govt through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe is investigating allegations of abuse of newly released bank notes. Cash was collected by banks using their CIT (cash in transit) vehicles on Monday. All serial numbers were recorded in the register. The offending banks will be named and severe action taken,” said the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services on social media this morning.
Meanwhile, excited depositors on Wednesday flocked to their banking halls in Bulawayo to withdraw new notes and coins following the cash injection on Monday into the formal system by the RBZ.
Long queues were seen at most banks and building societies in the Central Business District as depositors sought to get cash, which had become a rare commodity in the past few months. The news crew visited several banks that include Standard Chartered, CABS, ZB Bank, EcoBank and CBZ where banks were disbursing the new $2 and $5 notes and $2 bond coins.
“The money arrived at our branch here yesterday at 8PM,” said a banking official on condition of anonymity.
Some banks were issuing out only $2 coins while others issued both notes and coins. Others like CBZ Fife Street facilitated that customers access the cash through the Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Most banks had their withdrawal limit at ZWL$100 per day while some were said to be giving up to $300 as per weekly limit.
Depositors who spoke to the news crew expressed excitement over the availability of cash at banks. They commended the Central Bank for injecting more cash in the formal system saying parallel market cash dealers had made life hard for them.
“I am happy to get cash from my bank but the problem is that the denominations are small. Goods are expensive and this means I have to carry a lot of cash,” said a ZB depositor.
The depositors said they hoped the banks will be consistent in availing cash to end the selling of cash by dealers.
Some depositors however complained that the use of coins attracts punitive premiums at some retail shops that prefer notes.
The depositors also suggested that RBZ prints higher denominations of $10 and $15 for transactional convenience.
RBZ governor Dr John Mangudya has said that the Central Bank will continue to drip-feed the market with notes and coins until the state of equilibrium is reached. The RBZ intends to increase the amount of cash in circulation to about 10 percent of total money supply, which translates to roughly $1,9 billion. Dr Mangudya said the process of injecting additional cash went smoothly on the first day and the RBZ will continue to top up banks with cash to meet demand.
He said the RBZ was determined to stop cheating by banks through strict monitoring of compliance with bank use and promotion regulations
CBZ caught smuggling new notes and coins to black market. Popular Twitter personality @matigary has said the Bank has been caught smuggling notes and coins to the black market where eco cash agents are charging 50 per cent for every withdrawal.
Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ Holdings) has been implicated in parallel market money laundering schemes, Mining Zimbabwe has learnt.
The handle which is believed to be owned by Taurai Chinyamakobvu has expressed its intolerance with the situation at hand and called for an explanation from the Bank and decisive measures to be taken against the Bank.
“It’s not enough to demand an explanation to these @CBZHoldings seals on the coins. Consequences on wrongdoing must be swift & decisive. Citizens must never be taken for granted, ever” reads the tweet. The central bank governor has been blamed for failing to put measures on how to stop the situation which was so obvious would happen considering the economic climate at hand.
“It would be silly to imagine RBZ did not anticipate that banknotes would not be on the street. This has happened over and over when new notes are introduced. OVER & OVER. The QN is why was it not anticipated & nipped in the bud. Controls nhai Mangudya?” Reads the tweet.
Newsreaders Friday night requested we republish the full Jacob Mudenda interview in Serbia on 13th October 2019.
MUDENDA WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA FOR AN INTERVIEW- Begins with the humiliation Zim is receiving here, a Tanzanian politician says “Zim is now 7 times worse than it was under Bob.” Mudenda asks why. He is told it’s because you’re torturing MDC MPs and 1 Aug victims.. FINAL VIDEO ON ZIMEYE pic.twitter.com/23KwitUSSM
INTERVIEW OF ZIMBABWE’S SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA AT THE IN-HOTEL IN SERBIA ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2019.
Jacob Mudenda speaking to ZimEye at the In Hotel, Serbia
The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. It began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union (The Union of all parliaments around the world).
Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated.
Watch video below. ..
FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW (PLUS AUDIO) LOADING BELOW…
SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.
Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Excuse me?
Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)
SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.
SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.
Mudenda: Thank you.
SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.
Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.
SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.
Mudenda: Yeah
SC: Thank you Sir.
Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.
SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?
Mudenda: Yes.
SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.
Mudenda: Okay.
SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.
Mudenda: What reasons does he give?
SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances. Sir.
Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?
SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.
Mudenda: I have what?
SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.
Mudenda: Into what?
SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.
Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).
Mudenda: Yes
SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.
Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.
SC: Sorry?
Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.
SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?
Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.
SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: Aren’t you concerned?
Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.
SC: That we have a clear matter.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.
Mudenda: I am not discussing that.
SC: You talked about a threat.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?
SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.
Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.
SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.
Mudenda: I am not.
SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.
Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?
SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.
SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.
Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.
SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.
Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.
SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: Stop what?
Mudenda: Can you stop it.
SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.
Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.
Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]
So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.
Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.
SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.
Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?
SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.
A crime is being committed Advocate.
Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.
SC: I am not Sir.
I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;
I have got a legitimate legal concern.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:
Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.
SC: No you can’t do this.
SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?
Mudenda: Can you move out.
SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.
Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.
This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.
SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir
As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
So why are you shouting?
SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I think it is more about threatening than anything.
SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
I haven’t heard.
SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).
SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.
UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:
Thank you.
POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW THEN THE BELOW HAPPENS….
BREAKING – JACOB MUDENDA HUMILIATED AFTER SENDING SERBIAN POLICE TO CHASE AWAY JOURNALIST AFTER BEING CONTRONTED OVER MENTALLY TORTURING MDC MPs AND 1 AUG VICTIMS, WHICH WAS DONE TO CHANGE 2018 ELECTION RESULTS | FULL STORY TO FOLLOW pic.twitter.com/RQwnMVX86m
Norton lawmaker Temba Mliswa wants MDC MPs punished for snubbing President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Paul Nyathi|MDC MPs on Thursday boycotted the Budget Presentation in parliament due to the presence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the joint seating of both houses.
MDC Presidential Spokesperson Nkululeko Sibanda told reporters that all MDC MPs were at a funeral in Marondera and did not deliberately bunk parliament.
“They are attending the funeral of a high ranking family within the MDC in Marondera. That is what I understand,” said Sibanda.
Independent member of parliament for Norton Constituency Temba Mliswa demanded Parliament takes disciplinary action on the MDC Parliamentarians.
Speaking before the presentation, Mliswa described the MPs as “hypocrites” and questioned how the MDC could take part in formulation of Bills that are signed into law by a President whose legitimacy they do not recognise.
“When one comes here national interests come first. There was a decision made by the courts following last year’s elections and that has to be respected,” said Mliswa.
He was referring to the judgement by the Constitutional Court last year on the MDC challenge of the 2018 elections.
“The decision that they made is a decision that is inconsistent. I thought MPs were more mature, more senior and they would be able to do what is expected.
“Mr. Speaker time has come that this institution comes up with rules that will empower you to be able to deal with any MP who behaves in a manner that is not befitting of this institution,” he said.
“The hypocrisy that they exhibit, they contribute to every Bill in this Parliament and at the end the President signs it so when they contribute and the President signs how then can they not be part of this.
“This is a critical event in terms of the country moving forward. The Minister of Finance will be presenting a budget which equally they contributed to. We were in Victoria Falls together.”
Mliswa said the MDC will not be able to sustain its strategy for the next four years, challenging them to seek a better plan.
There was expectation the opposition MPs will attempt to humiliate Mnangagwa who was in attendance, by walking out but surprisingly none pitched up.
They argue Mnangagwa stole the 2018 election from their party leader Nelson Chamisa.
On Monday party spokesperson Daniel Molokele maintained his party’s position on Mnangagwa remained the same despite reports they had dropped the illegitimacy mantra.
Zimbabwe coach Joey Antipas has heeded a plea from Kaizer Chiefs forward Khama Billiat for the inclusion of Knowledge Musonda in the Afcon qualifiers.
Antipas has not only called up the “Smiling Assassin”, but has re-instated him as the Warriors captain ahead of today’s clash with Botswana at the National Sports Stadium.
“We all know Knowledge is a great player, he has done it before, he has done it over and over again,’’ Billiat told The Herald.
“I have played with Knowledge before and I know what kind of a player he is. He is a player I connect with very well and he also connects well with the other players, which makes us a stronger team.
“We need him, he is a great player and I believe his presence will improve the team. He still has a lot to offer to this team,” added the Chiefs star.
Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp has landed in South Africa after being spotted at Cape Town International Airport on Tuesday.
Klopp visited the Mother City in 2017 as an ambassador to a local soccer charity for children, Joy is Round, and donated £10 000 (R188 000) to the initiative run by the Hout Bay United Football Community.
Sport24 reached out to Hout Bay United FC who confirmed Klopp’s trip was purely a private holiday during the current FIFA international break and is not linked to any official event at the club.
The club which runs a soccer academy for children aged seven to 18, oversees an initiative which aims to raise funds for grassroots soccer through the sale of balls and art made from old clothing and materials.
The 52-year-old Klopp was also spotted meeting 2019 Rugby World Cup-winning Springbok captain Siya Kolisi and Proteas Test skipper Faf du Plessis who shared a picture on his Instagram account.
Faf posted a picture to his 1.1 million followers, writing “About last night . . . When ur bro @siya_kolisi_the_bear has a serious man crush moment when he meets one of his heroes . . . very impressive man . Get why his players love him so much . I’m a fan as well now ????????”. — AFP
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) has blamed ZIFA and CAF after their costs for the Afcon qualifier against Zimbabwe ballooned by an extra P250 000 (approx. ZW$ 355 000) following a venue change.
The Warriors were supposed to host Botswana at Barbourfields Stadium in Bulawayo, but the match was moved to the National Stadium in Harare.
The BFA had created a small budget which would have seen their team travelling by road to Bulawayo. Following the venue change, the Zebras are now set to fly to Harare via Johannesburg for the Friday’s encounter.
“The shift has cost us over a quarter of a million (Pula), and even disrupted plans for our next game (against Algeria),” BFA general manager-football operations, Monnakgotla Mojaki told Mmegi Online.
“We are not happy with the way CAF and ZIFA (Zimbabwe Football Association) went about this. We have made an official complaint and protest to CAF. It was more of mind games than a genuine change.”
Meanwhile, the switch sparked controversy after the owners of Barbourfields Stadium, Bulawayo City Council (BCC) denied ZIFA’s claims that the match venue was changed over a faulty floodlight system.
The BCC said the FA’s decision to shift the game to Harare was based on other reasons.
Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) reportedly confiscated Warriors’ kit for Friday’s game against Botswana.
The Umbro kit which was delivered a couple of days ago was seized at Robert Mugabe International Airport in Harare by ZIMRA officials over customs duty issues.
According to the Herald, ZIFA has desperately been trying to get the equipment, which they believe should be exempted from paying the duty since it’s coming to be used by the country’s senior national football team.
The development has forced the association to use an old kit for the Warriors’ training programme which got underway in Harare on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe hosts Botswana in the Afcon Qualifiers at National Sports Stadium in Harare. Kick-off is at 6 pm.Soccer 24
Jane Mlambo| Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube has offered incentives to corporates that generate jobs for young people, ZimEye can report.
Presenting the 2020 national budget, Ncube said the new measure is aimed at reducing the cost of hiring young people as government will also share the cost.
“Under the 2020 Budget, a fiscal incentive is being introduced to support employers who generate jobs for our young job seekers. Any additional job created will attract a percentage tax credit to the employer.
“This measure will reduce the employers cost of hiring young people through a cost-sharing mechanism with Government.
“To operationalise YETI, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development will work closely with ZIMRA, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Labour, EMCOZ and other relevant organisations to work out the respective legal and administrative framework,” said Mthuli Ncube.
Reports filtering through indicate that interim Warriors coach Joey Antipas has re-instated Knowledge Musona as Warriors skipper.
The Chicken Inn coach had given the arm band to Wales-based defender Alec Mudimu in Musona’s absence from the national team during the Somalia games but his inclussion of the Belgium-based star has also doubled with handing him back the captaincy.
Antipas’ charges meet the Zebras of Botswana under the floodlights at the National Sports Stadium tomorrow then clash with Chipolopolo four days later.
Musona is expected to lead the country’s flagship football team for the first time since the AFCON 2019 finals in Egypt.Soccer 24
Jane Mlambo| Government will purchase more ZUPCO buses as it moves to cushion the commuting public against the rising cost of transport.
Presenting the 2020 national budget, Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said government will continue to subsidize the mass transport system while capacitating ZUPCO to provide an efficient public transport system.
“To cushion the commuting public against the rising cost of transport, Government will continue to subsidise a Mass Transport System, as well as capacitate ZUPCO to provide an efficient public transport system.
“In this regard, ZUPCO will be capacitated to purchase more reliable conventional buses,” said Mthuli Ncube.
Dynamos ended their long winless run with a 2-1 victory over Chapungu at Ascot Stadium on Wednesday.
The Glamour Boys had drawn their last eight games and the latest result put them into 5th position with 43 points.
Emmanuel Jalai scored the opening goal on the stroke of half-time to send the visiting team in front but the lead was cancelled by Denver Mukamba who scored against his former side two minutes into the second period.
Evans Katema scored the winner just moments after the hour to give Dynamos a victory.
In Bindura, Chicken Inn moved to the top of the table, at least for now, after edging Mushowani Stars 1-0.
The Gamecocks got their solitary goal from Innocent Muchaneka in the second half. They move to 52 points along with second-placed FC Platinum who also won in their Match-day 30 encounter.
The Platinum Boys beat Manica Diamonds 2-0 thanks to goals from Gift Mbweti and Rodwell Chinyengetere in either half.
Elsewhere, Highlanders left it late to salvage a point against Ngezi Platinum Stars at Barbourfields Stadium.
Goalkeeper Ariel Sibanda scored from the spot in the 84th minute to cancel out Donald Teguru’s 34th-minute effort.
The result sees Bosso drop one place on the log to number 8 with 41 points.
Results:
Highlanders 1-1 Ngezi Platinum
Chapungu 1-2 Dynamos
Manica Diamonds 0-2 FC Platinum
Mushowani Stars 0-1 Chicken Inn
Triangle United 1-1 Herentals
Harare City 2-2 TelOne
Bulawayo Chiefs 0-0 Hwange
Black Rhinos 0-1 Yadah- Soccer 24
Jane Mlambo| Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube has told parliament that government has increased the tax free threshold from the current ZWL20 to ZWL100 to cushion low income earners and high volume businesses.
Presenting the 2020 national budget, Ncube said;
“In order to cushion low income earners and high volume businesses, I propose to review the Tax-Free Threshold from the current ZWL$20 to ZWL$100 and the maximum tax payable per transaction by corporates from the current ZWL$15 000 to ZWL$25 000 on transactions with values exceeding ZWL$1 250 000, with effect from 1 January 2020,” he said.
EIGHT University of Zimbabwe students were on Tuesday night arrested for violence that left 10 people injured as well as a trail of destruction of property.
The skirmishes started when a dispute arose over Student Representative Council election results announcement.
Of the injured, two were campus security personnel.
The scuffle was between students aligned to the two major student bodies Zimbabwe National Student Union and Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union.
National Police Spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said it was wrong for students to behave violently adding that they needed proper grooming.
“Police will make sure that such violent behaviour does not prevail at our local universities.
“A number of buildings and properties were damaged during the violence at the university.
‘’Police officers were called in as reinforcement to assist university security in controlling the student,’’ he said.
He said a few rioters were taken into custody and police are still searching for the real culprits behind the violence.H-Metro
Jane Mlambo| Government has allocated ZWL200 million towards the provision of sanitary wear to school going girls, in a major breakthrough for the country.
Presenting the 2020 national budget, finance minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube said the program will begin with rural girls from grade four to form six.
PUPILS at Prince Edward are living in fear of bullying from seniors at the school after a video of a senior pupil beating a junior before a fight broke out leaked.
The pupil being bullied in the video fights back with other pupils and social media users calling for action to be taken.
In the circulating video clip, a form four pupil in a white shirt is seen kicking a form three pupil in the face while other pupils watched with some recording the action.
The other pupil eventually fights back in a nasty exchange.
H-Metro spoke to a pupil who said he was at the scene when the fighting was taking place on the school grounds.
“What actually happened is that the form four boy in a white shirt got furious after his younger brother was beaten up and he confronted the junior leading to the fight.
“The fight went on and we could not get them apart as they equally exchanged serious blows but bullying is real here,” he said.
The Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Cain Mathema implored schools to set up anti bullying campaigns and mechanism.
“No to bullying in schools, nobody in Zimbabwe should be bullied whatsoever.
“Teachers and school heads must set an example making sure that this does not go unpunished.
“No one can live alone, we appeal to communities, schools and everyone involved so we can fight this behaviour,” he said.
The school headmaster Dr Aggrippa Sora confirmed the incident saying he will be meeting with the parents of the pupils today.
“This incident is sadly an act of settling scores and a form four student knowing that he is about to finish his education at the school decides to leave a bad mark thinking that he will be untouchable.
“The school does not condone such behaviour, no boy should touch another boy and disciplinary hearing is in progress.
“We are going to give strong recommendations to the Ministry and send a strong message to the kids that such behaviour cannot be tolerated.
“We assure all stakeholders that swift action is going to be taken and the situation is under control as we will try to have anti-bullying campaigns in the school,” said Dr Sora.
— HMetro
Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC says it will only participate in a dialogue process that is facilitated by a neutral figure.
Read full statement below :
Allegations by Newsday that Pres. Advocate Nelson Chamisa dropped illegitimacy challenge are FALSE and UNFOUNDED.
ED is Illegitimate. Period.
The MDC and indeed our President’s stance remains very clear and unequivocal … ED is illegitimate Period.
It remains our considered view as the people’s party that Zimbabwe still does not have a popularly elected President. The results of the 2018 Presidential elections as announced are definitely not a true reflection of the people’s electoral will.
The MDC has no doubt that our own candidate, Advocate Nelson Chamisa was the outright and undisputed winner of the 2018 Presidential elections with over 2.6 million votes.
The MDC remains fully guided by the resolution from the recent Gweru Congress that clearly gave the guidelines of the roadmap towards the return to political legitimacy.
The details of the roadmap are clearly explained under our strategic policy document, RELOAD.
The restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is unconditional acknowledgment that there is real need of a genuine or credible all inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.
The same dialogue process must also be able agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.
Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.
As such, unless and until that happens first; the issue of political illegitimacy will remain unresolved. Simple.
MDC: Change That Delivers
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
By Jane Mlambo| Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube presents the 2020 national budget and below are the highlights from his presentation currently underway in parliament.
Read below updates from the budget presentation;
Independent legislator Temba Mliswa says MDC legislators must respect parliament by attending budget presentation. They are not sincere “vakuda shamu inemunyu”.
Mthuli Ncube says the 2020 budget marks the exit from austerity to growth stimulation and employment through promotion of production oriented investment and productivity,
Mthuli Ncube says additional measures will be taken on subsidies to ensuree that only those can benefit.
Fuel and electricity: The pricing framework is made to ensure that its insync with regional prices
“Government will continue to subsidize public transport (Zupco),”
“Grain subsidies will be removed with effect from January next year,”
$165m for drought shocks and early warning measures. Irrigation will get $422 million. Compensation 500 farmers have been paid… $380 million set aside for compensation in 2020
Women development fund allocation ZWL20 million
Empower Bank allocated ZWL20 million dollars
2020 national budget is centred on prioritizing equitable development embraced through appropriate allocation
Transport ZWL4.5 billion
Energy ZWL8.9 billion
ICT ZWL1.2 Billion
Health ZWL2 billion
On devolution, Ncube said 2.93 billion to the lower tiers of government targeting projects identified by local authorities.
National e-government programme- 341,7 million allocated towards the national e-government project
Road development program- Dualisation of Hre-Beit ZWL1 Billion
Ongoing works on trunk roads ZWL1.2 billion
feeder roads ZWL300 million
local authority ZWL510 million
Mass urban transport system- ZWL540 million subsidy to the ZUPCO subsidy policy program
ZWL8.5 Billion to Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education
ZWL2.2 Billion to Higher and Tertiary Education
To set up six innovation hubs, with resources allocated to stimulate innovation
Support for school children sanitary wear- says a ZWL200 million budgetary allocation for rural girls from grade four to form six
Export revolving fund- govt will support exporters through a ZWL20 million seed capital initially targeted at the horticulture sector before spreading to other sectors.
Government to set up a space satellite
Independent commissions including Public Service Commission, Judiciary Services Commission and many others will be allocated resources to ensure they are fully operational
Jane Mlambo|Opposition legislators have boycotted the national budget presentation by the minister of finance and economic development Professor Mthuli Ncube currently underway in parliament.
Unlike the last time when they walked out on President Emmerson Mnangagwa, this time they did not bother the drama but chose to completely stay away.
The seats usually occupied by opposition legislators were filled by Zanu PF MPs and other ministers including sports minister Kirsty Coventry.
In his budget presentation, Professor Ncube said the government will target a budget of not more than one percent while continuing to compensate former white farmers who were evicted in 2000.
Farai Dziva|The country’s main opposition party, MDC has described claims that party leader Nelson Chamisa has dropped his illegitimacy challenge against Emmerson Mnangagwa as baseless.
Read full statement below :
Allegations by Newsday that Pres. Advocate Nelson Chamisa dropped illegitimacy challenge are FALSE and UNFOUNDED.
ED is Illegitimate. Period.
The MDC and indeed our President’s stance remains very clear and unequivocal … ED is illegitimate Period.
It remains our considered view as the people’s party that Zimbabwe still does not have a popularly elected President. The results of the 2018 Presidential elections as announced are definitely not a true reflection of the people’s electoral will.
The MDC has no doubt that our own candidate, Advocate Nelson Chamisa was the outright and undisputed winner of the 2018 Presidential elections with over 2.6 million votes.
The MDC remains fully guided by the resolution from the recent Gweru Congress that clearly gave the guidelines of the roadmap towards the return to political legitimacy.
The details of the roadmap are clearly explained under our strategic policy document, RELOAD.
The restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is unconditional acknowledgment that there is real need of a genuine or credible all inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.
The same dialogue process must also be able agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.
Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.
As such, unless and until that happens first; the issue of political illegitimacy will remain unresolved. Simple.
MDC: Change That Delivers
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
Allegations by Newsday that Pres. Advocate Nelson Chamisa dropped illegitimacy challenge are FALSE and UNFOUNDED.
ED is Illegitimate. Period.
The MDC and indeed our President’s stance remains very clear and unequivocal … ED is illegitimate Period.
It remains our considered view as the people’s party that Zimbabwe still does not have a popularly elected President. The results of the 2018 Presidential elections as announced are definitely not a true reflection of the people’s electoral will.
The MDC has no doubt that our own candidate, Advocate Nelson Chamisa was the outright and undisputed winner of the 2018 Presidential elections with over 2.6 million votes.
The MDC remains fully guided by the resolution from the recent Gweru Congress that clearly gave the guidelines of the roadmap towards the return to political legitimacy.
The details of the roadmap are clearly explained under our strategic policy document, RELOAD.
The restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is unconditional acknowledgment that there is real need of a genuine or credible all inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.
The same dialogue process must also be able agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.
Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.
As such, unless and until that happens first; the issue of political illegitimacy will remain unresolved. Simple.
MDC: Change That Delivers
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
A BULAWAYO man has been arrested for allegedly fatally assaulting his wife with an electric cable and a log accusing her of having an extra-marital affair.
Mike Nyoni (24) of Pumula South suburb allegedly assaulted Ms Moderate Ngwenya (21) on her thighs and butt0cks before hitting her on the head several times using a log.
Ms Ngwenya sustained serious head injuries, a laceration on the skull, swollen forearms, bruises on the lower limbs and on the chest.
She was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where she died while in the casualty ward waiting to be admitted.
Ms Ngwenya leaves behind a two-year-old daughter who is under the care of her in-laws.
Nyoni, who is said to be a gold panner, was arrested on Monday at Renkini bus terminus and is assisting police with investigations.
A source told the Chronicle news crew that a misunderstanding broke out between Nyoni and his wife while they were in Pumula North suburb where their relatives live. He attacked her all the way back home to Pumula South.
“This incident began in Pumula North where Mike was accusing his wife of cheating on him. He was assaulting her using an electric cable all the way from Pumula North until they got here. He finally took a log which he then used to assault her all over the body,” said a source.
According to the source, Nyoni contacted his wife’s alleged boyfriend and told him that he had assaulted her and she was in hospital.
The source said Nyoni’s mother Ms Thandekile Moyo was present when he finally assaulted her using a log.
“His mother was there when this happened. She tried to stop him but she failed and ran to her neighbour’s house as he had become violent,” the source said.
Chronicle news crew visited Nyoni’s residence in Pumula South suburb and spoke to his stepfather Mr Felani Ngwenya who said he was not in a position to comment on the issue.
“I cannot comment on the matter because I do not know much about what happened. It will be best if you contacted my wife as she is the one who was present when the incident happened,” he said.
Ms Moyo who was not at home was not reachable on her phone.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the incident occurred on Friday last week and investigations into the matter are underway.
She urged members of the public to resolve their differences amicably as opposed to resorting to violence.
This incident comes days before the start of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based-violence.
This campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10.State media
Farai Dziva| The Movement For Democratic Change has described the death of two party members in a road accident as a huge blow.
See statement below :
The MDC family expresses its heartfelt sorrow and deepest condolences to both the Takawira and Chikuni families following the death of Admire Takawira and Paul Chikuni in a road accident near Ruwa on Sunday night.
The two were active and prominent leaders of the people’s party in the Mashonaland East province.
Takawira will be buried in Berejena, in Chivi; while Chikuni will be buried in Marondera.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
The MDC family expresses its heartfelt sorrow and deepest condolences to both the Takawira and Chikuni families following the death of Admire Takawira and Paul Chikuni in a road accident near Ruwa on Sunday night.
The two were active and prominent leaders of the people’s party in the Mashonaland East province.
Takawira will be buried in Berejena, in Chivi; while Chikuni will be buried in Marondera.
May their souls rest in eternal peace
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
Farai Dziva| Highlanders legend Malcolm King has died.
This was announced by former ZBC presenter Ezra Thsisa Sibanda:
Former Highlanders servant, legendary Bosso son and Amahlolanyama’s iconic warrior Malcolm King passed on in Cape Town South Africa today.
This was a top businessman and was instrumental in Bosso’s dominance of Zim football in the late 80s. He is the reason Bosso has a club house, a club office & a house in Luveve.
He was an incredibly Bosso administrator who was loved dearly by fans, players and technically teams during his time. May the brilliance and beauty of his life never be defined by his death. A beautiful soul will never be forgotten and his memories will serve as a reminder that King, showed us great kindness and true love for Highlanders FC lala ngoxolo Mdala, MHDSRIP
By A Correspondent| Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared G40 an enemy of the State, warning any Zanu PF members interacting with its members that they would be dealt with.
Addressing journalists after a Zanu PF politburo meeting last night, party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said Mnangagwa warned Zanu PF members against getting into bed with G40, the faction that allegedly engineered his ouster from power in 2017 at the height of factional politics.
“He challenged the politburo leadership to be more visible at the grassroots and associate with programmes of government, always giving people a message of hope, those hobnobbing with G40 elements stand warned,” he said.
Zanu PF youth league has accused leaders appointed by Mnangagwa into government and party structures of sabotaging him and failing to attend important meetings because they belonged to G40.
Moyo, however, said the warning by Mnangagwa was targeting all Zanu PF members.
“He never classified at what level. Anybody, doesn’t matter at what level if they are hobnobbing with G40 then they stand warned,” he said.
“G40 is not a threat to Zanu PF. It’s a threat to the country including the MDC. It’s a threat to security and security affects everyone.”
By A Correspondent- Socialite Jackie Ngarande has rubbed off singer Pah Chihera the wrong way after what the latter believed was an underhanded move to try and humiliate her.
While Jackie uses her social media platform to assist those genuinely seeking, help, zimbolive news reports indicating howshemayhaveoverdone it; mistook one Chihera who asked for clothes and bag as the singer Pah Chihera
Said Jackie, exposing the person who goes by the name Pa Chihera.
Veduwe ,Kana ndichida kupa munhu chinhu ndomupa ndega. Ndanzwa from Instagram,WhatsApp. ,Facebook ndichingonzi ndipoo. Zvakutotyisa kuposta picture unokumbira hembe dzacho. Ndosara nei nhai….Musadaro. Imi makambondipawo chii? meaning when i want to give someone something, I will do it on my own volition.
“I am now tired of the requests on Instagram, Whatsapp and Facebook where people are in the habit of asking for things from me. I am now scared of posting a picture because of people asking for my clothes.
“I will in the end remain with nothing! What have you given me in turn?”
The real Pah Chihera was not amused by Jackie’s shenanigans and called her to order.
“The word in the streets is be your sister’s keeper. When Jackie Ngarande posted that post on her “Helping platform” I would like to believe it would have registered in her mind that this is Pah Chihera the singer and somehow she should have first come to my inbox to check.
However, she went on and posted… Aim being to humiliate. Well thank God… I have come to realise many of my sisters being Chihera’s have made it a norm to use Pah Chihera as their Facebook names which I think is OK.
However, in instances like this it becomes a bit concerning. I am a very content individual and will never ask for clothes specially those worn before by someone who isn’t my relative.
The post Jackie Ngarande posted intended to cause humiliation… If I say to me well I will be judgemental
Maybe she had forgotten there is a Pah Chihera who is known in other platforms as a musician. Either way… Jackie I have known you for a long time and I feel this was aimed at belittling another woman and feeling powerful.
THINGS took a turn for the worse in the warring MDC on Tuesday when party hooligans stormed a meeting that was being chaired by its leader Nelson Chamisa, threatening to deal with former secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora in full view of the party’s big guns, the Daily News reported.
Tuesday’s ugly developments were confirmed by both Mwonzora and the MDC itself – badly exposing the folly of some of the main opposition’s officials, including Chamisa’s spokersperson Nkululeko Sibanda, who have ridiculously accused journalists of writing falsehoods about the party’s upheavals.
A senior party official who attended the Tuesday meeting told the DailyNews yesterday that had Chamisa not intervened and asked the thugs to leave – before ordering MDC security personnel to escort Mwonzora after the meeting – the former SG would have been “mincemeat”.
Molokele also confirmed Tuesday’s incident, which came hard on the heels of an attack on Mwonzora’s car by some MDC youths during last weekend’s meeting of the national executive council (Nec).
This comes as there is growing animosity towards Mwonzora by some party officials. This week, in a move which has seen its former SG’s political future coming even more under the spotlight, the MDC said it would initiate disciplinary proceedings against him — fuelling growing suspicion that the party’s bigwigs are pushing him to the exit door.
Mwonzora, a widely respected member of the MDC’s Nec, has never been forgiven by some officials after he expressed interest in challenging Chamisa for the leadership of the MDC ahead of the party’s congress which was held in Gweru in May this year.
MDC secretary-general Chalton Hwende fuelled the talk that the country’s biggest opposition is readying itself to jettison Mwonzora when he said this week that the party’s leadership is taking allegations by the youths against his predecessor very seriously, and would initiate disciplinary proceedings against him.
Mwonzora has had a love-hate relationship with some MDC bigwigs and youth assembly members since he expressed his interest to contest Chamisa at the party’s Gweru congress.
By A Correspondent- Suspended Gweru town Clerk Elizabeth Gwatipedza’s salary perks which saw her receiving hefty benefits and drawing over $100 000 from the cash-strapped local authority, has sparked outrage among ratepayers.
A local publication carried out an investigation into the town clerk’s salary perks and benefits and revealed shocking commitments made by council for her services as from June 2017.
Soon after the story broke on Tuesday, residents took to social media to vent their anger on the package of the embattled town clerk, with some threatening to boycott payment of council rates in protest.
Posting on the official Gweru Residents and Ratepayers’ Association (GRRA) WhatsApp group, residents also questioned former mayor Charles Chikozho over the packages and demanded to know what motivated him and his team to sign the contract.
“@Chikozho mayor and your guys, what inspired you to agree to such nonsense?” posted one resident.
“As for me I will not pay a single cent to council. I cannot pay to feed one person,” posted another resident.
Former mayor Chikozho pleaded with the residents who were fuming on the social media group: “The matter is before a disciplinary authority (and) am of the view that it’s not proper to respond … I don’t want (to) influence the proceedings at this moment.”
However, a resident using the moniker “The Village Priest” pressed Chikozho further: “Cllr, the question was, what inspired you to agree to those conditions? This question does not in any way jeopardise investigations of incompetence of TC, what had you seen for you to agree to give her those perks?”
Cornelia Selipiwe, GRRA director, told Southern Eye that the town clerk’s perks had angered ratepayers, who felt she should not bleed the financially-crippled council.
“We are worried with such a contract; she is selfish and dangerous to the organisation. Our city has no money, we don’t need such a person, her appetite for high life was exhibited when she wanted to move into the mayor’s mansion and those curtains she wanted to buy for US$38 000, but why did the former mayor and councillors accept that scenario?” the GRRA leader asked.
Selipiwe also confirmed that some residents have been threatening to boycott payment of council rates in protest against the town clerk’s perks.
David Chokore, the Gweru United Residents and Ratepayers Development Association leader said: “We have never and will never begrudge anyone for getting what they truly deserve. From the available reported allegations, which remain uncontested to this day, there is rampant corruption and general collapse of council service delivery.”,
Gwatipedza told Southern Eye that it would be sub judice for her to comment on the matter since the independent tribunal set to hear her case was still seized with the matter.
By A Correspondent- A 35 year old Harare man, who terrorised women in and around Kwekwe by robbing and raping them, has been arrested.
Simbarashe Munyaradzi Muwaniki, of no fixed residential address in Harare, yesterday appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Pathekile Msipa facing unlawful entry, robbery and rape charges.
The complainant, who resides in Redcliff and whose name has been withheld for ethical reasons, identified the accused after he was arrested by Kwekwe police for similar offences where he used the same modus operandi against his victims.
The State case is that on April 30 this year at around 3am, Muwaniki allegedly broke into complainant’s house using an iron bar.
He went to the complainant’s bedroom and ordered her to remove the password from her mobile phone after threatening to kill her with the iron bar.
Muwaniki stole US$20 and $12 from a wallet in the wardrobe and later raped the complainant.
The complainant immediately narrated her ordeal to her sister and a tenant.
A report was made to the police and she was referred to Kwekwe General Hospital for medical examination.
Muwaniki denied the charges and the trial continues tomorrow.
By A Correspondent- A man from Bulawayo has been arrested for allegedly fa_tally assaulting his wife with an electric cable and a log accusing her of having an extra-marital affair.
Mike Nyoni (24) of Pumula South suburb allegedly assaulted Ms Moderate Ngwenya (21) on her thighs and bu__tt0cks before hitting her on the head several times using a log.
Ms Ngwenya sustained serious head injuries, a laceration on the skull, swollen forearms, bruises on the lower limbs and on the chest.
She was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where she died while in the casualty ward waiting to be admitted.
Ms Ngwenya leaves behind a two-year-old daughter who is under the care of her in-laws.
Nyoni, who is said to be a gold panner, was arrested on Monday at Renkini bus terminus and is assisting police with investigations.
A source told the state media that a misunderstanding broke out between Nyoni and his wife while they were in Pumula North suburb where their relatives live. He attacked her all the way back home to Pumula South.
“This incident began in Pumula North where Mike was accusing his wife of cheating on him. He was assaulting her using an electric cable all the way from Pumula North until they got here. He finally took a log which he then used to assault her all over the body,” said a source.
According to the source, Nyoni contacted his wife’s alleged boyfriend and told him that he had assaulted her and she was in hospital.
The source said Nyoni’s mother Ms Thandekile Moyo was present when he finally assaulted her using a log.
“His mother was there when this happened. She tried to stop him but she failed and ran to her neighbour’s house as he had become violent,” the source said.
The accused’s stepfather in Pumula South suburb however refused to comment on the matter.
He said:
“I cannot comment on the matter because I do not know much about what happened. It will be best if you contacted my wife as she is the one who was present when the incident happened,” he said.
Ms Moyo who was not at home was not reachable on her phone.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said the incident occurred on Friday last week and investigations into the matter are underway.
She urged members of the public to resolve their differences amicably as opposed to resorting to violence.
This incident comes days before the start of the 16 days of activism campaign against gender-based-violence.
This campaign runs annually from November 25 to December 10
By A Correspondent- The Supreme Court is today expected to hear an appeal by former Finance Minister Ignatius Chombo, who is battling to stop his trial on charges of criminal abuse of office.
Chombo (67), is seeking a permanent stay of prosecution on the basis of alleged torture by the army.
The appeal was prompted by the High Court’s decision to throw out his application for a permanent stay of prosecution.
In dismissing Chombo’s application, the court ruled that his alleged abduction by members of the Zimbabwe National Army during Operation Restore Legacy in November 2017 was not meant to extract a confession for criminal offences against him.
Chombo, who is now being represented by Professor Lovemore Madhuku, is facing a string of cases involving high-level corruption, fraud and criminal nuisance.
Following his arrest and his subsequent appearance in court on criminal charges, Chombo petitioned the High Court last year, seeking an order to compel the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and its boss Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi to permanently suspend his prosecution, alleging violation of his constitutional rights as enshrined in the Bill of Rights.
He claimed to have been tortured at the hands of military personnel. The then High Court judge Justice Nicholas Mathonsi found no merit in the application.
He made a finding that the circumstances under which Chombo was “raided, handcuffed, blindfolded and frog-marched to a vehicle which took him to an unknown place where he was held captive for almost nine days”, was not refuted in a meaningful way.
He also found that the ill-treatment infringed Chombo’s constitutional rights as claimed, but raised the question whether or not the appropriate remedy should be an order for permanent stay of prosecution.
At the end, Justice Mathonsi found it appropriate to dismiss Chombo’s application on the basis of the law principle that, “where the torture or ill-treatment of an accused person prior to charges being preferred against him or her has not resulted in a confession or the extraction of evidence sought to be used by the prosecution at the criminal trial, but the prosecution is relying on other evidence not obtained illegally, the accused person is not entitled to an order of permanent stay of prosecution even though he or she was ill-treated or tortured
By A Correspondent- A Zanu PF apologist on social media, Kudzai Mutisi, has criticised Members of Parliament for keeping quiet and lacking the cojones to confront Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) officials for the leakage of new notes to the black market.
Mutisi chided ZANU PF secretary for youth affairs and Chief Whip in the National Assembly Pupurai Togarepi for tweeting “cryptic riddles” while ignoring the new notes scandal.
Mutisi wrote on Twitter:
We have a number of MPs here on Twitter… None of them has the balls to confront @ReserveBankZIM honchos about the leakage of cash to the black market… @TogarepiPupurai would rather tweet some cryptic riddles… If @KMutisi was your MP, l would be at RBZ this morning.
Mutisi’s comments come as a picture of an individual holding “bricks” of new banknotes while seated in a car went viral on social media.
Government officials, including those at the RBZ and political elites and their children, have often been accused of driving the illegal cash business
By A Correspondent- A 28-year-old man drowned in Mtshabezi Dam in Gweru as he imitated members of the police sub-aqua unit who were retrieving a body from the water source.
Midlands Provincial spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed that Aaron Mayela drowned at the dam last Friday.
“First to drown was Anderson Mbano (23) of Ruby area in Gweru last week on Wednesday. Circumstances are that Mbano was hunting in the company of his two friends.
“The trio saw and chased after an eland before it ran into the Mtshabezi Dam,” said Insp Goko.
He said Mbano went into the dam pursuing the eland and drowned.
Insp Goko said a report was made and a police sub aqua unit attended the scene.
“As the police sub aqua unit was working on retrieving Mbano’s body, Mayela entered the dam and started imitating the police sub aqua moves.
“While the police sub aqua was retrieving the body of Mbano, Mayela was observing the proceedings from a distance.
“He then entered into the water, tried to swim across the dam towards the scenes where the body was being retrieved and he also drowned.
“The police sub aqua unit managed to retrieve all the two bodies and they were taken to Gweru Provincial Hospital for post-mortem,” said Insp Goko.
Insp Goko urged the public not to attempt swimming across flooded rivers or any water bodies.
“We appeal and urge members of the public not to swim or attempt to swim across flooded rivers, dams or any water bodies to avoid unnecessary loss of lives,” said Insp Goko.
