WhatsApp users on both Android and iOS devices will now be able to secure their private conversations and group chats with biometric security following the latest update to the popular messaging app.
The long-awaited fingerprint lock feature was previously only available for iOS users running WhatsApp on iPhones or iPads.
Once enabled, it requires the account owner to provide their fingerprint when they open the app on their phone.
“Earlier this year, we rolled out Touch ID and Face ID for iPhone to provide an extra layer of security for WhatsApp users,” WhatsApp said in a blog post announcing the latest Android feature.
“Today we’re introducing similar authentication, allowing you to unlock the app with your fingerprint, on supported Android phones.”
To enable it, Android users can tap on the Settings icon in the app and then select ‘Account’. Under the ‘Privacy’ section, they will find an option to turn on ‘Unlock with fingerprint’.
WhatsApp has provided various options for how the feature can be used, including requesting the biometric data after a set time period, or requiring the fingerprint every time the app is opened.
There is still no support for using facial recognition to secure the app, despite iOS users able to select FaceID authentication.
The latest update comes just a few days after WhatsApp fixed a feature on the iOS version of the app that prevented users from properly muting conversations.
The latest release notes for Version 2.19.110 stated: “Muted chats will no longer display notification badges on the app icon when you receive new messages.”
St THERESE High School has expelled nine students who were recorded in a video clip passionately kissing and caressing in pairs in the four corners of a classrooms at the school located 60 km outside Rusape.
The video, which has gone viral on social platforms such as WhatsApp and Facebook, captures moments when the male and female students were fervently cuddling each other. This has set tongues wagging, with mostly parents and education authorities berating the school authorities for laxity of supervision.
Commentators have strongly blamed the school authorities for failing to stamp down authority and maintaining high disciplinary standards, leading to the disgusting behaviour by the students.
St Therese High is a partial boarding institution in Makoni West. The school introduced a girls boarding wing in a move that saw it becoming the first boarding institution in Makoni West in 2016.
The institution was established in the 1960s as a teachers’ training college before being turned into a day secondary school after independence in 1983.
In the 1:38 seconds video clip that was shot using a cellphone, the deeply involved students were captured kissing, caressing and cuddling in the classroom.
The students were clad in school uniform and it is clear the video clip was shot in broad daylight with the full knowledge of the students.
One of the female students is clearly heard chuckling and commenting that “Siyana neni iwe” (leave me alone). The comment was directed at the person recording the video.
When reached for comment on Wednesday this week, the school head Mrs Euphrasia Mudiwa refused to entertain questions. She referred questions to responsible authority education secretary Mr Lawrence Chibvuri and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education.
“I cannot talk to you. Instead, you should talk to the education secretary Mr Lawrence Chibvuri in Mutare. St Therese High School belongs to the church, and he is the one empowered to talk to you. You can also ask officials from the parent ministry in Rusape,” said Mrs Mudiwa.
Makoni district schools inspector (DSI) Mr Nathaniel Machini said he was in a meeting, when contacted for a comment.
However, the provincial education director (PED) Mr Edward Shumba said he was aware of the video, which was now all over social media.
“Yes I am aware of it (the video), and it is still under investigation to verify if it’s true or false. I haven’t received a full report yet,” said Mr Shumba.
However, a source at the school said that the students caught in the romance debacle have since been sent packing by the school.
“The students featuring in that video clip have since been expelled from the school. Some were boarder students and others were day scholars.
‘‘Those writing exams are the ones only coming to school but are coming from their homes.
‘‘All the boys in the video clip are Form 4s. Two of the girls were in Form Two, one was in Form Three and two were Form Four boarders,” said the well placed source.
A TEACHER at Coghlan Primary School in Bulawayo allegedly hanged herself in her bedroom.
Ms Sibhekinkosi Moyo (35) from New Magwegwe suburb was found hanging from a roof truss by her father on Thursday.
Sources close to the incident said yesterday that Ms Moyo had not been feeling well for some time and had been on sick leave.
She recently suffered a stroke.
According to a close family source Ms Moyo told her daughter a day before she was found hanging that she would leave and not come back.
“She told her daughter on Wednesday that she was leaving and was not coming back” said a close family member on condition of anonymity.
The source said on the fateful day Ms Moyo woke up in the morning and did household chores without showing any signs of distress.
At around 9AM Ms Moyo’s father was shocked to find her hanging from a roof truss in her bedroom. He immediately alerted neighbours before reporting the matter to the police.
Ms Moyo is survived by two children.
Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango confirmed Ms Moyo’s suspected suicide by hanging.
Teachers at Coghlan Primary School declined to comment on the issue and referred the news crew to the Bulawayo Provincial Education Director Mrs Olicah Kaira.
Mrs Kaira confirmed that Ms Moyo who lived with her father, two siblings and her two children, was not feeling well.
She said increasing cases of suicide by teachers and pupils was a cause for concern and urged those facing challenges to seek counselling.
“We received two cases of suicide in the city in one week and I urge those suffering stress or depression to seek counselling,” said Mrs Kaira.
On Tuesday, a Form Two pupil at Maranatha High School in Bulawayo’s Nketa suburb was found hanging at his home in Nketa 7 in a suspected case of suicide.
Nqobile Lusinga (15) allegedly hanged himself from the roof trusses of the family’s bedroom in the afternoon after his teachers questioned him about money and a cell phone that he had brought to school.
It is suspected that Nqobile stole $100 from his aunt and bought the cell phone.
When his parents were summoned to the school, he was sent home to collect the rest of the money. Instead of returning to the school, he allegedly committed suicide.
You are probably wondering why money that used to buy you electricity enough for a month can barely scratch the surface now.
It is a long story, but in short Zesa Holdings increased their tariffs and the days of power subsidies seem to be fast flying past us.
Well, at least in part.
Zesa are taking a cost reflective approach to power supply, which is the only way they can afford imports from Mozambique and South Africa which are coming at a high cost of US$15 million per month.
But that is besides the case, what many want to know is what is going on with Zesa?
A lot of households are struggling to understand how much they should devote to keep their lights on. The new billing model by the country’s power utility has brought confusion as to how much money is needed by households to last a month.
Zesa is implementing a stepped domestic tariff, this is a costing formula they say promotes fair usage. Under the formula, the amount a household pays will be directly proportional to the scale of power usage.
Power purchases have been stratified into three tariff bands. Because access to electricity is considered an essential need, there is a heavily subsidised first component.
This is referred to as the lifeline tariff, the 50 units of power which every household is sold to at a heavily subsidised rate of 41 cents per kWh.
Every household is entitled to these 50 units which according to Zesa are supposed to power a two plate stove and five lights for a single calendar month. The lifeline tariff was crafted to cater for low income households.
So when people buy electricity, their first $20.50 falls under this category. The second band is where Zesa believes 80 percent of their household customers fall and they consider it to be the optimal use level.
Under this tariff category, electricity costs 91 cents per kWh and here the subsidy is there but relatively lower. Households are only allowed to purchase 150 kWh which adds to the initial 50 kWh to make up 200 kWh which are considered to be enough for a household using power optimally.
At the current cost, this band costs the electricity buyer $136.50. Those who go beyond the first two bands are considered to be heavy users.
At this point there is no subsidy and Zesa relays the unfiltered cost of electricity to the consumer at the rate of $3.87 per unit.
Under this tariff band, there is no limit to what one can buy, as long as the capacity is there on the purchaser’s part. When a single power purchase is made in a household, this kicks in at $157, anything above that is premium rated.
Allegorically, say there are cakes being sold, but the authorities want to regulate how much a person consumes in a single month.
This is to help them ensure everyone gets a fair chance to eat. Assuming all purchases are being made with a credit card, they track the number of slices bought.
The first five slices, are sold at a very low cost of $1. After the five slices, they then increase the price to $5, but one can only buy 15 slices.
The authorities’ research would have shown them that a normal human being needs 20 slices of cake in a single month. For those who want to exceed the recommended amounts, they have to pay a high price of $20 per slice.
Here, the assumption is the authorities have failed to regulate them but the price will.
The principle used by Zesa in crafting the model has traces of the economic law of diminishing returns. The law of diminishing returns is when the continued acquisition or consumption of a product brings reduced benefit with each extra unit.
Is buying a lot of units at once a solution?
Under the current scheme it is easily the worst idea. One simply needs to know the amount of power they need every month and buy exactly that.
Going beyond what you need, will have you placed under a heavy use and the money loses its purchase power with each extra unit outside the fair use threshold.
It is not true that power is cheaper when bought on the first day of the month, but it is definitely cheaper on the first purchase regardless of which day it is made on.
There is nothing otherworldly on this new cost structure though.
Countries that are selling us electricity use it, maybe it is time we copy a good pattern.
In Mozambique, the EDM one of the companies selling power to Zimbabwe price their tariffs cumulatively.
From 0 to 200 kWh, households in Mozambique pay 6.63 Metical (USD 11 cents).
Those who exceed and use between 201 and 500 kWh incur 9.39 Metical (USD 15 cents) per unit.
Heavy users who go beyond 500 kWh pay 9.85 Metical (USD 16 cents) for each kWh consumed.
Perhaps in many years, this is the first time Zimbabweans are getting a feel of how to buy power at emotionally viable costs, the question is, how many will keep their lights on?
State Media|Head of the Marriages Department at the Registrar-General’s Office in Harare, Gordon Tsuro, is walking scot-free, spending hours in Government offices despite the dismissal of his appeal against a three-year prison term six years ago. Tsuro (48) was on June 26, 2012 convicted of seriously injuring his wife, Ms Rosemary Charlie, after striking her with an axe in a domestic dispute.
He was initially charged with attempted murder, but the then Harare regional magistrate Mr William Bhila found him guilty of assault.
On the same date, Tsuro’s lawyers — Mupindu and Mugiya — filed a notice of appeal against both conviction and sentence at the High Court.
On the strength of the notice of appeal, Tsuro successfully applied for bail.
Tsuro and his lawyers did not prosecute the appeal, resulting in the Registrar of the High Court throwing it away on May 15, 2013.
In terms of the law, such a dismissal of the appeal must be followed with the issuance of a warrant of arrest to apprehend the convict and commit him to prison.
Mupindu & Mugiya wrote to the Registrar seeking reinstatement of the appeal, but the Registrar advised them to file a court application.
However, Mupindu & Mugiya renounced agency before a new law firm by the name Mugiya & Macharaga assumed agency.
Court record 580/12 does not show any application for reinstatement, neither does it show the acquittal of the Government official.
Contrary to the findings, on September 13 2019, Harare lawyer Mr Norman Mugiya of Mugiya & Macharaga claimed his client was acquitted by the High Court, but could not state the date, judge or prosecutor who handled the case.
“It’s an old case and I think my client has since been acquitted. I am not sure of the judge and prosecutor who were involved. I will check the case number for you,” he said.
Since September 13, efforts to get further details from Mr Mugiya have been fruitless.
Officials at the High Court and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) head office said they were only aware of Appeal Case Number 580/12 that was dismissed for non-compliance with the rules.
On October 24 this year, the Registrar of the High Court Mr Donald Ndirowei sent a copy of the High Court record to the Harare Magistrates’ Courts to enable the lower court to issue a warrant of arrest against Tsuro, which was eventually issued.
The Herald also established that the magistrate’s court record did not show any sign of acquittal or reinstatement of the appeal.
A perusal of the court record shows that State papers prepared at Zengeza Police Station, did not state that Tsuro was a senior Government official.
Mupindu & Mugiya renounced agency on March 27 2013.
“Take notice that Messrs Mupindu & Mugiya Law Chambers hereby renounce agency on behalf of the appellant. Further take notice that the appellant’s last known address is Number 90025 Kayila Kraal, Unit J, Seke,” reads the notice.
During trial, the court heard that the couple had a misunderstanding over residential stand documents and the argument resulted in the confrontation which nearly turned fatal.
On the evening in question, Tsuro retired to bed after supper. At around 2040hrs, Charlie followed and found him still awake.
Tsuro requested Charlie to give him documents for her residential stand, where construction was underway. But Charlie is said to have told Tsuro that it was at her workplace and Tsuro insisted he wanted it immediately.
Tsuro was infuriated and drew an axe from underneath the bed and ordered Charlie to sit down. Charlie complied and Tsuro lifted the axe intending to strike her on the head, but she blocked the axe with her palms and was struck in the palms.
Tsuro used the axe to strike Charlie once on the head and on her legs several times. He later used the axe handle to hit her all over the body, resulting in her sustaining a fractured arm.
Charlie was reportedly rescued by her landlord Edward Gwekwete who took her to the hospital.
In a shocking crime of passion, a Mutare man is alleged to have fatally stabbed his fiancée’s lover and later doused his girlfriend with acid after he caught them seated in a compromising position.
The murder and assault occurred over the weekend in Bindura where the fiancée, Rumbidzai Mangandu (21), was studying for her law degree at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University.
Mashonaland Central acting police spokesperson, Tonny Nyandoro, confirmed the murder of Hugh Chivingwa Makumbe (24) of Bindura’s Chiwaridzo high-density suburb.
The suspect, Chengetai Trinity Jimu (24), of Toronto Forestry Commission in Mutare disappeared after committing the crime.
“I can confirm the murder case, which happened in Bindura where a Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University student was reportedly killed in a love wrangle by a Mutare man who is still at large. Investigations are still in progress,” Nyandoro said.
Mangandu and Jimu were engaged and staying together in Mutare but at the time of the murder and assault, Mangandu was at school in Bindura.
Jimu is said to have suspected that his fiancée was having an affair with the deceased.
He subsequently made a surprise visit to Mangandu’s Bindura residence where he found his fiancée and the deceased seated together.
Jimu lost his cool, attacked the deceased and fatally stabbed him twice with an unknown object.
He shifted his rage and went on to pour a bucket of acid on Mangandu accusing her of cheating on him while he was in Mutare.
A witness, Koga Gatsi, said the now deceased was stabbed on the forehead and neck. The couple’s Mutare neighbours who requested anonymity said they were having problems since Mangandu enrolled at the university in August 2018.
“They were having problems and Jimu was the one who was paying all her rentals in Bindura and footing other bills. Someone must have tipped Jimu of the affair.
That is why he made the surprise visit armed,” said the neighbour.
Mangandu’s mother, Felistas Dodzo was not available for comment when The Manica Post tried to reach her.
Mangandu is battling for her life at a hospital in Bindura from the burns she sustained from the acid attack.
Incapacitated government hospitals doctors are likely to receive varying judgments depending on circumstances surrounding each case, amid failure by the first batch of 81 to attend disciplinary hearings convened by the government on Friday.
Sources close to the issue claimed that most of the doctors were likely to get first warnings, while others who already had warnings are likely to be dismissed, with some having salary forfeitures.
The hearings went ahead at all central hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, despite the absence of the junior doctors.
Health Services Board chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana yesterday said as alluded to previously, Government was following all due processes as provided for in the Labour Act.
“They (doctors) didn’t turn up for the hearings, but as alluded to yesterday (Thursday), we are following the right procedure which provides for going ahead with disciplinary hearings whether the doctor is present or not,” he said. Dr Sikosana said the board was not at liberty to disclose the outcome of the hearings that would be communicated directly to each doctor.
Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) acting secretary-general Dr Tawanda Zvakada said as indicated in their official communication earlier, they were not going to attend the hearings. He said while some doctors were scheduled to appear for the hearings yesterday, others were to appear on November 7.
Some did not receive the notices for the hearings, said Dr Zvakada.
Junior doctors stopped reporting for work on September 3, citing incapacitation.
Efforts by Government to negotiate with the doctors to return to work were fruitless as the doctors insisted they wanted their salaries to be pegged at the prevailing interbank rate.
Senior doctors also joined in the strike in support of their juniors, also demanding their on-call allowances to be pegged at the interbank rate.
A 42-YEAR-OLD man – suspected to be mentally challenged – allegedly murdered his father for failing to prepare his meal on time so that he could take his prescribed medication.
The accused, James Mandeya, of Yorkshire 7B, Headlands struck his father Collius James Mandeya (73) with a hockey stick several times on the head, leaving him bleeding profusely on the ground.
Manicaland provincial spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringa Kakohwa confirmed the death of Mandeya.
“I confirm that the late Collius Mandeya was brutally assaulted on October 25, 2019 at his homestead and later died at Rusape General Hospital,” he said.
James Mandeya appeared before Rusape magistrate Mr Gift Manyika on Saturday facing murder charges.
He was not asked to plead and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
Mr Binoni Makuwire prosecuted.
Mr Makuwire told the court that the accused assaulted his father seven times on the head with a hockey stick, accusing him of failing to prepare food on time.
“The late Collius Mandeya had an argument with his first born son James, who wanted his breakfast so that he takes his medication, but was told to wait until the meal was ready.
“Out of rage, James picked up a stick and repeatedly smashed his father with it on the head until he was unable to move and ran away.
Headman Kwanda, who was passing-by Mandeya’s homestead, heard him screaming for help and rushed to investigate. He arrived when Mandeya was motionless on the ground and called others villagers for help. They took him to the hospital,” said Mr Makuwire.
Members of the public are urged, especially those living with mentally challenged relatives, to help them take their medication on time to avoid such incidents. The matter was remanded to November 11, 2019.Manica Post
THERE was drama in Chipinge’s Gaza high-density suburb on Monday night when a local man attempted to commit suicide following a heated dispute with his live-in girlfriend.
Scores of residents jostled to catch a glimpse of Collen Dheka who had to be rescued by neighbours after he attempted to take his own life.
Neighbours had to provide first aid to Dheka, who is currently in a civil partnership with famous lady of night, after he had tied himself with a mosquito net.
Though efforts to get a comment from Dheka and his girlfriend were fruitless, a witness Mr Zivanai Sithole confirmed the incident. The Manica Post crew also attended the scene.
Mr Sithole said Dheka had a misunderstanding with his concubine only identified as Mai Dee.
“Dheka was taking wise water at a popular drinking place in the hood with his friends. After sometimes he left the beer hall and went home around 10pm.
“Upon arriving home, he had a misunderstanding with his girlfriend over an undisclosed sum of the money spent on alcohol,” he said.
“Dheka then went into his bedroom and tied himself with a mosquito net on a roof truss,” he said.
His girl friend, who had gone to bath, returned only to discover that Dheka hanging from the truss and screamed for help. Neighbours then rushed to the scene and rescued the man through first aid.
The two have a long standing dispute and the woman is allegedly trying to part ways with Dheka. Dheka once attempted to kill the woman,” he added.
Chipinge district deputy police spokesperson Sergeant Patience Guta said the matter was not reported to police.Manica Post
CAPS United supporters Mutare chapter gave an early Christmas treat to Mutare Remand female inmates over the weekend.
It was all smiles at as Caps United supporters handed over some groceries worth $2 500.
The groceries include tissues, toothpaste, soap and sanitary pads amongst others.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Caps United Supporters Mutare chapter vice-chairman Nelson Mlambo, said they were touched by the plight of the female inmates who faced many challenges, among them food shortages, while serving their prison terms.
“It is very important to support these wonderful groups. As Caps United Supporters Mutare Chapter, we remembered female inmates. We will continue to donate to them.
“We are happy to associate with them. Today, we are here to hand over the groceries to our friends. It is not much but we decided to visit the female inmates today and spend some time with them. I hope and trust that this donation will make a difference in the lives of the inmates. It is our desire that we continue assisting them.
We hope to do better next time. We hope to make it an annual event,” said Mlambo. Inmates who received the donations appreciated the role being played by Caps United supporters.
“As female inmates, we appreciate and honour the role played by the Caps United supporters in assisting us as female inmates. The donation will go a long way. We do not take this for granted.
We are so grateful and we hope they will continue to assist and support us as they have said,” said one of the inmates.Manica Post
HIGHLANDERS have every reason to feel pumped up ahead of the Castle Lager Premiership football clash with bitter rivals Dynamos at Rufaro tomorrow.
The Bulawayo giants are expected to descend on the capital high in confidence following their remarkable transformation under the tutelage of Dutch coach Pieter Hendrik de Jongh. De Jongh is only but a month into the job, but he has given Bosso players the courage to express themselves and play without fear.
The results on the ground have given the Bosso family renewed hope after the club recovered from a difficult start this year, and are now aiming for a strong finish.
The clubs are tied on 39 points on the log standings, but Highlanders have a better goal difference in sixth place, while Dynamos are seventh.
De Jongh played Dynamos in his first match after he got clearance to work in Zimbabwe and managed a 1-0 win in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup at Rufaro.
Fireworks are always expected every time the two teams play no matter their form. However, the clashes sometimes fail to live up to the billing.
Highlanders have dominated the league clashes between the country’s biggest teams in the last four years.
The Glamour Boys last beat Highlanders in open play in 2015 at Rufaro, thanks to a brace from Ronald Chitiyo and another goal from Qadr Amini, which dwarfed Knox Mtizwa’s double.
But since then, the clubs have met in eight league matches, with Highlanders winning five times and drawing twice.State media
None of the 81 doctors turned up for disciplinary hearings that where scheduled to start at respective Central hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo.
HSB board chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana who confirmed the development said hearings, however, proceeded in absentia.
“The outcomes of the hearings are confidential hence we wil communicate to individuals,” said Dr Sikosana.
However, further investigations by The Herald on the outcome indicate that varying judgments were passed ranging from salary forfeitures, final warnings to dismissals depending on circumstances surrounding each case.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association President De Tawanda Zvakada said some hearings were scheduled for the 7th of November while others did not even receive the disciplinary hearing notices.State media
A Bulawayo man shocked Mpopoma residents when he assaulted his neighbour after spotting him talking to his wife.
It is understood that when Jomo Mnkandla saw Phethangani Nyoni exchanging words with his wife he became very jealous and hurled insults at Nyoni before assaulting and threatening to kill him.
Since then, Nyoni has not had peace because Mnkandla constantly accuses him of having an affair with his wife.
To add salt to injury, Mnkandla repeatedly assaults Nyoni and threatens to kill him.
In order to protect his peace, Nyoni decided to seek justice from the courts.
“I wish to apply for a peace order against Mnkandla, who has been accusing me of having a love affair with his wife. He comes to my home and insults me in front of my kids.
He threatens to kill me. He is tarnishing my name because of his false accusations. I wish the court to grant me a peace order so that he stops harassing me. I would never date his wife because she is older than my mother. He should stop spreading lies about me,” said Nyoni.
In his defence Mnkandla said he did all that because he believed Nyoni was having an affair with his wife.
Western Commonage magistrate Urgent Vundla ordered Mnkandla to refrain from assaulting and insulting Nyoni.
He furthered ordered Mnkandla to stay away from Nyoni’s premises.B-Metro
Diabetes is a condition that impairs the body’s ability to process blood glucose, otherwise known as blood sugar.
In the United States, the estimated number of people over 18 years of age with diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes is 30.2 million.
The figure represents between 27.9 and 32.7 percent of the population.
Without ongoing, careful management, diabetes can lead to a buildup of sugars in the blood, which can increase the risk of dangerous complications, including
stroke and heart disease.
Different kinds of diabetes can occur, and managing the condition depends on the type. Not all forms of diabetes stem from a person being overweight or leading an inactive lifestyle. In fact, some are present from childhood.
Types
There are several types of diabetes.
Three major diabetes types can develop: Type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes.
Type I diabetes: Also known as juvenile diabetes, this type occurs when the body fails to produce insulin . People with type I diabetes are insulin-dependent, which means they must take artificial insulin daily to stay alive.
Type 2 diabetes: Type 2 diabetes affects the way the body uses insulin. While the body still makes insulin, unlike in type I, the cells in the body do not respond to it as effectively as they once did.
This is the most common type of diabetes, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, and it has strong links with
obesity .
Gestational diabetes: This type occurs in women during pregnancy when the body can become less sensitive to insulin.
Gestational diabetes does not occur in all women and usually resolves after giving birth.
Less common types of diabetes include monogenic diabetes and cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. -MNT
The congestion in a Zupco bus could not stop a man’s sexual hormones from surging at the sight of a 32-year-old woman in front of him.
Even Dube (55) was allegedly left with nowhere to hide after attention from the busy bus shifted to him when Nothabo Moyo screamed and exposed him for allegedly rubbing his erect manhood on her buttocks and caressing her privates with his hands.
Record has it that on 21 October at around 7am in Nkulumane 12, Dube and Moyo boarded the same bus and couldn’t get seats so they were standing next to each other facing the same direction headed for the city centre.
Moyo, it is alleged, suddenly felt Dube’s erect manhood rubbing her buttocks but she tried to ignore it since the bus was full, leaving no space for one to freely move.
“He went on to caress the top of my privates with his hand and I instantly rebuked him and asked what he was doing,” stated Moyo.
Dube reportedly apologised to Moyo who was already fuming at the old man.
When the bus got to town, it is reported, Dube had already dropped off along the way, making it difficult for Moyo to locate him to initiate legal action.
However, he was spotted the following morning by Moyo in a bus queue and she quickly reported Dube for indecent assault to a police officer that was patrolling the bus queue leading to his arrest.
Appearing before Bulawayo magistrate Jokoniah Ncube last week, Dube denied the charges of indecent assault and said he never saw Moyo in the bus on the day of the incident although he confirmed being in the bus going to town at that time.
He was remanded out of custody on $300 bail and is set to appear in court on Friday for continuation of trial.B-Metro
You are probably wondering why money that used to buy you electricity enough for a month can barely scratch the surface now. It is a long story, but in short Zesa Holdings increased their tariffs and the days of power subsidies seem to be fast flying past us. Well, at least in part.
Zesa are taking a cost reflective approach to power supply, which is the only way they can afford imports from Mozambique and South Africa which are coming at a high cost of US$15 million per month.
But that is besides the case, what many want to know is what is going on with Zesa?
A lot of households are struggling to understand how much they should devote to keep their lights on.
The new billing model by the country’s power utility has brought confusion as to how much money is needed by households to last a month.
Zesa is implementing a stepped domestic tariff, this is a costing formula they say promotes fair usage. Under the formula, the amount a household pays will be directly proportional to the scale of power usage.
Power purchases have been stratified into three tariff bands.
Because access to electricity is considered an essential need, there is a heavily subsidised first component.
This is referred to as the lifeline tariff, the 50 units of power which every household is sold to at a heavily subsidised rate of 41 cents per kWh.
Every household is entitled to these 50 units which according to Zesa are supposed to power a two plate stove and five lights for a single calendar month. The lifeline tariff was crafted to cater for low income households.
So when people buy electricity, their first $20.50 falls under this category. The second band is where Zesa believes 80 percent of their household customers fall and they consider it to be the optimal use level.
Under this tariff category, electricity costs 91 cents per kWh and here the subsidy is there but relatively lower.
Households are only allowed to purchase 150 kWh which adds to the initial 50 kWh to make up 200 kWh which are considered to be enough for a household using power optimally.
At the current cost, this band costs the electricity buyer $136.50. Those who go beyond the first two bands are considered to be heavy users.
At this point there is no subsidy and Zesa relays the unfiltered cost of electricity to the consumer at the rate of $3.87 per unit.
Under this tariff band, there is no limit to what one can buy, as long as the capacity is there on the purchaser’s part.
When a single power purchase is made in a household, this kicks in at $157, anything above that is premium rated.
Allegorically, say there are cakes being sold, but the authorities want to regulate how much a person consumes in a single month.
This is to help them ensure everyone gets a fair chance to eat. Assuming all purchases are being made with a credit card, they track the number of slices bought.
The first five slices, are sold at a very low cost of $1. After the five slices, they then increase the price to $5, but one can only buy 15 slices.
The authorities’ research would have shown them that a normal human being needs 20 slices of cake in a single month. For those who want to exceed the recommended amounts, they have to pay a high price of $20 per slice.
Here, the assumption is the authorities have failed to regulate them but the price will.
The principle used by Zesa in crafting the model has traces of the economic law of diminishing returns. The law of diminishing returns is when the continued acquisition or consumption of a product brings reduced benefit with each extra unit.
Is buying a lot of units at once a solution?
Under the current scheme it is easily the worst idea. One simply needs to know the amount of power they need every month and buy exactly that.
Going beyond what you need, will have you placed under a heavy use and the money loses its purchase power with each extra unit outside the fair use threshold.
It is not true that power is cheaper when bought on the first day of the month, but it is definitely cheaper on the first purchase regardless of which day it is made on.
There is nothing otherworldly on this new cost structure though.
Countries that are selling us electricity use it, maybe it is time we copy a good pattern.
In Mozambique, the EDM one of the companies selling power to Zimbabwe price their tariffs cumulatively.
From 0 to 200 kWh, households in Mozambique pay 6.63 Metical (USD 11 cents).
Those who exceed and use between 201 and 500 kWh incur 9.39 Metical (USD 15 cents) per unit.
Heavy users who go beyond 500 kWh pay 9.85 Metical (USD 16 cents) for each kWh consumed.
Perhaps in many years, this is the first time Zimbabweans are getting a feel of how to buy power at emotionally viable costs, the question is, how many will keep their lights on?
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Farai Dziva|MDC vice president Tendai Biti has said Emmerson Mnangagwa must resign with immediate effect.
“He(Mnangagwa) must step down or constitutional process must remove him,” tweeted Biti.
“The illegitimate government has gone nuts. How does a government change currency three times in a year? A fresh talk of adopting the Rand.
“They went through the original Zimbabwe Dollar, then they brought, then the bearer cheques which they again bastardised. Then they went through the USD, the bond note and the RTGS$.
They can bring 100 other currencies but it will not help. There is no confidence in them and no one trusts them,” he added.
“That a country can introduce three currencies in a year is criminal economics. The consequences from a planning, accounting and economic view point are catastrophic.”
A former soldier from Bulawayo allegedly broke into a butchery twice and stole meat worth $18 536.
Tafadzwa Mahlahla (35) from Pumula East suburb, who was based at Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo before retirement, was arrested after he had allegedly opened a mini-butchery to sell the loot.
Mahlahla pleaded not guilty to two counts of unlawful entry and theft charge before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Urgent Vundla. The magistrate remanded him in custody to November 30 for continuation of trial.
Mahlahla said the meat was for a funeral. “I bought the meat from Sindiso Moyo for a funeral that was at our place. I didn’t steal it,” he said.
For the State, Ms Sithembiso Moyo said on June 27 and September 23 this year, Mahlahla allegedly broke into Mr Prince Tshuma’s butchery at night and stole meat.
“ On the first count, the accused person broke into Empire Butchery using an unknown object to gain entrance into the shop and stole 70kg of beef, 62,3 kg of chicken, 45kg of sausages, 30 kg of liver, 24kg of tripe, 12kg of lungs, 15kg of chicken feet, 18kg of oxtail and 22kg of gizzards worth $7 740 and went away,” she said. “Count two, on September 23 at night, the accused person used the same method of breaking into the shop and stole 80kg of beef meat, 17kg of chicken cuts, 25kg of sausages, 15kgs of liver, 25kg of lungs, 100 plastic bags and two white trays all worth a combined $10 792 and went away.”
Ms Moyo said on September 24, police received a tip-off that Mahlahla had opened a mini butchery at his place. “Upon arrival, they found the gates and doors locked. They gained entry into the house where they found the accused person busy packing meat into small packs and arrested him,” she said.
The total value of the stolen property is $ 18 532 and property worth $ 1 040 was recovered.- Chronicle
SB Moyo must be reminded that he does not speak for the people of Zimbabwe, he speaks for clueless Mnangagwa and goons in Zanu PF.
The people’s sentiments are correctly aligned to what the US ambassador said. It is what we have always said that the ambassador said.
This thing of throwing hollow threats, banking on some starved, ill armed military, wont do him any good. SB Moyo is just a nonentity, for God’s sake. What can they do to America? Nothing!Anthony Taruvinga
Zimbabwe football legend Madinda “Khathazile” Ndlovu has recovered from the stroke he suffered in September and has started physiotherapy.
Ndlovu collapsed while conducting a morning training session for his club Gaborone United and was rushed to hospital where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). He made a dramatic recovery resulting in him being discharged from hospital last month.
Marko Dube, Ndlovu’s brother who has been by his bedside, said the former Highlanders coach is recuperating in Gaborone.
“We thank the Almighty God for my brother’s recovery. He is responding well to treatment and now he’s doing physiotherapy,” said Dube.
He said they are grateful for the support they got from Gaborone United who bore medical expenses for Ndlovu and will continue doing so until he makes a full recovery.
Last month Gaborone United chairman Boitumelo Nsunge told Chronicle Sport that Ndlovu’s recovery was “quite impressive.”
Nsunge said the former Zimbabwe and Highlanders speedy winger will be going for another routine medical checkup to determine whether he will get back to coaching or call it a day.
Ndlovu is a larger than life character in both Zimbabwe and Botswana and while he is yet to win a league title in his homeland, he has done extremely well in Botswana, winning three back-to-back league titles with two different clubs.
Authorities at Gaborone United were convinced that he would lead them to the winners’ podium at the end of this season after luring him from Highlanders.- state media
First and foremost we need to look at the environment if it is able to foster economic growth.
What opportunities does Zimbabwe have in terms of investment and development? Is there any political stability that can lead our country to its economic growth? Is there any possibility of citizens, government and other institutions dialoguing and finding each other in finding a common ground to work together in finding solutions to our challenges? The need to value our country and our communities should make it inevitable for us to unite and work together for the love of our country.
The moment we start realising that economic growth and stability are related in the area of investment, the more we are urged to make our country’s environment attractive to investment and investors. No company or individual, whether local or international, would feel comfortable making any kind of Capital Investment in any country where the political climate is characterised by upheavals and a lot of uncertainty.
Any investment has the aim to make a profit, so such a risky investment would lack guarantee as to the safety of the investments.
In the case of Zimbabwe, even our local businessmen are refraining from making any significant investment in their economies, and such a situation is affecting our economy as a whole.
Foreign direct investment which also plays an important role in the development of our economy is impeded by such challenges of instability and lack of confidence in our markets.
Zimbabwe has now a low rating in terms of stability and cannot be a source of attraction for investors looking for international markets in which to invest. This is resulting in low employment opportunities, and a lower turnover rate for much needed finances to facilitate any economic development. The notable effect of Zimbabwe’s lack of stability is the reduction in its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and also a reduction in the general standard of living for the majority of our people.
Hope of any entrepreneurism is very little, and has affected the ability of our citizens to find employment.
Majority of Zimbabwean population are unable to spend money on various types of consumables, which has resulted in a slump in the economy and increased inflation rate. Due to all those challenges, there is no Capital to invest in infrastructure and employment build projects that will help develop our country. This is creating tensions and much more uncertainty in terms of government change or removal due to economic challenges.
The need for maturity and advocating for a sincere dialogue and engagement among Zimbabweans is vital at this juncture.
Zimbabwe has come a long way under political turmoil, poverty, economic decay and persecution of citizens by government due to those challenges.
The only hope for a better Zimbabwe can only come from us citizens of the land, recognising the fact that responsibility and accountability are the cornerstone of any investment and commitment towards freedom. Our freedom can only be guaranteed by creating a better environment and positive stability of our country.
It is now the duty and responsibility of every citizen and our military to come together objectively and put our country first. It is not an easy thing to do especially with the amount of toxicity in our politics and the military matrix.
This can be done and Zimbabwe can be a better country for us all. We have been a peaceful and stable country before and I have belief we can do it again. Elections and fraudulent electoral process has been the genesis of all our challenges and this can easily be resolved if we allow ourselves to a fair playing field and let people choose the government and leadership they want.
Power should also remain in the hands of the people to ensure accountability, transparency and easy process to remove and install another government in case of failure to deliver. These are the norms of a transformed society and a transformed economy. It has been proved to be successful and it serves the interests of the people.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe cannot experience economic stability when there is political instability, social media analyst Blessing Simpson Madzima has said.
Below is Madzima’s presentation:
First and foremost we need to look at the environment if it is able to foster economic growth.
What opportunities does Zimbabwe have in terms of investment and development? Is there any political stability that can lead our country to its economic growth? Is there any possibility of citizens, government and other institutions dialoguing and finding each other in finding a common ground to work together in finding solutions to our challenges? The need to value our country and our communities should make it inevitable for us to unite and work together for the love of our country.
The moment we start realising that economic growth and stability are related in the area of investment, the more we are urged to make our country’s environment attractive to investment and investors. No company or individual, whether local or international, would feel comfortable making any kind of Capital Investment in any country where the political climate is characterised by upheavals and a lot of uncertainty.
Any investment has the aim to make a profit, so such a risky investment would lack guarantee as to the safety of the investments.
In the case of Zimbabwe, even our local businessmen are refraining from making any significant investment in their economies, and such a situation is affecting our economy as a whole.
Foreign direct investment which also plays an important role in the development of our economy is impeded by such challenges of instability and lack of confidence in our markets.
Zimbabwe has now a low rating in terms of stability and cannot be a source of attraction for investors looking for international markets in which to invest. This is resulting in low employment opportunities, and a lower turnover rate for much needed finances to facilitate any economic development. The notable effect of Zimbabwe’s lack of stability is the reduction in its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and also a reduction in the general standard of living for the majority of our people.
Hope of any entrepreneurism is very little, and has affected the ability of our citizens to find employment.
Majority of Zimbabwean population are unable to spend money on various types of consumables, which has resulted in a slump in the economy and increased inflation rate. Due to all those challenges, there is no Capital to invest in infrastructure and employment build projects that will help develop our country. This is creating tensions and much more uncertainty in terms of government change or removal due to economic challenges.
The need for maturity and advocating for a sincere dialogue and engagement among Zimbabweans is vital at this juncture.
Zimbabwe has come a long way under political turmoil, poverty, economic decay and persecution of citizens by government due to those challenges.
The only hope for a better Zimbabwe can only come from us citizens of the land, recognising the fact that responsibility and accountability are the cornerstone of any investment and commitment towards freedom. Our freedom can only be guaranteed by creating a better environment and positive stability of our country.
It is now the duty and responsibility of every citizen and our military to come together objectively and put our country first. It is not an easy thing to do especially with the amount of toxicity in our politics and the military matrix.
This can be done and Zimbabwe can be a better country for us all. We have been a peaceful and stable country before and I have belief we can do it again. Elections and fraudulent electoral process has been the genesis of all our challenges and this can easily be resolved if we allow ourselves to a fair playing field and let people choose the government and leadership they want.
Power should also remain in the hands of the people to ensure accountability, transparency and easy process to remove and install another government in case of failure to deliver. These are the norms of a transformed society and a transformed economy. It has been proved to be successful and it serves the interests of the people.
By A Correspondent- ZFN Zimbabwe, provider of research, investor relations and purveyor of information on the Zimbabwean capital market has urged authorities to have honest assessments on the contemporary situation.
The organisation speaks when the Monetary Policy Committee announced recently that “key basic economic fundamentals remain sound when the reality on the ground suggests otherwise.
ZFN Zimbabwe is of the view that publishing inaccurate statements is bad for the image of the country.
It posted on Facebook:
We have inflated our way to hyper-levels and decided the best thing was to stop announcing annual figures; exchange rates in the real world away from the controlled interbank is in the 20s, and most companies are barely managing as a result of collapsing demand and rising cost of doing business.
Yet to those who should know better the economic indicators are “sound”. We need to be more honest on our assessments otherwise soon (if it hasn’t happened already) no one will take such statements seriously.
Other analysts argue that the new notes which the central bank, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe intends to introduce are only for impression management and are not effective as far as addressing the socio-economic challenges on the ground are concerned.
MDC spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka has expressed doubts on claims that president Emmerson Mnangagwa is a trained lawyer.
Tamborinyoka says that decisions made by the president so far are indicative that Mnangagwa is not learned.
He said:
For Emmerson Mnangagwa is not only content-free, despite claiming he is a lawyer. I have surmised in a previous installment that it is highly likely the guy underwent some paralegal course at a backwater college in the Copper-belt region in Zambia and returned home claiming to have a Law degree.
For how could a leader of substance, with proper legal aptitude, appoint more than the required number of non-constituency MPs, only to fire them hours later as he did to the likes of Chris Mutsvangwa soon after he pilfered his way into office in 2017?
Tamborinyoka further observed the lack of rationality in a number of other decisions which the president made saying a legal expert could not have done what he did.
He added that Mnangagwa who is “not politically charming” will “leave behind a legacy of emptiness” as already seen at the New York when he addressed an “empty auditorium” at the United Nations General Assembly and during the anti-sanctions march where “he once again indigenized the emptiness.”
By A Correspondent- There was chaos today at Zesa Holdings’ Wynne Street Branch as hundreds of people thronged the outlet to purchase the monthly 200 units of supposedly lower priced electricity under the new tariff regime.
This comes after Zesa announced that the monthly 200 units of electricity for each household meter were enough for an average family before the very expensive tariff for extra units kicks in. However, many consumers are still confused, worried and others angry as they queued to purchase electricity today.
A visit to the offices this afternoon revealed that there were winding queues of people who tried to buy the cheaper electricity units. This was also triggered by the fact that most people failed to purchase electricity from vendors, supermarkets and other platforms which were not working.
The only option was to visit the Zesa Holdings banking halls were only cash and swipe cards were being accepted. Others were of the view that the only way to purchase the cheaper units of electricity was on the first or second day of the month. Many kettles are rated at 1 kilowatt and so burn a unit an hour, although a 9 watt LED lamp, the brightest in most households, can burn continuously for 111 hours with one unit.
Some of the Zesa customers gave up and left without being served
The first 50 units, what Zesa calls its “lifeline tariff rate”, are sold for 41c each, with that block totalling $20,50. As Zesa notes, this minimum is almost what is needed to keep five LED bulbs burning part of the night plus do a reasonable amount of cooking on a two-plate cooker, although even then, consumers will have to manage the stove carefully, turning food down to simmer the second it starts boiling.
-StateMedia
The next 150 units are 91c each, almost 10 times as much, for a total of $136,50. The two blocks together come to $157 a month. This total of 200 units goes beyond lifeline, allowing a family to make several pots of tea using a kettle, heat water, iron clothes and do more imaginative cooking on a bigger stove
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is facing enormous pressure from senior Zanu PF officials and the military to reshuffle cabinet and fire some senior government officials for failing to stem the economic crisis.
He is also under pressure to reshuffle the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) by injecting young blood and people with fresh ideas, sources said.
Mnangagwa, who swept to power through a military coup in November 2017 which toppled long-time late leader Robert Mugabe, is struggling to steady the ship and reverse the economic implosion.
This comes amid growing agitation within the Zanu PF hierarchy which fears the party could lose the 2023 general election if the ongoing economic decline persists.
As reported by the Independent last week, senior Zanu PF officials, who fought in Mnangagwa’s corner in the race to succeed Mugabe, led by secretary for administration Obert Mpofu, two weeks ago resolved to pile pressure on Mnangagwa to allow them to superintend over ministers presiding over critical economic portfolios as they feel that cabinet ministers are failing to deliver.
Mpofu has been chairing weekly meetings attended by heavyweights such as Simon Khaya Moyo, Patrick Chinamasa, Simbarashe Mumbengegwi and Paul Mangwana, who were deployed to work full-time for Zanu PF although they preferred cabinet posts.
Mnangagwa’s cabinet has served for over one year and critics say ministers have already proven their ineptitude by failing to turn around Zimbabwe’s fortunes.
In response, sources said Mnangagwa has been meeting some of the targeted ministers individually over the past month to enquire about their plans, including Finance minister Mthuli Ncube, Transport minister Joel Biggie Matiza, Energy and Power Development minister Fortune Chasi, Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema and Industry and Commerce minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.
“Although Mthuli (Ncube) is liked by Mnangagwa, he appears to be the one targeted the most by Zanu PF officials. They seem to have lost all faith in him. The army has also been giving out very negative reports about his economic policies of late. He however enjoys support from the President himself as of now,” a senior government official said.
“Chasi has also been summoned by the President a few times to explain his plans, especially in light of these crippling power cuts. He is also under fire over how he has handled the Zesa board issue. You remember he dissolved the board as soon as he became minister in May and he is yet to appoint a new board five months on.”
Matiza has been under pressure to deliver on key projects that fall under his purview, chiefly the US$400 million National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) recapitalisation project and the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway.
Instead of implementation, he has revoked the NRZ project amid self-interest and corruption allegations, coming under immense scrutiny.
The Ministry of Information has been giving Mnangagwa headaches and might undergo a shake-up as officials, including minister Monica Mutsvangwa and her deputy Energy Mutodi, who have been engaged in public squabbles since their appointment while permanent secretary Nick Mangwana is largely viewed as out of depth.
Mutsvangwa refused to comment on the developments, saying the appointment and dismissal of ministers or senior government officials was solely Mnangagwa’s prerogative.
“I don’t know anything like that. In fact, you should not be asking me about those things because the appointing authority is the president and only he can know if there is anything like that,” Mutsvangwa said.
Sources described the developments as a mirror reflection of the wider Zanu PF factional fights pitting Mnangagwa and his deputy Constantino Chiwenga. As reported by the Independent last week, a clique of Zanu PF members is reportedly plotting to unseat Chiwenga on grounds of incapacitation as part of the intensifying factional fights.
There is also pressure for Mnangagwa to elbow presidential spokesperson and OPC Deputy Chief Secretary George Charamba out of office.
The situation got worse this week after Charamba posted what appeared to be a pornographic video on his Twitter account, on which he uses the @jamwanda handle.
He had also stirred the hornet’s nest by posting on the same account pictures of Mnangagwa eating boiled cattle hooves, while aboard a luxurious private jet on his way from attending Uganda’s 54th independence anniversary last month.
“There is serious jockeying and shadowboxing taking place in the OPC and in the information department. On one hand there is Mangwana who is extremely unpopular with officials in that office for employing guerrilla tactics to run the department.
So he thinks he is being sabotaged by Charamba. Nick came here and brought changes which have not gone down well with everyone. For instance, he sends information officers on reporting assignments, something which was not done before. So the environment there is poisonous,” a senior government official said.
“So when Charamba made those tweets, they seized the opportunity to lobby intensely for his sacking. I am sure you noticed that he at some point disabled the Twitter account before bringing it back up a couple of days later. That was the time when the situation had deteriorated.
So there were high-level meetings over the issue last week, some of which involved the chief secretary (to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda). He got solid backing mainly from the army guys in the OPC and the case fell apart, but you can bet they will come back again,” the source said.
Efforts to get comment from Sibanda, Charamba and Mangwana were fruitless.
By A Correspondent- Former Radio Zimbabwe presenter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has described Minister Sithembiso Nyoni as a heartless woman.
Read Sibanda’s full text below:
Disgraceful, shameful and cruel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sithembiso Nyoni has caused resentment and anger lying that his ministry has failed to employ Ndebele people in rural Matebeleland as Ward Coordinators because they don’t have O levels.
What an insult to the people of Matabeleland from this old goat, a crazy heartless and insensitive woman. The horrible speech to Mps attending Pre-Budget seminar in Victoria Falls and read on her behalf by Acting Minister of Women’s affairs, Hon Joram Gumbo, the out of touch, clueless & irresponsible minister exposed her naivety and stupidity of the highest order. It answers why people from Matabeleland are denied jobs and opportunities because of people like her.
This was said by a lazy Minister that has never attended any government seminars or parliamentary questions and every time when there is a pre-budget seminar she travels away, obviously too dumb to answer any questions on how her ministry spends its allocated budget. This is the most useless ministry run by one of the worst ministers which delivers nothing for the people of Zimbabwe.
Decades of Sithembiso Nyoni running the same ministry but Zimbabweans yet to see any tangible projects. She is simple one of the biggest flops and useless ministers ever seen in Zimbabwe and God knows why she is still in that position.
You wonder which small business is her ministry supporting? What happened to the Women’s bank? Which women or women’s groups have been empowered or benefited from her ministry? What has she done for Girl Child? Lets say her stupid claims are true, what has she done to help Matabeleland kids go to school or get scholarships in 25 years in Government?
Her disgusting statement is embarrassing and l am happy both sides of the isle angrily condemned her stinking speech. MDC and Zanu PF Mps were really aggrieved by her reckless statement and lies. I am willing to give her over a 1000 jobless people from each province with 5 or more O levels in 15 minutes if she wants.
With the exit of Mugabe, whose administration had been associated with recycling ‘deadwood,’ corruption, dictatorship, many forms of injustice and inequalities, most Zimbabweans expected new blood and ‘fire’ in the new administrations but sadly deadwood like Sithembiso Nyoni who is nearly 70 years old are hanging up there with nothing to offer the country.
Zimbabweans also expected ministers chosen on merit and from across the board, a more representative cabinet and a government moving away from the heavy-handedness, divisive, corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism associated with Mugabe’s administration. Sithembiso Nyoni should be forced to resign for misleading the parliamentarians, the people & the country!
By A Correspondent- None of the 81 doctors turned up for disciplinary hearings that where scheduled to start at respective Central hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo today.
HSB board chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana who confirmed the development said hearings, however, proceeded in absentia.
“The outcomes of the hearings are confidential hence we wil communicate to individuals,” said Dr Sikosana.
However, further investigations by The Herald on the outcomes indicate that all those who were supposed to go for the hearings today were fired. The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association President De Tawanda Zvakada said some hearings were scheduled for the 7th of November while others did not even receive the disciplinary hearing notices.
By A Correspondent- The Speaker of the National Assembly, Advocate Jacob Mudenda, has said the wanton price hikes in the country are caused by a cartel of 10 people.
Giving a keynote address at the 2019 Pre-Budget Seminar which opened here yesterday, Adv Mudenda called for the immediate arrest of members of the cartel.
He said the country cannot afford to have price hikes every day.
“This seminar is being held amid a myriad of challenges and uncertainties threatening to turn the budgetary process into a mere academic exercise. Chief among them is the exchange rate volatility which is feeding into the price madness that has engulfed the domestic market. This jittery and fluid market environment has eroded public trust in our national economy.
“There is a cartel of 10 people according to the Reserve Bank Governor and I want to say its (cartel) best place is either at Chikurubi or Khami Maximum prisons. We can’t afford to have price hikes every day. There must be some stability somehow and that cartel needs to be attended to without fear or favour,” said Adv Mudenda.
He said Parliament has a role to proffer solutions to economic challenges.
The Speaker said the 2020 national budget hinges on the national development agenda set by President Mnangagwa in his State of the Nation Address and official opening of Second Session of the Ninth Parliament last month.
Adv Mudenda said the national development agenda can only be achieved through productivity, innovation, responsiveness, persistence, deliberate planning and disciplined focus.
“It can only be achieved through judicious exploitation of natural resources and prudential optimal allocation of public resources. The Budget should therefore, persuasively influence the behaviour of all economic stakeholders to contribute towards the achievement of national objectives and goals.
“In this context, Parliament and the Executive should create seamless synergies which must promote convergence of development priorities which should ground our national budget,” he said.
He said there must be political will to address economic challenges.
“In our case, we hesitate and procrastinate in privatising our state entities yet the Transitional Stabilisation Programme demands so. We need fortitude, perseverance and political will to address the current economic glitches if we are to come back to economic life,” he said.
When MPs quizzed Central Bank Governor Dr John Mangudya why members of the cartel referred to by the Speaker have not been arrested, he said: “As for the 10 cartels I am not sure how the figures are being manufactured but I said 50 percent of domestic balance is in the hands of 50 corporates. Whether these are called cartels which I think is a wrong definition, but these are large suppliers and let’s not rush to name before we can define.”
Two days ago Dr Mangudya said the central bank had frozen bank accounts that were being used for speculative purposes to hurt the domestic currency and drive price increases.
By A Correspondent- Former Botswana President Ian Khama was in no show at the second inauguration of his successor Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Masisi took his second oath as the fifth president of Botswana on Friday morning, flanked by his wife Neo.
The inauguration in the capital Gaborone was also attended by former President Festus Mogae, Zambian President Edgar Lungu and Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa.
South Africa was represented by Minister in the Presidency Jackson Mthembu.
The Botswana Democratic Party won 38 of the 57 constituencies, giving it another mandate to govern.
Masisi will lead the country for five more years.
“…and diligently discharge my duty and perform my functions in the high office as president of the Republic of Botswana.”
And he’s wasted no time with his promise to transform the economy.
“As trade is the lifeblood of all nations and the global economy, the diversification of our economic base is imperative.”
Unsurprisingly, Khama – who last week announced he had voted for the Botswana Patriotic Front – did not attend today’s proceedings.
This was the first time in the history of Botswana that a living former president did not attend an inauguration.
Khama, the BPF and main opposition UDC alleged grand rigging of the election.
This is my dad whom I love so much. Some psychopath seeking cheap political scores after being paid by my enemies tried to create enemity between me & my dad When it comes to my parents I will choose them first ¬ a husband I am clear about that. I am who I am because of my DAD pic.twitter.com/yMDQa1OjBF
By A Correspondent- A Kwekwe Primary School’s headmaster is in hot soup following allegations he forced the school matron to divorce her husband after promoting her.
Joseph Machingura reportedly forced Tracy Dzapasi, who had recently been promoted from the laundry department to become the school matron, to divorce her husband of more than 10 years if she wanted to keep her job.
As a result, Dzapasi left her husband, Courage Ncube, together with their two children.
According to sources close to the happenings, all hell broke loose when Dzapasi was promoted from the laundry department to assume the position of matron.
“From that time she was ordered not to go to her home and stay at school. The husband was also barred from entering the school premises and this did not go down well with him. He approached the school authorities seeking clarity on why she was no longer allowed to come home,” said the source.
At one time Ncube became violent after he suspected that his wife was having an affair with one of the staff members.
“He became violent after he saw some messages in his wife’s phone indicating that she was seeing some staff member. It later turned out the man was a close friend to the school head,” he said.
This led to the head advising the woman to seek a peace order from the courts barring the husband from accessing the school premises, literally dismantling the marriage.
Reached for comment, Ncube declined comment saying he was trying to fix his marriage.
By A Correspondent- Acting President Kembo Mohadi has participated at this month’s national clean-up exercise held at Fife Avenue Shopping Centre in Harare.
In his address to the crowd gathered for the exercise, Acting President Mohadi said a clean environment was critical for the conservation of ecology for the benefit of future generations.
The clean-up exercise was launched last year and is running under the theme, “Zero Tolerance to Litter: My Environment, My Pride.”
The development comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa is in Botswana for the inauguration of Botswana’s President elect Mokgweetsi Masisi.
By A Correspondent- A South African woman’s efforts to salvage her marriage already in shambles by sprinkling love of potion in her husband’s meal backfired after her gluttonous father-in-law showed up unexpectedly and dished up for himself. As a result, the hapless father-in-law has fallen head over heels for his son’s wife.
According to South African online publication, Daily sun, Nthabiseng Mthembu (33) regrets her scheme to dose her husband with love potion after her 63-year-old ingested the portion and consequently, fallen in love with her.
She even added korobela as she thought it would be a meal for her and her husband.
“He ate and even licked his fingers. He gave my cooking the best compliment, saying I was a true makoti,” she said.
Now the babazala is crazy in love with Nthabiseng Mthembu.
She regrets what she did as her husband didn’t even eat because he had a kota after church. The 33-year-old from Daveyton in Ekurhuleni told Daily Sun the babazala started calling her a week after the incident.
“My husband even asked why his father was checking up on me so much,” she said.
She said the babazala then visited her while her husband was away.
“He told me he loved me and asked me to leave his son.
He told me he couldn’t stop thinking about me,” she said.
“I was so disturbed. I realised he ate the korobela that was meant for my husband.”
Nthabiseng then went back to her sangoma, who told her the korobela had hit hard and she should bring him to get it out.
“I called my husband and confessed everything. He was angry but understood and forgave me,” she said.
Nthabiseng’s husband Isaac (39) said he begged his father to see a sangoma, but he refuses.
“I even tried to trick him, but when we arrived at a sangoma’s house he ran off.
“I’ve stopped him from coming to my house, but he comes anyway. We need help,” he said.
Babazala Amos (63), who hasn’t had a girlfriend since his wife died seven years ago, said Nthabiseng was his wife-to-be.
“Me and the makoti are meant to be. There’s nothing else I can say. I’m not removing any korobela,” he said.
Sangoma Dungamanzi said: “He’s had it in his system for long so it needs more attention.”
Daily Sun tried to get hold of the sangoma they consulted but couldn’t interview him.
By A Correspondent- Eight alleged gold panners went on the rampage at a bar in Magwegwe, stoned the bar and seriously assaulted two bouncers after they were kicked out of the premises for rowdy behaviour last Saturday.
According to sources the gold panners went to the bar on Friday night and drank all night. It is alleged that after midnight they started overturning tables in the bar and threaten to beat up bouncers that sought to bring them to order.
The bouncers chased them away from the bar because of misbehaviour but the panners started to stone the bar in the early hours of Saturday.
“We chased them away from the bar because of their bad behaviour and they started to throw stones and bottles while they were outside.”
According to a source it is alleged that the gang of eight gold panners, which included an alleged member of Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services from Nkayi Prison, hit one of the security bouncers, Alfonso Antony Raphael, with a bottle on the head. The bouncer was rushed to the hospital.
The gold panners also stabbed one of the bouncers, Edmore Mushai with a bottle on the right ear.
Witnesses said the situation was so bad that reinforcements were called from anti-riot police who rescued the bouncers and saved the bar from further attacks.
“We give thanks to members of the riot police who came all the way from Central Police Station to liberate defenceless bouncers here,” said one of the witnesses, James Phiri.
A report of public violence was made to the police at Magwegwe Police under case number 12 /90 /91. Efforts to get a comment from the police were fruitless at the time of going to print.
By A Correspondent- Former Radio Zimbabwe presenter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has torn into Women’s Affairs Minister Sithembiso Nyoni describng her as a heartless woman who is out of touch with reality.
Below is Sibanda’s full text:
Disgraceful, shameful and cruel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sithembiso Nyoni has caused resentment and anger lying that his ministry has failed to employ Ndebele people in rural Matebeleland as Ward Coordinators because they don’t have O levels.
What an insult to the people of Matabeleland from this old goat, a crazy heartless and insensitive woman. The horrible speech to Mps attending Pre-Budget seminar in Victoria Falls and read on her behalf by Acting Minister of Women’s affairs, Hon Joram Gumbo, the out of touch, clueless & irresponsible minister exposed her naivety and stupidity of the highest order. It answers why people from Matabeleland are denied jobs and opportunities because of people like her.
This was said by a lazy Minister that has never attended any government seminars or parliamentary questions and every time when there is a pre-budget seminar she travels away, obviously too dumb to answer any questions on how her ministry spends its allocated budget. This is the most useless ministry run by one of the worst ministers which delivers nothing for the people of Zimbabwe.
Decades of Sithembiso Nyoni running the same ministry but Zimbabweans yet to see any tangible projects. She is simple one of the biggest flops and useless ministers ever seen in Zimbabwe and God knows why she is still in that position.
You wonder which small business is her ministry supporting? What happened to the Women’s bank? Which women or women’s groups have been empowered or benefited from her ministry? What has she done for Girl Child? Lets say her stupid claims are true, what has she done to help Matabeleland kids go to school or get scholarships in 25 years in Government?
Her disgusting statement is embarrassing and l am happy both sides of the isle angrily condemned her stinking speech. MDC and Zanu PF Mps were really aggrieved by her reckless statement and lies. I am willing to give her over a 1000 jobless people from each province with 5 or more O levels in 15 minutes if she wants.
With the exit of Mugabe, whose administration had been associated with recycling ‘deadwood,’ corruption, dictatorship, many forms of injustice and inequalities, most Zimbabweans expected new blood and ‘fire’ in the new administrations but sadly deadwood like Sithembiso Nyoni who is nearly 70 years old are hanging up there with nothing to offer the country.
Zimbabweans also expected ministers chosen on merit and from across the board, a more representative cabinet and a government moving away from the heavy-handedness, divisive, corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism associated with Mugabe’s administration. Sithembiso Nyoni should be forced to resign for misleading the parliamentarians, the people & the country!
By A Correspondent- A woman from Old Magwegwe shocked a court when she revealed that she was tormented by her son who alleges that she makes him sleep with goblins.
Maria Ndlovu said Xolani Ncube always made these claims whenever she tried to reprimand him.
As if that was not enough, Ncube goes on to tell neighbours that Ndlovu was a witch and she owned goblins which slept with him at night.
During her first days of being insulted Ndlovu sought assistance from close relatives but efforts to tame Ncube’s strange behaviour were all in vain.
As months went by Ncube turned out to be extremely violent and he constantly threatened to kill Ndlovu. Fearing for her life, Ndlovu sought help from the Western Commonage courts.
“I am applying for a peace order against my son. He regularly abuses me verbally and emotionally. I wish relevant offices to assist me as I now fear for my life because he is now threatening to kill me. He insults me saying that I am a witch and I make him sleep with goblins. He is saying that I am the one who killed my deceased children. I no longer want him to live with me so it would be much better if he moves out of my house,” said Ndlovu.
In his response Ncube admitted that he once abused his mother and said he would move out.
“She is accusing me of things that I did some time back and I was once arrested concerning this matter. After I was released she told me that I should move out of the house. So I have decided to vacate by the end of the month,” said Ncube.
Magistrate Urgent Vundla ordered Ncube to refrain from emotionally and verbally abusing his mother.
By A Correspondent- A 17-year-old Form Two boy from Zvishavane has been slapped with a five-year prison term for having sexual intercourse with his minor girlfriend which resulted in pregnancy.
The teen impregnated his 14-year-old girlfriend, also from the same area in Zvishavane town.
He pleaded guilty when he appeared before Zvishavane magistrate Archie Wochiunga facing one count of having sexual intercourse with a minor.
Passing judgment, Wochiunga said the accused had no right to sleep with the complainant as she was still young to consent to sex.
“You had no right to sleep with the complainant even though you two were dating. She is still young therefore she cannot consent to sex.
“You are therefore sentenced to five years in prison for the crime you committed. The sentence is, however, wholly suspended on condition that you do not commit a similar crime in five years,” he said.
In mitigation, the teen told the court that he was not aware that he was committing a crime when he had sex with the complainant.
“Your worship, l admit that l had sexual intercourse with her, but l did not know that I was committing an offence,” he said.
Circumstances surrounding the matter are that, sometime in June this year, the teen proposed love to the complainant and his proposal was accepted.
The two started dating and had sexual intercourse on several occasions up to the month of September 2019. The complainant later discovered that she was pregnant but did not tell anyone.
On September 25, the complainant opened up to her mother about the pregnancy after a confrontation.
The complainant’s mother then made a police report and a medical examination was made. Taurai Muzvinwe represented the State.
Highlanders warmed up for their Sunday’s big game against Dynamos with a comfortable 3-1 victory of relegation-threatened Yadah.
Bosso dominated the play especially in the first where they sored all of their three goals, drawing first blood early in the game.
Mbongeni Ndlovu opened the scoring after taping in Denzel Khumalo’s ball in the 13th minute before Godfrey Makaruse fired home from outside the box to double the advantage seven minutes later.
Tinashe Makanda made it three just before the half-hour following a good run.
Yadah only regrouped in the second and managed to launch a few raids. They pulled one back on the 79th minute through Ralph Matema who scored against his former side.
The result sees Highlanders stretching their undefeated run to eight games while also jumping into the fifth position on the log with 39 points.Soccer 24
Farai Dziva|Zambia national team coach Aggrey Chiyangi has named a strong 21-member squad for Afcon Qualifier – Group H match against Zimbabwe.
The match will be played in Lusaka on November 19.
Chiyangi included thirteen foreign-based players in his selection. These include Russia-based Evans Kangwa, Stophila Sunzu of Metz in French Ligue 1 and Orlando Pirates duo of Justin Shonga and Augustine Mulenga.
Kaizer Chiefs striker Lazarous Kambole is also in the squad.
Farai Dziva| A Zimbabwean boy has signed for the Swansea City Juniors.
Munyaradzi Msipa (9), a Zimbabwean boy based in the United Kingdom and born to Zimbabwean parents Lester and Mercyline Msipa, signed for the Welsh club after spending years playing for their rivals Cardiff City.
The Kwekwe-born young star’s father Lester, explained to The Herald how he (the boy), signed for the Championship side’s juniors.
“Swansea City came on knocking, looking for his signature to join their squad,” Lester Msipa told The Herald.
“The situation found him turning out for both teams although Cardiff City held the franchise on him.
“Towards the end of 2018, both teams came calling for his signature as he was turning nine on the 16th of September this year.
“It was at this point that he decided to sign for Swansea City instead of Cardiff City,” he added.
Let's just assume Obert Gutu didn't rape her as he now claims: Why then did he send her death threats via SMS? (his only escape from prosecution was technical and temporal: Zim – SA jurisdictions); Why then howwever… https://t.co/wG5Id59Lo9
At one time Obert Gutu was foolish to send a direct sms threatening to kill his rape victim should she expose him. He only escaped charges due to jurisdictions because she is based in SA. Imagine a real lawyer who does that. Hope he will stop abusing women.
Obert Gutu you used to write for ZimEye up to the day when you were fired for raping a columnist, the matter which is fully public. The clients who hire you I wonder what services they get from you, a real lawyer… https://t.co/0x8OIor1EG
1/2: if Khupe wins the Supreme Court case,@DMwonzora will gain SG powers back to 2014 period, powers to recall MPs,and this way Dougie will cut @nelsonchamisa' legs, which is a sure victory to @edmnangagwa as MPs fearing losing their allowances, could end up obeying Dougie…
2/2 -ED doesn't need to pay Dougie for this task, he knows @DMwonzora has a long standing rivalry against @nelsonchamisa, and he will use that shared chemistry to through the Supreme Court judges he already controls, create the perfect cosmos for empowering Dougie against Chamisa
By Own Correspondent| MDC Senator Douglas Mwonzora has responded to the below allegations passed by Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore at the recent Supreme Court hearing pitting MDC President Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe.
Speaking to ZimEye.com on Thursday night, Hon Mwonzora said he does not have a desire to recall MPs even if he had the power to do so.
“Why should I recall people I mean for what reason?,” he asked.
He continued saying, ” I do not intend to victimise anyone and any reason, even if I had the power to do it. I do not want to do it because I simply I’m not a vengeful person. I want a united MDC. ”
He then added saying his preoccupation is to see the party preserved or restored to its position as the late leader Morgan Tsvangirai left it.
"The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation. People can demonise me…" – @DMwonzorapic.twitter.com/4OZZS6pNXn
“The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation.…,” he said.
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https://youtu.be/4XmblX_s60w
By Denford Ngadziore| My name is Denford Ngadziore, the Harare Province Youth Secretary and on the 17th October during a court hearing between our Party MDC vs Mashavave of Thokozani Khupe, I attended the court together with other leaders at the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe at corner. of Third and Kwame Nkrumah Avenues.
While inside the court, soon after Advocate Thabani Mpofu withdrew the case between the Party vs Mwonzora and Mudzuri, Mr Mwonzora said to me “you (MDC people) including your President who claims to be an Advocate of Law, are silly. Look, you are going to give me legal fees because of your stupidity. After you give me my legal fees I can assure you it is going to be a long battle which I will win. ”
He said this in the presence of Warship Dumba, Rice, Cephas Makuyana and James Makore.
Again, when we went outside the court, he asked one Mufambi from Drivarazekwa (who defected to Khupe’s Party) why they brought in few people given the money they had been given to boost the numbers.
Mufambi responded by saying others were at Africa Unity Square and soon after the Judgement they would do as earlier agreed. It also happened that during and after the court process, Sen. Mwonzora was interacting and being praised by the Khuphe people who include the recently defected Rhino Mashaya.
Soon after the court hearing, Senator Mwonzora, in the company of Warship Dumba and Mashaya Rhino told one of our Harare Province Youth Executive member Tangai Magava, Tinei and Dumisani Makwanya that he felt pity that I and other Councillors and MPs would be recalled from their public offices soon after Khupe had won her case. He further said that he will do this in order to isolate President Nelson Chamisa from Members of Parliament and Councillors so that if they feel the possibility of losing positions, then they will dump president Chamisa.
There are many people in the structures who were at court who saw and heard Mr Mwonzora saying these words and I hope, if given opportunity to testify before the Party disciplinary committee, would corroborate my submissions.
In a bizarre incident that has sent tongues wagging in Zimuto Village, Chivi district, Masvingo, a 28-year-old man was left nursing injuries after he was bitten by a donkey while trying to restrain the donkey from mating.
Felix Munyuki sustained serious injuries, and had to be rushed to the clinic following the incident.
A witness and Munyuki’s close friend, Musiiwa Musiiwa, confirmed the incident saying the victim was receiving medical treatment.
“We were on our way to a nearby school where a food relief programme was being launched, and we were using a scotch cart. Along the way, the donkey in question started following as it wanted to mate with one of the donkeys that was pulling the cart.
“After realising that, we decided to chase the donkey away as it was going to disturb the other donkeys.
The donkey, however, kept coming back and Munyuki decided to chase it away using a whip. The donkey would have none of it, and it retaliated by biting him hard on the shoulder before taking off. He sustained a deep cut,” said Musiiwa.
He said after he incident, Munyuki was quickly rushed to a clinic where he was treated.
“We quickly took him to the clinic and he was given an injection and pain killers before being referred to Chivi General Hospital, where he is currently being treated for rabies.”B-Metro
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo man shocked Mpopoma residents when he assaulted his neighbour after spotting him talking to his wife.
It is understood that when Jomo Mnkandla saw Phethangani Nyoni exchanging words with his wife he became very jealous and hurled insults at Nyoni before assaulting and threatening to kill him.
Since then, Nyoni has not had peace because Mnkandla constantly accuses him of having an affair with his wife.
To add salt to injury, Mnkandla repeatedly assaults Nyoni and threatens to kill him.
In order to protect his peace, Nyoni decided to seek justice from the courts.
“I wish to apply for a peace order against Mnkandla, who has been accusing me of having a love affair with his wife. He comes to my home and insults me in front of my kids. He threatens to kill me. He is tarnishing my name because of his false accusations. I wish the court to grant me a peace order so that he stops harassing me. I would never date his wife because she is older than my mother. He should stop spreading lies about me,” said Nyoni.
In his defence Mnkandla said he did all that because he believed Nyoni was having an affair with his wife.
Western Commonage magistrate Urgent Vundla ordered Mnkandla to refrain from assaulting and insulting Nyoni. He furthered ordered Mnkandla to stay away from Nyoni’s premises.
The MDC is bemused by today’s indictment of its Vice Chairman Honourable Job Sikhala on spurious charges of subverting a constitutionally elected government.
Hon. Sikhala was today indicted for trial at the Masvingo High Court from 27 January 2020 to 30 March 2020.
This is yet another illustration of the bankruptcy and autocracy of the illegitimate regime.
The liberation fighters fought for our independence freedoms and fundamental rights and these are being trampled upon by a regime whose obsession with retention of power shows that it is just but a replica of the dictatorships that we have seen in history.
Honourable Job Sikhala did not commit any crime, but like other leaders of the Movement for Democratic Change was simply exercising his rights of freedom of speech as enshrined in the Constitution and is not a danger to anyone. For the State to commit scarce resources in pursuit of vengeance against an individual who is courageous enough to speak his mind illustrates the desperation of the regime.
As the MDC, we are proud of the stance taken by our Leaders in confronting the regime, which has resorted to using instruments of impunity, putting paid to the propaganda that they are a new dispensation and a Second Republic.
We in the party, led by the people’s leader President Nelson Chamisa, stand with our leader Honourable Job Sikhala together with other human rights defenders from civil society, labour and the general citizenry who desire to see a better Zimbabwe in our lifetime.
We urge all Zimbabweans to pray for all those being persecuted by this illegitimate regime. We shall come out in our numbers from the 27th to the 30th January next year in solidarity with Hon. Sikhala.
MDC@20: Celebrating Courage, Growth and the People’s victories.
Innocent Gonese
MDC Secretary for Justice and Legal Affairs
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that he was aware of a plot by purportedly Generation 40 (G40) remnants in the ruling party to remove him from power.
Addressing the party’s Youth League Assembly in Harare on Thursday, Mnangagwa urged the youths to identify and “flush out” every member who was deemed G40.
Speaking at the same event, the Youth League boss, Pupurai Togarepi said everyone who does not believe in Mnangagwa’s vision must just leave the party. He said:
We are hunting with dogs that are not ours. They are busy making their own political names. We have some in government and the party who are now concentrating on building their own power bases and their corrupt deals.
They become angry when we name and shame them because they do not respect that you are the leader. They sit with MPs plotting against your vision.
This comes amidst reports that there are some ZANU PF bigwigs who are sabotaging Mnangagwa so that he can be viewed as a failure to attract the masses’ anger.
The Youth League has identified the party’s Secretary for Administration, Obert Mpofu as one of those who have been sabotaging the president by engaging in underhand dealings.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe cannot experience economic stability when there is political instability, social media analyst Blessing Simpson Madzima has said.
Below is Madzima’s presentation:
First and foremost we need to look at the environment if it is able to foster economic growth.
What opportunities does Zimbabwe have in terms of investment and development? Is there any political stability that can lead our country to its economic growth? Is there any possibility of citizens, government and other institutions dialoguing and finding each other in finding a common ground to work together in finding solutions to our challenges? The need to value our country and our communities should make it inevitable for us to unite and work together for the love of our country.
The moment we start realising that economic growth and stability are related in the area of investment, the more we are urged to make our country’s environment attractive to investment and investors. No company or individual, whether local or international, would feel comfortable making any kind of Capital Investment in any country where the political climate is characterised by upheavals and a lot of uncertainty.
Any investment has the aim to make a profit, so such a risky investment would lack guarantee as to the safety of the investments.
In the case of Zimbabwe, even our local businessmen are refraining from making any significant investment in their economies, and such a situation is affecting our economy as a whole.
Foreign direct investment which also plays an important role in the development of our economy is impeded by such challenges of instability and lack of confidence in our markets.
Zimbabwe has now a low rating in terms of stability and cannot be a source of attraction for investors looking for international markets in which to invest. This is resulting in low employment opportunities, and a lower turnover rate for much needed finances to facilitate any economic development. The notable effect of Zimbabwe’s lack of stability is the reduction in its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and also a reduction in the general standard of living for the majority of our people.
Hope of any entrepreneurism is very little, and has affected the ability of our citizens to find employment.
Majority of Zimbabwean population are unable to spend money on various types of consumables, which has resulted in a slump in the economy and increased inflation rate. Due to all those challenges, there is no Capital to invest in infrastructure and employment build projects that will help develop our country. This is creating tensions and much more uncertainty in terms of government change or removal due to economic challenges.
The need for maturity and advocating for a sincere dialogue and engagement among Zimbabweans is vital at this juncture.
Zimbabwe has come a long way under political turmoil, poverty, economic decay and persecution of citizens by government due to those challenges.
The only hope for a better Zimbabwe can only come from us citizens of the land, recognising the fact that responsibility and accountability are the cornerstone of any investment and commitment towards freedom. Our freedom can only be guaranteed by creating a better environment and positive stability of our country.
It is now the duty and responsibility of every citizen and our military to come together objectively and put our country first. It is not an easy thing to do especially with the amount of toxicity in our politics and the military matrix.
This can be done and Zimbabwe can be a better country for us all. We have been a peaceful and stable country before and I have belief we can do it again. Elections and fraudulent electoral process has been the genesis of all our challenges and this can easily be resolved if we allow ourselves to a fair playing field and let people choose the government and leadership they want.
Power should also remain in the hands of the people to ensure accountability, transparency and easy process to remove and install another government in case of failure to deliver. These are the norms of a transformed society and a transformed economy. It has been proved to be successful and it serves the interests of the people.
First and foremost we need to look at the environment if it is able to foster economic growth.
What opportunities does Zimbabwe have in terms of investment and development? Is there any political stability that can lead our country to its economic growth? Is there any possibility of citizens, government and other institutions dialoguing and finding each other in finding a common ground to work together in finding solutions to our challenges? The need to value our country and our communities should make it inevitable for us to unite and work together for the love of our country.
The moment we start realising that economic growth and stability are related in the area of investment, the more we are urged to make our country’s environment attractive to investment and investors. No company or individual, whether local or international, would feel comfortable making any kind of Capital Investment in any country where the political climate is characterised by upheavals and a lot of uncertainty.
Any investment has the aim to make a profit, so such a risky investment would lack guarantee as to the safety of the investments.
In the case of Zimbabwe, even our local businessmen are refraining from making any significant investment in their economies, and such a situation is affecting our economy as a whole.
Foreign direct investment which also plays an important role in the development of our economy is impeded by such challenges of instability and lack of confidence in our markets.
Zimbabwe has now a low rating in terms of stability and cannot be a source of attraction for investors looking for international markets in which to invest. This is resulting in low employment opportunities, and a lower turnover rate for much needed finances to facilitate any economic development. The notable effect of Zimbabwe’s lack of stability is the reduction in its Gross Domestic Product(GDP) and also a reduction in the general standard of living for the majority of our people.
Hope of any entrepreneurism is very little, and has affected the ability of our citizens to find employment.
Majority of Zimbabwean population are unable to spend money on various types of consumables, which has resulted in a slump in the economy and increased inflation rate. Due to all those challenges, there is no Capital to invest in infrastructure and employment build projects that will help develop our country. This is creating tensions and much more uncertainty in terms of government change or removal due to economic challenges.
The need for maturity and advocating for a sincere dialogue and engagement among Zimbabweans is vital at this juncture.
Zimbabwe has come a long way under political turmoil, poverty, economic decay and persecution of citizens by government due to those challenges.
The only hope for a better Zimbabwe can only come from us citizens of the land, recognising the fact that responsibility and accountability are the cornerstone of any investment and commitment towards freedom. Our freedom can only be guaranteed by creating a better environment and positive stability of our country.
It is now the duty and responsibility of every citizen and our military to come together objectively and put our country first. It is not an easy thing to do especially with the amount of toxicity in our politics and the military matrix.
This can be done and Zimbabwe can be a better country for us all. We have been a peaceful and stable country before and I have belief we can do it again. Elections and fraudulent electoral process has been the genesis of all our challenges and this can easily be resolved if we allow ourselves to a fair playing field and let people choose the government and leadership they want.
Power should also remain in the hands of the people to ensure accountability, transparency and easy process to remove and install another government in case of failure to deliver. These are the norms of a transformed society and a transformed economy. It has been proved to be successful and it serves the interests of the people.
The below is the transcript of a “prophecy” by a female Madzimai from Johane Masowe who alleges that within 2 months of March 2019, a jongwe is dying and a female leader taking over. The proclamation was reportedly made 2 weeks before the cyclone Idai attack.
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TRANSCRIPT:
Happiness to you, Happiness to you.
While we were at the shrine today, the sacred spirit told us, there are people who are here in Zimbabwe I have seen, you must read this – in a week and a half I have seen that there will be rain, but the rain will have lightning. But I have seen two places, but the secret spirit did not state the names of these two places. I have seen several people, many people who will be killed by this water I have seen houses that will be uprooted, I have seen trees that will be uprooted. But this water,because it has lightning, I have seen that it will be concluded by a big wind or whirlwind, but this water will rain a week and a half. You will hear of a place where rain has descended and people will be killed.
Secondly the great sacred spirit has said that it has seen, two months are too long. I have seen a discussion that has been held, but it has been held among the leaders of the country. There are some who said let’s do this while others have said let’s do this,it looked like a demonstration. But during the demonstration I saw that there was a scuffle, a strife, I saw bloodshed, I saw and you shall hear that so-and-so has died in this family so and so has died in that family. The great sacred spirit speaks the 3rd time saying I have heard people are saying that this year is a year of fulness, but it will be a year of Hunger. During the time of great hunger, I saw that donors will arrive and the donors wanted to bring food but that food I noticed that it is bringing diseases. I saw them bringing diseases in the head, I saw them bringing diseases in the stomach, I saw it bringing growths, this disease people will not be able to recognise it, they will continue in confusion. The sacred spirit continues once again saying what it once spoke on 31 December while we were sat at the Masowe while waiting to cross over the new year, and it said that I have seen a new level of argument that has begun in this great nation of Zimbabwe. I have seen a Jongwe of a certain house which rules in this country of Zimbabwe. I have seen this Jongwe, which will make noise after it has died. But this Jongwe will die because of God not because of death. But in its dying, I have noticed that this Jongwe will be buried at a place where heroes are buried. But in it being buried there are some who will refuse for this person to be buried there saying they do not deserve.
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But in this same house where this Jongwe died, I saw there was fighting and there was bloodshed because people were fighting for positions. The sacred spirit says while we are sat at Masowe you babaJohane, I am asking that wherever you are, you must remain in prayer wherever you are you must remain in prayer remain in the heritage of the Father.
I saw two men wearing suits – the one who is in front is taller than the other(who is behind). These two men are running, racing to seize the flag of Zimbabwe. But the man who is taller, just before seizing the flag of Zimbabwe, I saw him suddenly stopped by the one who is Shorter. The one who is Shorter while he was just about to seize the flag of Zimbabwe, he was suddenly stopped by a woman. I saw the flag of Zimbabwe having been successfully seized by a woman. And then the father said to me, I have not given you the interpretation of what that is but when I saw the flag of Zimbabwe having been seized by a woman I saw a war erupting. But this war began at Mbare. The sacred spirit said to me right now the father is saying the throne of the leadership of Zimbabwe it does not have anyone who sits on it. The seat of the leader of Zimbabwe is in the sky, I am seeing it is oozing blood, but the father is telling me that yes you put someone there but there is no one who is sitting on it. So while we are at Masowe, the sacred spirit spoke to us and asked us to sing this verse, I heard it being sang saying: those who have the heritage of prayer, they will not struggle.
So the sacred spirit sang and sang saying kids of Baba Johane, you must remain on your knees praying because when it comes to issues of the country, the nation, Gabrieni did not give me a prayer to prevent this (thing from happening). Gabrieni told me to leave things as they are because this is the way of the Father. So I thought to share with all of you children of the Dare, telling you all kids of Jacob that where ever you are at the congregations, That whereever you are, please be praying for your families. Be praying for even your parents at home that they should not accept food from foreign donors. Because those foods are going to come with troubles they are going to bring diseases among black people so I thought to share with all of you that they should remain under prayer. READ MORE ON ZIMEYE.COM
Farai Dziva|Former Radio Zimbabwe presenter Ezra Tshisa Sibanda has described Minister Sithembiso Nyoni as a heartless woman.
Read Sibanda’s argument:
Disgraceful, shameful and cruel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sithembiso Nyoni has caused resentment and anger lying that his ministry has failed to employ Ndebele people in rural Matebeleland as Ward Coordinators because they don’t have O levels.
What an insult to the people of Matabeleland from this old goat, a crazy heartless and insensitive woman. The horrible speech to Mps attending Pre-Budget seminar in Victoria Falls and read on her behalf by Acting Minister of Women’s affairs, Hon Joram Gumbo, the out of touch, clueless & irresponsible minister exposed her naivety and stupidity of the highest order. It answers why people from Matabeleland are denied jobs and opportunities because of people like her.
This was said by a lazy Minister that has never attended any government seminars or parliamentary questions and every time when there is a pre-budget seminar she travels away, obviously too dumb to answer any questions on how her ministry spends its allocated budget. This is the most useless ministry run by one of the worst ministers which delivers nothing for the people of Zimbabwe. Decades of Sithembiso Nyoni running the same ministry but Zimbabweans yet to see any tangible projects. She is simple one of the biggest flops and useless ministers ever seen in Zimbabwe and God knows why she is still in that position.
You wonder which small business is her ministry supporting? What happened to the Women’s bank? Which women or women’s groups have been empowered or benefited from her ministry? What has she done for Girl Child? Lets say her stupid claims are true, what has she done to help Matabeleland kids go to school or get scholarships in 25 years in Government? Her disgusting statement is embarrassing and l am happy both sides of the isle angrily condemned her stinking speech. MDC and Zanu PF Mps were really aggrieved by her reckless statement and lies. I am willing to give her over a 1000 jobless people from each province with 5 or more O levels in 15 minutes if she wants.
With the exit of Mugabe, whose administration had been associated with recycling ‘deadwood,’ corruption, dictatorship, many forms of injustice and inequalities, most Zimbabweans expected new blood and ‘fire’ in the new administrations but sadly deadwood like Sithembiso Nyoni who is nearly 70 years old are hanging up there with nothing to offer the country. Zimbabweans also expected ministers chosen on merit and from across the board, a more representative cabinet and a government moving away from the heavy-handedness, divisive, corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism associated with Mugabe’s administration. Sithembiso Nyoni should be forced to resign for misleading the parliamentarians, the people & the country!
I thought the Pre- budget seminar will be held in Harare ?
When it comes to the issue of politics of the belly or eating, the policy is you must eat quietly. Mthuli was aware that if you pumper those MPs with allowances, cars away from Harare, right at the heart of Elephant Hills Hotel, the budget will sail through. There is silence in Vic Falls.
Eric Muzamhindo
Considering the economic hurdles we are experiencing as a nation, I thought we should walk the talk by implementing proper Economic reforms?
Opposition MPs silent as they join the bandwagon? The bill will gobble around 4 million considering that business community is part of that and other stakeholders. Why would opposition MPs allow such that?
Clap hands for Mthuli Ncube , next time it must be held in Switzerland. As long as you pumper them with a lot of allowances they will never say a word.
In actual fact to cut costs , you could even use Parliament or even HICC. Recently you bought cars for both senators and Mps and within the next two weeks you are expected to announce an unbudgeted bonus increament ?
There is need for Minister Mthuli Ncube to consider re-direction of expenditure to critical sectors of the economy such as Health, education, Agriculture etc. I thought we have priorities like ;
1. Parirenyatwa group of hospitals
2. Issue of doctors
3. Chemicals for water treatment
4. Roads rehabilitation
We must eat what we kill ( Policy)
Whilst a pre-budget seminar is being held in Vic Falls, ED is expected to attend the inauguration for Masisi in Botswana. For obvious reasons, he hired another plane and his delegation as well. I think priority must be placed to critical areas of the economy.
Hopefully the budget will cover the following areas :
1. Pensioners funds
2. Humanitarian aspect
3. Legal and economic framework of the mining sector
4. Empowering citizens
5. Policy clarity & consistency
6. Focus must be on industry
7. Cutting Expenditure
8. Downsizing the foreign missions
9. Devolution concept
10. Food Security
11. Command Agriculture must be funded by local banks
12. Increase in Exports
13. Inter -Bank facility
14. Empowering ZACC
What about citizen engagement on the Pre -budget advisory?
What about meeting policy makers before the announcement of the budget?
Time will tell !
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – Doctor of Phil Candidate
Muzamhindo is the Director for Global Institute of Policy Analysis and Research ( GIPAR), and a leading consultant in Project Management and he can be contacted at [email protected]
Ezra Thsisa Sibanda|Disgraceful, shameful and cruel Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Sithembiso Nyoni has caused resentment and anger lying that his ministry has failed to employ Ndebele people in rural Matebeleland as Ward Coordinators because they dont have O levels.
What an insult to the people of Matabeleland from this old goat, a crazy heartless and insensitive woman. The horrible speech to Mps attending Pre-Budget seminar in Victoria Falls and read on her behalf by Acting Minister of Women’s affairs, Hon Joram Gumbo, the out of touch, clueless & irresponsible minister exposed her naivety and stupidity of the highest order. It answers why people from Matabeleland are denied jobs and opportunities because of people like her.
This was said by a lazy Minister that has never attended any government seminars or parliamentary questions and every time when there is a pre-budget seminar she travels away, obviously too dumb to answer any questions on how her ministry spends its allocated budget. This is the most useless ministry run by one of the worst ministers which delivers nothing for the people of Zimbabwe. Decades of Sithembiso Nyoni running the same ministry but Zimbabweans yet to see any tangible projects. She is simple one of the biggest flops and useless ministers ever seen in Zimbabwe and God knows why she is still in that position.
You wonder which small business is her ministry supporting? What happened to the Women’s bank? Which women or women’s groups have been empowered or benefited from her ministry? What has she done for Girl Child? Lets say her stupid claims are true, what has she done to help Matabeleland kids go to school or get scholarships in 25 years in Government? Her disgusting statement is embarrassing and l am happy both sides of the isle angrily condemned her stinking speech. MDC and Zanu PF Mps were really aggrieved by her reckless statement and lies. I am willing to give her over a 1000 jobless people from each province with 5 or more O levels in 15 minutes if she wants.
With the exit of Mugabe, whose administration had been associated with recycling ‘deadwood,’ corruption, dictatorship, many forms of injustice and inequalities, most Zimbabweans expected new blood and ‘fire’ in the new administrations but sadly deadwood like Sithembiso Nyoni who is nearly 70 years old are hanging up there with nothing to offer the country. Zimbabweans also expected ministers chosen on merit and from across the board, a more representative cabinet and a government moving away from the heavy-handedness, divisive, corruption, discrimination, tribalism, nepotism associated with Mugabe’s administration. Sithembiso Nyoni should be forced to resign for misleading the parliamentarians, the people & the country!
Farai Dziva|MDC vice president Tendai Biti has said Emmerson Mnangagwa must resign with immediate effect.
“He(Mnangagwa) must step down or constitutional process must remove him,” tweeted Biti.
“The illegitimate government has gone nuts. How does a government change currency three times in a year? A fresh talk of adopting the Rand.
“They went through the original Zimbabwe Dollar, then they brought, then the bearer cheques which they again bastardised. Then they went through the USD, the bond note and the RTGS$.
They can bring 100 other currencies but it will not help. There is no confidence in them and no one trusts them,” he added.
“That a country can introduce three currencies in a year is criminal economics. The consequences from a planning, accounting and economic view point are catastrophic.”
Farai Dziva|MDC vice president Tendai Biti has said even if Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube introduces 100 currencies nothing will change.
Biti said government should concede failure to revive the economy.
“He(Mnangagwa) must step down or constitutional process must remove him,” tweeted Biti.
“The illegitimate government has gone nuts. How does a government change currency three times in a year? A fresh talk of adopting the Rand?
“They went through the original Zimbabwe Dollar, then they brought, then the bearer cheques which they again bastardised. Then they went through the USD, the bond note and the RTGS$.
They can bring 100 other currencies but it will not help. There is no confidence in them and no one trusts them,” he added.
“That a country can introduce three currencies in a year is criminal economics. The consequences from a planning, accounting and economic view point are catastrophic.”
Farai Dziva|MDC vice president Tendai Biti has said the Constitutional process must remove Emmerson Mnangagwa from office because he has dismally failed to revive the economy.
“He(Mnangagwa) must step down or the constitutional process must remove him,” tweeted Biti.
“The illegitimate government has gone nuts. How does a government change currency three times in a year? A fresh talk of adopting the Rand?
“They went through the original Zimbabwe Dollar, then they brought, then the bearer cheques which they again bastardised. Then they went through the USD, the bond note and the RTGS$.
They can bring 100 other currencies but it will not help. There is no confidence in them and no one trusts them,” he added.
“That a country can introduce three currencies in a year is criminal economics. The consequences from a planning, accounting and economic view point are catastrophic.”
By A Correspondent- In a lawsuit that can apparently act as a cautionary tale to other women who are dating married men who are seeking relief outside marriage, a Bulawayo woman was sued by her lover’s wife who is demanding $10 000 as damages for sleeping with her “estranged” husband.
Soneni Khumalo from Bellevue suburb came to realise that sex with a married man is never a good thing after Thandeka Sibanda issued summons at the Bulawayo Civil Court under case number 2305/ 19 claiming adultery damages from her.
Soneni fell in love with Thandeka’s husband Themba after his wife reportedly kicked him out of their matrimonial home.
Thandeka decided to take legal action against Soneni after she sued her two months ago claiming she was disturbing her peace by constantly visiting her place in search of her husband.
Thandeka married Themba in 1982 in terms of the Marriages Act Chapter 5:11 and the marriage still subsists.
While the marriages still subsisted, it is alleged that Soneni and Themba had an adulterous affair. Disturbed by the development, Thandeka instructed her lawyers to sue for adultery.
“The claim is for the payment of $10 000 being in respect of damages for adultery, contumelia and loss of consortium suffered by the plaintiff (Thandeka) as a result of the defendant (Soneni)’s illicit and adulterous affair with the plaintiff’s husband.
“Defendant has been fully aware of that fact but has been involved in a shameful adulterous relationship with plaintiff’s husband. The marriage was blessed with four children and was very rosy until defendant started having an adulterous affair with plaintiff’s husband,” reads Thandeka’s claim in part.
According to the plaintiff’s declaration, Soneni had even been shameless to an extent that she applied for a peace order against the plaintiff as she was afraid that she (plaintiff) was going to stalk them.
“Sometime in September 2018, the plaintiff’s husband ran away from his matrimonial home due to the adulterous relationship he was having with the defendant”.
Thandeka, according to the papers, suffered a huge blow as her marriage was now on the brink of collapse as a result of the adulterous affair.
“Plaintiff has suffered great emotional trauma, heartbreak and mental distress as a result of her husband leaving her. This shameful behaviour has continued regardless of defendant’s knowledge of the marriage existing between plaintiff and her husband.
“Owing to the illicit and adulterous relationship, plaintiff suffered damages as follows: $5 000 for contumelia and $5 000 for loss of consortium”.
The matter which was supposed to be heard on 21 October was deferred by the presiding magistrate Tinashe Tashaya who instructed Thandeka to bring her original marriage certificate.
The magistrate instructed her to obtain it from the Registrar of Marriages after Thandeka indicated that it was stolen together with her birth certificate from their matrimonial bedroom sometime in December 2016 while she was in South Africa.
By A Correspondent- The two-month-long doctors’ strike has not affected the cancer screening section at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, a development which has brought relief to cancer patients.
In an interview yesterday, Mpilo clinical director Solwayo Ngwenya said the hospital has not suspended cancer screening despite the prolonged doctors’ strike.
There were fears that the strike would cripple cervical cancer screening and treatment services, putting the lives of the patients at risk.
“Although the doctors are on strike, screening for cervical cancer is not affected. We are screening. We also encourage women to go for screening all the time,” he said.
By A Correspondent- An O- level pupil at Arundel School in Harare was recently denied access to sit for her Cambridge examination after school authorities claimed she had fees arrears amounting to $44 000 although she had fully paid the examination and centre fees.
The move by the school has now prompted the girl’s mother, Mavis Jakarasi to file an urgent chamber application through Justice for Children, seeking the court’s intervention, arguing that the school had no authority to prevent her child from sitting for examinations. She cited trustees of Arundel School as respondents in the matter.
In her founding affidavit, Jakarasi said her daughter had been a student at the school since the beginning of 2019 and had registered to sit for her Cambridge final Ordinary Level examinations that are currently underway.
However, Jakarasi said due to fees being owed to the school, her daughter was barred from attending lessons since the beginning of the third term.
“Being a trust school, I do understand and accept that the respondent has such a right. The problem arose when my child appeared to sit for her first examination on October 15, 2019, English Paper 2. The respondent (Arundel) school official, the headmistress Pauline Makoni and her officials refused to allow the child to sit for her examination,” Jakarasi said, adding she then approached Justice for Children for assistance and the lawyers issued a letter of demand for the school to allow the child to sit for her examinations, but she was still prevented from doing so.
The woman said she was told that the tuition fee had been raised to $44 000 for the third term and that the amount she owed the school had equally increased on the day her daughter missed her second exam.
Jakarasi said after paying $18 000, her daughter was then allowed to sit for her History examination on October 18, 2019, but on Monday October 21, 2019, she was again barred from writing Mathematics by the headmistress who demanded that she pays the balance first.
“Though I owe the school in arrear tuition, for the school to then bar my child from writing examinations that are not property or a programme of Arundel School, but an independent external examinations body, on the basis of fees I owe to the school is unacceptable,” Jakarasi said.
“Cambridge Examinations is an independent body to which I made full payment. That payment includes the examination fee and the centre fee. The child is thus fully paid to use Arundel School as an examination centre. This fact is independent from the child’s registration at Arundel as a student. It is for her studentship at Arundel School that the respondents can bar my child from accessing the school facilities. However, that is not the case with the Cambridge examinations.
All the school is providing and required to provide, is an examination centre with the requisite facilities and personnel.”
By A Correspondent- Bakers Inn has slashed by a dollar the prices of its bread after the government provided them with subsidised wheat.
Prices of basic commodities have been going up since January as inflation continues to rise and for a loaf of bread, Zimbabweans had to fork out between $15 and $20 in most parts of the country.
In a statement yesterday, Innscor Africa Limited chief executive Ngoni Mazango said the slashed prices would remain as long as the government provides them with subsidised wheat.
“The government has supplied millers with subsidised wheat which by and large reduces the price of flour. In response to this development, Bakers Inn Bakeries has decided to extend the benefit to the consumer, despite the escalating costs of other inputs like power, diesel, local and imported materials,” he said.
“Bakers Inn bread from Tuesday October 29, 2019 reduced its wholesale price from $14 to $13. The recommended retail price is between $14 and $14,50. Consumers had to pay as high as $15,75 in the last weeks. This price will hold for as long as the Bakers Inn Bakeries have the subsidies flour.”
By A Correspondent- Addressing the Zanu PF youth league national assembly in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said G40 elements remained in the ruling party and needed to be flushed out from all structures of the party to entrench loyalty to his leadership.
He said:
“Unity, unity is key in Zanu PF and in the country. The party cannot fit in the pockets of the President, but the President fits in the pocket of the party.
I, however, commend those who have remained loyal and faithful to the party and its leadership, especially these moments of manifestations by those we perceive to be one of us. 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.”
1/2: if Khupe wins the Supreme Court case,@DMwonzora will gain SG powers back to 2014 period, powers to recall MPs,and this way Dougie will cut @nelsonchamisa' legs, which is a sure victory to @edmnangagwa as MPs fearing losing their allowances, could end up obeying Dougie…
2/2 -ED doesn't need to pay Dougie for this task, he knows @DMwonzora has a long standing rivalry against @nelsonchamisa, and he will use that shared chemistry to through the Supreme Court judges he already controls, create the perfect cosmos for empowering Dougie against Chamisa
By Own Correspondent| MDC Senator Douglas Mwonzora has responded to the below allegations passed by Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore at the recent Supreme Court hearing pitting MDC President Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe.
Speaking to ZimEye.com on Thursday night, Hon Mwonzora said he does not have a desire to recall MPs even if he had the power to do so.
“Why should I recall people I mean for what reason?,” he asked.
He continued saying, ” I do not intend to victimise anyone and any reason, even if I had the power to do it. I do not want to do it because I simply I’m not a vengeful person. I want a united MDC. ”
He then added saying his preoccupation is to see the party preserved or restored to its position as the late leader Morgan Tsvangirai left it.
"The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation. People can demonise me…" – @DMwonzorapic.twitter.com/4OZZS6pNXn
“The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation.…,” he said.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
https://youtu.be/4XmblX_s60w
By Denford Ngadziore| My name is Denford Ngadziore, the Harare Province Youth Secretary and on the 17th October during a court hearing between our Party MDC vs Mashavave of Thokozani Khupe, I attended the court together with other leaders at the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe at corner. of Third and Kwame Nkrumah Avenues.
While inside the court, soon after Advocate Thabani Mpofu withdrew the case between the Party vs Mwonzora and Mudzuri, Mr Mwonzora said to me “you (MDC people) including your President who claims to be an Advocate of Law, are silly. Look, you are going to give me legal fees because of your stupidity. After you give me my legal fees I can assure you it is going to be a long battle which I will win. ”
He said this in the presence of Warship Dumba, Rice, Cephas Makuyana and James Makore.
Again, when we went outside the court, he asked one Mufambi from Drivarazekwa (who defected to Khupe’s Party) why they brought in few people given the money they had been given to boost the numbers.
Mufambi responded by saying others were at Africa Unity Square and soon after the Judgement they would do as earlier agreed. It also happened that during and after the court process, Sen. Mwonzora was interacting and being praised by the Khuphe people who include the recently defected Rhino Mashaya.
Soon after the court hearing, Senator Mwonzora, in the company of Warship Dumba and Mashaya Rhino told one of our Harare Province Youth Executive member Tangai Magava, Tinei and Dumisani Makwanya that he felt pity that I and other Councillors and MPs would be recalled from their public offices soon after Khupe had won her case. He further said that he will do this in order to isolate President Nelson Chamisa from Members of Parliament and Councillors so that if they feel the possibility of losing positions, then they will dump president Chamisa.
There are many people in the structures who were at court who saw and heard Mr Mwonzora saying these words and I hope, if given opportunity to testify before the Party disciplinary committee, would corroborate my submissions.
By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education has completed investigations of a massive sex scandal that hit Mahlothova Secondary School in Umguza District, Matabeleland North amid reports that “appropriate action” will be taken against the teacher at the centre of the alleged abuse.
Investigations were initiated following reports that one Form Three girl dropped out of school after being continuously defiled by one of the teachers who promised to help her pass her studies.
Matabeleland North provincial education director (PED) Mr Jabulani Mpofu confirmed that they were done with the investigations.
“I can confirm that we are done with investigations and appropriate action will be taken against the teacher involved.
“During investigations it was gathered that the teacher in question indeed went to the girls’ hostel drunk and that is not allowed,” said Mr Mpofu.
The sexual abuse allegations by the teacher, whose name is also being withheld, wreaked havoc amid fears that worse could be happening to female pupils at the school’s makeshift boarding facility.
Investigations were carried out after some teachers and pupils at the school who are privy to the alleged sex scandal expressed fears that there were plans to sweep it under the carpet.
The sexual abuse was discovered in October 2018, but was concealed by the school authorities in a bid to save the image of the school. It came to light after the alleged perpetrator was found at the girls’ hostel half-naked at around 10pm looking for the victim.
Realising that the school authorities had turned a blind eye, the girl reportedly stopped coming to school.
It is reported that in March this year, in a bid to conceal the matter and to protect the image of the school, the authorities reportedly coached pupils and teachers close to the matter on what to say before the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mrs Samkeliso Gwaza and her delegation came to the school to investigate reports of the alleged sexual abuse.
There were also reports that the parents of the girl were pressurised not to report the matter to the police after being promised some form of compensation by the culprit’s family.
A Security guard at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) wore a mask and allegedly raided a fridge at the institution where he stole two chickens.
Simbarashe Zimi was shown the red card by the learning institution authorities last week on Thursday after he was found guilty of stealing two chickens which belonged to a lecturer.
A source at Nust said while Zimi was on duty a fortnight ago he devised a plan to steal two chickens which belonged to one of the lecturers.
“At around 10pm Zimi wore a mask and left his site and headed to the Maths Department where the chickens were kept.
He took two chickens from the fridge. Unfortunately, he was spotted by another security guard who then tried to apprehend him but he fled and threw the chickens on the ground,” said the source.
The source said Zimi ran back to his site.
“Zimi removed the mask and threw it away and went to where he was stationed,” said the source.
His chaser and Zimi’s superiors checked CCTV footage and they found that it was him.
Zimi was called for a hearing and he was found guilty and was subsequently fired from work.
Contacted for a comment Zimi admitted saying: “No, it was not chickens that I stole, that’s what most people thought but I stole 3kg beef. I was fired after a hearing.
“They wanted to set an example by terminating my contract because a lot of stealing is happening at the institution.
“I’m not regretting it. I know I will secure another job.”
The MDC is in full support of next week’s proposed work-stoppage by government workers in light of the paltry average monthly salary of $475 for civil servants, which can hardly buy 26 litres of fuel.
The illegitimate Zanu PF government has already criminalized the hard working doctors and medical personnel who are incapacitated to come to work due to their measly salaries and despicable working conditions.
This government is in fact responsible for the slow genocide taking place in the country’s dysfunctional health institutions, where Zimbabweans are dying due to lack of drugs and poor remuneration for our dedicated medical staff.
As a party borne out of the sweat, toil and tears of the working people of Zimbabwe, the MDC is in full support of the legitimate right of civil servants to peacefully express themselves against this uncaring government.
In the villages, in the mining towns and across the urban areas, Zimbabweans can barely afford a full meal due to the cluelessness of the illegitimate Mnangagwa regime. Prices of fuel and basic commodities are going up every week while the politically connected ravenous elite engages in unbridled corruption as in the massive rot exposed in the murky Command Agriculture programme, where US$3 billion disappeared without trace while our courts have become waiting rooms for rapacious well-heeled top politicians appearing on corrupt charges. The point must be made that the real culprits in this massive game of corruption remain scot free.
We reiterate that until and unless the crisis of legitimacy arising out of the stolen election of 2018 is resolved, the country will remain mired in the current economic challenges, which challenges are symptomatic of the illegitimacy crisis afflicting this regime.
As a party borne out of the blood of labour, we are therefore in full support of the decision by government employees to express themselves against an uncaring employer.
By Own Correspondent| MDC Senator Douglas Mwonzora has responded to the below allegations passed by Harare Councillor Denford Ngadziore at the recent Supreme Court hearing pitting MDC President Nelson Chamisa and Thokozani Khupe.
Speaking to ZimEye.com on Thursday night, Hon Mwonzora said he does not have a desire to recall MPs even if he had the power to do so.
“Why should I recall people I mean for what reason?,” he asked.
He continued saying, ” I do not intend to victimise anyone and any reason, even if I had the power to do it. I do not want to do it because I simply I’m not a vengeful person. I want a united MDC. ”
He then added saying his preoccupation is to see the party preserved or restored to its position as the late leader Morgan Tsvangirai left it.
"The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation. People can demonise me…" – @DMwonzorapic.twitter.com/4OZZS6pNXn
“The enemy is ZANU PF… The party is not doing well in the elections right now. We need to preserve it to the days of glory.. The party as left by Morgan Tsvangirai must be preserved and that is my preoccupation.…,” he said.
VIDEO LOADING BELOW….
https://youtu.be/4XmblX_s60w
By Denford Ngadziore| My name is Denford Ngadziore, the Harare Province Youth Secretary and on the 17th October during a court hearing between our Party MDC vs Mashavave of Thokozani Khupe, I attended the court together with other leaders at the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe at corner. of Third and Kwame Nkrumah Avenues.
While inside the court, soon after Advocate Thabani Mpofu withdrew the case between the Party vs Mwonzora and Mudzuri, Mr Mwonzora said to me “you (MDC people) including your President who claims to be an Advocate of Law, are silly. Look, you are going to give me legal fees because of your stupidity. After you give me my legal fees I can assure you it is going to be a long battle which I will win. ”
He said this in the presence of Warship Dumba, Rice, Cephas Makuyana and James Makore.
Again, when we went outside the court, he asked one Mufambi from Drivarazekwa (who defected to Khupe’s Party) why they brought in few people given the money they had been given to boost the numbers.
Mufambi responded by saying others were at Africa Unity Square and soon after the Judgement they would do as earlier agreed. It also happened that during and after the court process, Sen. Mwonzora was interacting and being praised by the Khuphe people who include the recently defected Rhino Mashaya.
Soon after the court hearing, Senator Mwonzora, in the company of Warship Dumba and Mashaya Rhino told one of our Harare Province Youth Executive member Tangai Magava, Tinei and Dumisani Makwanya that he felt pity that I and other Councillors and MPs would be recalled from their public offices soon after Khupe had won her case. He further said that he will do this in order to isolate President Nelson Chamisa from Members of Parliament and Councillors so that if they feel the possibility of losing positions, then they will dump president Chamisa.
There are many people in the structures who were at court who saw and heard Mr Mwonzora saying these words and I hope, if given opportunity to testify before the Party disciplinary committee, would corroborate my submissions.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is under increasing pressure from senior ZANU PF officials and the top military brass to reshuffle his cabinet.
A local publication quotes an unnamed senior government official as saying that Mthuli Ncube and Fortune Chasi, Ministers for Finance and Economic Development and Energy and Power development respectively, are in the line of fire due to the economic implosion and debilitating energy and power crises.
Said the official:
Although Mthuli (Ncube) is liked by Mnangagwa, he appears to be the one targeted the most by Zanu PF officials. They seem to have lost all faith in him.
The army has also been giving out very negative reports about his economic policies of late. He however enjoys support from the President himself as of now.
Chasi has reportedly been summoned by the President a few times to explain his plans even though he was not in Mnangagwa’s original post-election cabinet.
Transport Minister, Joel Biggie Matiza is also thought to be under pressure to deliver on key projects such as the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) recapitalisation and the rehabilitation of the Beitbridge-Chirundu highway.
By A Correspondent- The congestion in a Zupco bus could not stop a man’s se_xual hormones from surging at the sight of a 32-year-old woman in front of him.
Even Dube (55) was allegedly left with nowhere to hide after attention from the busy bus shifted to him when Nothabo Moyo screamed and exposed him for allegedly rubbing his huge erect manhood on her butt0cks and care_ssing her privates with his hands.
Record has it that on 21 October at around 7am in Nkulumane 12, Dube and Moyo boarded the same bus and couldn’t get seats so they were standing next to each other facing the same direction headed for the city centre.
Moyo, it is alleged, suddenly felt Dube’s huge anaconda rubbing her butt0cks but she tried to ignore it since the bus was full, leaving no space for one to freely move.
“He went on to caress the top of my privates with his hand and I instantly rebuked him and asked what he was doing,” stated Moyo.
Dube reportedly apologised to Moyo who was already fuming at the old man.
When the bus got to town, it is reported, Dube had already dropped off along the way, making it difficult for Moyo to locate him to initiate legal action.
However, he was spotted the following morning by Moyo in a bus queue and she quickly reported Dube for indecent assault to a police officer that was patrolling the bus queue leading to his arrest.
Appearing before Bulawayo magistrate Jokoniah Ncube last week, Dube denied the charges of indecent assault and said he never saw Moyo in the bus on the day of the incident although he confirmed being in the bus going to town at that time.
He was remanded out of custody on $300 bail and is set to appear in court on Friday for continuation of trial.
By A Correspondent- Two fake police officers who were on a robbing spree were yesterday arraigned before the courts charged with armed robbery involving over US$40 000 and ZWL$50 000.
Dentist Chimanga, 43, and Tawanda Chirara, 35, were not asked to plead when they appeared before Harare provincial magistrate Learnmore Mapiye.
On the first count, they were referred to the High Court for bail application.
Prosecutor Sabastian Mutizirwa alleged that on September 19, the duo together with their accomplices who are still at large, approached the complainant who was parked at Mbare Musika and posed as detectives and produced their police identity cards before arresting him for illegal dealings in foreign currency and money laundering.
The two ordered the complainant to drive to Mbare Police Station and on their way, Chimanga ordered the complainant to stop near Rufaro Stadium and he took charge of the car after ordering the complainant to occupy the back seat.
The court heard that instead of driving to the police station, he diverted the route and indicated that they heard to drive to the complainant’s house to conduct a search then went to the house in Warren Park but they didn’t find any foreign currency.
It is further alleged that after the search they left the house and drove towards Sherwood road where Chirara produced an unidentified pistol and began demanding some money from the complainant threatening to shoot him.
The complainant later handed $3908 from his satchel but Chirara kept demanding more money prompting the complainant to call his wife who brought $2 300 from home but the armed robbers demanded another $20 000.
The complainant is believed to have called his brother who said he had only managed to get $14 000 and they met himin the CBD and after receiving the money, they drove to Rotten Row court where the robbers dropped off and ordered the complainant to drive away.
The complainant made a report and positively identified them after they had been arrested on other robbery charges.
On another charge of armed robbery, Chirara and Chimanga are being co-charged with Moses Nyavanhu, 42, in which the State is alleging that the trio approached Brian Soko and William Marara at Steward Bank Kwame Nkurumah where they intended to deposit US$37 3000.
The trio introduced themselves as police officers and produced police identity cards before making allegations that the two were under arrest for illegally dealing in foreign currency.
One of the trio handcuffed the complainants and led them into their getaway car then drove to Rhodesville Police and parked outside.
They then drove to a bushy area between Mabvuku and Epworth where upon arrival, they threatened the complainants with a gun and began assaulting them.
The court heard that the trio dumped the complainants and sped off with the US$30 300.
On another charge, Chirara and Chimanga are being co-accused with Cosamas Vheremu 49, in which the state is alleging that the trio approached the complainant at Eastlea shopping Center where he had taken his car for a wash.
The trio then advised the complainant that he was under arrest but didn’t disclose the offence, they later ordered him to take his satchel and get into his car before ordering him to drive to Harare Central Police.
The satchel had ZWL$14 729 and US$12 337.
They then ordered him to drive to Queensdale where they dumped him and sped off with the money.
By A Correspondent- Commissioner General of Police Godwin Ntandabantu Matanga has reassigned the deputy commissioner generals of police with effect from November 1, 2019.
Deputy Commissioner General Stephen Mutamba has been moved from crime to operations, DCG Mind Elliot Ngirandi from Human Resources to Crime, DCG Leny Ncube from operations to administration and DCG Lorraine Chipato from administration to human resources.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said:
“The transfers have been effected in order to maximise the utilisation of relevant skills and mentoring of senior officers in the Zimbabwe Republic Police with a view of improving performance with regards to the ZRP constitutional mandate of preventing, detecting and investigating crime. ”
Military czar Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga and Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, reportedly made a secret pact to hand Zimbabwe power to each other in the aftermath of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s downfall.
According to a report by an online publication, Spotlight Zimbabwe Defence officials close to ZDF chief Sibanda’s office this week claimed Chiwenga and the ZDF Commander reached the gentleman’s agreement a few years before the military putsch of November 2017, which resulted in former leader Robert Mugabe’s ouster.
Below is the full report by the publication:
“It is also coming to light that the military had long planned Mugabe’s departure from office before the coup, and that Mnangagwa’s installation as president had also been premeditated by Chiwenga and Sibanda, to give their operation a civilian face, while crafting a pathway for their own passage to State House.
This publication reported last month, that Chiwenga is now increasingly set to finish off Mnangagwa’s presidential term, through another vicious military coup said to likely involve foreign hands and players.
The revelations come on the back of vain attempts by a clique of ruling Zanu PF members who have been reported to be pushing for Chiwenga’s exit on grounds of incapacitation, due to his mysterious and complex health woes.
Spotlight Zimbabwe, can however authoritatively disclose that Chiwenga is out of the woods, and has been fairly well for over a month in China, where he has received an antidote for multiple poisioning attacks from his enemies in government and Zanu PF, thought to have been administered through his food and home drinking water. The VP’s security is now a close guarded secret of the Chinese government and an elite unit of the country’s military intelligence.
“Many people out there have no idea of what’s really going on, but I can tell you that there is a secret power deal between Chiwenga and PV (Sibanda’s first names) dating as far back as 2014,” said the defence officials based at Defence House in the capital.
“This power deal was made around the time when Mnangagwa was promoted to vice president by Mugabe. You see these two military men have learnt from the past mistakes of other ZDF leaders before them, such as the late Solomon Mujuru and Vitalis Zvinavashe, who ended up going into political oblivion despite holding the powerful office of leading the military. General Mujuru could have risen further, but he decided to go into business and retire without gaining enough political muscle. The same thing happened with General Zvinavashe, such a decorated soldier ended up being tricked by Mugabe to step down as military commander, in exchange of the vice president position left vacant by former VP Simon Muzenda, which never happened.”
Another senior official at the defence ministry headquarters, said Chiwenga and Sibanda through their pact have deviced a plan that will result in each one of them becoming president, after being appointed by the other into the presidium.
“After the Mugabe coup, Mnangagwa had wanted to appoint Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri as one of his two vice presidents, but the army blocked him and demanded that Chiwenga becomes first VP instead. Mnangagwa was going to nominate Chiwenga as defence and war veterans minister only, a position that would result in Chiwenga losing power and political influence. So he ended up becoming both VP and defence minister, and it was on that basis that he agreed to retire as ZDF commander leaving Sibanda to succeed him. Now Sibanda is going to make sure that Chiwenga becomes president, because he has the power and guns to do so. Chiwenga on the other hand, will then return the favour by appointing Sibanda to become one of his vice presidents, clearing the way for Sibanda to takeover, and without doubt leave a VP slot in the presidency for another trusted high ranking general in the army.”
There were unconfirmed reports this week, that Sibanda held a breakfast meeting with Mnangagwa for almost 2 hours at his Munhumutapa office, where the military boss warned Mnangagwa about the comatose economic situation and disgruntlement of soldiers over his leadership.
Chiwenga is now expected back in the country before the end of December, and is likely going to be acting president, while Mnangagwa takes an annual Christmas holiday for a month.
Mnangagwa has however previously opted to stay in the country during his annual vacation, amid speculation that he fears being barred to fly back home, and that his absence would make any possible coup easier to execute.
Only early this year, at the turn of the new year Mnangagwa cut short his annual vacation under the pretext of trying “to resolve” an impasse with doctors who had been on strike for a month. During that period Chiwenga was in charge, and Mnangagwa wanted to remain “in constant contact” according to the information permanent secretary.l
Chiwenga has also made it a public secret that Sibanda and himself were the power brokers and kingmakers behind Mnangagwa.
In July 2018, while addressing mourners in Gokwe South at the burial of Sibanda’s mother, Yowana Kubvoruno, the VP revealed that together with Sibanda, they had come to Mnangagwa’s aid by ensuring his safety from harm and arranged for his escape into exile, after his abrupt and humiliating removal from office as vice president by Mugabe, who accused him of “consistently and persistently exhibiting traits of disloyalty, disrespect, deceitfulness and unreliability”.
“Today I want to say something I have never told anyone, a secret that has been kept between me and General Sibanda. General Sibanda is truly a brave hero,” Chiwenga said.
“When the then Vice President (Mnangagwa) was fired from government in November last year I was in China on national duty. General Sibanda called me to advise me of the sad development. I told him Cde Mnangagwa’s life could be at stake, please make sure he is safe.”
“General Sibanda is the one who orchestrated our President’s escape through the Mozambique border and he sent two soldiers one of them had no passport. They managed to safely whisk him away through the border and left him in Mozambique. They came back using the same border. When I came back we sat and insisted we want this to be a peaceful operation. Sibanda coined the name Operation Restore Legacy.”
Intelligence sources confirmed that Chiwenga and Sibanda have a good shot at landing the highest office in the land, because they jointly run the Joint Operations Command (JOC), which has long been considered to be the real power behind government.
“General Sibanda has been the acting head of JOC since Chiwenga started leaving the country for medical treatments in South Africa, India and now China, where he directly reports after JOC meetings,” the sources said
By A Correspondent- The Apex Council organising secretary Charles Chinosengwa said that all civil servants will stage a demonstration on Wednesday next week in protest over the government’s failure to increase their salaries.
Speaking to a local publication on Thursday, Chinosengwa reiterated civil servants’ demand to have the lowest-paid public worker paid US$475 equivalent at the prevailing interbank market bank rate. He said:
Yesterday, we then wrote to his counterpart the Minister of Labour Nzenza telling her that it is now two weeks after they said they will commit to our salary adjustments.
As a result, Apex Council has resolved to engage in a demonstration next Wednesday in Harare, which will include all civil servants, and right now, we are in the process of notifying the police.
However, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube has already said the government cannot afford to peg civil servants’ salaries at the prevailing US-RTGS interbank rates.
Ncube was speaking to reporters during the anti-sanctions rally at the National Sports Stadium on Friday where he said the government will go “bust” if it attempted to do so.
By A Correspondent- Godfrey Malunga (38) recently appeared before Bindura magistrate Pamela Chimhini for allegedly kidnapping a Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officer, Constable Joseph Paribendipo.
Constable Paribendipo was in the company of other police officers from the ZRP traffic section manning a roadblock at the 85b kilometre peg along the Mukumbura–Bindura highway on 13 September this year.
When Paribendipo had flagged Malunga to a halt to ascertain whether he was a certified driver, just as he sat in the car, the accused took off at great speed and the other police officers gave chase in a patrol car.
Malunga beat Paribendipo along the way before he was arrested. He has denied all charges. He was remanded in custody to November 4 when he will stand trial.
By A Correspondent- The opposition movement in Zimbabwe has been warned against forming more political parties as this does not solve the country’s multifaceted woes.
Veteran MDC-T activist and fearless campaigner for women’s rights, who came up with the name ‘Movement for Democratic Change’ at its formation, Grace Kwinjeh said Zimbabwe does not need a fresh opposition face as this fueled confusion among the electorate thereby giving Zanu Pf the lifeline even when the party is at its weakest.
Below is the full text by Kwinjeh:
“We can’t solve the multifaceted problems in Zimbabwe by forming more political parties. No!
The late professor Masipula Sithole, may his soul rest in peace, is on record lamenting the unhealthy habit of forming more opposition political parties, on top of existing ones, stating in an allegory, the hilarity of sending two Zimbabweans to the moon, with real chances that they will end up with three political parties.
A leadership deficit, or disagreements in the opposition will not be solved by forming more opposition political parties, notwithstanding that, whoever enters the political scene will still have to contend with the same challenges, to do with Zanu PF’s corruption and stranglehold over power, thus, adding no real strategic value in our quest for freedom.
A fresh opposition face is not what Zimbabwe needs. Since 1980 we have had too many fresh faces, that have at times, inadvertently, worked in adding more drama and confusion to the democratic movement, giving Zanu PF a lifeline, at its weakest moments.
We all remember Dr Simba Makoni, how his presidential ambition robbed Dr Morgan Tsvangirai of victory in the 2008 elections, giving Zanu PF much needed reprieve and how we have never quite recovered from that political blunder.
Zimbabwe has not recovered from that error of judgement on Dr Makoni’s part after he garnered 8% of the votes cast, while Tsvangirai had 47% and incumbent the late President Robert Mugabe had 43% in a run-off.
A move so retrogressive given that Tsvangirai had won in the first round of elections, but had not garnered enough votes to be declared outright winner. So it was back to square one, true to form Zanu PF unleashed the most brutal wave of violence in the rural areas, Zimbabweans got butchered mercilessly, scores killed, with reports of rape and massive displacements.
That is how ridiculous the situation becomes, weighed against the harsh reality of the suffering we are all collectively enduring, in Zimbabwe or exiled, it makes one’s heart bleed, that anyone out there is even contemplating a repeat of such a scenario, which will cause us to be in the opposition in perpetuity.
What Zimbabwe needs right now are not more political parties, but a united front, energised democratic movement to take back the momentum, mobilised around real bread and butter issues, that citizens are concerned about. Citizens are concerned about the collapsed health delivery system, which has become a death trap, as heart wrenching testimonies are daily shared.
The pain and suffering is too much, for us to keep scoring own goals.
Consequently, what Zimbabwe needs right now, are not more power hungry megalomaniacs, with no solutions on how to push the ruling Zanu PF party to adopt the necessary political and economic reforms that will make life more bearable. Ideas that will push the ruling party to the table, for the negotiation of a transitional framework that will lead to free and fair elections.
Issues to do with the incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, are not going to be solved by forming more parties, as a matter of fact, that would work perfectly to his favour, a divided opposition always does.
What Zimbabwe needs right now, is a leadership that is willing and able to rise above the current political differences and difficulties, and deliver us out of the political and economic quagmire.
Political contestation in the country is a messy affair, both in the opposition and the ruling party, there are no winners or losers – just shayisano, kudira jecha.
The first challenge for a collective, united opposition is to take back the momentum lost in the past weeks.
Weeks of being diverted and pulled into Zanu PF’s anti-sanctions fight, of which we found ourselves trapped in a diplomatic spat, that days later has not resulted in the opening of democratic space.
Over the weekend the USA added Security Minister, Owen Ncube to the targeted sanctions list, for gross violations of human rights. While, some can argue this was symbolic and sends a warning to Zanu PF against future human rights abuses, the body language from the ruling party remains arrogant, defiant and intransigent. This is again another point of reflection, which I shall go into at another time.
Just as the executive order announcing the new sanction was being announced, actually before the ink had even dried on it, artist Platinum Prince was abducted by unknown men, tortured then released, apparently for his song, ‘Ndoyacho here President.’
More political parties will add no value to our quest for freedom, unity and working strategies are what we need.”
By A Correspondent- Senator Douglas Mwonzora, who is the former Secretary General for the opposition MDC has called for unity among party stalwarts warning party youths against being used to divide the party and push factional agendas.
Mwonzora said this in an exclusive interview with ZimEye on Thursday following the leaking of a letter purportedly written by Denford Ngadziore, the Harare Province Youth Secretary alleging that Mwonzora was plotting to topple the current leader of the MDC Nelson Chamisa.
According to the letter, Mwonzora allegedly said that the MDC leadership was “silly” as they would lose the case against Thokozani Khupe in a development which would grant him powers to recall legislators and councilors from office in a move that would alienate Chamisa.
However, Mwonzora dispelled the allegations arguing that he never said what Ngadziore was alleging arguing that he was a staunch party supporter whose only enemy was Zanu Pf and not anyone from the party.
He said:
“My eyes are on the ball… and all i want is to see the party retain its former glory as it was before… I would never recall the members of parliament from office, why would i do that? I do not have the powers nor the aspirations to do it… Party youths should not be used to push certain agendas against my person. Focus should be on mobilising people and solving why we are losing by- elections….”
Watch the full live interview in the video downloading below:
Paul Nyathi|Former MDC Secretary General Douglas Mwonzora insists that he has no feud with incumbent President Nelson Chamisa.
In an interview in the video downloading below with ZimEye.com Mwonzora says he is concerned with the way opposition party continues to lose elections.
State Media|SOUTH African police are pursuing two Zimbabweans and three South Africans who escaped from a remand prison in Limpopo province on Monday evening.
It is understood that the five prisoners aged between 19 and 39, escaped through a hole inside the cells at around 10PM in Witpoort under Lephalale policing area.
The five were awaiting trial for murder, rape and business burglary. Limpopo Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafhala Mojapelo identified the suspects as Jappie Shiko (29), Lesiba Frans Machaba (27) and Paul Madira (19), all South Africans as well as the two Zimbabweans; Bongani Sibanda (31) and Sipho Mpofu (39).
He said Sibanda has gunshot injuries sustained during a business burglary incident.
“Additional charges of escaping from lawful custody were opened. The circumstances around their escape are still being investigated.
“Police are appealing to community members to assist with any information that can lead to the re-arrest of these escapees to urgently contact Detective Warrant Officer Ratlou Morudu at +27 82 468 8931, the Crime Stop number +27 860010111 or the nearest police station,” said Brig Mojapelo.
Over 20 people including Zimbabweans have escaped from prisons in Limpopo province in the last six months.
State Media|SEVEN masked armed robbers pounced on a family in Bulawayo’s Morningside suburb and beat them up before getting away with US$39 000 and R118 000 using their victims’ car.
The robbers who were armed with a pistol raided the home belonging to a businessman on Wednesday at about 8pm.
Two of the robbers allegedly tied up their two victims while five others ransacked the house in search of cash.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Walter Mbizi who runs a hardware shop said he was not at home when the robbers attacked his family.
“I had gone to the gym when they raided my house. I received a phone call from a friend who told me that seven armed robbers had raided my house and had gotten away with cash. They were armed with a pistol and wore balaclavas. I rushed home to discover that they had assaulted my brother and our maid before they got away with a substantial amount of money,” said Mr Mbizi.
“They got away with US$39 000 and R118 000, two cell phones and a power bank and escaped from the scene using our Nissan Bluebird car. The robbers had gained entry through an unlocked kitchen door, which they forced open as it can only be opened from inside.”
He said his brother and the maid were however not seriously injured during the robbery. Mr Mbizi said they recovered the car which was dumped in the city centre together with the cellphones and the power bank.
“In the car the robbers left about R150, ZW$8 and US$4. I think they purposefully left the money hoping that someone would enter the car and contaminate the crime scene,” said Mr Mbizi.
He said the incident has traumatised him as it would be difficult to recover the stolen money.
“This will definitely hurt my business. But again, there is low confidence in the banking sector forcing small businesses like mine not to bank money. Not banking also exposes us to criminals. We are basically in a fix,” he said.
Mr Mbizi said he suspected the robbers knew his movements before they raided his home. Bulawayo police spokesperson Chief Inspector Precious Simango said investigations in the armed robbery case were underway.
“We are investigating an armed robbery case which occurred in Morningside suburb on Wednesday. We are concerned as we are continuously recording these armed robbery cases where victims risk losing their lives. We strongly appeal to members of the public to avoid keeping large sums of money in their homes,” said Chief Insp Simango.
She said police could not rule out a possibility of an inside job in the robbery.
“We are appealing to anyone who might have information regarding the armed robbery to come forward. They can report to their nearest police station or contact us on our hotline number 09-885479, toll free 110 or 999,” she said.
NewsDay|FINANCE minister Mthuli Ncube and his Labour ministry counterpart Sekai Nzenza are in a quandary as civil servants yesterday declared a massive demonstration next Wednesday over unfulfilled promises by government.
The Apex Council leadership said yesterday they have had enough of unfulfilled promises by government on salary demands.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s broke government has repeatedly said it could not afford the demand while the International Monetary Fund warned that a civil servants’ salary hike would trigger inflation.
Apex Council organising secretary Charles Chinosengwa told NewsDay that the workers’ body had already given notice to the police of the strike, where they also expect all 16 civil service unions, including the health professions to join in.
Currently, Ncube is in Victoria Falls where he is discussing 2020 budget proposals with legislators and other stakeholders.
The civil servants plan to march to his offices on Wednesday next week.
Chinosengwa said civil servants now want the lowest paid to be remunerated US$475 equivalent at the prevailing intermarket bank rate in the face of the spiralling cost of living, where the bread basket for a family of six is now pegged at $4 000.
“The Apex Council met yesterday (Wednesday) and the main agenda was to discuss on lack of feedback by government on our demands, whereby the employer promised to come back to us within two weeks, but there has been no response,” he said.
“We met with different civil servants’ unions to discuss the issue of incapacitation and we were not amused that the Finance minister (Ncube) went to the Press to announce that we, civil servants, will get cost of living adjustments — which we have not yet got, but immediately after his statement prices of basic commodities began to shoot up.
“Yesterday, we then wrote to his counterpart the Minister of Labour Nzenza telling her that it is now two weeks after they said they will commit to our salary adjustments. As a result, Apex Council has resolved to engage in a demonstration next Wednesday in Harare, which will include all civil servants, and right now, we are in the process of notifying the police.”
Chinosengwa said the demonstrators will gather at Public Service House and then march to Ncube’s Finance ministry offices with a petition.
“We want them to adjust our salaries to the interbank rate so that they are in tandem with the October 2017 salaries of US$475 for the lowest paid worker. The reason why we are demanding rating of salaries with the interbank rate is because the food bread basket has gone up to $4 000 for a family of six,” he said.
“We have given notice to all 16 civil servants’ unions to join us. We are also planning to invite the Health Apex to also join us in the demonstration.”
The Apex Council organising secretary said civil servants were struggling and heavily indebted as they were borrowing money to report to work.
He said if government does not heed their call, then they will embark on weekly demonstrations or sit-ins.
Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Takavafira Zhou said he hoped that the demonstration by the Apex Council was a sincere move.
“We were not part of the meeting, but all along, we believed that the Apex Council is part of the problem and if there are going to be demonstrations, then we say ‘welcome to our world’ to them.
Ours had been incapacitation, whereby our members are currently on strike and reporting to work only two days in a week, on Monday and Friday with effect from October 21,” he said.
“All along, we were trying to extend our hands to our colleagues the Apex Council and Zimta [Zimbabwe Teachers Association], but now we welcome them and we hope they are sincere and that they are not being sent by government to disturb the process that we had already begun.”
Zhou said the PTUZ perceived demonstrations as useless and they favoured stayaways as there will be no services rendered.
“We want real action. This government will not listen to demonstrations and petitions. It is just firefighting and buying time. There is need for action for government to take action,” he said.
LAST week, Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor John Mangudya publicly admitted that a mere 10 out of the more than 16 million Zimbabweans control the United States dollar market, which means that 0,0000625% of people control the country’s US dollar bounty. This is absolute madness.
As if that is not enough, we were again told that 50 companies control 50% of the country’s $19 billion money supply. This also means another 50 individuals own $9,5 billion money supply while, theoretically, the rest of us individually own $593. However, if practically interrogated, more than half of the country’s population owns nothing, which explains the 2011 poverty headcount ratio of 72,3%. It would not even be surprising as 90% of Zimbabweans are deemed poor today.
In fact, Mangudya’s succinctly put it thus: “So 50% of the $19 billion money supply is in the hands of 50 corporates and so it means we are predominantly a poor country. We must not allow such a thing to happen because at the end of the day, prices will affect everyone in the economy. We are not targeting individuals; we are targeting those with sufficient energy to influence the market.”
This scenario is more than scandalous. It is soundly preposterous that a nation such as Zimbabwe, physically rich as it is, can be personalised in this manner.
What these figures actually tell us is that Zimbabwe is only a nation in name; otherwise the land and all of its other resources are personal property of 60 individuals or more. How did we end up in this miserable rut?
The tragedy that has befallen this country is that the majority of the nation has not bothered to be critical when interrogating issues and those who have bothered to question things have either been made to disappear, forced into exile or clobbered into silence while a few individuals and entities were given free rein and freedom to loot the country’s resources. It is simply not possible for less than 100 people to be so filthy rich in a land of festering poverty unless they have been looting.
The Tendai Biti-led parliamentary Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has been on a lone crusade pointing out the source of our penury with very little support from the cowed citizens; while the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission is lost somewhere in some wild goose chases.
It boggles the mind that all the evidence is there as to how our precious resources are being looted by these individuals, yet those with the power to stop the rot are busy with some other misplaced agendas.
The Command Agriculture programme is, indeed, one of the avenues that have been used to impoverish all of us. And yet a whole President has been resolute in supporting such a scandalous project. Also coming out of PAC’s unrelenting probing is the fact that the country has also been impoverished through dodgy deals and contracts where our hard-earned money is siphoned out of State coffers by individuals and entities purporting to supply goods and services, which never come.
This was the case at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration where contracts were awarded to people and companies, but nothing was ever delivered.
A fresh case is the Zimbabwe United Passenger Company mass transport arrangement whereby our impoverished government is busy pumping out millions of dollars to subsidise public transport.
The State is expending precious money taking people to work in incapacitated factories and institutions where workers are now busy using resources for personal gain. What is the point, if not for political expediency, of spending so much money sending people to workplaces where there is precious little productivity in the wake of electricity, water and foreign currency shortages? What is happening in this country needs more than political will to sort it out.
The sad thing is that his profligate behaviour is copied by many an African leader, who believe they are also kings.
Marie Antionette, the French queen at the time of the 1789 Revolution, showed how out of touch she was with reality by responding “Let them eat cake” when told the peasants had no bread. In this modern era of technology and global travel that sort of ignorance cannot be used as an excuse by King Mswati III of our impoverished neighbour, eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). He cannot be unaware that his country is one of the poorest in the world and that, apart from their daily struggle to survive, Swazis are burdened by one of the highest rates of…
Marie Antionette, the French queen at the time of the 1789 Revolution, showed how out of touch she was with reality by responding “Let them eat cake” when told the peasants had no bread.
In this modern era of technology and global travel that sort of ignorance cannot be used as an excuse by King Mswati III of our impoverished neighbour, eSwatini (formerly known as Swaziland). He cannot be unaware that his country is one of the poorest in the world and that, apart from their daily struggle to survive, Swazis are burdened by one of the highest rates of HIV/Aids on the planet.
Yet, he has just bought a fleet of Rolls-Royce limousines at more than R5 million each for his harem of 13 wives.
Mswati isn’t going to change. He believes it is his divine right as a king to exploit the resources of his country, which all belong to him. Any challenge to that belief is met with accusations of colonialism or racist disdain for African culture.
The sad thing is that his profligate behaviour is copied by many an African leader, who believe they are also kings.
Unless we rid ourselves of such anachronisms, this continent will never prosper.
Zifa Southern Region Division One side Bulawayo City have received a timely boost in their quest to win promotion back into the country’s top-flight league after receiving a $53 000 cash injection from the local authority’s off-shoot Ingwebu Breweries. The club has since used the money to clear outstanding player signing-on fees and winning bonuses
The club received the money last week when they beat Ajax Hotspurs to move to the top of the log standings.
Ingwebu Breweries managing director Dumisani Mhlanga yesterday made an official presentation to the club chairman Jerry Sibanda at a function held at the club offices.
An elated Sibanda confirmed that they had cleared debts owed to the players.
“We are a struggling team without resources, sponsored by ratepayers and without anything from elsewhere. We might find it hard to finish this year. Ingwebu has done us good for us to be where we are. We are now on top of the log. We are leading with 58 points followed by our rivals Talen Vision. These are guys who can score 26 goals in two matches when we have managed to score only 49 goals in 15 games. Ingwebu came on board and gave us a big cake for our boys. Everybody went home smiling last week. Now we do not owe anybody anything,” Sibanda said. Mhlanga pledged continued support for Bulawayo City going into next year.
“I am happy with my team at Ingwebu and more excited that Ingwebu has been able to give you a little something. My hope is that as we go into the New Year, we can do much better. I can assure you that into the New Year we will try by all means to support the team. Things are difficult, but we will to do our best; even as we do our budgets for 2020 we want to do better than what we have done this year,” Mhlanga said.
Bulawayo City host Binga Pirates this afternoon at Luveve Stadium with their last two games coming up against Mosi Rovers in Victoria Falls and another away game to Arenel.
Coach Try Ncube is upbeat as they push for the sole ticket to the top division.
“It’s another cup final game (against Binga Pirates). The stakes are high and we want to put up a fight to get three points,” Ncube said.
While Bulawayo City take on Binga Pirates, the Mkhuphali Masuku-coached Talen Vision will be up against Bosso90 at Crescent Sports Club at the same time as the race for the Premiership ticket heats up.
With three games to go, Talen Vision are on 55 points, just three behind City after losing to Indlovu Iyanyathela last week.
A few individuals have sought to tarnish the ZIMPARKS image in a bid to derail the growth of the tourism sector.
Recently social media has been awash with all sorts of falsehoods, exaggerations and mischief regarding the sell of elephants.
The truth of the matter is that ZIMPARKS sold a total of 101 Elephants for the period 2026 to 2019. The table attached clearly demonstrates the number of elephants sold, the sales and expenses thereof.
The tabulated figures are authentic and will dispel the malice perpetuated by misguided elements.
The table also demonstrates the number of elephants sold by ZIMPARKS since 2016 and revenue realized thereof and how the funds were utilized.
Claims that elephant sale proceeds were misappropriated by politicians are false and unfounded because ZIMPARKS can not afford that luxury when it’s not even getting enough to fund conservation.
Funds generated from live sales are used in conservation of elephants in the protected area and its immediate surroundings.
ZIMPARKS does not get funding from fiscus so such funds go a long way in addressing the conservation requirements. Zimparks relies on internal commercial business and on public private partnership arrangements to generate financial resources to support all its operations.
Zimparks finances are audited by both internal and external auditors. For transparent purposes, Zimparks has gone further starting this year to hold annual general meetings with its shareholders, stakeholders and the general public.
The sale of elephants abroad is a transaction that has to pass through the board, be recommended to the minister for approval by the Permanent Secretary and get approval from the minister.
The transaction has to further get a nod from the Office of the President and Cabinet. The transaction is done according to national law in particular the Parks and Wildlife Act: Chapter 20:14 and International laws, especially CITES.
Both receiving and giving properties are assessed based on national and international guidelines. The giving population is assessed in terms of its biological sustainability. Thus zimbabwe has a surplus of elephants and sustainable removals are being done without damaging the intrinsic biological capacity of the population to self replace.
The receiving site is subjected to suitability assessment by a Zimbabwean team. Elephants only go to facilities that have been cleared by the importing country. The captured elephants are those at weaning age and above.
The capture of the elephants is done under humane conditions , and upholding animal welfare aspects by qualified veterinarians.
Elephants are transported to insitu bomas where they are acclimatized and get used to management in bomas and preparation for long distance transportation. They are fed, watered and given veterinary care for at least 3 months.
Security in bomas is 24 hours. The animals are screened of diseases to the requirements of the importing country.
Animals are airlifted to destination country following IATA regulations and are accompanied by qualified veterinarians and capture experts. It’s a process and there is no way this type of transaction can be a secret.
Payments for the animals is done through official channels and in foreign currency, if they are to be exported. Completed CD1 form is proof of payment showing the right amount of money coming into the country through commercial banks as payment for the elephants. So ZIMPARKS has no secrets, it’s working with various stakeholders is open to all.
My name is Denford Ngadziore, the Harare Province Youth Secretary and on the 17th October during a court hearing between our Party MDC vs Mashavave of Thokozani Khupe, I attended the court together with other leaders at the Supreme Court of Zimbabwe at corner. of Third and Kwame Nkrumah Avenues.
While inside the court, soon after Advocate Thabani Mpofu withdrew the case between the Party vs Mwonzora and Mudzuri, Mr Mwonzora said to me “you (MDC people) including your President who claims to be an Advocate of Law, are silly. Look, you are going to give me legal fees because of your stupidity. After you give me my legal fees I can assure you it is going to be a long battle which I will win. ”
He said this in the presence of Warship Dumba, Rice, Cephas Makuyana and James Makore. Again, when we went outside the court, he asked one Mufambi from Drivarazekwa (who defected to Khupe’s Party) why they brought in few people given the money they had been given to boost the numbers.
Mufambi responded by saying others were at Africa Unity Square and soon after the Judgement they would do as earlier agreed. It also happened that during and after the court process, Sen. Mwonzora was interacting and being praised by the Khuphe people who include the recently defected Rhino Mashaya.
Soon after the court hearing, Senator Mwonzora, in the company of Warship Dumba and Mashaya Rhino told one of our Harare Province Youth Executive member Tangai Magava, Tinei and Dumisani Makwanya that he felt pity that I and other Councillors and MPs would be recalled from their public offices soon after Khupe had won her case. He further said that he will do this in order to isolate President Nelson Chamisa from Members of Parliament and Councillors so that if they feel the possibility of losing positions, then they will dump president Chamisa.
There are many people in the structures who were at court who saw and heard Mr Mwonzora saying these words and I hope, if given opportunity to testify before the Party disciplinary committee, would corroborate my submissions.
Independent|AS Zimbabwe slides into hyperinflation, there has been mistrust between government and business. Forget the much-hyped Tripartite Negotiating Forum which was revived early this year—prices in Zimbabwe are now rising weekly, even daily in some cases.
The manufacturing sector, which is operating sub-optimally due to antiquated equipment, high production costs and erratic power supplies, is in limbo and cannot match regional peers.
During a mock survey carried out by Econometer Global Capital, we observed that most businesses are now in survival mode and have adopted the cost recovery pricing model in this inflationary environment.
For instance, a 900-watt generator for home use which would cost US$100 was last priced at ZW$2 500 at a time the parallel market exchange rate was hovering around 1:19. That has been the case in supermarkets where prices indexed in Zimbabwe dollars are now twice as expensive as those in neighbouring South Africa.
This points to an unstable and rising cost structure, frequent repricing of goods and a subsequent decline in the quality of earnings for business.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently met local retailers over price hikes but the blame-game prevailed. Manufacturers blamed retailers and vice versa.
All this points to structural deficiencies in the economy.
Local industry cannot export due to some of the factors alluded to above and hence their pricing model has been designed to ensure that they do not trade out of business. Yesteryear memories of consumers becoming bargain hunters, a development that resulted in retailers failing to restock, remain fresh. Unlike in the past, Zimbabwe’s inflation is not being driven by excessive money supply (notes in circulation) but an unstable currency, government’s fiscal indiscipline and a general lack of confidence.
While doing so, inflation has been heading northwards, tracking foreign exchange movements and price of fuel.Resultantly, buying power has diminished. With low exports and high production costs, this will be a vicious cycle for the economy.
SO much has happened in our economy in the past week. The state media went to town about…
Officially, month-on-month inflation has slowed down but our analysis shows otherwise. A kilogramme of commercial grade beef which used to cost US$5 is costing ZW$120 for the same quantity.
In the past, the price of a dozen eggs would track US dollar movements but now low buying power has made this benchmark inaccurate. So in the final analysis, we can conclude that while business is in survival mode, it has also taken two extra steps to ensure that it continues to restock and retain the going concern status. Authorities and business will not have a convergence point unless the macro-economic environment is stabilised.
Doing so requires Zimbabwe to go beyond the “open for business” mantra and overhaul the business climate for both domestic and foreign investors. — Econometer Global Capital.
Victor Bhoroma|ZIMBABWE suspended its local currency on April 9 2009 and adopted a basket of multi-currencies such as the South African rand, British pound, Botswana pula, Japanese yen, euro and the United States dollar.
The country’s own currency had been rendered worthless by record hyperinflation of 231 million in 2007. The hyperinflation era left a trail of de-industrialisation and market shortages of basic goods and services. The government had no option but to follow market demands in accepting the United States dollar as legal tender after three failed attempts to redenominate the local currency through removing zeros.
The adoption of the US dollar left the central bank’s money printing machinery redundant but it stabilised the economy and tamed the scourge of hyperinflation (largely caused by excessive money printing to fund quasi-fiscal activities and budget deficits).
Adopting multi-currencies allowed Zimbabwe to eliminate exchange rate risks, build real savings, manage interest rates, improve its investment climate, resume financial intermediation, reduce transaction costs in trade and retool production through accessing foreign lines of credit. Economic growth rate averaged 7% per annum with all economic sectors registering successive growth between 2009 and 2015.
Dollarisation had its fair share of problems for the country as the government lost control of growing the economy through government expenditure. Dollarising the economy also opened floodgates of foreign currency externalisation from Zimbabwe at all levels. Between 2015 and 2017, over US$3 billion was externalised from the Zimbabwean economy by corporates, politicians and business tycoons to Mauritius, South Africa and the Far East.
Some may argue that foreign currency externalisation only grew after the 2013 national elections due to a decline in investor confidence and fears of possible economic mismanagement. However, there is no doubt that foreign businesses found it lucrative to sell their merchandise in Zimbabwe due to the high prices charged locally. This is largely because of the US dollar-inflated cost of doing business prevalent in the local market.
To make matters worse, profits made by these foreign businesses were not retained in Zimbabwe as savings or re-investments; as such, they did not contribute to economic growth. Without sufficient protectionist policies, local manufacturers often found it difficult to compete with imports from South Africa due to the high cost of production locally. That still remains the case despite the change of currencies.
Cracks in the multi-currency regime surfaced in August 2015 when Treasury passed the RBZ Debt Assumption Bill, which involved the government assuming the RBZ legacy debt of over US$1,4 billion through issuing Treasury Bills (TBs).
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ACCORDING to the recently released The Global Liveability Index 2019 by the Economist…
The objective of this Debt Assumption Bill was to clean the RBZ’s balance sheet and allow it to resume the central bank’s clearing role through the Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) electronic money printing. After the debt assumption, broad money supply grew by over US$1 billion in less than 12 months and nostro accounts declined due to foreign currency externalisation. Alert investors started offloading five-year TBs on the local market at a discount in favour of offshore credits after it became clear that the central bank had no capacity to repay the TBs in foreign currency without introducing a local currency in the near future. Cash shortages started to creep in by February 2016 and have lasted to this day.
The government re-introduced the Zimbabwean dollar with the banning of multi-currencies on June 24 2019, despite adverse warnings on implementing monetary reforms before addressing fundamental aspects that support currency value. The local currency started trading on the inter-bank market in February 2019, but has lost more than 85% of its value in the last eightmonths. Official Inflation has quickened to over 353% as of September 2019 and the economy is as volatile as the currency in use.
Zimbabwe was neither the first country to fully dollarise (currency substitution, popularised by the US dollar), nor was it the first to attempt to de-dollarise. Countries such as Cambodia, Bolivia, Vietnam, Peru, El Salvador, Chile, Israel, Poland and Georgia have dollarised before. De-dollarisation has never been successful as a policy but as a benefit to pragmatic economic reforms. Only a handful (notably Israel, Poland, Vietnam and Georgia) have managed to fully de-dollarise due to a combination of some factors listed below.
Free market policies
Georgia has a transition economy almost the size of Zimbabwe with a GDP of about US$18 billion, though its monetary policy is run through a constitutionally independent National Bank of Georgia. Under its Larization Plan (borrowed from its domestic currency, the Lari), the national bank offered incentives for voluntary conversion of foreign currency mortgage loans to the domestic currency. There was also mandatory issuance of small loans in the domestic currency only so as to reduce foreign currency obligations in future.
Georgia runs a free floating exchange rate and took reforms to stabilise inflation rate below 7% as the key condition for adopting the Lari. Free market forces played an important role in achieving fast and long-lasting de-dollarisation. The country achieved a lower level of dollarisation by stabilising the macro-economic environment, without resorting to restrictive regulations.
Domestic money supply and macro-economic stability
High inflation rates induced by growth in domestic money supply growth are toxic to any de-dollarisation efforts. In the mid-1980s, the Peruvian government decided to combat dollarisation induced by massive growth in money supply and inflation.
The government forced conversion of foreign currency deposits to the local currency (Peruvian sol). This policy turned out to be counter-productive, provoking financial disintermediation and capital flight. The inflation rate reached quadruple digits in the 1990s and the Peruvian sol lost its essential functions. After this painful experiment, government authorities radically changed their de-dollarisation strategy.
Their new plan focussed on achieving macro-economic stability by creating a fiscal surplus, significantly lowering public debt, and stabilising inflation by introducing an inflation targeting regime, which was followed by significant currency appreciation from 2003-2011. The macro-stabilisation policy was complemented by prudential regulations to better account for earned foreign currency, and to develop a market for securities with a long maturity in domestic currency. As a result, Peru managed to reduce dollarisation and is set to achieve its 2020 de-dollarisation targets.
Institutional stability and confidence
Trust and confidence in the government and monetary authorities are key determinants in de-dollarising the economy. It allows consumers and businesses to hold large sums of the local currency, save and accept future payments in the local currency. The Vietnamese example proves that de-dollarisation policies instituted by the central bank can work if there is pragmatism in policy implementation and confidence in the market despite the existence of a planned economy. The Vietnamese government operates a fixed foreign currency surrender scheme on exports similar to that of Zimbabwe and maintains tight controls on the parallel foreign exchange market.
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) aims to reduce the proportion of foreign currency in total outstanding debts to below 7,5% in 2020 and below 5% by 2030. Despite strict controls on the amount of foreign currency to be withdrawn by individuals or travellers, the limits set on provision of foreign currency for importing commodities that can be manufactured in Vietnam stands out as the best. This has allowed Vietnam to realise successive trade surpluses of over US$1,6 billion in 2017 and 2018 and reduce pressure on the foreign exchange market. The market retains confidence in the Vietnamese Dong despite government controls on the economy.
The Zimbabwean government has been leaning towards the South African rand in the past few weeks, with the local currency inter-bank rate being pegged at 1:1 to the rand. There is no doubt that achieving macro-economic stability is the main driver of a successful de-dollarisation as evidenced in Georgia, Vietnam and Peru. There are ways to facilitate the process of natural de-dollarisation, driven by genuine fiscal consolidation (including privatisation of state entities), macro-economic stability, improved institutional integrity, political stability and stable production. It is true that dollarisation undermines the country’s monetary policy framework and takes away its lender-of-last-resort function. However, it is critical to point out that if there is no discipline in growing broad money supply on the part of the central bank and confidence in the monetary policy as is the case in Zimbabwe, de-dollarisation will be mission impossible.
Bhoroma is an economic analyst. He is a marketer by profession and holds an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe. — on [email protected] or Twitter: @VictorBhoroma1.
As Zimbabwe was wrapping up its day of national activities to protest against sanctions, as called for by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), the United States, which has the highest number of the country’s government, ruling Zanu-PF party officials and several businesses on its targeted list, announced the addition of Owen Ncube, Minister of State for National Security in President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Office, to the list of more than 140.
In a statement posted on his Twitter account, Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said he designated Ncube for “his involvement in gross violation of human rights in Zimbabwe.”
A proponent of sanctions on Zimbabwe is former U.S. Secretary of State for Africa, and also Zimbabwe, Johnnie Carson, who says the sanctions must stay because Mnangagwa’s government has not reformed.
“I think that the sanctions against Zimbabwe are targeted sanctions. Those sanctions are against individuals, their family members, and particular entities that have been most responsible for undermining Zimbabwe’s democracy and human rights, and social fabric. I think those sanctions should in fact remain in place until we see some more serious fundamental changes in Zimbabwe.”
Mnangagwa and his government contend that they are making the changes recommended by the U.S. in the Zimbabwe Democracy and Economic Recovery Amendment Act of 2018 (ZIDERA) such as appealing the controversial media law, Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA), and also opening up political space by engaging opposition politicians, and argue the sanctions should be removed as a result.
Speaking at the National Sports Stadium in Harare, Friday, where the anti-sanctions protestors gathered, President Mnangagwa accused the U.S. of setting unrealistic standards for his country.
“No amount of propaganda can spin or sugarcoat this gruesome truth. The continued judgment and setting of utopian standards for Zimbabwe, which are never applied in any other jurisdictions, are callous, vindictive and should not be allowed to continue. This is the basis on which we say, enough is enough. Remove these sanctions.”
Carson acknowledged efforts by Mnangagwa’s government to reform, but said they are not enough.
Responding to SADC’s decision to show solidarity with Zimbabwe against the sanctions, Carson said while it’s important for the U.S. to listen to the region’s views, he urged the regional body to hold Zimbabwe accountable for the state of the economy and allegations of human rights against its citizens.
“I think it’s important that the U.S. take into account and listen to the views of the leaders across SADC. Southern Africa has some of the strongest democracies in Africa. They have some of the best run and best managed countries on the continent. But I think it’s also very important that the leaders of SADC encourage continued serious political and economic and human rights reforms in Zimbabwe itself.”
The African Union Ambassador to Washington, Dr. Arikana Chihombori-Quao, however, takes issue with the U.S sanctions and any other western country, arguing that the restrictive measures are unfounded, because Zimbabwe is changing.
Right now as the sanctions exist in Zimbabwe, they are unfounded and need to be lifted and be lifted immediately. They are unfounded. The people who are suffering is the average men and women on the streets. Everybody knows no one.”
Responding to allegations raised by the U.S. regarding the level of corruption, and also violations of human rights, Chihombori-Quao says while she does not dispute that corruption and human rights abuses are happening, sanctions are not the answer.
“There is corruption everywhere. I’m not saying we don’t have corruption. There’s corruption everywhere. But when you are dealing with small economies it makes it even more difficult … Which brings me to the first question that you asked, the position that SADC has taken. It’s a commendable position. It’s a position that I think should be taken to the next level – as SADC they should have a single currency, that way these fluctuations, situations, economic decisions, political decisions will not affect a country to this extent.
On allegations of human rights abuses, Chihombori says those should be looked into on a case by case basis.
“Things happen, this is a country. I’m not saying everybody is perfect. Don’t get me wrong OK. It’s not going to happen but we’re going to take these four or five situations and blow them up and mix in and allow both situations to affect 16, 17 million people. That’s what I’m saying. We need to look at them. Issue by issue. Yes, if somebody disappears. We need to investigate the international community. You’d go in and look at that particular situation but not allowing the bleed in to affecting the rest of the whole continent. That is that’s the one country that is just wrong.”
Despite the condemnation of sanctions from SADC, Dr. Chihombori Quao and others, International Crisis Group senior consultant for Southern Africa, Piers Pigou, believes no amount of outcry will shift the U.S. position on Zimbabwe sanctions.
Agreeing that the sanctions have not really had significant impact, Pigou argues that the government of Zimbabwe is benefitting from using the sanctions as an excuse for its failed policies.
“This is part of a choreographed political maneuvering. What’s interesting is that there is an increasing sense that actually the Zimbabwean government is not that interested to see these measures being lifted that it suits them to happen in place. And it provides them with a kind of a political comfort blanket which it can use for solidarity purposes in the region.”
Pigou adds that by showing solidarity with Zimbabwe’s government for the lifting of sanctions, SADC appears to have turned its back on the issues around which the sanctions have been imposed.
“The tragedy in this process is that it reflects a fundamental lack of understanding by SADC member states about what these measures really are and what they are responsible for and the role that they can or cannot play in the projected recovery of the Zimbabwean economy.”
Zimbabwe’s opposition groups including the opposition Movement for Democratic Change have argued that Zimbabwe’s government has imposed sanctions on itself, and should reform for the country to recover.
