Paul Nyathi|Parents with children at Bulawayo’s Dominican Convent School in Bulawayo were in for a rude awakening after school authorities announced school fees for January 2020.
Under the proposed fee structure, parents will be expected to pay ZWL12500 for the first term with an initial deposit of ZWL3900 being due by 29 November.
Check out the letter that was sent to parents below.
State Media|The Bulawayo City Council (BCC) water crisis has worsened with the local authority revising weekly water shedding hours from 72 hours to 92 hours.
Last month the council increased weekly water shedding hours from 48 to 72.
In a statement yesterday, Bulawayo Town Clerk Mr Christopher Dube said the new shedding schedule comes into effect on Monday.
He warned that high lying areas are likely to be affected beyond the scheduled times.
“The City of Bulawayo would like to advise members of public of the review of the current 72-hour weekly water shedding programme to 96 with effect from Monday 25 November 2019. The programme is being reviewed in a bid to stabilise the reservoirs and prevent them from depleting further. It is further being implemented in a bid to raise the raw water reservoir level to a comfortable buffer level of 5,5 metres. The current level of 0,76 metres (14 percent) is not safe for the city given the high demand being experienced,” he said.
Mr Dube said the water shedding programme is subject to change if the raw water reservoir level improves or deteriorates beyond the critical level.
“All the areas that are on high ground and are affected for more than 96 hours will be supplied with water by council bowsers,” he said.
Mr Dube said Zesa power cuts and increase in the water consumption levels have worsened the situation.
“The city continues to face the following challenges in connection with the water supply situation: (1) Intermittent power supply to Ncema Water Treatment plant and Fernhill pumping station, Umzingwane, Inyankuni dams and now Mtshabezi dam. (2) Interruption of water supply into Magwegwe reservoir from Nyamandlovu Aquifer due to power supply disruptions. (3) Limited raw water pumping due to old KSB pump which constantly breaks down,” he said.
Mr Dube said the city’s water consumption averages 155 megalitres per day against the capacity of 110 megalitres.
He said Umzingwane Dam, which is at 4,85 percent, will be decommissioned in the next few days.
The council recently reintroduced the big flush to encourage residents to simultaneously flush their toilets as a way of curbing sewer pipe bursts in the morning between 6am-6:30 am and in the evening between 8pm and 8:30pm.
Members of Mthwakazi Republic Party (MRP) staged a protest outside OK supermarket along 6th Avenue and Lobengula Street, popularly known as Egodini on Wednesday, alleging the company’s management recruited people from outside Matabeleland a few weeks ago.
The exercise, which lasted about 30 minutes brought to halt customers and people who were going about their normal business, as MRP members perched themselves outside the supermarket’s premises and held handwritten placards.
Some of the placards were written ‘Bulawayo jobs for local people,’ ‘Shutdown OK,’ ‘No to Tribalism’ as the MRP members denounced OK’s alleged unfair job recruitment process.
Staff from OK supermarket were surprised by the happenings and only watched in silence.
In an interview with CITE, MRP’s Communications Officer, Velile Moyo, said the party recently wrote a letter to the OK management, asking them to review the manner in which they had carried out their recruitment process.
“The company recently recruited seven new staff members and only two of them were people from Matabeleland. Did they fail to find capable locals that they had to bring in workers from Harare? What we did today is the first phase. We were here to show OK management that we were serious when we expressed our concern in the letter we wrote,” he said.
Moyo noted that the economic situation was bad for everyone in the country, which was why locals had to benefit from local opportunities.
“This protest is a sign that we mean business. If they do not address our concerns soon enough we’ll be back here again. Devolution should not be used as a tool for campaigning but we need it to be exercised throughout,” he said.
MRP has over time grown a reputation for challenging practices by various stakeholders, who they feel sideline people of Matabeleland from benefiting from local resources and opportunities.
Rodney Ncube, a member of the party, added that “Bulawayo people” were constantly denied opportunities to work in local companies.
“When people bring in businesses to the city they must pay back to the community by creating jobs for locals. It makes no sense for a big company such as OK to have more employees that come from outside the city.
“Local people are the ones who buy from these shops and it’s only fair that locals be employed in these places too. We have enough qualified and experienced people in Bulawayo and Matabeleland to work in these companies,” he pointed out.
CITE
Paul Nyathi|Mpilo Central Hospital held its nurses graduation and prize giving day under the protection of police at the Bulawayo Large City Hall Wednesday to thwart off any interference from members of the public who might feel hard done by the recent ‘controversial ’ nursing recruitment at the institution.
The central hospital was caught up in a storm recently where out of its 24 newly recruited nurses only four students are local which raised the ire of activists and political parties.
ZAPU besieged Mpilo’s nursing school and temporarily halted lessons demanding a fresh recruitment that would include more locals.
Previously, hospitals advertised nurse training vacancies and did the recruitment but this year, the government decided to use an online application system and recruitment process which led to the controversy.
A ZAPU delegation led by its national organising secretary, Retired Lieutenant Colonel John Zolane Dlamini met with the Mpilo CEO, Leonard Mabhandi, Clinical Director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya, and other administrative staff over the recruitment process.
Dlamini inquired what government policy was in place which neglected locals in their own setting and one that institutions such as Mpilo implemented without questioning.
In the run up to the graduation ceremony rumours went around the city that Mthwakazi Activists and ZAPU supporters were going to disrupt the ceremony to attack the so claimed predominant Shona graduate nurses.
Police were deployed both at the hospital in the morning and at the graduation venue in anticipation of trouble.
However no trouble took place, as the graduation went ahead as scheduled.
Paul Nyathi|Government will soon revive the Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust that is mandated to oversee operations of State owned media companies.
This was said by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Mr Nick Mangwana when he appeared before the Portfolio Committee on Information, Media and Broadcasting Services on Wednesday.
The Zimbabwe Mass Media Trust was established by government in 1981 to oversee the operations of news organisations owned by the State.
The last board of the ZMMT which was chaired by Harare lawyer Honour Mkushi was dissolved in December 2000.
The trust had responsibility over the Zimbabwe Newspapers (Zimpapers) group, Kingstons, Zimbabwe Information Services, and the national news agency, Ziana.
The decision to disband the Trust was taken after Mkushi discussed the dissolution with the then Minister of state for information and publicity, Prof Jonathan Moyo.
Academic Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo writes:
People are dying in hospitals
Vakomana inzwawo tsitsi hama dzangu !!
Yesterday around 3.30 I had a long chat with a colleague who is working at a local hospital who told me my brother the state in our hospitals is extremely bad, despite the State paper and other propaganda machinery aimed at spinning information, people are dying in huge numbers. Mortuaries are flooded with dead bodies and they are working with other companies like Nyaradzo to accommodate more bodies. For those who were thinking that everything is normal, there is nothing like that.
Let’s come closer come, I find it very difficult and surprising that my learned colleague, Muthuli Ncube who was a professor in all those reputable institutions, and moreover he worked at African Development Bank as a Vice President, he also worked in South Africa in one of the most recognised universities, before switching to London, and later alone the collapsed bank. I’m failing to come to terms with reality that the whole Government fail to declare ” A state of emergency” in the health sector.
Honestly what is Mnangagwa doing to resolve the crisis? I went through the budget statement, I’m not sure who drafted the statement, budget allocating 88 Million to a non -existing looting facility called ” POLAD” is extremely worry some. Is Polad an arm of the state? Recently the failed project, anti -sanction march gobbled over 4 Million with university students scrambling for chicken slice left overs.
That 4 million United States dollars could have gone to all State Hospitals and doctors’s allowances. Whats wrong with Zanu PF Government? If these political parties subscribed to Polad project were really sincere and genuine with a proper national agenda, they would have declined that whole some 88 million. If I’m not mistaken, if you count those opposition members under POLAD, they are less than 100 people country wide including their supporters and reality is they will receive perks and other benefits. This is a mockery and no investor will take this country seriously.
Instead my brother is talking of launching a satellite project and other non-existing imaginations and he has already allocated resources for that.
We have health, education, industry and other critical sectors of the economy and if you go through the statement you are run short of concluding that this was a poetry done by economics student in the first year at UZ.
Today we have a state Vice President who has gone under medical checks using state funds, we have ministers and other senior officials who have been seeking medical assistance outside the country and some are flown on emergency flights gobbling millions of dollars. Recently few months back, we buried the former President Robert Mugabe, who was seeking in foreign lands seeking medical assistance.
Takatadzeiko? The common person can’t afford a loaf of bread, and even a decent meal.
Four million people face starvation, we have no grain in stock, yet RBZ released over 5.9 billion United States dollars in the name of Command Agriculture. Public Accounts Committee chaired by Biti ( Harare East Lawmaker & Barrister) summoned the Command Agriculture chief and he is nowhere to be seen.
In short from 2017 to 2019, Zimbabwe has lost over 9 Billion USD ( United States dollars) .
The world over this kind of looting has not been recorded, ours have reached alarming levels !!!
Something must happen !!!
Chanhuwa chinhu ichi.!!!
Tinashe Eric Muzamhindo – Doctor of Philosophy Candidate ( Women’s University in Africa), B.A Solusi University, MA University of Lusaka, Zambia, Post Grad in Project Management – University of Zimbabwe & B.Sc Development Studies Candidate ( Zimbabwe Open University) and he can be contacted at tinamuzala@gmail.com
Paul Nyathi|Newly appointed Sports, Youth Arts and Recreation deputy minister Tinoda Machakaire has rejected a government vehicle allocated to him after his appointment last week, sources have revealed.
The vehicle he rejected is a latest top of the range Toyota Land Cruiser V8.
“Deputy Ministers appointed in the Cabinet reshuffle were given cars for use, but Tinoda Machakaire who is the deputy Minister of Sports, Youth and Recreation refused to take the car, saying he was okay. He asked the government to use it in other departments that are facing transport shortages,” he said.
The very wealthy deputy minister, who is director of Tinmac Transport and Logistics, is said to have said that he had enough of those vehicles before suggesting that it could be used in other departments.
Machakaire hit headlines recently when the Zanu PF Youth League listed him amongst the country’s most corrupt people.
The Youth League cleared Machakaire of any wrongdoing after the youthful legislator reportedly availed his business financial reports and bank accounts to the party organ to scrutinise his dealings.
Contacted for comment on his refusal of the vehicle, Machakaire professed ignorance.
“Why are you worried about me having a car, we have several issues we need to deal with as a nation, the youths and the arts sector have problems that need to be dealt with. Those are issues I am busy liaising with my boss Minister (Kirsty) Coventry to address not to dwell on issues that have nothing to do with development or delivering the promise,” he said.
He reportedly requested that all Sports, Arts and Recreation Ministry offices should be housed at the same building to allow smooth operations.
Online Sources
Dr Charles Muzamhindo drives a United States of Africa brilliant Agenda
South African based medical practitioner and Intellectual Dr Charles Weggy Muzamhindo launches a United States of Africa project which will spearhead a pan African agenda. Muzamhindo, an intellectual comes up with a brilliant idea for Africa. A United States of Africa idea which will give birth to the following :
1. One passport
2. One currency
3. No borders
4. One Love
5. One idea
6. Africa Networking
7. Key resolutions
8. Nkwame Nkurumah idea & 1900
9. Removes trade barriers
10. Leadership rotational
11One Army
12. Several Pan-African congresses
Marcus Garvey idea and resolutions to be implemented
Muzamhindo a scholar and brilliant academic pushes for a Pan – African Developmental idea which will be a relief to many African states who are finding difficult to liberalize their economies leading to Under- Development concept similar to the Gunter and Prebisch theory. Prebisch Raul made it clear in his Dependency theory that African particularly the Sub-Saharah continent will remain under-developed as long as Developed countries come to wipe all our resources.
Despite Zimbabwe with all minerals remain the most poorest countries within the continent. We are the second largest platinum producer in Africa if not in the world, we own huge gold reserves, we have chrome, we have diamonds and what do we have as Africans, thunders Muzamhindo.
Muzamhindo one of the few respected medical practitioners within Southern Africa because of his specialty in key chronic diseases has made it clear that Africa can do its best by owning it’s own resources, ideas with a Pan African Developmental idea.
Dr Charles Weggy Muzamhindo can be contacted on muzamhindo@gmail.com or twitter united stated of africa.
State Media|Government claims to have met officials from the Chinese Embassy in Harare on Wednesday and reached an agreement on funds extended to Zimbabwe by Beijing this year.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube issued a statement claiming that they had agreed on figures with the Chinese officials but did not however reflect the new figures on his statement.
“On the 19th of November 2019, the Chinese Embassy in Harare queried figures captured in the 2020 National Budget Statement. On the 20th of November 2019, officials from the Embassy of the People’s Republic and the Government of Zimbabwe held a cordial meeting.
“The two sides have reached an agreement on the facts and figures contained in the statement issued by the embassy on the 19th of November 2019 and the 2020 National Budget Statement.
“The two sides agreed to continue on a common accounting mechanism.”
Prof Ncube said some of the projects China assisted Zimbabwe to undertake included upgrading of the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, the New Parliament Building in Mt Hampden, rehabilitation of Hwange 7 and 8, Cyclone Idai, Mahusekwa District Hospital (which was officially opened by President Mnangagwa last Saturday), food aid and borehole drilling programme.
He said China had also provided Zimbabwe with loans and grants for various other development projects.
“The Government of Zimbabwe appreciates the support it continues to receive from its all-weather friend, the People’s Republic of China, and acknowledges the determination of China to develop closer cooperation with Zimbabwe,” said Prof Ncube.
Below is the full statement by Mthuli Ncube:
On Tuesday, Government said it would engage the Chinese Embassy in Harare to establish a common accounting position on how much Harare received from Beijing as development partner support for 2019.
In the Budget statement, delivered on Thursday last week, Prof Ncube had captured US$3,6 million as the funding that Government had received from China.
However, the Chinese Embassy said it had provided US$136,8 million.
State Media|The Southern Africa region — which is in the grip of a crippling drought — is set to experience another severe round of drought in the 2019–2020 cropping season, worsening the food security situation which has left millions in need of food assistance, state run Herald newspaper has revealed.
According to the latest Global Agricultural Geo-monitoring Initiative (GEOGLAM) special report on the Southern Africa 2019 -2020 cropping season, the entire Southern African region is forecast to receive below-average rainfall that may affect crops and reduce yields sharply.
The GEOGLAM forecast, to some extent, contradicts the SADC regional rainfall forecast for the 2019-2020 cropping season which predicted that most SADC countries were likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall.
Predictions issued by climate experts at the 23rd Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SACORF-13), which was held in Angola in September, indicate that the bulk of SADC is likely to receive normal to above normal rainfall for most of the period October to December (OND) 2019.
GEOGLAM, a Geneva-based satellite monitoring observation system, said the rainfall pattern will worsen the region’s food security position following last year’s drought which ravaged the entire sub-continent.
“The latest seasonal forecast models indicate below – normal December to February (DJF) rainfall across the southern half of the region, spanning from southern Zambia to Namibia and south through South Africa,” read part of the report.
“Persistent drier than normal conditions during this DJF period may affect crop establishment and suppress crop yields.”
Planting in Zimbabwe and most other SADC countries was already underway for the 2019 – 20 summer crop.
The region’s rainfall season usually runs from around mid-October through to March the following year.
The report indicated that rainfall received so far in the Southern Africa region has been below average across a number of countries.
“Areas forecast to receive below – average rainfall include those areas impacted by the 2018 -19 drought. Food security and access will be of increasing concern if forecast below-average rains materialize,” GEOGLAM reported.
The Geneva-based agency coordinates satellite monitoring observation systems in different regions of the world in order to enhance crop production projections and weather forecasting data.
A November 14, weather forecast from the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) predicts that most parts of Southern Africa could see mixed rainfall conditions during the remainder of November.
Drier than normal conditions are forecast in central and southern South Africa, which constitute some of the key cereal-producing provinces of the country.
“Seasonal rainfall across Southern Africa normally spans from October to March, with key rainfall occurring during the December and February DJF period, during which the bulk of the rains are received,” read part of the report.
“However, recent forecast models indicate DJF rainfall will likely be below – average across much of the region during the 2019/20 main cropping season. The latest forecast from the North American Multi-Model Ensemble (NMME) predicts below – normal DJF rainfall for the southern half of the region, spanning coast to coast from Namibia to Mozambique, and southwards from Zambia through South Africa.”
The NMME predicts a 40 to 50 percent chance of below – normal DJF rainfall throughout a large area of Southern Africa.
“Higher chances of below – normal DJF rainfall, at 50 to 60 percent, are predicted by the NMME in north-eastern South Africa, southern Zimbabwe, and southern Mozambique, as well as in parts of north-eastern Namibia, eastern Botswana, and eastern South Africa,” the report noted.
“Affected areas are forecast to experience moderate to severe seasonal rainfall deficits. While seasonal forecasts are inherently uncertain, there is agreement from multiple models as to below-normal rainfall being likely across southern areas of the region.
“This increases confidence in the forecast. The signal appears related to a forecast rainfall dipole consistent with the recently observed pattern of enhanced rainfall in tropical eastern Africa.”
According to the NMME, there is a 40 to 60 percent probability of above-normal DJF rainfall in Kenya, Tanzania, and northern Mozambique.
“In addition, dry conditions could limit the recharge of already depleted water reservoirs, further reducing the water available for irrigation and contributing to the continuation of reduced electrical output from the Kariba Dam, which could further affect irrigation potential in Zambia and Zimbabwe,” the report said.
“Ongoing evaluation of the latest observations and forecasts will be critical for early identification of potential drought impacts on crops.”
Extreme drought across Southern Africa has led to water rationing, falling dam water levels, livestock deaths, widespread crop failure and the declaration of drought emergencies in most countries.
The region recorded the lowest rainfall in nearly four decades in the 2018-2019 cropping season, leading to increased food insecurity and water shortages in all the countries.
The drought also affected water supplies for domestic, industrial and agricultural — irrigation and livestock — usage.
The impact of the drought that swept across the SADC region last season has been felt across all sectors, including agriculture, food and nutrition security, tourism, energy, health, water and sanitation and education.
A majority of small-scale farmers are struggling to produce enough food to feed their families owing to the drought that ravaged most parts of the region.
Dam levels have dropped to their worst levels in decades, while pasture and water scarcity has decimated livestock and crops running into millions of dollars.
Over nine million people in Southern Africa are facing severe hunger following a harsh drought that hit the entire sub-continent in the 2018-19 cropping season, according to the United Nations.
The UN World Food Programme said about 9,2 million in southern Africa were ‘acutely food insecure,’ and that the number could rise to more than 12 million in the lean period between now and March 2020.
The UN agency plans to assist approximately 5,4 million people with life-saving assistance and critical livelihood interventions in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Eswatini, Namibia, Madagascar, and Malawi.
Climate change is increasingly becoming a major challenge for most African countries, with the continent’s poorest people hardest hit.
Scientists say people in Africa have limited capacity to deal with hazards that are coming with extreme weather conditions that have in recent years led to large-scale destruction.
Even climate experts say it’s becoming more complex to make predictions due to rapidly changing conditions and interactions between humans and their environment.
Said Bindura University of Science Education (BUSE) climate scientist Professor Desmond Manatsa: “Climate change has destroyed the relationship between weather, environment and human activities.
“Climate change has destroyed that relationship that we used to have. This has brought uncertainty, which is now affecting forecasting. We do not fully comprehend what climate change has in store for us.
“Dimensions that we used to have to make predictions with high predictability has been eroded. We are moving towards chaos.”
Ecocash services remained subdued yesterday with no improvement in sight but with the firm assuring customers that the platform would soon stabilise as it was working “round the clock” to optimise “a few components”.
The setback which has left millions without means of making payments, followed a weekend upgrade that started on Saturday and was expected to end on Sunday.
In a statement last night, Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe, the company that owns EcoCash, said the process of stabilising its new platform was “nearly” complete and pleaded for patience as it worked to “optimise” the performance of the service.
It described the new upgrade as more secure.
“We once again would like to thank our valued customers for bearing with us during this critical period in which we are now optimising the various EcoCash services in a live environment,” said Mr Eddie Chibi, the CEO of Cassava Smartech Zim- babwe.
“The core of our platform is now working quite well, but some work is still continuing on the optimisation of a few components that involve integration to third parties. We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this may have caused them.”
Mr Chibi said their engineers, along with experts from Comviva — the international platform vendor of the EcoCash platform who have been on the ground in Zimbabwe for a month in preparation for the major upgrade — were working around the clock to resolve all outstanding issues.State media
Ecocash services remained subdued yesterday with no improvement in sight but with the firm assuring customers that the platform would soon stabilise as it was working “round the clock” to optimise “a few components”.
The glitches, which has left millions without means of making payments, followed a weekend upgrade that started on Saturday and was expected to end on Sunday.
In a statement last night, Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe, the company that owns EcoCash, said the process of stabilising its new platform was “nearly” complete and pleaded for patience as it worked to “optimise” the performance of the service.
It described the new upgrade as more secure.
“We once again would like to thank our valued customers for bearing with us during this critical period in which we are now optimising the various EcoCash services in a live environment,” said Mr Eddie Chibi, the CEO of Cassava Smartech Zimbabwe.
“The core of our platform is now working quite well, but some work is still continuing on the optimisation of a few components that involve integration to third parties. We sincerely apologise to our customers for the inconvenience this may have caused them.”
Mr Chibi said their engineers, along with experts from Comviva — the international platform vendor of the EcoCash platform who have been on the ground in Zimbabwe for a month in preparation for the major upgrade — were working around the clock to resolve all outstanding issues.
EcoCash announced a planned major upgrade of its platform last week to improve system availability, user experience, security and long-term capacity issues.
EcoCash services have remained depressed causing major business prejudice since the platform handles about 86,5 percent of Zimbabwe’s transactions and 99 percent of mobile money transfers.
Few services such as buying airtime, data and other transactions were possible with supermarkets and fuel service stations short-cut systems still down thereby leaving several businesses hamstrung.
The unavailability of other services has made buying goods and services basically impossible. State Media/Herald
JOHANNESBURG– The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers wrapped up for this international break with seven matches across the continent on Tuesday, with the headline result being Ethiopia’s surprise victory over West African heavyweights Ivory Coast.
The afternoon matches saw Morocco pick up their first win in Group E, thumping Burundi 3-0 away from home thanks to goals from Noussair Mazraoui, Youssef En Nesyri and Achraf Hakimi, while Ethiopia claimed a famous 2-1 win over Cote d’Ivoire in Group K.
Serge Aurier put the Elephants ahead early on, but the Wayla Antelopes struck back through Sufarel Dagnachew and Shimelis Bekele for their first three points.
In the early-evening games, Madagascar opened up a three-point lead at the top of Group K with an emphatic 6-2 away win over Niger, led by a brace from Lalaina Nomenjanahary.
Zambia’s awful start to the qualifiers continued with a 2-1 home loss at the hands of arch rivals Zimbabwe (whose goals were both scored by Khama Billiat), and Mauritania have joined Morocco at the top of Group E with a 2-0 home triumph over Central African Republic.
The night matches both came from Group J, where Tunisia have taken a strong grip on top spot with a 1-0 win away to Equatorial Guinea (Wahbi Khazri netted for the Carthage Eagles in the second half), while Libya leapfrogged Tanzania by defeating the Southeast African side 2-1 in Monastir thanks to goals from Sanad Al Warfali and Anis Saltou.
Ethiopia came from behind to shock the Ivory Coast 2-1 and Madagascar crushed Niger 6-2 in fierce heat as 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) match-day two qualifying concluded on Tuesday.
Hundreds in a huge crowd at the 60 000-seat Bahir Dar stadium ran on to the field at full-time to salute an Ethiopian side composed of 10 home-based footballers plus one who plays in Egypt. – AFP.
THE 2019 Castle Lager Premier Soccer League season will spill over into the second week of December due to a tight fixture congestion that involved the Warriors and Caf club competitions.
Delta Channel Marketing executive Irimayi Muzorewa told a panel of experts, who include Sports Editors, at a pre-Soccer Stars of the Year selection meeting in Harare yesterday that they had agreed with the PSL that the last games of the season be played on December 14.
The season suffered fixture disruptions due to the Warriors’ participation in the Cosafa competition in South Africa as well as the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Defending league champions FC Platinum and Triangle United’s participation in the Caf Champions League and Caf Confederation Cup respectively also frustrated the PSL’s fixtures programme hence the unprecedented overlap into the second week of December.
As a result of the season overlap, Muzorewa said the Castle Challenge Cup, which is supposed to be the last game of the season, had been shelved to the beginning of the 2020 season.
The Castle Challenge Cup pits the league champions and winners of the Chibuku Super Cup. Highlanders will clash against Ngezi Platinum Stars in this year’s Chibuku Super Cup final at Barbourfields Stadium on November 30.
“The Castle Challenge Cup will now be the season opener for 2020 because we want to give the players time to rest after what has been a long season,” said Muzorewa.State media
Emmerson Mnangagwa will not participate in any talks outside the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), a home-grown national framework where all political parties are equal and no outsiders are allowed.
Presidential spokesman and Deputy Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Mr George Charamba said this in response to MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa’s call yesterday for bilateral talks between his party and Zanu-PF party, without the participation of other political parties.
Addressing his supporters in Harare yesterday, Mr Chamisa said his party was prepared for dialogue between the country’s two biggest parties — Zanu-PF and MDC-Alliance.
“We want to engage with President Mnangagwa for the betterment of the people. We do not want a Government of National Unity, but sharing the vision, the union of ideas that take the country forward,” he said.
But, President Mnangagwa’s spokesman ruled this out.
Said Mr Charamba: “POLAD is the only framework and there is no other. Let that point be driven home. POLAD incorporates all political players as equals regardless of organisational status or results of 2018 elections.
“Chamisa cannot at one level demand talks between equals while at the same time creating exclusion and inequality for others.
“POLAD will not involve outsiders. It’s a national dialogue managed nationally and involving nationals of Zimbabwe. It does not resurrect the political question which was long decided in 2018 elections.
“It merely enlists the collective national mind in resolving the burning questions which are economic and diplomatic.”
Zanu-PF national spokesperson Ambassador Simon Khaya Moyo said the party was clear on the need to engage in dialogue with all political parties. “The President is ready to talk to anyone. I understand the MDC-A leader met with Bishop Nehemiah Mutendi of the Zion Christian Church (ZCC).
“Chamisa told Bishop Mutendi that MDC-A was willing to talk to President Mnangagwa anytime. He must do a follow up with the envoy. I hope that is the right thing to do,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
Mr Chamisa also said that he wanted a transitional authority to prepare comprehensive reforms that would usher in a new dispensation.
“We have to come together to find the definition of our problems. We are appealing to SADC to call Zanu-PF and MDC-A to engage each other for the national cause. The main show should be between Zanu-PF and MDC-A, but it should be done outside the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD).
“We are committed to dialogue outside POLAD,” said Mr Chamisa. But, Mr Charamba said Mr Chamisa was desperate for talks because he was facing dwindling support.
“Clearly, the young man (Chamisa) is mistakenly believing that he embodies the hope of this nation yet in reality he is a politician suffering a fast diminishing profile and influence.
“Secondly, he doesn’t realise that he who begs for talks cannot set and choose the conditions,” said Mr Charamba.
He said MDC-A must stop dreaming of forming a Government of National Unity (GNU).
“So anyone dreaming about transitional nonsense and GNU are men and women of yesterday. GNU closed in 2013 and Chamisa cannot wish for a GNU.”
Emmerson Mnangagwa has already opened dialogue with all political players who participated in the 2018 harmonised elections, except the MDC-A, which has decided to remain on the sidelines.
Ambassador Moyo said the President has repeatedly said his door was open for dialogue to move the country forward. – State Media/Herald
THE walk out by Zanu-PF legislators on the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts chaired by MDC Alliance vice president Mr Tendai Biti last week was long overdue as the ruling party can no longer allow the opposition to disrespect President Mnangagwa.
The Zanu-PF legislators on Friday walked out on the Mr Biti led committee, a day after the MDC Alliance legislators snubbed the 2020 national budget presentation by Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
The MDC Alliance legislators have been walking out on President Mnangagwa saying they do not recognise him.
“I think this was long overdue,” said Matemadanda in reference to the Friday walk out.
“We have three arms of Government, the executive, legislature and judiciary and without one of the three then we do not have a Government and this should be understood very well by MDC people because the party has many lawyers as members including their leader. They must know this.”
Matemadanda said it was hypocritical for MDC Alliance to refuse to recognise President Mnangagwa after their court challenge to nullify the Presidential elections won by President Mnangagwa was thrown out.
“There is no government that can be there on earth without the executive.
You have a confused lot, just four days earlier, they were in Victoria Falls receiving hefty allowances and I know that many have been complaining going to Parliament to say they were not paid allowances in full and yet they do not want to recognise the full process of even getting those allowances,” said Matemadanda.State media
N
ational Social Security Authority (NSSA) managers awarded themselves between $100 000 and $460 000 in housing, vehicle and personal loans in many cases, without following laid down procedure and there was no subsequent enforcement on repayments, leaving many in arrears.
Checks such as capacity to repay based on monthly salary were ignored. A consultant hired by NSSA to establish how loans were dished out, says they were approved without any “quality control”, with some beneficiaries that had not yet fully paid back earlier loans being given new loans.
Critically, some of the loans were approved without all those responsible for approval signing off on the loans, exposing corporate governance shortcomings.
The consultant says seven managers and eight executives have loans ranging from $100 000 to $460 000. The money was borrowed between January 2017 and December 2018.
NSSA board chairman Dr Cuthbert Chidoori yesterday confirmed that there are traces of irregularity in the parcelling out of loans, and vowed to recover the money.
“We are looking at loans issued in contravention of conditions of service. The NSSA conditions of service specify what loans staff are eligible for and what we have been given in that forensic (audit report) are numbers and figures which clearly, are in violation of those stipulations in the conditions of service,” said Dr Chidoori.
“So our interest is really to fall back and systematically go through whatever it is that has been unveiled and give an opportunity also to interrogate staff.
“And where indeed there is violation, the money has to be paid back. There will be recovery enforcement.
“This will affect even staff that have left NSSA. If they have left NSSA, we will have to institute civil recoveries.”
According to the consultant’s report, two executives who benefited from the loans, former general manager Elizabeth Chitiga and former investments director Chamunorwa Shadreck Vera, have since been fired.
NSSA chief occupational, health and safety and rehabilitation centre officer Dr Betty Nyereyegona, allegedly received a personal loan of $10 000 with a loan interest rate of 6,5 percent on October 1, 2017.
She started making monthly repayments on February 1, 2018, indicating that no payments were made in the first three months from receiving the loan.
Dr Nyereyegona went on to access another loan of $1 000 for home improvement. However, the consultant found that the section that is supposed to be completed by loan officers was not fully signed.
“The application form wasn’t completed by the accounts department and the salaries and loans department. The loan application form contains six sections, but only four sections were completed,” reads the report.
There was potential financial prejudice of US$3 451,84 due to non-repayment of loans.
NSSA group legal and corporate secretarial executive Ms Cynthia Mugwira allegedly received a personal loan of $2 500 on October 1, 2017, with an interest rate of 6,5 percent.
No monthly payments were made for six months from November 1, 2017 to May 1, 2018 towards the initial loan received.
“Mugwira C. T then further received another loan of $2 650 on 1 May 2018 with the same loan interest. This indicates that
there was no close monitoring of loan repayments hence low compliance and a risk of non-payment of loans,” observed the consultant.
In terms of housing loans, it was found out that no proper documentation is “being maintained, first on the qualifications. The policy stipulates that the loan qualification amount shall be as per prevailing building schedules or as directed by the board from time to time”.
However, the consultant couldn’t get documents in support of that. The policy states that money advanced to an applicant should be deposited into the third party account and receipts are to be obtained.
Dr Nyereyegona had a housing loan of $30 000, which was deposited into her personal account but she allegedly didn’t produce receipts.
Chitiga is also alleged to have obtained a housing loan of $300 000 on February 7, 2017.
The application form was not fully approved, with the head of department not signing it. In this instance, NSSA was potentially prejudiced to the tune of US$15 783,93 resulting from no loan repayments.
The consultant said Chitiga had a due housing loan balance of $355 739,72 on April 1, 2018 that attracted a loan interest rate of 5 percent.
For nine months between April 1, 2018 and December 1, 2018, no payments were made.
Emerson Mungwariri is alleged to have applied for a vehicle loan of $75 900 on January 5, 2017, but it was recorded as $90 000 in the executive loan listings.
Other bosses who got vehicle loans but did not honour monthly payments are Chiuta J. T who got $57 000 on September 18, 2017.
Former NSSA general manager Barnabus Matongera had a vehicle loan due of $3 399,36 on December 1, 2017.
The loan attracted an interest rate of 7 percent. According to the report, no payment was made between December 1, 2017 and January 1, 2018.
Ms Mugwira also applied for a vehicle loan with a purchase price of $68 950 but an anomaly was noted as the executive loan list shows an amount of $70 000.
The NSSA system is understood to be so faulty that Chitiga, who borrowed a personal loan of $10 000, had continuous deductions from January 1, 2018 to April 1, 2018, despite having paid the initial loan in full.
Chitiga is now owed $3 337, 61 by NSSA for that loan, although owing on other loans, and the consultant says the beneficiary might have an outstanding loan which was not recorded that she is servicing or the system is misrouting transactions. – State Media/Herald
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A WOMAN from Matobo allegedly struck her husband with an axe twice on the head after the man assaulted her over a missing hoe.
Charity Sithole (29) of Lushongwe Village is expected to appear in court on December 16 facing an attempted murder charge after striking Elias Dube (58) with an axe.
“On 23 September at around 10PM, Mr Dube arrived home from the local bottle store drunk. A misunderstanding arose between them over a hoe which had been misplaced by their children.
“Mr Dube demanded the hoe from his wife and accused her of being careless and failing to properly look after their household property.
“They started fighting and Sithole took an axe and struck her husband twice on the head and he fell to the ground and bled profusely.
“Upon realising that her husband had been injured, Sithole reported the matter to the police who attended the scene.
“Mr Dube was rushed to Masiye Camp Clinic where he was further referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals,” read the State papers.
In another case, a Filabusi man has appeared in court for assaulting his neighbour.
Nicodemus Siziba (29) pleaded not guilty to assault when he appeared before Gwanda magistrate, Mrs Nomagugu Sibanda.
He was remanded in custody to November 25 for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Silent Shoko said Siziba attacked Okay Shoko on September 11.
“On September 11 at around 11PM at Base 2 Umzingwane Panning Site in West Nicholson, Okay was having a dispute with his wife in their tent and she went out.
“Siziba got out of his tent and asked Okay what was going on between him and his wife.
Okay became furious and ordered Siziba to stay out of his family issues.
“Siziba then grabbed Okay by the belt and pushed him to the ground.
“He kicked him several times and further picked up a stone and struck Okay on the right jaw.
“Okay screamed for help and neighbours intervened and restrained Siziba from further assaulting him,” he said.
— Chronicle
Former Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) president and businessman Philip Chiyangwa’s two sons — Edmund and Brian — are facing an $800 000 lawsuit for failing to settle a debt from Getbucks Microfinance Bank Limited.
The brothers risk losing their upmarket Grange property in Harare which was registered as surety for the loan.
Getbucks is suing Edmund and Brian together with their companies World Grain (Pvt) Limited and Padley Enterprises (Pvt) Limited.
In court papers, Getbucks claims that through a written agreement on February 26, 2019, they extended $600 000 to World Grain (Pvt) Limited.
The two brothers stood as sureties and co-principal debtors.
“Edmund and Brian undertook to pay legal practitioners’ collection commission and legal costs on the legal practitioner and client scale and they also renounced the benefits of division,” read the summons.
“Part of the agreement was that interest would accrue at the rate of four percent per month and a penalty rate of 15 percent per annum would be levied in the event of default.
Getbucks says, in breach of the loan agreement, World Grain (Pvt) Limited failed to pay the principal and interest on the loan on the due dates, resulting in arrears of $846 041, 52 accruing as of November 7, 2019.
The micro-finance company also said the defendants undertook to settle the balance by October 31, 2019 but have failed to do so.
The financial institution is now demanding an order for the payment of $846 041, 52 together with interest at the rate of 87 percent from November 8 to the date of full and final payment.
It is also seeking an order for the property that was pledged as surety to be declared executable, so that it can be sold to offset the debts. -state media
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Farai Dziva|
Three Early Childhood Development (ECD) pupils were struck by lightning as they were walking home from school.
The three pupils from Rusike Primary School, in Goromonzi, Mashonaland East Province died after they were struck by lightning.
Goromonzi District Civil Protection Unit sources said a fourth pupil survived with burns and was being treated at Ruwa Rehabilitation Hospital.
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WARRIORS coach Joe Antipas has sensationally announced his departure from the national team, exactly 24 hours after masterminding the downfall of Zambia in a Total Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Heroes Stadium in Zambia.
The Warriors, against all odds, shocked the 2012 African champions, beating them 2-1 through a brace by poster boy Khama Billiat, who scored in either side of the half to register Zimbabwe’s first win over Chipolopolo in an Afcon qualifier.
“I take a bow,” said Antipas whose local club Chicken Inn is in the hunt for their second league title in five years.Credit:Chronicle
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By A Correspondent- Home Affairs Minister, Kazembe Kazembe and Justice Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi have been sued by a Chitungwiza man for the death of his son who died due to injuries sustained after a mob and police officers assaulted him.
Christopher Mashereni, the father of the deceased Witness Mashereni is demanding $420 000 compensation for the death of his son who died after he was severely attacked by members of the public in February this year.
In his affidavit, Mashereni alleges that members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) violated a number of his son’s rights including the right to know why he was being arrested and the right to have access to medical attention. Mashereni said:
The facts giving rise to the claim are that on or about February 14, 2019, the plaintiff (Mashereni)’s 44-year-old son Witness Mashereni was assaulted by a mob in Chitungwiza that accused him of loitering in the late hours.
He was taken to Makoni Police Station where he was arrested and detained for trespassing. While in police custody, he was further assaulted all over his body by police officers.
Mashereni further claims that the state failed or neglected to provide medical attention to his son despite being ordered to do so by the by Chitungwiza Magistrate.
By A Correspondent- A Mutare man is on the run after allegedly murdering his girlfriend’s lover.
Chengetai Trinity Jimu allegedly stabbed Hugh Chivingwa Makombe and slit his throat after finding out that he was having an affair with his girlfriend Rumbidzai Mangandu.
Makombe and Mangandu were both students at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) students in Bindura.
A source has revealed that after Jimu found out that Mangandu was cheating on him with Makombe, he failed to control himself and allegedly went on to kill the latter for dating his girlfriend.
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.
“Mangandu was engaged to Jimu but the former always complained to her friends about being in an abusive relationship.
“Makombe was confronted by Jimu before but he didn’t take note so Jimu travelled from Mutare to Bindura and stabbed Makombe at his place of residence where he was having a good time with Mangandu.
“Jimu allegedly stabbed Makombe twice with an unknown object, he poured acid on his girlfriend and has since gone into hiding after committing these crimes,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, ZEGU dean of students Zunguze said that he had no comment and immediately hung the phone on the H-Metro reporter.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Milton Mundembe confirmed the incident.
“We are still following up on this crime.
“The suspect is still on the run but we are tirelessly making an effort to apprehend him,” said Mundembe.
-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- A Harare woman was yesterday ordered to pay a fine of $250 after she was found guilty of sending abusive messages to her ex-husband’s wife.
Laiza Musakara (43) appeared before Mbare magistrate Ms Elizabeth Magomore facing charges of sending offensive messages via mobile phone to Sibusisiwe Dube (48)
In her ruling, Ms Magomore said the court took into consideration that Musakara was a first offender who pleaded guilty to the offence of sending offensive or false telephone messages. “The court does not support Musakara’s behaviour of using abusive messages via the cellphone, which the national law of sending and receiving messages does not support at all,” she said.
“However, the court takes into consideration that the matter is not criminal in nature, hence suitable to be given a light sentence.”
Prosecutor Mr Allan Mandishona alleged that on August 14 2019, Dube was in Mberengwa when Musakara send text messages insulting her, saying she was a witch doctor, as well as a prostitute.
Musakara went on to threaten Dube that she would come to her residence and work place to embarrass.
-StateMedia
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State Media|JOEY ANTIPAS insists that he has not quit his post as Zimbabwe Warriors coach but that the mandate, which he had been given by Zifa to take charge of the senior soccer team, has virtually expired.
Antipas, who is also coach of top Premiership side Chicken Inn, was hired by Zifa as interim coach on August 19, with a mandate to guide the Warriors until December 31.
It’s now 42 days before that contract expires.
But with the Warriors having completed their assignments for 2019 when they upstaged Zambia 2-1 in a 2021 Africa Cup at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on Tuesday night, it meant that Antipas’ interim term with the national team has for now ended.
The veteran coach told Sunday Mail Online, moments after his return from Zambia Wednesday, that he was now awaiting feedback from Zifa on the next move.
Critically the former Motor Action coach who also had a stint at South Africa’s AmaZulu, left the door open for the Zifa board to re-engage him “if they still want to”.
“I was given a mandate to lead the Warriors until December 31, 2019. Six games! My mandate is now over so it’s up to the Zifa board if they still want to engage me.
“I did not say that I quit but my mandate is done,” Antipas said.
He remains substantive Chicken Inn coach and Zifa would also have to negotiate with the Premiership club should they want Antipas to continue guiding the Warriors, whose next international engagement is the CHAN tournament in Cameroon in January next year.
Warriors’ results under Antipas
Somalia 1-0 Zimbabwe (World Cup Qualifier)
Zimbabwe 3-1 Somalia (World Cup Qualifier)
Zimbabwe 3-1 Lesotho (CHAN Qualifier)
Lesotho 0-0 Zimbabwe (CHAN Qualifier)
Zimbabwe 0-0 Botswana (AFCON Qualifier)
Zambia 1-2 Zimbabwe (AFCON Qualifier)
Chipolopolo player Fashion Twitted last night that his legs had 3 goals in them, which he contend he would have made against Zimbabwe.
The Chipolopolo star says he gets demotivated when people talk I’ll about him that he is selfish on the ball. Sakala says, he believes in himself and that he offers the best quality but some of his team mates don’t like that.
“Sorry guys we lost. I had 3 nets in my legs but until envy and jealous ends, the remain uncultivated”
He said in a Twit.
Yesterday, Zambia was panel beaten by Zimbabwe national team at Heroes stadium in AFCON qualifying match.
Zambian Observer
With less than 24 hours after masterminding Zambia’s downfall in second match of the Africa Cup of nation (AFCON) qualifiers, Warriors interim coach Joey Antipas has tendered his resignation.
Antipas, who is also head coach of ambitious Castle Lager premiership side, Chicken Inn has been working with Harare City’s Lloyd Chitembwe and Dynamos Tonderai Ndiraya as his assistants with Tembo Chuma being the goalkeepers coach.
Reasons for his resignation could not be established, but sources close to this publication cited a busy schedule as well as commitment to his paymasters, Chicken Inn.
“I think Joey Antipas needs to give it all to his paymasters. The scenario that happened last week when the Warriors played Botswana here in Harare was not good at all. Antipas and other coaches and local based players had to break camp to be with their clubs for the league matches. Prince Dube for example had to hitch-hike to Zvishavane where Bosso played FC Platinum. On its own, it was an ugly and taxing moment. No coach or player would want to do that,” said the source close to Antipas.
However, football experts have called on the local football governing body, PSL to cancel all league matches whenever there is an international break, as is the norm worldwide.
“What is so special about our own league, they can’t organize league matches during the international break in the middle of two national team assignments. That was not necessary at all.
Contacted for comment, Zifa Communication manager Xolisani Gwesela said he was not in a position to comment on the issue as he had not received the communication that Antipas had resigned.
“I cannot comment for now because I haven’t received the communication that the coach has resigned,” Gwesela said.
Mafero, as Antipas is well-known in football circles started the AFCON qualifiers journey on a low note after playing a goalless draw against the Zebras of Botswana at home before clobbering Zambia in Lusaka last night.
263chat
Despite Khama Billiat producing two fine goals which earned Zimbabwe a vital 2-1 win over Zambia in Lusaka on Tuesday, the player was involved in a somewhat controversial incident in the second half.
The jersey No 11 forward received a yellow card five minutes into the second period when he argued with the referee after he was ordered to leave the pitch and change his short.
Billiat had swapped shorts with right-back Ian Nakati who wears jersey No 2. The short numbers, however, were not clearly visible as the patches had peeled off.
This mix-up happened before the game started and the referee only came to know about it in the second half.
As Billiat protested against the referee’s order, it caused a two-minute stoppage. He received a booking for remonstration and that is when Nekati rushed and took his team-mate to the sideline and changed the shorts.
The stoppage happened when the hosts were attacking and this, with no doubt, affected their momentum.
But they regrouped moments later and the Warriors were forced to play deep again and relied much on counter-attacks using long balls.
Billiat’s match-winning goal came in the 79th minute after Ovidy Karuru intercepted a long through ball and quickly launched a counter-attack. The 29-year old scored the opening goal in the 10th minute but Patson Daka restored parity nine minutes later.
Soccer24
Zimetro|Chengetai Trinity Jimu allegedly stabbed Hugh Chivingwa Makombe and slit his throat after finding out that he was having an affair with his girlfriend ‘Rumbidzai Mangandu’.
Makombe and Mangandu were both students at Zimbabwe Ezekiel Guti University (ZEGU) in Bindura. A source has revealed that after Jimu found out that Mangandu was cheating on him with Makombe, he failed to control himself and allegedly went on to kill the later for dating his girlfriend.
“Mangandu was engaged to Jimu, but the former always complained to her friends about being in an abusive relationship. Makombe was confronted by Jimu before, but he didn’t take heed, so Jimu traveled from Mutare to Bindura and allegedly stabbed Makombe at his place of residence, where he was having a good time with Mangandu.
“Jimu allegedly stabbed Makombe twice with an unknown object, he poured acid on his girlfriend and has since gone into hiding,” said the source.
Contacted for comment, ZEGU Dean of Students, only identified as Mr Zunguze, said that he had no comment and immediately hung up the phone on H-Metro.
Mashonaland Central police spokesperson Inspector Milton Mundembe confirmed the incident. “We are still following up on this crime. The suspect is still on the run, but we are tirelessly making an effort to apprehend him,” said Inspector Mundembe.
– ZiMetro News…
Paul Nyathi|The State today dropped charges before plea against Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions leader Peter Mutasa and His Generation Church leader Pastor Evan Mawarire accused of plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration through organising anti-government protests in January.
The State will proceed by issuing summons against President Mutasa and Pastor Mawarire if it intends to prosecute them.
Mawarire Tweeted the development.
Paul Nyathi|Police in South Africa are investigating a case of murder after a 49-year-old school teacher was shot and killed for his cellphone.
The incident happened early on Monday morning in Delft South as Henry Chikutuva was on his way to work.
Henry, a Zimbabwean national, came to South Africa three months ago for work, and leaves behind a wife and three children.
He was shot twice in the left side of his chest, close to his heart and in his left shoulder.
He died of his injuries before paramedics arrived.
According witnesses five armed men came out of the bushes and demanded Henry’s cellphone and taxi money.
There was a struggle and several gunshots went off, says one woman who lives opposite the veld.
She says the skelms ran off over the field while Henry lay bleeding in the road.
According to the deceased’s sister-in-law, Florence Chigume, 43, he lived alone in a flat around the corner from her Kershout Street home.
“Henry had not been feeling well on Sunday and told me his blood pressure was wrong,” she says.
“When the neighbours came to call me, I ran to where he was lying in the road.
“He was closing his eyes and could not speak. It was bad and a horrific way for him to die.
“He was hard-working and loved his family enough to live in another country to support them. We as a family are traumatised.”
She says Henry graduated from the University of Zimbabwe, and had recently taught at the University of Namibia, but opted to come to Cape Town three months ago when he got a job to teach at the Bright Student Learning Centre in Summer Greens, a private school specifically for Zimbabwean nationals.
Police spokesperson Siyabulela Malo says a case of murder has been opened for investigation with no arrests so far.
Source: Daily Voice SA
By A Correspondent| Three minors reportedly died while several others are in a critical condition after they were struck by lightning in Goromonzi.
While details of the tragedy were still sketchy by the time of writing, sources privy to the development said several other victims were left nursing injuries.
The Metereological services department has issued a stern warning to citizens of heavy rains expected between 20 to 22 November.
Added the Civil Protection Unit in a text message to citizens:
“WARNING! Heavy Rains Expected between 20 to 22 Nov. Unsecure roofs can be blown off or unsafe buildings may collapse. Exercise caution!”
Paul Nyathi|An old man was reportedly injured when anti-riot police were violently dispersing MDC supporters who had gathered at their party headquarters for Nelson Chamisa’s Hope for The Nation Address.
Warning: Video contains graphic content. Courtesy: Team Pachedu
Correspondent|The opposition MDC has accused ZANU of using State apparatus ban its activities and its existence in the country.
The remarks were made by the Spokesperson of the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa, Dr Nkululeko Sibanda.
Speaking to the media after the supporters had been violently dispersed by the police Sibanda said, “We had an event that we notified police about. the President was going to address the nation which he is still going to do. MDC cannot be banned by ZANU PF. We are shocked that Mnangagwa wants to use the military and the police to stop Chamisa and the party programs.”
Sibanda added that the use of the security forces by Mnangagwa will never give him legitimacy.
“Mnanaggwa must know that he remains illegitimate. The police and the army are not big enough to stop Chamisa and the MDC. The struggle of Zimbabwe will go on and hope will not die. We are surprised at the behaviour of the police today. We are not spoiling for a fight with them but they are the ones spoiling for a fight with the people of Zimbabwe. Today there was a peaceful not violent gathering until the police came and the only violence we saw was from the state.”
Sibanda further said they had held meetings with the police and discussed the matters relating to the program and had agreed.
The police have been refusing to sanction MDC activities because the people of Zimbabwe may take advantage of them.
“The ordinary citizens in the country are experiencing economic hardships so any call for the public meeting in the CBD might be taken advantage of by the already agitated citizens and violence might erupt,” the police told the MDC on Tuesday.
Paul Nyathi|Gunshots have been fired at President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s home raising a major alarm in the safety of the President.
According to former Zanu-PF spin doctor Professor Jonathan Moyo, a young soldier fired a whole magazine of an AK47 rifle complaining that his income can no longer sustain him.
The soldier has since been arrested and detained by the military police.
“A young presidential guard soldier emptied his magazine firing in the air at State House in Harare this morning. He was arrested as he was reloading. He complained of hardships and said he “can’t survive in dead economy’. He’s been detained by the military at its holding cells!”
“He complained of hardships and said he ‘can’t survive in dead economy’. He’s been detained by the military at its holding cells.”
Warriors coach Joey Antipas says Zambia played an open game and coming into the match with a right mentality, they managed to win the Afcon qualifier played in Lusaka on Tuesday.
Khama Billiat scored a brace which earned Zimbabwe a vital 2-1 victory to move into the second position of Group H with four points, two behind leaders Algeria.
“Botswana parked the bus and it was difficult to break them but against Zambia, it was an open game,” Antipas said after the game.
“I would say Zambia has quality players who gave us major problems. We came with the right mentality to win the game. ”
Billiat put a brilliant combined performance with Knowledge Musona who set him up in both goals.
The first goal came in the 10th minute when the winger headed in a Musona’s corner-kick to open the scoring. The second strike followed in the second half when he tapped in a cross from the captain.
Zambia got their consolation from Patson Daka in the 19th minute.
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Khama Billiat struck twice as Zimbabwe recorded their first victory of the 2021 AFCON qualifying campaign, a hard fought 2-1 triumph over Zambia at the National Heroes Stadium today.
Joey Antipas’ men came into the encounter under scrutiny for their performance in the previous game against Botswana but silenced their critics is some style.
Khama Billiat’s brace was all that the Warriors needed to collect all three points on the road and move to second on the table behind run-way leaders Algeria.
The Kaizer Chiefs star thrust Zimbabwe into the lead as early as the 9th minute and then doubled their advatage in the 78th minute after Red Bull Salzburg star Patson Daka had restored parity fot Chipolopolo before the interval.Soccer24
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Farai Dziva|Portuguese mentor Jose Mourinho has been appointed the new Tottenham Hotspur manager after the sacking of Mouricio Pochettino last night.
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan and Real Madrid boss replaces the Argentine with immediate effect.
In confirming the development, Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy praised Mourinho.
“In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football.” said Levy according to BBC Sport.
“He (Mourinho) has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician.
“He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.” he added.
Mourinho will manage the London side untill the summer of 2023.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo has claimed the ruling party is unaware of the opposition MDC’s demands prior to dialogue.
Khaya Moyo also accused the opposition of playing games with the people and should concentrate on the 2023 elections for them to be relevant.
Moyo, quoted by NewsDay said:
“What are their demands? They should tell us their demands.
We are not aware of them. These people have been saying a lot, they are playing games with the people.
The issue of legitimacy is irrelevant. The matter went to the Concourt (Constitutional Court) and it made a ruling that the legitimate leader is President Mnangagwa.
What can we do about what was said by the highest court on the land? They want us to reverse that.”
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo has declared that Emmerson Mnangagwa is the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe because the legitimacy issue was resolved by Constitutional Court.
Khaya Moyo also accused the opposition of playing games with the people and should concentrate on the 2023 elections for them to be relevant.
Moyo, quoted by NewsDay said:
“What are their demands? They should tell us their demands.
We are not aware of them. These people have been saying a lot, they are playing games with the people.
The issue of legitimacy is irrelevant. The matter went to the Concourt (Constitutional Court) and it made a ruling that the legitimate leader is President Mnangagwa.
What can we do about what was said by the highest court on the land? They want us to reverse that.”
THE Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education is set to employ teachers to fill 5 000 posts.
The move comes after Government recently approved and authorised the education ministry to recruit in the 2020 financial year.
In a statement, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, Tumisang Thabela said registration will begin today.
“As such all prospective Teachers should register only once with their nearest District Education offices from 18 November 2019 to 23 November 2019.
“Register only with one district education office and indicate only two provinces of your preference,” she said.
Thabela added;
“For the infant module, applicants should provide proof of proficiency in the local languages (especially for formerly marginaslied indigenous languages) spoken in the district of the preference.”
She said already registered teachers must also check with their district education offices.H-Metro
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo has declared that Emmerson Mnangagwa is the legitimate leader of Zimbabwe because the legitimacy issue was resolved by Constitutional Court.
Khaya Moyo also accused the opposition of playing games with the people and should concentrate on the 2023 elections for them to be relevant.
Moyo, quoted by NewsDay said:
“What are their demands? They should tell us their demands.
We are not aware of them. These people have been saying a lot, they are playing games with the people.
The issue of legitimacy is irrelevant. The matter went to the Concourt (Constitutional Court) and it made a ruling that the legitimate leader is President Mnangagwa.
What can we do about what was said by the highest court on the land? They want us to reverse that.”
WARRIORS coach Joey Antipas has sensationally announced his departure from the national team, exactly 24 hours after masterminding the downfall of Zambia in a Total Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at the Heroes Stadium in Zambia.
The Warriors, against all odds, shocked the 2012 African champions, beating them 2-1 through a brace by poster boy Khama Billiat, who scored in either side of the half to register Zimbabwe’s first win over Chipolopolo in an Afcon qualifier.
“I take a bow,” said Antipas whose local club Chicken Inn is in the hunt for their second league title in five years.Credit:Chronicle
Th Passenger Association Of Zimbabwe reports that a white kombi has been crushed by a huge falling tree. The incident reportedly happened in Mbare.
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FULL TEXT: MDC Namibia exhibited unconditional love to the victims of a fatal accident that claimed two souls on their way for their church gathering in Windhoek. PICTURES –
Upon hearing the occurrence of a fatal accident towards Andara hospital, Social Democrats paid a visit to fellow Zimbabweans who were in need. The Mdc family in Rundu displayed maturity, tolerance and the spirit of Ubuntu given the recent public scathing of our beloved President of the people Advocate Nelson Chamisa. After calling our President “a pathological lier unfit to be a Pastor”, Social Democrats did not give space for hate and revenge but unconditionally offered solidarity to our fellow Zimbabweans who are recovering well at Rundu Hospital.
MDC Namibia also made contributions to help fellow Zimbabweans who are recuperating in hospital. I applaud Mdc Rundu branch for the empathy and sympathy displayed. Let the spirit of Solidarity and Ubuntu be a permanent feature of humanity in Social Democracy. As Mdc Namibia, we wish the victims a speedy recovery and we say rest in peace to the deceased. We mourn together with the bereaved.
Information dept
Mdc Rundu Spokesperson
Robson Ruhanya
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo has said the opposition should concentrate on making preparations for the 2023 polls- to remain relevant.
Khaya Moyo also accused the opposition of playing games with the people and should concentrate on the 2023 elections for them to be relevant.
Moyo, quoted by NewsDay said:
“What are their demands? They should tell us their demands.
We are not aware of them. These people have been saying a lot, they are playing games with the people.
The issue of legitimacy is irrelevant. The matter went to the Concourt (Constitutional Court) and it made a ruling that the legitimate leader is President Mnangagwa.
What can we do about what was said by the highest court on the land? They want us to reverse that.”
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa will not enter into dialogue with his political rival Emmerson Mnangagwa as long as Zanu PF does not take note of opposition party’s preconditions.
This was said by MDC chairperson Thabitha Khumalo.
“We have spoken about dialogue and its benchmarks, it is up to Zanu PF to take it or leave as they stole the election,” Khumalo told NewsDay.
“There is no contemplation of holding talks with Zanu PF and its leader Emmerson Mnangagwa before the end of the year to solve the economic and political crises the country is facing.”
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By A Correspondent- MDC vice-president Tendai Biti has rekindled his $15 million retirement claim against First Mutual Holdings Limited (FMH) after the insurance company said it would only pay him less than what was agreed upon reaching the retirement age of 60.
Initially, Biti dragged FMH to court over the same issue in August this year, but the matter was not pursued further culminating in the present lawsuit.
In summons filed at the High Court this week, the Harare East opposition MP said in 1993 while he was a partner with Honey and Blanckenberg, his pension contributions were with his consent converted by FMH into an annuity policy.
-StateMedia
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Pictures- Morgan Tsvangirai House as Chamisa is set to deliver Hope of the Nation Address this afternoon pic.twitter.com/88JUknLrmR
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Pictures- Morgan Tsvangirai House as Chamisa is set to deliver Hope of the Nation Address this afternoon pic.twitter.com/88JUknLrmR
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By A Correspondent- Citizens have been urged to take precautionary measures against heavy rains, in excess of 50 millimetres in 24 hours coupled with hail, strong winds and lightning starting from today.
Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo and southern areas of Midlands could be the most seriously affected according to the Meteorological Services Department (MSD)’s forecast. Rains will be accompanied by strong winds, lightning, hail and flash flooding.
The uprooting of trees and damage to infrastructure cannot be ruled out.
Drains may fail to cope in urban or built-up settings while visibility may be compromised especially for drivers, during the heavy downpours.
While Manicaland, Matabeleland South, Masvingo, as well as southern areas of Midlands Province are forecast to receive heavy rains today similar conditions will spread northward tomorrow.
“Thereafter, the rains should steadily ease off giving way to bright and showery conditions in most areas, with a possibility of localised heavier falls over Mashonaland East into northern parts of Manicaland,” said the MSD in a statement.
According to the MSD, insecure home roofs, schools and shopping centres could be blown off by strong winds while asbestos roofing could be perforated by hail in some instances, potentially endangering occupants.
The public has been advised to avoid being caught outdoors during the heavy storms, more so at night, when flood waters are difficult to see.
MSD has advised people to avoid crossing flooded rivers and swollen streams where the depth is unknown. “The Department will continue monitoring the conditions and update the public accordingly. The public is also being requested to provide feedback or information on disasters through the Department’s Twitter, WhatsApp or Facebook page,” said the MSD.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing heavy falls in most parts of the country resulting in the deaths of six people now while property and crops have also been destroyed.
With more violent storms and associated high winds, hailstorms and flash floods likely, the MSD will now issue more detailed impact-based weather information to reduce injuries to the public and damage to infrastructure.
The forecast will now give customised information on the weather event, the time frame, mapping, possible preventive measures or how to manage, if the event cannot be avoided.
Reports will also give case studies of where it happened in the past and how it was managed.
The start of the rainy season has been marked by more violent storms than usual for this time of the year, largely as a result of the extra energy pumped into the atmosphere during the recent spell of record heatwaves.
This has led to bursts of very high winds, caused by downflows from the storm clouds, that have ripped off roofs, uprooted trees, and injured people with flying debris.
There has already been damage to electricity lines by falling trees and other infrastructure damage. Lightning, as with every season, is a danger for unprotected people, livestock and electric installations. Intense downpours have caused flash flooding, when run-off exceeds the capacity of the land to absorb the rainfall or when storm water drains are inadequate.
The Met Department is now giving the public the forecast of the weather event, largely storms at this time of the year, its causes, when it is likely to occur, how it will happen, dangers associated with the phenomenon and what the public should do to protect themselves.
Specific weather information is also given for the agriculture sector, aviation and those in seismology (dealing with earthquakes). There are efforts by the MSD to also incorporate the mining, water and health sectors. The MSD is working on an agreement with the national broadcaster, ZBC, to ensure that when there is threatening weather the announcement will override any other programmes and be published instantly. The recent violent storms have already killed one person, injured several others and damaged infrastructure and property in many parts of the country.
The MSD issued advisories of these isolated events informing the public of the thunderstorms.
In an interview on Monday MSD principal meteorologist, Mr James Ngoma said the energy created by the high temperatures was transformed when extra moisture came into the atmosphere, resulting in lightning, strong winds, hailstorms and sharp intense downpours.
He said as the rainfall season progresses, the country will be faced with the threat of flash floods since the ground will be saturated. Urban areas will also see such flash floods, because so much ground is built over, if drains are not kept clear and properly maintained. These early season storms have also brought high rainfall to some areas.
Kwekwe received 132mm in 24 hours, Chibero 57mm, Chivi 72mm and Binga 51mm. Mr Ngoma said these were isolated incidents that were not localised.
“For the past days we have experienced strong winds that destroyed roofs and damaged properties. Lightning affects people, livestock, buildings and electrical infrastructure.
“Flash flooding occurred in Buhera, Kwekwe, Masvingo and Lupane among some areas. We had given advisories of the potential of lightning and the sharp downpours. When it’s localised we give specific warnings,” he said.
Mr Ngoma said for advisories, the department gives daily forecasts. “We have gone beyond weather information. We now give the impact. Giving the effects of the weather for instance the violence associated with the storms, heat stroke that may affect people due to high temperatures, for frost we give the damage that may be caused to crops. We are trying to drive this forward.
“We are not ending at the forecast but the impact of the forecast. We urge the public to read the whole forecast. We are now giving colour coded format, giving the pictorial advisory that is eye catching and captivating to the audience,” he said.
Mr Ngoma said they give their weather updates on television, Facebook, WhatsApp and Twitter.
“For viewers in remote areas who cannot access that data, we are still giving them information through the radio or in text format. We disseminate information in different channels. We work with the ZBC using their radio stations,” he said.
“We are also working closely with the Department of Civil Protection (DCP) as they have structures from ward level to disseminate information.”
Mr Ngoma said farmers receive a rainfall bulletin, an agromet bulletin which is realised in 10 days and gives a forecast that helps farmers prepare and plan, and a 10 day seasonal forecast. Farmers also get a monthly update of the forecast.
-StateMedia
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— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 20, 2019
ZimEye brings our LIVE coverage of Nelson Chamisa’s Hope Of The Nation address. – FRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM-
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Pictures- Morgan Tsvangirai House as Chamisa is set to deliver Hope of the Nation Address this afternoon pic.twitter.com/88JUknLrmR
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 20, 2019
ZimEye brings our LIVE coverage of Nelson Chamisa’s Hope Of The Nation address. – FRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM-
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Pictures- Morgan Tsvangirai House as Chamisa is set to deliver Hope of the Nation Address this afternoon pic.twitter.com/88JUknLrmR
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 20, 2019
ZimEye brings our LIVE coverage of Nelson Chamisa’s Hope Of The Nation address. – FRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM-
Anti riot police are at First street police post and they have teargas canisters#hona #HopeOfTheNationAddress @PacheduZW @daddyhope @DrNkuSibanda @MakomboreroH pic.twitter.com/HA3UiS7Uk0
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Pictures- Morgan Tsvangirai House as Chamisa is set to deliver Hope of the Nation Address this afternoon pic.twitter.com/88JUknLrmR
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) November 20, 2019
ZimEye brings our LIVE coverage of Nelson Chamisa’s Hope Of The Nation address. – FRESH THIS PAGE TO WATCH THE LIVE STREAM-
Anti riot police are at First street police post and they have teargas canisters#hona #HopeOfTheNationAddress @PacheduZW @daddyhope @DrNkuSibanda @MakomboreroH pic.twitter.com/HA3UiS7Uk0
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Correspondent|Minister, advocate Fortune Chasi has, in consultation with President Emmerson Mnangagwa appointed Dr Sydney Zikuzo Gata the brother-in-law of the late former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe as the Executive Chairman of ZESA Holdings.
Surprisingly, Gata was fired from the same parastatal and was given a package in 2006. See statement revealing Gata’s appointment.
Metro|Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, replacing Mauricio Pochettino.
The former Manchester United and Chelsea boss has signed a deal until the end of the 2022/23 season with Spurs and will be in charge for the Premier League clash with West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday.
A club statement read: ‘We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jose Mourinho as Head Coach on a contract that runs until the end of the 2022/23 season.
‘Jose is one of the world’s most accomplished managers having won 25 senior trophies. He is renowned for his tactical prowess and has managed FC Porto, Inter Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Manchester United. ‘He has won a domestic title in a record four different countries (Portugal, England, Italy and Spain) and is one of only three managers to have won the UEFA Champions League twice with two clubs, FC Porto in 2004 and Inter Milan in 2010. He is also a three-time Premier League Champion with Chelsea (2005, 2006, 2015).
Chairman Daniel Levy said: ‘In Jose we have one of the most successful managers in football. He has a wealth of experience, can inspire teams and is a great tactician. He has won honours at every club he has coached. We believe he will bring energy and belief to the dressing room.’
Mourinho added: ‘I am excited to be joining a Club with such a great heritage and such passionate supporters. The quality in both the squad and the academy excites me. Working with these players is what has attracted me.’
Spurs confirmed the departure of Pochettino on Tuesday night, with chairman Levy saying: ‘We were extremely reluctant to make this change and it is not a decision the Board has taken lightly, nor in haste,’ a statement read.
‘Regrettably domestic results at the end of last season and beginning of this season have been extremely disappointing. Mauricio Pochettino took over at Spurs in May 2014
‘It falls to the Board to make the difficult decisions – this one made more so given the many memorable moments we have had with Mauricio and his coaching staff – but we do so in the Club’s best interests. ‘Mauricio and his coaching staff will always be part of our history. I have the utmost admiration for the manner in which he dealt with the difficult times away from a home ground whilst we built the new stadium and for the warmth and positivity he brought to us. I should like to thank him and his coaching staff for all they have contributed. They will always be welcome here. ‘We have a talented squad. We need to re-energise and look to deliver a positive season for our supporters.’
More to follow…
State Media|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s Financial Intelligence Unit is investigating the Ecobank Zimbabwe customer pictured with the $15 000 in new notes that he had withdrawn from the bank, to establish if the money was sold on the parallel market or paid to dairy farmers as he promised the bank he would do.
The picture of the bundles of cash allocated to the customer circulated widely on social media, drawing sharp criticism of ordinary depositors struggling to access $100 per day.
In a statement yesterday, Ecobank said the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) conducted investigations into alleged diversion of cash to the parallel market but had cleared Ecobank.
“The investigations by the FIU have shown that Ecobank complied with the regulatory processes in disbursing the $15 000 cash in question. This amount was intended for purposes of procuring milk from small-scale producers by a client of the bank.
“Investigations are now centred on the client to ascertain if the funds were used for the indicated and intended purposes, and the existence of any criminal activity on the part of our client,” said the bank.
Ecobank said it was committed to consistently adhering to the highest standards of regulatory compliance and governance and “will always co-operate fully with the regulatory authorities”.
“We will continue to play our part in providing solutions that contribute to the stability of the economy,” said Ecobank.
Ecobank and CBZ Bank were fingered by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for allowing their customers to withdraw large sums of money.
The CBZ customer got $44 180.
CBZ said its investigations established that the transaction was “authorised” as betting shop paying out a big winner, in coins.
While the two banks have absolved themselves, the RBZ has not yet issued further statements clearing them.
The ZRP last week said it was conducting joint investigations with the RBZ and once “we feel that we have anything that we want to advise the public, we will communicate approp- riately”.
Last week, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube praised the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) for its swift action after the two banks were alleged to have allowed two of their customers to withdraw large sums of cash.
Ethiopia under the guidance of local coach Abraham Mebratu, caused an upset in 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 2-1 win over visiting Ivory Coast.
Also on Tuesday Morocco bounced back from being held at home by Mauritania with a 3-0 in Burundi.
Ivory Coast took an early lead in their Group K match against Ethiopia as captain Serge Aurier scored after just four minutes.
The Tottenham defender was the first to react after the Ethiopian keeper Abel Mamo was only able to parry a freekick from Max Gradel on the left.
The Ethiopians drew level 12 minutes later as a freekick from just outside the area from Surafel Dagnachew deflected off the head of an Ivorian in the wall to leave Sylvain Gbohouo wrong-footed as the ball went into the net.
They hosts took the lead on 26 minutes as Shimelis Bekele picked up the ball midway in the Ivorian half, as referee waved away claims of handball, he raced into the area and his shot found its way through Gboouhou and into the net.
Ivory Coast did have chances to find an equaliser including a free header that was put wide of the target in the dying seconds of the match.
The Elephants won their opening game 1-0 against Niger while Ethiopia had lost by the same scoreline in Madagascar.
Ajax defender Noussair Mazraoui scored his first ever goal for Morocco in their comfortable 3-0 win over Group E hosts Burundi.
Mazraoui was on target after 27 minutes when he squeezed the ball home when Burundi keeper Jonathan Nahimana was unable to hold onto a free kick fired in by Rachid Alioui.
Morocco’s second goal came five minutes before half-time and was also the result of poor defending.
An initial header from Youssef En Nesyri was well saved by Nahimana but the ball fell to Alioui who managed to cross into the six yard area and the keeper and defenders got in each others way to allow En Nesyri a simple finish.
Achraf Hakimi, on a two-year loan at Borussia Dortmund from Real Madrid, sealed the win with eight minutes left as he picked up Sofyan Amrabat’s ball over the top, took two touches and fired across the keeper to make it 3-0.
The top two sides in 11 of the 12 groups will all advance to the 2021 finals in Cameroon.
Cameroon qualify for the finals as hosts but are taking part in the qualifying campaign to gain competitive match practice which means just one team from Group F will progress to the finals.
2021 Africa Cup of Nations 2nd group game results:
Tuesday:
Monday:
Sunday:
Paul Nyathi|The controversy about the propriety or otherwise of women to wear trousers has resurfaced as a Nigerian evangelist has ‘set social media ablaze’ with his claim that women who wear trousers are not heaven-bound.
The unending argument has always been based on Deuteronomy 22:5 which reads: “A woman must not wear men’s clothing, nor a man wear women’s clothing, for the LORD your God detests anyone who does this.”
Meanwhile, some gender activists have said that women are at liberty to wear whatever pleases them regardless of what the Bible says.
The latest to have reignited the debate is a Nigerian Facebook user and evangelist Dapo Soyemi.
He resorted to his Facebook page to write: “No woman wearing trousers has ever and will ever enter heaven. Your objection cannot change the truth of God.”
Unsurprisingly, his post has since gone viral with many social media users agreeing and disagreeing with him.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa was on Saturday left a relieved man after thousands of people from Mashonaland East province thronged Mahusekwa Growth Point where he addressed a rally that coincided with the official opening of Mahusekwa District Hospital.
In the recent past, Mnangagwa had been forced to address a handful of people, with MDC feasting on the development which they claimed showed that he lacked legitimacy.
But, at the weekend, an estimated 6 000 people attended Mnangagwa’s rally, prompting the Zanu PF leader, who is facing a growing internal dissent to his rule, to grovel over the respectable attendance.
“I came here for the official opening of this hospital at the invitation of (Health) minister Obadiah Moyo but was told that the Zanu PF family wants to meet me. I want to thank you for the love you have exhibited. I also want to thank you for the massive numbers here,” Mnangagwa said.
Last month, Mnangagwa was forced to abandon addressing a rally in Bindura after a handful of people showed up.
He proceeded to officiate at a graduation ceremony at Bindura University of Science Education after State security details pulled down a podium mounted for him at the flopped rally. This was a month after the same Mashonaland Central snubbed his wife, First Lady Auxilia’s family fun day at Chipadze Stadium.
On October 25, the Zanu PF leader failed to attract masses to fill the giant 60 000-seater National Sports Stadium (NSS) for a march against sanctions imposed on the country by the West.
Only about 7 000 people attended the anti-sanctions march despite bountiful of buses and trains having been lined up to ferry people from across the country. The NSS attendance was ironically almost the same number of people the Zanu PF leader addressed in Mahusekwa. Zanu PF Mashonaland East youth league led by Kelvin Mutsvairo and political commissar Lincoln Matare were involved in mobilising party supporters to travel to Mahusekwa to meet Mnnagagwa.
By Patrick Zhuwao|I write to associate myself with Advocate Nelson Chamisa’s tweet welcoming South Africa and SADC’s mediation in Zimbabwe and his plea for a specific practical solution to set up a donor fund to address the crisis in Zimbabwe’s health sector.
Exactly two years ago to this day, on 19th November 2017, President Robert Mugabe finished his very last address to Zimbabwe and the world with the words “Iwe neni tine basa. Asante sana”. I wish to echo President Mugabe’s words and say “Asante sana”, thank you very much to you for convening the Zimbabwe Symposium and committing to practical action.
Your commitment to practical action is in line with President Mugabe’s exhortation of “Iwe neni tine basa”. That statement is literally translated in two ways to mean “you and I have a responsibility” and to mean “you and I are valuable”. I have always understood this liberation struggle exhortation as a combination of both meanings that calls everyone to action by emphasising our responsibility and value; a responsibility and value that is both individual and collective.
Similar to how Advocate Chamisa feels, I am also heartened by your correct diagnosis that the major problem in Zimbabwe is toxic politics. As an individual that has always been on the opposite side of the political divide from Advocate Chamisa, I am duty bound and obligated to demonstrate practical action by joining myself to Advocate Chamisa’s pleas for a “practical solution” to Zimbabwe’s current health crisis.
Honourable Minister, Zimbabwe, SADC and indeed Africa is endowed with illustrious sons and daughters who require the leadership that you and your government have demonstrated to assist us, as Zimbabweans, to go beyond our toxic politics and work together to stem the silent genocide in Zimbabwe’s health sector. By you and ayour government taking on board Advocate Chamisa’s specific suggestion, other non-political actors will feel emboldened to assist You will have innoculated Zimbabwe’s illustrious sons and daughters such as businessman Strive Masiyiwa, actress Danai Gurira, footballer Marvelous Nakamba from Zimbabwe’s toxic politics which is stopping citizens from taking responsibility and demonstrating their value to Zimbabwe.
BBC Africa|In our series of letters from African writers, journalist-turned-barrister Brian Hungwe says the need for cash has not been eased by the release of new Zimbabwean dollar notes over the last week.
In Zimbabwe, cash is king.
You need notes in your hand to avoid paying a premium for goods.
This has come about because of a chronic shortage of physical cash – which has led to a three-tier pricing model.
For example, if you go into a supermarket to buy a 15 Zimbabwean dollar loaf of bread, you can pay:
You also need cash to pay for bus fares – electronic transactions are not accepted on public transport – and road-side vendors or some small grocery shops only take cash.
A family of five with children of school-going age will need Z$250 a week for transport.
Extra weekly cash costs for bread, tomatoes and sugar could tot up to about another Z$150.
Yet banks have been rationing cash withdrawals to Z$300 a week – and ATMs have been empty.
Often people have been waiting fruitlessly in bank queues as there has not been enough money to give out.
The cash crunch has led to a spike in inflation – it was running at 100% in June, when the local currency was officially reintroduced, and is now between 300% and 400%.
It has also led to a new term: “cash baron”.
These are the people who never seem to have problems getting hold of cash – and are also in part to blame for rising inflation.
They make money from people needing local cash or foreign currency notes.
A family that needs cash to get their children on to buses to go to school will look for a cash baron – or their acolytes – to buy the cash, often paying 30% more for the notes.
These money speculators tend to hang out in the centre of the capital, Harare, or in busy markets.
It is alleged the cash barons are able to get hold of notes because of corrupt relationships with some banks officials.
Last week, the bank queues began moving forward thanks to a new supply of Z$2 and Z$5 notes, worth about Z$30m, that were released by the central bank, although some banks were rationing daily withdrawals – not allowing people to take out their Z$300 weekly allowance in one go.
However, the influx of cash did not seem to affect the cash barons.
In fact social media was awash with pictures of some alleged barons walking out with loads of newly minted green Z$2 notes.
Two banks have since been put under investigation for releasing huge tranches to some customers – who apparently used the money to source hard currency on the black market.
And President Emmerson Mnangagwa has issued a warning to the cash barons that they will soon face justice.
Zimbabweans have little faith in how the government has managed the economy over the last decade”
But any penalties may not be enough to deter the appetite for US dollars on the black market as businesses need them to purchase desperately needed products.
People also need hard currency to buy medicines or to go abroad for treatment, given the failing health service, where doctors have been on strike for months.
And Zimbabweans have little faith in how the government has managed the economy over the last decade.
The Zimbabwe dollar was abandoned because of hyperinflation in 2009, when the country mainly adopted the US dollar and the South African rand.
Annual inflation reached 231 million per cent in July 2008. Officials gave up reporting monthly statistics when it peaked at just under 80 billion per cent in mid-November 2008.
In June the Zimbabwe dollar was reintroduced and foreign currencies were banned because the country had effectively run out of forex – as it was importing more than it was exporting.
Prices are now increasing on average about twice a month while salaries have remained stagnant.
The central bank says over the next five months there will be a gradual injection of Z$1bn in cash.
And while Zimbabweans may be wary of high dollar bills – with memories of trillion dollar notes – there are now ironically calls for higher denominations such as a Z$50 bill.
For many it feels very much like it’s back to the future.
At the moment the highest denomination of Z$5 – which is worth about 30 US cents – cannot buy a soft drink or ice cream.
LOW-COST airline Fastjet Zimbabwe says it will early next month introduce the Bulawayo-Johannesburg route and has lined up 22 scheduled flights per week.
The scheduled flights, which will begin on December 5, include two daily flights from Monday to Friday and a single flight on Sunday.
In a statement, Fastjet chief executive officer Mr Joao Sousa said their flight times would be convenient for leisure and business passengers travelling between Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport in Bulawayo and OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.
“It’s great that we can make a seamless journey a reality for our loyal customers supporting new business, trade and leisure opportunities between the two countries.
“We are excited to announce the first of a number of new routes approved by the regulators for the Zimbabwe network and we are committed to working with our team to ensure the success of this new route,” he said.
Mr Sousa said Fastjet will fly from JM Nkomo International Airport to OR Tambo International Airport where travellers may connect to multiple global destinations on the services of the company’s ticketing airline partners, Qatar Airways and Emirates Airline or any airline of the travellers’ choice.
The new route schedule will increase Fastjet daily flights across the network to 114 flights per week.
Meanwhile, South African Express Airways on Monday landed at JM Nkomo International Airport in an introductory flight ahead of the airline’s Johannesburg-Bulawayo route launch soon.
SA Express Airways’ Bombardier CRJ 200 aircraft touched down at JM Nkomo International Airport with 50 passengers including the company’s officials on board.
The Bulawayo Publicity Association has welcomed the launch of flights into the city saying this will positively impact on tourist arrivals into the city.
The commencement of regional and international flights into Bulawayo is a step in the right direction as it also adds impetus to the utilisation of the JM Nkomo International Airport which has received a major facelift in recent years.
The Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe has also indicated its intent to upgrade the airport soon under the second phase which among others will involve construction of a new air traffic control tower and a fire station.
Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwe’s 2020 National Budget Statement does not reflect what China has actually done on the ground, the Chinese embassy says.
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Zimbabwe has asked the Zimbabwean government to accurately reflect funds given to it by China.
In its 2020 National Budget Statement, the Zimbabwean government said it had received only $3,631,500 from China, which was “very different” from the actual situation on the ground, said the Chinese embassy in the country.
“According to our records, from January to September 2019, the actual bilateral support provided to Zimbabwe by China is 136.8 million USD. Such a figure does not include the other bilateral supports such as the expense of expert assistance, Embassy’s donations to local vulnerable groups and so on.
“The Embassy wishes that the relevant departments of the Zimbabwean government will make comprehensive assessments on the statistics of bilateral supports and accurately reflect its actual situation when formulating budget statement,” it said.
It further said it believed the Zimbabwean government and its people, along with international support, would be successful in achieving prosperity and development. The country would also realise its vision for 2030.
Technomag|Just as was predicted, Ecocash main system is facing a torid time come, the dinosaur system they have migrated will not be comfortably landing on the new platform.
Setting the 24 hr time frame was probably the biggest mistake as they under estimated the wholesome process, and a swift come back, it has now become a mirage.
The upgrade needed time to go through white box, black box and grey box testing before going public, and now they need lots of time.
While the main menu accessible via *151# is down, here is how you can still access the back end with little traffic and open terminals to some essential service.
Dial *152# and you can still call the Ecocash server and various services, we have tried this before and it was working at the time of publishing .
It looks like this is the open gateway to the old server and backup, as they try to have some continity inside the turmoil.
Some peole have suggested buying airtime via *90%#,, an embedded system undder Oena but we have not registered any success through this method
Paul Nyathi| Khama Billiat grabbed two goals as Zimbabwe defeated Zambia 2-1 during an AFCON Qualifier in Lusaka on Tuesday evening.
Zambia’s loss follows after taking a 5-0 loss from Algeria in the first match of the campaign – while Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw with Botswana.
Justin Shonga created the first dangerous action of the first stanza but his cross did not meet any Chipolopolo shirt. Zimbabwe soon got into the game to win two set-piece corners inside 10 minutes.
Billiat broke the deadline with a clinical header, thanks to a Knowledge Musona corner kick on 11 minutes. Zambia nearly struck an immediate equalizer but Augustine Mulenga’s flew inches wide. Zambia’s Patson Daka almost scored too but goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze was having a superb evening.
It was 1-1 on 20 minutes. Zambia’s Daka, from an acute angle, stuck one into the top left corner past Chipezeze.
Chipolopolo’s tails were up and forced to consecutive clearances from Warriors two central defenders Alec Mudimu and Teenage Hadebe. The half-time break came to the relief of Zimbabwe’s defence.
Zambia came from the interval playing truly like the home side and the team who had lost on matchday one. Warriors were pinned back into the own half with counter attacks hard to come by yet Zambia failed to fully penetrate Zimbabwe’s guard.
It was the 79th minute and Billiat was on hand to score his brace. Combining with Musona again, Billiat tapped in a perfect Musona square ball. The Warriors held on tightly until they heard the final whistle and sank to their knees to point to the heavens for the win.
The win meant Zimbabwe take second place behind Algeria in Group H while Botswana and Zambia sit on third & fourth respectively.
How the teams line-up:
Zambia: M. Chibwe, D. Malama, L. Chungu, K. Chongo, T. Mwape, N. Sinkala, E. Mwepu, E. Kangwa, A. Mulenga, P. Daka, J. Shonga.
Zimbabwe: E. Chipezeze, R. Pfumbidzai, T. Hadebe, I. Nekati, A. Mudimu, M. Nakamba, M. Munetsi, K. Billiat, O. Karuru, K. Mahachi, K. Musona.
The govt led by the ruling party Zanu PF has dared the MDC legislators and told them they have the two-thirds majority they can continue without them if they continue to boycott parly business Daily News reports.
Speaking to the Daily News Ziyambi Ziyambi said they could run the country without them: We have a two-thirds majority, we can run the country without them. We do not need them, they are the minority. We have the majority. If they do not want to recognise the president who is our principal, we ignore them.
There comes a time when we have to say let’s be forward-looking. We can’t continue to be dragged back by the minority group. They have told us they are for constitutionalism and the rule of law. They went to court and lost so whatever they are doing now is unconstitutional.
They are not observing the rule of law. We will ignore them going forward and we do whatever we do. Parliament can continue without them. Ziyambi Ziyambi was addressing the issue of MDC MPs boycotting the budget presentation last Thursday.
Source – Pindula News
