By A Correspondent- Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has said that the two percent transaction tax will not be removed despite stakeholders including the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce expressing concern over the tax.
Ncube told Zimpapers Television Network on Monday, that the contested tax will be channelled towards the improvement of the country’s productive sectors to stimulate economic growth.
He said:
“We will not scrap the 2 percent tax because it helps us on the compliance front, in terms of lowering tax. I cannot pre-announce what I will say in the budget, all I can say generally is we want to support growth and productivity. One of the things we have to look at is obviously incentives and tax adjustments.
Ncube previously indicated that part of the tax was being channelled towards social services meant to cushion workers from the wrath of the inflationary economy.
Whilst ZIMRA defended the tax saying it can be a foundation for an effective tax regime in the country, others argued that it constituted double taxing since the tax did not discriminate those who would have paid other forms of taxes including PAYE.
By A Correspondent- Since the death of former President Robert Mugabe in September, the first family have been pummelled with several lawsuits threatening their hold on wealth accumulated during the former leader’s 37-year rule.
In the latest development, the once untouchable former first lady’s business empire is on the brink of collapse, as another gold miner who was evicted during the first family’s business expansion in Mazowe, is now seeking to evict Grace from the properties.
On Monday this week, Ngoni Mutopo, who is one of the victims unjustly evicted from the Mazowe Citrus Estate, petitioned the court seeking an order to interdict Gushungo Holdings from barring him to access his gold mining claims.
Mutopo’s application comes weeks after another miner, Langton Chapungu, petitioned the High Court seeking eviction of Grace Mugabe from Mazowe Citrus Estate.
In his application, Mutopo accused Gushungo Holdings of interfering with his operations.
“The applicant (Mutopo) was unlawfully chased from his two blocks of mines Ciron Mask 68 and 69 in Iron Mask Estate in Mazowe, where he has been lawfully mining and is being denied the right by the respondent (Gushungo Holdings), who is acting unlawfully and without a court order authorising him to act in that manner.”
“The applicant’s ore on the mining site is being stolen by illegal panners who are working in cahoots with the respondent’s employees. The applicant is being prejudiced by the respondent’s unlawful actions, hence is seeking urgent relief,” Mutopo said in his papers.
By Gerald Jukwa| A video has emerged of activist Tinashe Jonas calling for military action against Emmerson Mnangagwa. He is very loud and very angry and he ticks all the boxes for an activist. I have no doubt Jonas is a member of the deadly Ferret Team. Where does he get all this money to run a party with no other member other than himself? Him and Noah Manyika are from the 107 parties Emmerson Mnangagwa boasts saying they demonstrate Zimbabwe is now a democratic country. Do their own wives or girlfriends support them? What else do they have to their credit they can front as real opposition leaders?
They say everything that people like and everything that motivates the public.
These are people who’ve been planted in the community to stir people’s emotions and trap them.
RE-TWEET! – IS THIS MAN TINASHE JONAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE ZDF's DEADLY FERRET TEAM THAT STIRS PEOPLE'S EMOTIONS, CREATES AGENDAS FOR THEM AND THEN TRAPS THEM? – YOUR VIEW pic.twitter.com/Qpm2skGudM
A person who criticises the regime is not necessarily bonafide. We have to be careful because there is a military program run simply for intelligence purposes and 2018 has millions of such lessons. Vanokujambirai kumberi, they act as if they are a part of you and they stir your emotions, all just so they can trap you and then stop you. They will create agendas and then execute them with you, just so they can make you appesr like an aggressor.
At the end of the day-the real oppressor emerges as “the oppressed” and it will take you a 1,000 years to come-back again to square one. This is how the Ferret team ioerates and their activities are listed in a military memo dated May 2019. ZimEye grilled ZRP spokesman Paul Nyathi over this memo and he struggled to deny its authenticity. The official May memo says the Ferret team’s job is to infiltrate civilians, manage them, and then trap them.
Even with a dead economy even running on empty stomachs the ferret team has a mission and is on their toes, on their job.
LIST BELOW SOME SUSPECTS YOU BELIEVE ARE MEMBERS OF THE FERRET TEAM
By Nomusa Garikai- Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHOCD) released a paper, “Call for National Sabbath For Trust and Confidence Building”, calling for the formation of a seven year Zanu PF and MDC Government of National Unity (GNU) during which the usual politicking and national elections would be suspended.
Take out some of the glaringly foolish ideas like GNU lasting seven years. The primary task of the new GNU, as was that of the 2008 GNU, will be to implement the democratic reforms to stop the curse of the rigged elections. Given the political will, the reforms can be implemented in the remains four years of the present electoral cycle. The 2008 GNU was chalked to implement the reforms in 18 months.
The second glaring foolish to be thrown away was appointing both Zanu PF and MDC in the new GNU. The leaders of the two parties were the principle players in the 2008 to 2013 GNU that failed to get even one democratic reform implemented in five years. It is rich to expect the same players to do any better this second time round especially given Zanu PF’s position that last year’s elections were free, fair and credible.
SADC, who were the guarantor of the 2008 Global Political Agreement (GPA) that gave birth to the GNU, were quick off the mark in condemning the 2008 elections as a farce. The regional body refuse to recognise the Mugabe led Zanu PF regime as the legitimate government; forcing the dictator to agree to the implementation of the raft of reforms agreed in the GPA. ZHOCD have neither the political credibility nor leverage that SADC had.
ZHOCD said that they had “prayerfully” come to the conclusion that in light of the “current political paralysis, deepening mistrust and the dehumanising economic decline, the nation will need to take a bold decision to address the root causes of our national challenges that have a very long history and will not be fully resolved by one entity.
“Such a polarised environment weakens respect for national institutions such as the courts, the police and the security sectors. Once such institutions are viewed as partisan and lacking in independence, it becomes impossible to elicit cooperation among the policy and political actors to drive a national reform process in the best interests of the nation.”
What the clergy leaders were saying inter own long winded way was that last year’s elections were not free, fair and credible and hence the “current political paralysis” and a repeat of the 2008 paralysis. It is no surprise that President Mnangagwa was very quick off the mark in restating his electoral legitimacy!
“Let me emphatically state, at the outset, that my office is a creature of the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe, both which I am sworn to uphold, defend, obey and respect to their letter and spirit,” he declared.
“Our July 2018, harmonised elections were adjudged to be largely transparent, free, fair and credible (and an) expression of the (democratic) will of the people of Zimbabwe.”
The EU, the Americans, the Commonwealth and all the other election observers with any democratic credentials worth talking about condemned the elections as a farce. Indeed, the Americans have pointedly refused to lift the sanctions imposed on a select number of Zanu PF leaders and entities because the elections were not free, fair and credible. Zimbabwe’s application to be readmitted into the Commonwealth has been kicked into the tall grass and forgotten for the same reason.
By blatantly rigging the elections Zanu PF confirmed that Zimbabwe was still a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent and tyrannical thugs. No one wants to do business with a pariah state and hence the reason the country’s economic meltdown of the Mugabe years has continued.
Zimbabwe needs this illegitimate Zanu PF regime replaced by an interim administration whose primary task will be to implement the democratic reforms and hold fresh elections. The illegitimate Zanu PF regime must step down to create the political space for the interim administration. ZHOCD lack the political insight and gravitas to force Zanu PF to accept they are illegitimate and to step down.
By Patrick Guramatunhu- On Friday, 25 October 2019, Zanu PF will be staging many demonstrations inside the Zimbabwe and outside calling for the lifting of the sanctions imposed by the USA, EU and few other western nations. The Americans went out of their way to explain what Zimbabwe needed to do to have the sanctions lifted – put simply, hold free, fair and credible elections.
Whether or not the elections were free, fair and credible is at the very heart of not just the sanctions debate but, more pointedly, of good governance and hitherto we are going as a nation.
“Let me emphatically state, at the outset, that my office is a creature of the Constitution and laws of Zimbabwe, both which I am sworn to uphold, defend, obey and respect to their letter and spirit,” responded President Mnangagwa to the proposal by the Zimbabwe Heads Of Christian Denomination for a new GNU.
“Our July 2018, harmonised elections were adjudged to be largely transparent, free, fair and credible (and an) expression of the will of the people of Zimbabwe.”
This is an outrage! If we are going to have a civilised and progressive debate on elections then we must agree to differ on somethings but NOT on facts.
It is a historic fact that 3 million or so Zimbabweans in the diaspora were denied the vote in last July’s elections. During his UN GA trip, two months latter, President Mnangagwa himself assured everyone his government would put a system into place so these Zimbabweans are able to vote next time. This was proof the Zimbabweans could have voted if the regime had so wished!
President Mnangagwa was declare the winner of the presidential race with 2.6 million votes or 50.8% and avoiding the run-off by less than 21 000 votes. So even 1%, 30 000, of the 3 million diaspora votes would have resulted in a totally different electoral outcome!
The regime failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll. So no one could verify who the 2.6 million who voted for Mnangagwa are, that there was no multiple voting, etc.
“The final results as announced by the (Zimbabwe) Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability,” stated the EU Zimbabwe Election Mission final report.
“Finally, the restrictions on political freedoms, the excessive use of force by security forces and abuses of human rights in the post-election period undermined the corresponding positive aspects during the pre-election campaign. As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”
President Mnangagwa, Zimbabwe’s July 2018 elections were not; I repeat and emphasis WERE NOT; free, fair and credible and the facts on the ground judged them so.
The Friday demos are calling for the sanctions to be lifted because Zimbabwe’s elections were free, fair and credible; that is a lie!
Zanu PF is also calling for the sanctions to be lifted because they are the root cause of Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown and the economic hardships. This too is a lie!
Rampant corruption and gross mismanagement are the root causes of Zimbabwe’s economic problems.
In 2016 the then President Mugabe admitted that the country was “swindled” out of US$ 15 billion in diamond revenue alone. He never arrested even one swindler. The then Minister of Finance, Patrick Chinamasa, told parliament in 2017 that the country was receiving 1/6 of the expected diamond revenue; confirming the wholesale looting was still taking place.
After the November 2017 military coup, Mnangagwa promised “zero tolerance on corruption”. Nearly two years latter, he too is yet to arrest one diamond swindler.
Every year, Zimbabwe has lost billions of dollars through gross mismanagement. A recent Audit General report showed that US$ 3 billion of command agriculture fund could not be accounted for, for example. It was none other than President Mnangagwa himself who was responsible for US$ 3 billion fund!
There are reports that President Mnangagwa has just bought for himself a top market multi-million dollar villa in Dubai. No doubt this is where some of the command agriculture funds were spent. Food for thought, “mbuva”, as one would say in Shona; for all those taking part in Friday’s demos!
Zimbabwe’s economic mess and political paralysis will only get worse as long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state, ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs who have no respect for truth, justice and rule of law. The country’s worsen economic situation is piling up the pressure on the regime to step down so the country can implement the democratic reforms designed to end the curse of rigged elections.
Mnangagwa et al are organising these anti-sanctions demonstrations just to divert attention from the worsening economic situation. Only the politically naive and gullible believe the lie that last year’s elections were free, fair and credible. And fewer still believe the lie that sanctions and not corruption and mismanagement, are causing the economic meltdown.
Zimbabwe as a sovereign nation has been reeling under economic targeted sanctions since 2002 when ZIDERA was enacted.
BY MANGOSUTHU MBELE
But what exactly are sanctions? Sanctions are punitive measures imposed on an individual, organization or country by another as a result of breaching of certain agreements be it economic, human rights or arms deals. Sanctions are meant to be deterrent or inhibiting measures which keep individual or organizational activities under check. Their effects could be as minor as personal travel ban to adverse effects like crippling development or stunting economic growth of a country. This essay will discuss the effects of sanctions in the Zimbabwean context.
From 1980 to 1987 the government of Zimbabwe led by the former president Cde R G Mugabe imposed sanctions to its citizens in a genocidal move characterized by food embargos and mass murder of unarmed citizens. These sanctions had the same ripple effects as the Hiroshima bomb in japan. The effects of the sanctions are still being felt today in the lives of thousands of fatherless children as the exercise was punctuated by rape escapades. Up to date no one has been arrested for the Gukurahundi crime despite the Roman Catholic commission showing that over 20 000 people were killed in that dark period.
The other sanctions imposed on Zimbabwean population were the “PROTECT THE CORRUPT” targeted sanctions which mainly makes sure that those identified engaging in economic crimes are just transferred from one department to another or promoted from one ministry to the next. The early fruits of these sanctions were seen in the willow-vale scandal of 1988 , 1986 NRZ housing scandal which up to date no one has been arraigned before the courts to answer for their crimes, 1999 Noczim Scandal, 2016 $16 Billion diamond revenue scandal, 2019 $400 million NSSA scandal etc.
In 1997 the so called war vets decided to demand $50000 pay outs each of unbudgeted money. That black November Friday the economy took a nose dive. Food riots and student activism sky rocketed. To divert attention from the deteriorating economic crises, government of Zimbabwe decided to engage in an unnecessary DRC war which cost over 1million unbudgeted dollars a day in 1998. That exercise put a serious dent on the financial coffers. DRC war was both a diversion strategy from home problems as well as well of enriching the top officials from DRC diamond and mineral concessions at the expense of the Zimbabwean soldiers’ lives. That was one of the many human rights abuse sanctions imposed on Zimbabweans by its government.
From 1980, land redistribution was done through a willing buyer willing seller arrangement where the UK government funded the land reform program through compensating the identified willing land sellers. In 1994 the British government started to seriously demand audit papers for the willing buyer willing seller funds. To this, the government reacted by putting a blanket cover on any transparency demanded by refusing with audit papers. This cascaded to the 1997 donor conference where UK stopped any land funding until audit papers for its donated monies are made public. Those were the first unofficial sanctions from Britain and its allies.
In response to the British refusal with the monies, the government of Zimbabwe went on the year 2000 HONDO YEMINDA overdrive to divert people’s attention from the real corruption problems bedeviling the country. While ordinary citizens got small plots of land, big fish government officials got multiple farms which they ran down in no time at all. Farm workers suffered, we started importing grain year after year. We were promoted from being bread basket to begging basket of Africa quickly. Why would one blame sanctions if a multiple farm owner has thousands of hectares of productive land lying idle?
In early 2000 there was enactment of the AIPA and POSA draconian laws which saw Zimbabweans suffer under serious sanctions against their freedom of expression and assembly. Political opponents were arrested willy-nilly. Police brutality was used to subjugate any dissenting voice. Most Zimbabweans died, some fled the country, and some were permanently injured. In the subsequent elections the government of Zimbabwe decided to put sanction on the real election results and instead churn out its midnight doctored results against the will of the voters. It is such human abuses which lead to America imposing official ZIDERA sanction on the government of Zimbabwe.
It is this ZIDERA sanctions that the government of Zimbabwe has been holding on to as a cause for its failure to plan. Meanwhile despite the ZIDERA sanctions, our government of Zimbabwe under current presidency has not stopped importing SUVs worth millions of US dollars but refuses to provide proper education and medical care for its citizens citing sanction constrains.
Emmerson Mnangagwa is famed for chartering a plane from the Caribbean to fly him from Harare to Bulawayo because “Air Zimbabwe planes are not safe for a president”. These are the effects of ZIDERA. The amount of looting in the government is rife as most government officials get 10million US kickbacks from business people who want to come in with investment. These officials have imposed sanctions on the development of the country.
Currently we have only Billy Rautenbach has monopoly over petrol-ethanol blending in Zimbabwe, he even has his own act enacted to protect his corruption. Rautenbach has so much monopoly in the industry he charges whatever he wants there by increasing the price of fuel to unprecedented levels. Midyear his litre of ethanol cost $3.97 RTGS there by pushing price of blended petrol to $5.15. Alternative Zimbabwean ethanol suppliers could have supplied it at $1.00, importing it from Brazil could cost us $0.50. Despite such empowerment, the government of Zimbabwe still suffers from sanctions. It is these monopoly sanctions which have made Zimbabwe unable to develop its roads, bridges despite the numerous tollgates taking at least 10RTGS per vehicle.
Zimbabwean government has imposed illegal sanctions on its subjects in form of overtaxing its citizens so that the high level government officials could have their allowances paid on time and in US dollars. It is these sanctions which make officials like Prof Mthuli Ncube stay in 300USD per night five star hotels for over two years because the ministry can’t provide him with a house. As a result he is flown to and from Switzerland every week to be with his family. Sanctions must be removed as they are hurting us.
As we speak, Minister Mupfumira is in and out of prison for corruption. Her case is complex to argue in court because of the big fish involved in her crime. The big fish whose names even the judge is not allowed to whisper. That’s how travesty and devastating sanctions are.
In Zimbabwe ministers are able to import top of range vehicles duty free, get diplomatic passports, travel to the US yet fail to help with education of supply of basic drugs at government pharmacies as a result of these targeted sanctions. To feed its corrupt officials, the Government of Zimbabwe had no choice but to ban its citizens from treading in USD or getting paid in USD yet demand its Vehicle import tax in USD so as to satisfy and fund the ministers top of range vehicle appetite.
One wonders if it’s these ZIDERA sanctions which make civil servants earn valueless bond and RTGS while ministers earn thousands and get allowances in USDs?
Thinking deeply, one is tempted to ask if its ZIDERA effects that ended up shooting unarmed civilians in broad day light for demanding their constitutional rights on the 1st of august 1918 yet up to date no one has been brought to justice yet.
Due to the human rights abuse, failure to abide by electoral, security sector, media, human rights reforms, ZANUPF has invited and continues to sustain the ZIDERA sanctions since early 2000s. To remove sanctions, ZANUPF must simply reform and respect the constitution of Zimbabwe. If ZANUPF cannot reform then ZANUPF must go. That’s the only way to remove the yoke of burden on our shoulders as ordinary Zimbabweans.
Come the 25th of October, let’s all march and remove these ZANUPF imposed sanctions. Our real sanctions are ED and his ZANUPF. We are not going back home until the last of these sanctions are removed. ZANUPF, corruption and its policies are the real sanctions Zimbabweans don’t need at this moment.
By Gerald Jukwa| A video has emerged of activist Tinashe Jonas calling for military action against Emmerson Mnangagwa. He is very loud and very angry and he ticks all the boxes for an activist. I have no doubt Jonas is a member of the deadly Ferret Team. Where does he get all this money to run a party with no other member other than himself? Him and Noah Manyika are from the 107 parties Emmerson Mnangagwa boasts saying they demonstrate Zimbabwe is now a democratic country. Do their own wives or girlfriends support them? What else do they have to their credit they can front as real opposition leaders?
They say everything that people like and everything that motivates the public.
These are people who’ve been planted in the community to stir people’s emotions and trap them.
RE-TWEET! – IS THIS MAN TINASHE JONAS NOT A MEMBER OF THE ZDF's DEADLY FERRET TEAM THAT STIRS PEOPLE'S EMOTIONS, CREATES AGENDAS FOR THEM AND THEN TRAPS THEM? – YOUR VIEW pic.twitter.com/Qpm2skGudM
A person who criticises the regime is not necessarily bonafide. We have to be careful because there is a military program run simply for intelligence purposes and 2018 has millions of such lessons. Vanokujambirai kumberi, they act as if they are a part of you and they stir your emotions, all just so they can trap you and then stop you. They will create agendas and then execute them with you, just so they can make you appesr like an aggressor.
At the end of the day-the real oppressor emerges as “the oppressed” and it will take you a 1,000 years to come-back again to square one. This is how the Ferret team ioerates and their activities are listed in a military memo dated May 2019. ZimEye grilled ZRP spokesman Paul Nyathi over this memo and he struggled to deny its authenticity. The official May memo says the Ferret team’s job is to infiltrate civilians, manage them, and then trap them.
Even with a dead economy even running on empty stomachs the ferret team has a mission and is on their toes, on their job.
LIST BELOW SOME SUSPECTS YOU BELIEVE ARE MEMBERS OF THE FERRET TEAM
By A Correspondent- In perhaps another sign that things are truly hard in the country, a former ZRP Officer-In-Charge Marondera has been arrested for armed robbery.
Elvis Chizengeni who is still serving in the force and holds the rank of an Assistant Inspector alleged teamed up with armed robbers in an unholy alliance.
Chizengeni reportedly supplied a gang of armed robbers with firearms from his own police station. Chizengeni together with his gang offered a lift to commuters in April 2019.
When the vehicle which was travelling from Chitungwiza to Machipisa reached Irvines, the gang produced weapons and robbed the commuters of all their belongings before dumping them.
However, Chizengeni did not enjoy the fruits of his crime for long after one of the victims who knew him as a police officer positively identified him and filed charges against him leading to his arrest.
The rest of Chizengeni’s accomplices are still at large.
By A Correspondent- At least 33 officers were arrested this week over missing receipt-books and embezzlement of thousands of dollars at the Registrar-General’s Office in Harare.
Receipt-books went missing with the officers, mainly cashiers, being accused of stealing money paid by people seeking documents like passports, birth certificates and replacement national identity documents.
Instead of banking the fees in terms of the law, the suspects would pocket the money.
Of the 33 suspects, 18 were picked up on Monday while 15 were arrested yesterday by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commercial Crimes Division.
The first batch of 18 appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday where they were freed on $200 bail each. The remaining 15 suspects were by last night still assisting police with investigations.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
“We can confirm that 18 of the suspects from the RG’s office were arrested yesterday (Monday) while the other 15 were arrested today bringing the total number to 33.
“Their charges range from embezzlement of cash paid by people and under the Banking Act, for pocketing money paid by people,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi, who is yet to verify the actual amounts involved, said investigations were still in progress.
The latest developments come after Government recently directed the Registrar-General’s Office to set up a committee that will oversee the vetting of passport applications in a bid to eliminate corruption.
The committee will be responsible for determining the applicants who should get passports, starting from those wanting to travel on an emergency basis.
This was said by the Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr Melusi Matshiya in a recent interview with The Herald.
He said the setting up of the committee followed unconfirmed reports that some applicants were being charged up to US$200 by some unscrupulous officials to have passports quickly processed.
Currently, the RG’s office is producing 800 passports per day, but plans are afoot to ramp up production to about 4 200 following the acquisition of consumables.
In July, the Registrar-General Mr Clemence Masango also issued a stern warning to officials in his department who were capitalising on the challenges in the issuance of passports by demanding kickbacks from desperate citizens intending to acquire emergency travel documents.
Desperate Zimbabweans are parting with huge sums of money to pay bribes in order to obtain passports as the Registrar General’s office is battling an acute shortage of special paper and ink used to make passports, resulting in a huge backlog for travel documents.
Mr Masango said Government officials should desist from taking advantage of the people’s desperate situations through taking bribes.
“Government policy as pronounced by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa including our Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage (Cde Cain Mathema) reiterates the same point, which is zero tolerance to corruption. We therefore appeal to everyone, our clients, citizens and officials to desist from corruption,” he said.
Mr Masango said those caught engaging in corrupt activities would face the full wrath of the law as they will be dealt with by law enforcement agents and consequences will follow.
By A Correspondent- An unrepentant police officer is currently recovering in hospital following a suicide attempt after her husband caught her red-handed having se_x with her lover in their marital bed.
Sibongile Nomsa Mugandani (25) is no stranger to adulterous shenanigans after she made headlines in 2014 when she was again caught red-handed having se_x with another lover.
Following the 2014 shenanigans, Mugandani attacked her husband, Ronald Shiri, a soldier with the Zimbabwe National Army. Apparently, the two were able to work out their
However, in the most recent incident, local publication H-Metro reports that Shiri returned home unexpectedly from Gweru where he is stationed and caught Mugandani redhanded with her lover Lovemore Mangwede. Mangwende is alleged to be a land baron. Shiri had to break down the door to the bedroom to gain entry as the two lovers refused to open the door.
A massive fight is reported to have ensued afterwards which resulted in a lot of damage to the property. In the aftermath of the fight, Sibongile tried to hang herself but she was stopped. However, she later on managed to drink rat poison.
When reached for comment by H-Metro at Chitungwiza Hospital where she is recovering, Sibongile said:
“I cannot say much at the moment but what I can confirm is that parwiwa zvakaipa nguva dikidiki zvekuti handinyatsoziva zvanyatsoitika panguva iyoyo.
I do not know the state of Mangwende at the moment but a fight ensued during the early hours when my husband came home,
One of Sibongile’s sisters who was identified as Samantha confirmed the fracas saying,
“My sister was attacked by her husband after she was caught accommodating Mangwende in the bedroom.
The two have been at loggerheads over an alleged miscarriage. Sisi vangu vaipomerwa mhosva yekubvisa pamuviri nehama dzemurume wavo.
She was stopped from taking her life and the rope was left hanging on the beam but she downed rat poison instead.”
Mangwende, on the other hand, said that he had filed a police report against Shiri after he had been assaulted and had his car vandalised. He claimed that he failed to receive treatment from the hospital because the doctors are on strike.
By A Correspondent- In a sad development, a 32-year-old man from Kwekwe committed suicide at his lover’s home after becoming distraught when he reportedly realised that she was cheating on him.
Byron Nyevera is reported to have hanged himself at his lover Nothando Hlongwani’s home on Monday morning.
Confirming the sad development, Midlands police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko told an online publication:
I confirm that as ZRP, we are investigating a case of death by hanging of one Byron Nyevera who was found hanging on a gate.
We have no other information to divulge to the public except the fact that investigations are underway to establish facts on the matter.
However, some other sources who spoke to the publication are suspecting foul play instead. One of the sources told a local publication:
“Byron and his girlfriend had a misunderstanding when he found out that she was cheating and I strongly suspect he did not commit suicide but this whole suicide thing is just a cover-up.
It is possible that he might have been killed elsewhere by a love rival and they just hung the body on the gate.”
The government has approached farmers asking them to donate fuel for the ant-sanctions march scheduled for the 25th of this month. This is happening when the country has a huge fuel and electricity deficit, issues which saw some farmers failing to partake in the winter wheat farming season. Meanwhile, there are some farmers who are given fuel by the state under the government’s Agriculture schemes, Command Agriculture and the Presidential Inputs Scheme.
Chippa United defeated Bloemfonteon Celtic 1-0 in the 2019 Telkom Knockout Cup Round of 16 match which was played in Mdantsane
Chippa United secured their place in the 2019 Telkom Knockout Cup quarter-finals after defeating Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in the Round of 16 clash in Mdantsane on Tuesday night.
Zimbabwean tactician Norman Mapeza took charge of his first match as Chilli Boys coach and he named his countrymen Kelvin and Elvis Moyo in the starting line-up.
Mapeza’s counterpart Lehlohonolo Seema unleashed an attack-minded Siwelele team with strikers Ndumiso Mabena, Harris Tchilimbou and Victor Letsoalo all starting.
Chippa and Celtic both struggled to create chances in the opening stages of the match as they gave away possession cheaply in the final third.
However, the visitors grew in confidence as the match progressed with Ndumiso Mabena looking lively for Seema’s charges.
The 31-year-old striker’s curling effort from range was well-saved by his former Celtic teammate Patrick Tignyemb in the Chippa goal-posts.
Mabena was a busy man as he was fouled by Kelvin Moyo on the edge of the box and the veteran frontman forced Tignyemb into another save from the resultant free-kick.
Chippa’s only chance of the first half came towards the half-time break when Rhulani Manzini hit the side-netting at the near-post as Celtic survived a scare.
The score was 0-0 during the half-time break following a first half which was slightly dominated by Celtic.
Mapeza, who won the Zimbabwean Premier Soccer League (PSL) title with FC Platinum, made a change after the restart as Meshack Maphangule replaced fellow attacker Manzini.
The hosts began piling pressure on the Phunya Sele Sele defence with Letlhogonolo Masalesa pilling the strings in the middle of the park.
The former Orlando Pirates midfielder was the man, who broke the deadlock when he headed home Tercious Malepe’s corner-kick to make it 1-0 to Chippa in the 78th minute.
Seema reacted by introducing Maloisane Ramasimong as the visitors looked to snatch a late equalizing goal and the take the match into a extra time.
However, Tignyemb had other ideas as he pulled off great late saves to deny Given Mashikinya and Mabena in the closing stages of the match.
Ultimately, Chippa advanced to the quarter-finals after securing a hard-fought 1-0 win over Celtic, who bowed out of the tournament.
The victory saw the Chilli Boys join Kaizer Chiefs, Lamontville Golden Arrows, Maritzburg United, Mamelodi Sundowns, Orlando Pirates, SuperSport United and Highlands Park in the quarter-finals.
FILE: A family brings a sick relative to Parerenyatwa Hospital in Harare, Monday, Oct, 14, 2019.
Zimbabwean doctors are vowing to continue their 51-day strike despite a 100 percent raise in allowances offered by President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The doctors say the offer resulted in an increase of their on-call allowances from 1,200 Zimbabwe dollars to 2,400 Zimbabwe dollars each per month, an amount they say is insignificant, taking into account the high cost of living in the country.
According to Dr. Tawanda Zvakada, acting secretary general of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association, an umbrella body of the striking doctors, they want the government to increase their salaries and on-call allowances using the current intermarket bank rates of one United States dollar to 14 RTGS Zimbabwe dollars.
“Our salaries have been eroded by 1,500 percent and the government went on to give us a 100 percent on our allowances, for us (it) is the on-call allowance, which we have been demanding for it to be pegged at the prevailing interbank rate. So, what they have since done is to double it from the current 1,200 RTGS to 2,400 RTGS whereas we wanted it to be multiplied by 15, they have multiplied it by two. So, this brings a total package of less than 180 United States dollars per month.
“We are not accepting this offer. It seems today is our day number 51 since doctors declared incapacitation nationwide. So, we are going to be incapacitated like before until the government comes to its senses and comes with a meaningful offer that’s when we can start negotiations.”
He says if the doctors were paid using the bank rates, the government would have increased their on-call allowances to 16,800 RTGS Zimbabwe dollars instead of 2,400 RTGS Zimbabwe dollars per month.
“Our demands remain the same. We want a long-lasting solution to this perennial industrial action. An offer that we consider meaningful is to have our on-call allowance being reviewed at the current interbank rate for that month. So this will take the figures, say today’s interbank rate is at 14, we would have our on-call allowance at 16,800 RTGS from the current 2,400. We expect it to be 16,800 RTGS. We have a huge gap here that needs to be subsidized.”
Dr. Zvakada says the doctors won’t go back to work until they receive decent salaries and on-call allowances.
“We don’t know how it’s going to end, to be honest we don’t draw any pleasure from it going on to 100 days or to infinity or whatsoever. But what we have right now is that doctors are incapacitated and remain incapacitated until government comes with a meaningful offer. So, as it stands we don’t know how it’s going to end but what we know right now is that we are in a stalemate position.”
He says indications are that a large number of patients are not receiving primary medical care in state hospitals due to the doctors’ strike.
“We as doctors we don’t draw any pleasure from that. For all you may know all those patients are one of us, they are our relatives but is so unfortunate that the government has put us in such a corner and this is wholly to blame on the government for its negligence on the health sector … We remain open for meaningful and serious negotiations. So, it’s up to the government and for us the ZHDA we remain open for dialogue.”
The junior doctors downed their tools September 3 and were joined two weeks ago by middle and senior doctors working in state hospitals.
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But Dr. Paulinus Sikosana of the Health Service Board, which employs doctors, says the doctors have been boycotting talks on negotiating for better allowances.
“The last thing that was negotiated for was at the bipartite which the doctors did not attend, they withdrew … The previous bipartite the doctors had agreed collective bargainer agreement the health workers had agreed on the 60 percent review of the specific health allowances, not the basic salary. That was what was being reviewed and they had accepted it on condition that there would be another review of the same in the last quarter of the year.
“So, the last bipartite was to fulfill that conditionality in the previous collective bargaining agreement to further review the special allowances. They were reviewed for a further 60 percent, which in total makes it a 100 percent review.”
A car which belonged to one of the men was torched not far from the scene. Image: Saps
Limpopo police have condemned the brutal murder of two men from a village in Ga-Molepo in the province this week.
Police spokesperson Brigadier Motlafela Mojapelo said the two men, who were accused of stock theft in the area, were allegedly kidnapped by community members on Monday.
Mojapelo said they were taken to a community hall where they were severely assaulted.
He said the two men were then set alight at a local high school.
A car which belonged to one of the men was found torched fairly close to the murder scene.
Police found their charred bodies on Tuesday.
“The people who committed these vigilante acts will be hunted down and brought to book,” provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba said.
Cases of murder and kidnapping were opened. No arrests were made.
Voting opened on Wednesday in Botswana for a hotly contested general election that could test the country’s traditionally stable politics, as the ruling party faces its toughest challenge yet.
The historic Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) — whose rule has been unfettered since independence from Britain in 1966 — was shaken up earlier this year after former president Ian Khama dramatically renounced his hand-picked successor Mokgweetsi Masisi.
Voters started gathering late on Tuesday at Tlogatloga secondary school in Botswana’s capital Gaborone, waiting all night to cast their ballot.
“I have spotted a candidate I think is the right person and I have to get him in,” said banker Chops Maswikiti, 37.
“He does not belong to the party I voted for in the last two terms but he represents strong sanity on our side,” he told AFP.
Khama stormed out of the BDP in May after accusing President Masisi — his deputy until last year — of autocracy.
The dispute could fracture the BDP and offset Botswana’s reputation as a beacon of democracy and stability in Africa.
It also strikes another blow to Botswana’s founding party, which saw its share of the vote dip below 50 percent for the first time at the last election in 2014.
Khama has thrown his weight behind the BDP’s strongest rival — a coalition of opposition parties called the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC).
While the opposition group was once Khama’s fiercest critic, he has urged voters to back the UDC in a bid to unseat the “dead” BDP.
Khama, whose father co-founded the BDP and served as Botswana’s first president, retains plenty of influence, particularly in the central region — a BDP stronghold — where he is a traditional chief.
Should Khama fulfil his goal, it would be the first time diamond-rich Botswana has seen a change of government in 53 years.
Around 931,000 of the country’s 2.2 million people are registered to vote in the parliamentary and local elections.
The BDP, UDC and two smaller parties are vying for 57 seats in parliament. The party with the most seats chooses the president.
“This election is different because normally it’s obvious who will be the next president,” said Lesetamang Paya, a 63-year old retired public servant, before casting his vote.
“But this time it’s uncertain, there is genuine competition,” he added, hinting that there “might be some change”.
‘Rule of law remains supreme’
During an interview with AFP in the town of Mahalapye, 200 kilometres (120 miles) northwest of Gaborone, Khama said the “arrogant” Masisi administration posed a “genuine threat” to “our general democracy, our peace and stability”.
“It will actually be good for our democracy… (to) elect a new party to take over,” said Khama.
Meanwhile, a red-clad Masisi addressed more than 1,000 supporters in his natal Moshupa village, 65 kilometres east of Gaborone.
“I have not packed any books in my office, I’m not about to leave the house I’m living in,” Masisi told reporters beofre voting day.
“But if the unexpected should happen and we do not succeed, I will pack all my belongings peacefully and come home,” he added.
“The rule of law remains supreme in Botswana,” said Masisi. “And I’m addicted to it.”
After the rally, supporter Boitumelo Dintwe told AFP she was confident Masisi would win.
“Masisi is intelligent, he is a real leader with a vision,” said Dintwe, 39, who sells perfume.
“That one doesn’t think,” she added, referring to Khama.
The BDP is expected to garner around 44 percent of the vote, according to a pre-poll survey carried out by Afrobarometer.
“These elections are actually a test to how stable the country is,” said University of Botswana politics lecturer Gladys Mokhahwa, .
“A test of… how entrenched democratic principles and mythos are in this country,” she told AFP.
Polls opened around 6:30 am (0430 GMT) and are scheduled to close at 7:00 pm (1700 GMT).
Results are expected to be announced by the end of the week.
1/3 Botswana former president Ian Khama (C) has quit the BDP and thrown his support behind its strongest rival — opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC)2/3 Mokgweetsi Masisi (L), President of Botswana and BDP leader, says no matter the result the rule of law will prevail3/3 UDC leader Boko Duma greets supporters at a rally in the capital Gaborone as it seeks to unseat the historic ruling BDP party
The Southern Africa Development Community (S.A.D.C) has organised the 25th of October as a day to protest against the sanctions that was placed on Zimbabwe since the turn of the century. The ZANU-PF led government has used the sanctions narrative to continue looting the country and impoverish the Zimbabwean citizens and not undertake any development of the country using the sanctions excuse. Zanu-PF led government policies has made Zimbabwe to be a basket case instead of the bread basket of Africa that it once was.
First and foremost what the people of Zimbabwe and SADC should understand is that sanctions in their present form have been placed on certain named Zanu-PF individuals and not on the whole country. These identified individuals’ are corrupt individuals who have been identified as beneficiaries of the corrupt government and corrupt systems that have been set up by the Zanu-PF led government.
These corrupt Zanu-PF officials are also the perpetrators of human rights abuses in Zimbabwe. These sanctions were placed as a result of stolen elections, human rights abuses, corruption and because of failure to respect the rule of law by the Zanu-PF government.
The Zanu-PF led government has persistently failed to curb corruption, failed to respect the rule of law, failed to hold free, fair and credible elections and failed to stop human rights abuses that were the order of the day during Robert Mugabe’s regime. The so called ” New Dispensation” has done nothing different or better than Mugabe’s regime to show that it is a true new administration. For Zanu-PF and Mnangagwa, it’s business as usual. And the business that Zanu-PF knows best is of suppressing human rights, stealing elections, abducting even doctors and stealing the country’s resources through rampant corruption.
This Mnangagwa led government is even far worse than Mugabe’s regime in terms of corruption, brutality and human rights abuses. What a tragedy that the people of Zimbabwe are witnessing. What an opportunity that Mnangagwa is missing to make things right or better than Mugabe’s nearly four decades of misrule. Mnangagwa has actually proved to be a worse devil than Mugabe. Zimbabweans have witnessed more abductions of human rights defenders, more people have been charged with treason, more people have been killed on the streets of Zimbabwe using state machinery in under two years compared to what Mugabe did in nearly forty years. And Mnangagwa goes globe trotting telling the world that ‘im as soft as wool’ when he is busy butchering and torturing his own people.
SADC is silent when all these human rights abuses and atrocities are being witnessed in Zimbabwe. SADC was silent on the August 1 2018 and January 2019 illegal killings by the Mnangagwa led government on the streets of Harare. SADC was silent and conspicuous by its absence when xenophobia was going on in South Africa and not for the first time. So is SADC for the people or against the people?. That is the very reason why SADC is now code named Southern Africa Dictators Club because its protecting the interests of the old dictators leading their governments.
There is no valid reason why SADC should be in solidarity with Zanu-PF and calling for sanctions to be removed when the very reasons why the sanctions were imposed have not been addressed. SADC should be calling for Zanu-PF and sanctions to go at the same time. Zanu-PF and sanctions are like conjoined twins and are inseparable. Zanu-PF under the leadership of Mnangagwa has done nothing better than Mugabe and it doesn’t deserve any sympathy from any organisation that is for the people.
Sanctions imposed on those Zanu-PF officials must stay until Zanu-PF is gone. Zanu-PF must reform first and sanctions will automatically go. Mnangagwa hasn’t opened Zimbabwe for business as he wants the world to believe. Mnangagwa is actually a dangerous drive who indicate right and turn left. Mnangagwa is driving Zimbabwe and Zanu-PF into extinction. Mnangagwa should be stopped before it’s too late. No sane leader should be seen going to bed with the corrupt Mnangagwa led government whose only achievement so far is impoverishing and butchering Zimbabwean citizens.
Mnangagwa and Zanu-PF are an eloquent textbook example of How to Not Run a Country. Zimbabwe has been made a desperate and destroyed country not because of sanctions but because of bad governance and poor Zanu-PF policies.
Zanu-PF and SADC should know that sanctions are not removed by marches and demonstrations but by democratic reforms that meet international standards.
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa says he is optimistic that countries that imposed sanctions on Zimbabwe will heed the thunderous voice of Sadc countries that will protest the continued existence of illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe.
Friday — October 25 — is the day that Sadc dedicated as the day of regional solidarity against embargoes on Zimbabwe, now spanning two decades. He said this yesterday in an interview with the Russian News Agency, Sputnik, ahead of the Russia-Africa Summit that kicks off here today.
The President praised Sadc member states for joining hands with Harare in the fight against the illegal sanctions imposed by the West, principally the United States of America. He said Africa’s vision was to be united as espoused by the continent’s founding fathers and speak with one voice.
“The issue is that Zimbabwe has been under sanctions for two decades. The SADC summit in August resolved that they (member states) will demonstrate against these illegal sanctions imposed on us by the West so that they can be removed,” said President Mnangagwa.
“As Zimbabwe, we have always spoken against sanctions, as Sadc we have been speaking against sanctions and also as African Union, but at this particular event, the region has taken the matter to another level, where as a region on one day on the 25th of October, Sadc will demonstrate against these sanctions.
“Whether something will come out it or not, but our voice as Sadc will be heard. I am told that because of sanctions, Zimbabwe has lost billions and billions of dollars both in terms of investments and loss of lines of credit from international global capital.”
Preparations for the day of solidarity against sanctions are gathering pace across the country with the main celebrations slated for the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
Government has since declared Friday a national holiday, apart from examination writing classes, to allow citizens to go out in their numbers and condemn the sanctions. Sadc countries have also heightened preparations for the demonstration against the ruinous and illegal sanctions.
President Mnangagwa also said Zimbabwe’s presence in Russia was not to seek any military equipment as has been suggested by some sections of the media. He said Harare only wants to deepen collaboration with Moscow as it seeks to transform its economy, which has suffered immensely under the weight of US sanctions over 20 years.
Turning to the issue of dialogue among political parties, President Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe does not need a foreign mediator.
“Zimbabwe is a democratic country and has democratic space; anyone is free to talk or to dream whatever they want. Zimbabwean problems require Zimbabwean solutions and African problems require African solutions. If there is a problem we have Sadc to resolve our problems and that is the correct structure and if Sadc thinks there is need to invite African Union they will do so us but at the present moment we haven’t faced any problems that we as Zimbabwe we have failed to solve,” said President Mnangagwa.
His remarks follow reports that MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa has sought the assistance of the AU to intervene and cause dialogue between the President and him.
President Mnangagwa has repeatedly said every political party or citizen who has ideas that can help turn around the economy, should join the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD), which has started meeting. However, Mr Chamisa has refused to take part in the dialogue process that includes other parties, preferring to have exclusive dialogue involving Zanu-PF and MDC-Alliance only.
By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has accused church leaders under the Zimbabwe Heads of Christian Denominations (ZHoCD) banner of siding with MDC leader Nelson Chamisa to rob him of his electoral victory in 2018.
In his response to the recent calls by ZHOCD to suspend elections for seven years to allow the country to heal from the bloodshed witnessed in the past elections, Mnangagwa wrote:
The agenda you take in those seven politically lean years is full of items that easily identify with the manifesto of a known political party, and that adamantly repudiates all progress registered to date under my administration … I hope this is mere inadvertency on your part, lest your bona fides get deservedly questioned.
Mnangagwa claimed that the MDC is the real enemy following its alleged calls for illegal Western sanctions against Zimbabwe, and fomenting deadly violence on August 1, 2018, and again in mid-January 2019.
State Media|ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu is suing the party’s deputy Secretary for the Youth League Lewis Matutu for $10 million for fingering him in corrupt activities.
The claim emanates from a press conference addressed by Matutu on June 24 this year at Zanu-PF headquarters.
Dr Mpofu claims that his reputation and standing as a businessman and politician has been damaged in the eyes of the public because of the statement.
He said the corruption allegations are false, malicious, scandalous, wrongful and defamatory to him.
“The content of the statement was widely disseminated in the local print and electronic media and on various social media platforms,” read the summons.
“The statement, in its defamatory, false and misleading allegations states the plaintiff has violated the foundation of democracy in Zimbabwe.
“That the plaintiff’’s corrupt inclinations continue to undermine socio economic transformation in Zimbabwe and, as a result defendant’s generation is suffering.”
Dr Mpofu added that the statement implies that corrupt individuals like him are undoing the gains of the liberation struggle.
Matutu encouraged his generation to fight decisively and fearlessly to rid society of corruption and corrupt individuals like the plaintiff, read the summons.
“On the June 24, this year the defendant addressed a press conference at Zanu-PF headquarters in which he published a document termed ‘press statement of the Zanu-PF youth league,’” read the papers.
“The statement proceeded to include the plaintiffs name on a list of various individuals alleged to be corrupt, specifically under the section termed “government and Zanu-PF officials”.
He said Matutu intended the statement to be understood by his audience to mean Dr Mpofu is a corrupt, dishonest and a cruel politician.
“And that plaintiff has an obligation to offer an explanation to the public to exonerate himself from allegations of corruption and he must be named and shamed for being corrupt,” read the summons.
Dr Mpofu also wants interest on the $10 million calculated at the prescribed rate from date of issuing of summons to date of payment in full.
The ruling Botswana Democratic Party could see its first defeat at the polls since independence in 1966. What would a changeover of power mean for Africa’s model democracy?
Botswana is often hailed as the “sparkling diamond” among Africa’s democracies. The diamond-rich country in southern Africa has for decades been one of the most stable nations on the continent. Changes in government have always been very peaceful, notes Gladys Mokhawa, a political scientist at the University of Botswana in the capital Gaborone. That is due in particular to the political tradition of Botswana. Usually, the president resigns a year and a half before the end of the second term of office and hands the leadership of the party and government over to a designated successor to ensure a smooth transition of power.
But the general election slated for October 23 heralds a departure after a fierce power struggle erupted within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) and the head of state prematurely handed over office to a successor. In April, Ian Khama was replaced as president by his chosen successor Mokgweetsi Masisi. Shortly thereafter, however, the two had a falling out, with each accusing the other of acting autocratically. Their mudslinging poisoned the atmosphere within the BDP.
A first real chance for the opposition
The Khama-Masisi conflict could lead to a first victory at the polls for the opposition since Botswana won independence from Britain in 1966. The rift between the former allies went so deep that Khama broke with the BDP in May and, along with his brother, now supports the newly-formed Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF).
At the same time, the ex-president — whose father Seretse Khama was a BDP founder — sought closer ties with the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) in a bid to challenge Masisi in the election. If Ian Khama succeeds, it will spell the first defeat at the polls for the BDP in 53 years.
The possible outcome of the election is still open, however. It remains unclear clear who can bank on votes in favor of Khama. There is no clarity as to which party the former president actually belongs to, according to Gladys Mokhawa. The former president never officially quit the BDP. Within the opposition, some are upset that Khama has campaigned for the left wing UDC.
“Duma Boko was criticized as the leader of the UDC to allow Khama to endorse the UDC and to continue to move with them around rallies,” says Mokhwana. Boko was a leading critic of the Khama administration.
The country’s second biggest union, the Botswana Federation of Public Sector Unions (BOFEPUSU) — traditional supporters of the UDC — abstained this year from making any recommendation for the vote. It said in a press statement that it was taking a neutral stance and not aligning with any political formation. Khama’s support for the UDC could therefore scare off traditional opposition supporters. Masisi’s leadership was not badly received among Botswana’s people, says Mokhawa, even though some regard it as populist. In the view of Matthias Basedau of the Hamburg-based German Institute of Global and Area Studies (GIGA), Khama was very popular in his home region. “If he steps out against the BDP in this constituency, the BDP would take votes away,” the political scientist says.
An unpredictable outcome
That the outcome of the election is so hard to predict is due also in part to Botswana’s electoral system, which is based on the British majority voting system. A first-past-the-post system is used in 57 single-member of parliament voting districts. Six more members come out of the ruling party. In the 2014 election, that system helped the BDP to obtain the majority of the seats in Parliament, although the opposition jointly won more than 50% of the vote. After the parliamentary election, the president is elected by the National Assembly.
Institutional reform is badly needed in Botswana, says Ulrich Golaszinski, the head of the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Gaborone. The economy has not diversified. “The window of opportunity for that has closed,” the Africa expert says. Society has developed while the political system lags behind.
Yet one should not overlook the positive. “After independence and out of nothing a parliamentary democracy was built, with all the necessary institutions such as parliament and an independent judiciary, an executive and independent bureaucracy,” says Golaszinski. Moreover, the governments have always been honest. Revenues from mining, especially of diamonds, have been used to build the country. “Some political scientists then only would talk about a “real democracy, when one or two exchanges of power have taken place.”
Seal of democracy
The current situation is quite uncharacteristic of Botswana, says Gladys Mokhawa. “Obviously, you’ve clearly got a transfer of power from one regime to the other, from one leader to the other, not being as smooth as the transfer that we are used to,” she says. But experts agree that the rift between Khama and Masisi has left the political system unscathed. On the contrary: the political analyst Matthias Basedau is of the view that the democracy will in fact be strengthened by it.” In a sense, Botswana’s democracy is still in its infancy and can now be tested for maturity.
Colleagues and mourners arrive at the late Mr Tapson Ncube’s house. Mr Ncube was shot in the early hours of yesterday in Maphisa, Matabeleland South
State Media|A PROMINENT Maphisa businessman was early yesterday morning shot dead in his home at the growth point in Matabeleland South.
Tapson Ncube, who had business interests in mining, transport, retail and also sponsored Division One soccer outfit The Venue, died on the spot following a shootout with unknown gunmen.
His killers took nothing from the house and left Ncube’s terrified wife cowering in a bathroom as they melted into the night.
Ncube contested in the Zanu-PF primary elections for the Matobo North Constituency ahead of last year’s harmonised polls and lost to incumbent Edgar Moyo.
The shooting incident occurred yesterday at about 4AM and his killers allegedly poisoned his dogs before breaking into his house through a window.
Sources said Ncube anticipated the attack as he allegedly told his wife to hide in the bathroom before his attackers sprayed their bedroom with bullets.
Ncube’s wife escaped unhurt but is said to have been severely traumatised.
When The Chronicle visited the family’s residence yesterday, none of the relatives wanted to open up on what could have led to the businessman’s death.
They said they were still waiting for detectives from Gwanda to conduct investigations.
At about 5PM, one of the relatives said: “We were not there so we really don’t know what happened. What we know is that he was shot dead when unknown individuals raided his home this morning. His wife is the only one who could shed light on what transpired but she is not in a position to speak.
“They poisoned his dogs first before cutting a burglar bar leading into the lounge,” said a relative who identified himself as Mr Mkhumbulo Ncube.
“No one saw the attackers. His wife was in the bathroom. That’s how she escaped. We don’t know the reasons behind the fatal shooting. We don’t know whether it was related to his business interests or personal life. But they did not steal anything from the house,” he said.
Mr Ncube said Tapson’s gun was registered and he used the weapon for personal security.
A local businessman and chairperson of Maphisa Small and Medium Enterprises, Mr Denny Ncube, said they were devastated to learn of Tapson’s death.
He said Tapson had contributed immensely to the development of Maphisa Growth Point.
“It’s painful to lose even a sick person and what more a healthy one in such a brutal manner. I was shocked to learn of his death. I’ve known him for 10 years and we have been working together in our various sectors to develop this area. We have a lost a brother in business. We will remain scared and vulnerable as long as the motive behind his brutal murder is not known. Was it an attack on his business or there is another motive?” said Mr Ncube.
He said the Maphisa community would only be relieved when his killers are arrested.
A source at Maphisa claimed Tapson’s killing, which he described as an assassination, was not a random attack.
“From what I’m gathering, Tapson might have had legitimate businesses but it’s not all he was doing. Some of his businesses could have been just a way of cleaning his dirty money.
“There are claims that he was involved in several cash in transit heists in South Africa. As it stands there are claims that his attackers could be some of his close relatives who left him with substantial amounts of cash when they conducted raids in South Africa but he was no longer forthcoming in giving them back their loot.
“Apart from that claim, there are also allegations that his son was involved in a robbery recently in South Africa before disappearing with the loot after something went wrong resulting in his accomplices not getting their share. The culprits came to him demanding that he reveals the whereabouts of his son but he would not budge. They allegedly told him that they would be coming back. So, there is speculation that it could be the same team that came for him. Clearly, he had many enemies within his close circles,” said the source.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said he would comment on the matter today.
State Media|THE era of painful austerity measures is over and the country should brace for positive growth and productivity in 2020, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, said yesterday.
In an interview with Zimpapers Television Network (ZTN), Prof Ncube said the painful reforms adopted by Government since late 2018 have laid a solid foundation for future economic growth with macro-economic indicators also pointing towards a favourable trajectory ahead.
The country’s economy is expected to register a growth of plus 4,6 percent in 2020, from a negative three to six percent this year, said the Minister. He said the projected growth next year would be driven by several factors.
“First of all, we expect better rains in the 2019/20 season because that will mean agricultural output will pick up again. It also means the power outages that you see will ameliorate because we can have more hydro-power when water in Kariba is up,” said Prof Ncube.
“But also, we expect the budget to be more supportive of growth. We have said the 2020 budget is about growth and productivity in the main and job creation, supporting competitiveness and of course making sure that we have shared growth.
“So, that stance on growth and productivity, away from austerity – we have done austerity and it has served us well, it has created a good base and allowed us to do a lot of reforms, which have been painful. Now we’re ready to move to the next stage, which is to stimulate growth.”
The Minister also gave a brief outline of some of the strategies to be implemented to consolidate the projected growth, which will be fully captured when he presents his 2020 national budget before the end of the year.
“We want to make sure that we give incentives for production, we want to make sure that we crowd in the private sector in financing. We want to make sure there is easier access to credit from the private sector across all the sectors. All those issues will contribute to a positive rate of growth,” said Prof Ncube.
While acknowledging industry calls to ease the tax burden by probably scrapping the two percent transactional tax, which is seen as double taxation on those already complying and its impact on increasing the cost of doing business, the Minister said the tax head would remain given its benefits to the fiscus.
“We’ll not scrap the two percent tax because it helps us on the compliance front. It is assisting in compliance by registered formal business, then there is compliance by the informal as well. So, it’s (2% tax) fantastic for compliance and it is clearly filling a gap of making sure there is compliance,” said Prof Ncube.
“In terms of lowering the tax burden, I cannot pre-announce what I will say in the budget. All I can say, generally, because we want to support growth and productivity, one of the things we will look at is obviously incentives and tax adjustments but I cannot comment on the two percent tax specifically.”
On Monday Cabinet received the Minister’s 2020 proposed Budget Strategy Paper, which took note of the ongoing reforms that are premised on the 2019 national Budget theme: “Austerity for Prosperity”, as outlined in the Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP). The budget strategy document also outlines notable milestones that include fiscal consolidation, monetary policy restoration, liberalisation of the foreign exchange market, re-engagement and a number of governance and structural reforms aimed at improving the business environment and supporting the productive sectors.
The year 2019 has not been good for Zimbabweans as the economy suffered from unforeseen but “severe exogenous shocks” arising from the El Nino-induced drought and Cyclone Idai, which constrained agricultural activities and electricity generation, bringing about general underperformance of the economy.
The situation was compounded by price escalation and loss of consumer buying power due to rising inflation. However, Treasury expects the situation to stabilise in the short term on the back of continued implementation of fiscal and monetary reforms, supported by structural and supply side measures.
Soaring temperatures can be extremely dangerous, particularly for seniors or for anyone who works or exercises outdoors. UC Davis physicians offer several suggestions to prevent heat stroke and severe dehydration, which can lead to hospitalization and even death on scorching summer days.
Signs of heat illnesses include muscle cramps due to salt depletion, and heat exhaustion, which is marked by weakness, nausea, dizziness and cool and clammy skin. When heat exhaustion is not relieved, it can lead to heat stroke, with extremely dangerous consequences, including confusion, agitation and burry or double vision.
Seniors, in particular, are at risk for heat-related emergencies, says Calvin Hirsch, a geriatrics specialist with UC Davis Health System.
“No one is comfortable when the temperature soars,” said Hirsch, professor of internal medicine, “but seniors account for a disproportionate number of heat-related hospitalizations and deaths.”
Poor blood circulation and use of medications like diuretics that cause water loss and diminished perception of overheating, make many seniors more vulnerable to heat-related crises, Hirsch said. Additionally, many seniors are less inclined to keep windows open because of security concerns and may not have easy access to cooler environments when needed.
If there is no air conditioner or the power has gone out, Hirsch suggests seniors spend a few hours in an air-conditioned public place, such as a library, shopping mall or movie theater. Additional precautions to help avoid heat-related illnesses:
Stay in the coolest place as much as possible, and avoid too much activity.
Use the air conditioner, or try to spend at least a few hours in an air-conditioned place.
Eat lightly and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks. Don’t take salt tablets unless advised to do so by a doctor.
Use hand-held, battery-operated fans and misters.
Rub wet washcloths, packs of frozen food or ice cubes over your wrists, face and back of neck.
Seek medical help if cooling-off measures are not working. Heat stroke can be fatal if not recognized and treated in time.
Never leave children or pets alone in enclosed vehicles.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Avoid extreme temperature changes. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
Postpone outdoor games and activities.
Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.
Exercising in extreme heat also poses health threats, says Jeff Tanji, a sports medicine specialist at UC Davis Health System.
“Exercise and activity are crucial to help you stay healthy, but it’s important to be careful in the summer to avoid heat stroke, dehydration and other consequences of overexertion,” he said. “Luckily, a little common sense goes a long way.”
Tanji suggests exercising during the cooler morning and evening hours. Out-of-town visitors unaccustomed to Sacramento-area temperatures should take it easy the first few days. Even professional athletes adjust routines during the first several days of a change in climate, he adds.
Youngters, in particular, should take regular timeouts and water breaks during exercise – a minimum of 10 minutes for every hour of exercise. Children, older people and those who are less fit need additional time to rest.
Before starting exercise, Tanji urges everyone to have a big glass of a cool drink; plain water is best, but fruit juices and Gatorade-type sports drinks also work well. Alcohol and caffeine contribute to dehydration and should be avoided.
UC Davis Medical Center is a comprehensive academic medical center where clinical practice, teaching and research converge to advance human health.
State Media|The Meteorological Services Department has warned of extreme temperatures above the average for October, saying Zimbabwe may experience record-breaking highs in some places from today until next Monday.
In a statement yesterday, the MSD advised the public to take necessary precautions as temperatures are expected to soar to 40 degrees Celsius, mostly in low-lying areas of Zimbabwe — the Zambezi and Limpopo valleys.
These areas include Kanyemba, Kariba, Binga, Victoria Falls, Beitbridge, Chiredzi, Chisumbanje and Chipinge.
“Temperatures have been relatively high in most parts of the country from Sunday, October 20 2019. A significant drop in daytime temperatures however, was experienced yesterday in Matabeleland South, southern areas of the Midlands, Masvingo and southern areas of Manicaland provinces due to the influence of cool and moist south easterlies that were being steered into the country,” read the statement.
The MSD said from today, temperatures are expected to rise in most parts of the country.
“From 23 October 2019, temperatures over the southern parts of the country are anticipated to recover and rise again to lie in the upper thirties for the bulk of the country.
“Given the extended period of very hot conditions (heatwave) the public is encouraged to; stay well hydrated, put on sun hats when working in the open, avoid extended exposure to direct sunlight and take measures to reduce heat related problems,” said the MSD.
The country has been recording high temperatures in October.
In 2016, some areas experienced high temperatures that broke records set as far back as the 1960s.
Paul Nyathi|Independent Norton Constituency member of parliament Temba Mliswa has emotionally called on parliament to give isolated National Patriotic Front only parliamentarian Masango “The Blackman” Matambanadzo an opportunity to also fly out of the country on parliament business.
Speaking on a point of privilege in the House of Assembly on Tuesday, Mliswa called on the Speaker of Parliament, Jacob Mudenda, to exercise inclusiveness by giving Matambanadzo an opportunity to also represent parliament outside the country as the opportunities appear to be for ZANU PF and MDC members only.
“Mr. Speaker, I also want to raise the issue of inclusivity in this Parliament. I see that there are a lot of people who go on trips – MDC and ZANU PF. I am an Independent and do not really need to go on trips but I think there is Hon. Matambanadzo, who belongs to a certain party. I think it is important for Parliament to show inclusivity whenever they are doing anything according to the Constitution,” said Mliswa.
“I am not trying to lobby for me to travel – I travel enough but the aspect of inclusivity is very important. I hear of many trips – internationally and regionally that happen and I asked Hon. Matambanadzo if he had been there and he said that he had not been informed. So I think inclusivity is quite important.”
Mudenda told Mliswa that unfortunately ” The Blackman” might not get a chance to fly out as the regional and international meetings are standing committees and only those seconded to those committees attend the meetings not on a rotational basis.
“Those are standing Committees and once you are in, there is no room for rotation. You have to be there until you complete your five years in Parliament. So it is not as if this time it is IPU and you choose members – there is consistency because at those regional meetings, these Members of Parliament are assigned to various committees which they must attend consistently and this is according to the statutes of the concerned organizations – regional, continental as well as international,” said Mudenda.
Paul Nyathi|Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda says the judgment of the Privileges Committee set up to investiagate allegations of corruption against Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and three others would soon be tabled in Parliament.
Mliswa was accused together with Messers Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe), Leonard Chikomba ( Gokwe North) and Prince Sibanda (Binga North) of demanding US$400 000 from Mr James Ross Goddard as facilitation fee to enable his company JRG Contracting (Pvt) Ltd mine coal at Hwange.
Advocate Mudenda said the report would be tabled in Parliament once the chairperson of the Privileges Committee, Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is out of the country, returned.
“The report is with the Chairperson who I have advised as per your concern that now that they have indicated that they have finished the report, it must be tabled here in the House. The report has been completed. Hon. Sen. Chief Charumbira is currently away on PAP business and as soon as he is back – we shall urge him to table that report,” said Mudenda.
Paul Nyathi|Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda yesterday thwarted attempts by MDC legislator Innocent Gonese, to raise through a point of privilege in the House the matter involving the withdrawal of sitting allowances of members of the opposition party after they walked out on President Mnangagwa during his presentation of the State of the Nation Address early this month.
The opposition legislators had their sitting allowances for the day of the walkout and the preceding five months withdrawn after they refused to acknowledge the President when entered the chamber as a sign of respect.
They subsequently walked out when he was presenting his SONA and official opening the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament.
MPs receive $700 per sitting and Parliament has since docked the allowances ranging from $9 000 to $15 000.
“On Tuesday October 1, 2019 in this august House, the chair exercised certain powers which in my view were punitive and arbitrary in nature,” said Mr Gonese.
He was, however, immediately ruled out of order by Advocate Mudenda who said the matter could not be raised in the House since the MDC-Alliance had already written to his office on the matter.
The MDC-Alliance MPs wrote to the Speaker seeking reversal of the ruling arguing there was no legal provision that empowered him to dock their allowances and said they will sue him after he ignored their demands.
Below is the full text of the discussion in parliament on Tuesday:
HON. GONESE: Thank you very much Mr. Speaker Sir. On Tuesday, 1st October, 2019 in this august House, the Chair exercised certain powers which, in my view, were of a punitive and arbitrary nature – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – My point of privilege Mr. Speaker is to get an understanding of the principle that was used, particularly bearing in mind that our Constitution Mr. Speaker …
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order! Hon. Member, you are out of order – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] –
HON. GONESE: Mr. Speaker, if you say I am out of order, I think I deserve to be informed on the basis upon which I am being ruled out of order, and I do not actually think because it is a principle…
THE HON. SPEAKER: Alright, alright.
HON. GONESE: I have not finished my point Mr. Speaker.
THE HON. SPEAKER: I follow your argument.
HON. GONESE: With due respect Mr. Speaker, I think I am also entitled to articulate my point to a conclusion before you can then rule me out of order. – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
THE HON. SPEAKER: Order, order, I needed not to listen to you right up to the end because the Hon. Member, through his party has written a letter to the Chair seeking some explanation and you cannot have your cake and eat it. Thank you.
State Media|Mines and Mining Development Minister Winston Chitando is tomorrow expected to take part in a session to discuss cooperation in the diamond sector between Russia and Africa.
The discussions will be part of the deliberations at the Russia-Africa Summit being held in Sochi City from today to tomorrow.
A statement from the Russian organisers, said Minister Chitando will participate in a session dubbed; “Russian-African Collaboration in the Diamond Industry”, which will discuss trends and problems in the diamond industry.
“The ‘Russian-African Collaboration in the Diamond Industry’ session promises to be a highlight of the Russia-Africa Forum business programme’s Creating Joint Projects track,” reads the statement.
“On 23 October, Russian and international experts will come together to discuss current trends and problems in the diamond mining industry. Diamonds are the stock-in-trade of Russia and Africa alike.
“Their production accounts for a significant part of the export earnings of several African countries and plays a significant role in the continent’s economy.”
Russia is the world’s top producer of diamonds and boasts a wealth of experience in technology, process management, and corporate and financial management.
“A unification of efforts and competencies would allow the industry to reduce risks and increase financial security. The outlook for collaboration in marketing, logistical organisation, improving regulatory affairs, and working together on intra-industry standards is promising.
“Forum experts will discuss the prospects and plot a vector for further developing cooperation,” added the statement.
The session will be moderated by Iris Van der Veken, executive director of the Responsible Jewellery Council.
Zimbabwe will be represented by Minister Chitando and Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC) board chairman Mr Killian Ukama.
The diamond industry is expected to contribute significantly to the Government’s goal of a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023.
The diamond sector together with coal, chrome, iron and steel is expected to contribute at least US$1 billion towards the target, according to Government projections.
Russian firm, Alrosa, which is the world’s largest diamond producer has already been awarded diamond concessions in the Chiadzwa area and Zimbabwe is expected to benefit from its experience in the industry.
The company is part sponsor of the session and its CEO and chairman of the executive committee Mr Sergey Ivanov said it was interested in developing the industry in Africa.
“In the course of our work in Africa, we have accumulated a wealth of experience, are well acquainted with features specific to the region, and are adept at finding shared points and mutual interests.
“The company would like to further develop cooperation, which we believe can be of benefit to both parties. A discussion of synergy in the diamond mining industry that involves all interested parties can serve to drive further development and bring African diamond products onto the world market,” said Mr Ivanov.
The USA recently blocked diamonds from Zimbabwe’s Marange Diamonds Fields from being imported into that country claiming that they were “blood diamonds” on the basis that some people from the Marange community are forced to work on the fields by government deployed soldiers for nothing.
State Media|At least 33 officers were arrested this week over missing receipt-books and embezzlement of thousands of dollars at the Registrar-General’s Office in Harare.
Receipt-books went missing with the officers, mainly cashiers, being accused of stealing money paid by people seeking documents like passports, birth certificates and replacement national identity documents.
Instead of banking the fees in terms of the law, the suspects would pocket the money.
Of the 33 suspects, 18 were picked up on Monday while 15 were arrested yesterday by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) Commercial Crimes Division.
The first batch of 18 appeared at the Harare Magistrates’ Court yesterday where they were freed on $200 bail each.The remaining 15 suspects were by last night still assisting police with investigations.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrests.
“We can confirm that 18 of the suspects from the RG’s office were arrested yesterday (Monday) while the other 15 were arrested today bringing the total number to 33.
“Their charges range from embezzlement of cash paid by people and under the Banking Act, for pocketing money paid by people,” he said.
Asst Comm Nyathi, who is yet to verify the actual amounts involved, said investigations were still in progress.
The latest developments come after Government recently directed the Registrar-General’s Office to set up a committee that will oversee the vetting of passport applications in a bid to eliminate corruption.
The committee will be responsible for determining the applicants who should get passports, starting from those wanting to travel on an emergency basis.
This was said by the Secretary for Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Mr Melusi Matshiya in a recent interview with State Media.
He said the setting up of the committee followed unconfirmed reports that some applicants were being charged up to US$200 by some unscrupulous officials to have passports quickly processed.
Currently, the RG’s office is producing 800 passports per day, but plans are afoot to ramp up production to about 4 200 following the acquisition of consumables.
In July, the Registrar-General Mr Clemence Masango also issued a stern warning to officials in his department who were capitalising on the challenges in the issuance of passports by demanding kickbacks from desperate citizens intending to acquire emergency travel documents.
Desperate Zimbabweans are parting with huge sums of money to pay bribes in order to obtain passports as the Registrar General’s office is battling an acute shortage of special paper and ink used to make passports, resulting in a huge backlog for travel documents.
Mr Masango said Government officials should desist from taking advantage of the people’s desperate situations through taking bribes.
“Government policy as pronounced by His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa including our Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage (Cde Cain Mathema) reiterates the same point, which is zero tolerance to corruption. We therefore appeal to everyone, our clients, citizens and officials to desist from corruption,” he said.
Mr Masango said those caught engaging in corrupt activities would face the full wrath of the law as they will be dealt with by law enforcement agents and consequences will follow.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube says the 2 percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax on transactions will continue for much longer as it covers for tax defaulters.
His comments come amid growing calls by business leaders to scrap the tax that they claim is increasing the cost of doing business. Among those disputing the introduction of the tax is Combined Harare Residents’ Association (CHRA) director Mfundo Mlilo who made a court application last month challenging the SI 205-2018.
Industrial lobby groups among them the Confederation of the Zimbabwe Industries and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, have also voiced their concern on the subject.
However, Minister Ncube has maintained that the tax sought to expand Government’s capacity to bankroll capital projects and retooling of diverse economic sectors.
In an interview with Zimpapers Televison Network on Monday, Prof Ncube said the contested tax will be channelled towards improvement of the country’s productive sectors to stimulate economic growth.
Part of the tax has also been used to cushion workers through the provision of the highly subsidised Zupco buses.
“We will not scrap the 2 percent tax because it helps us on the compliance front, in terms of lowering tax. I cannot pre-announce what I will say in the budget, all I can say generally is we want to support growth and productivity. One of the things we have to look at is obviously incentives and tax adjustments,” said Minister Ncube.State media
The Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (ZUPCO) and the National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) yesterday indicated that they are ready to ferry people from different parts of the country intending to take part in the main anti-sanctions march in Harare on Friday.
ZUPCO said it was ready to release buses throughout the country, while the NRZ indicated that it will run free special passenger trains from Bulawayo and Mutare to Harare.
ZUPCO acting chief executive Mr Everisto Madangwa said they were committed to distribute the buses to ferry people as required.
“We are ready to release our buses for the anti-sanctions campaign programme,” he said. “This is a national cause, hence the need to fully support the programme. As you are aware, we have a fleet of buses countrywide. We are just waiting to get the number of buses required by the organisers per province. It’s all systems go on our part.”
In a statement, NRZ public relations manager Mr Nyasha Maravanyika said two passenger trains with a capacity to carry 1 500 and 1 200 passengers have been arranged to ferry people to and from Bulawayo and Mutare to Harare for free.State media
Farai Dziva|Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has opened up on why speculation of Jose Mourinho replacing at the Spanish giants bothers him.
Real Madrid surrendered their LaLiga top spot to Barcelona on Saturday after a shock 1-0 loss to Real Mallorca and are also bottom of their Champions Leaugue group, a situation which has fuelled speculation of the Frenchman’s exit and the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ being rumored to replace him.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Turkish side Galatasaray, which they must win to salvage their campaign, Zidane admitted that the rumours irritate him.
“In football, people forget what you’ve done in the past,” the French coach told Bein Sports.
“The important thing is the present…I’m not going to say it doesn’t bother me what is being said about other coaches, because it does.”
“But what I have to do as a coach is to give everything, get the players to do the same, to give everything – and that’s all I can do,” he added.
Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwean businessman Justice Maphosa, who helped stranded veteran politician Emmerson Mnangagwa in November 2917 when he fled the country and sought refuge in neighboring Mozambique after he was sacked by then president Robert Mugabe for allegedly undermining him, will not step his foot in the country claiming that Mugabe wants to eliminate him for rescuing Mnangagwa.
Maphosa runs Big Time Strategic Company which bank rolls the Gwanda Gospel Music Show which kicks off in Gwanda on Friday and ends on Sunday.
The South Africa-based businessman was hardly known until he emerged with his annual concert in Gwanda five years ago.
He built his name further with his act of brotherhood to ‘rescue’ Mnangagwa when death was knocking on his doors from Mugabe.
Mnangagwa illegally crossed the border at night and landed in Mozambique with a few bodyguards, who are said to have blocked attempts by Zimbabwean state security agents from arresting the fleeing vice president and his entourage.
The multi-millionaire, who describes himself as a non-corruptible God-fearing businessman, says when he sent his private jet to pick up Mnangagwa, it was an act of kindness.
Maphosa claims that Mnangagwa phoned him seeking help while he was still in Zimbabwe.
“Come that day I get a call from him … ‘Maphosa I am in a situation. I have been fired. My life is in danger. I need to get out of the country. My first call was, where are you? Where are you going? Where will you be in 2 hours, in 4 hours in 6 hours?’ … Which he told me and we went to pick him up and we brought him into the country.”
However, he said now there are people who want to eliminate him due to his close links to the president and his act of kindness and will this year like he did last year miss his high cost gospel music concert.
Maphosa, 44, was born in Gwanda, Matabeleland South province, where he did part of his education before proceeding to South Africa. He did computer studies with a bias on Information Communication Technology.
In 1998, together with a friend, he launched his first company the Computer Inc. and Media Solutions, whose core business was to recycle computer ink cartridges. Today he is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Big Time Strategic Group, with 17 subsidiaries across Southern Africa.
Despite the threats on his life and his business, Maphosa says he is in the process of launching nine companies in Zimbabwe.
Meanwhile, Organisers of the annual Gwanda International Gospel Festival have unveiled a star-studded line-up for the event.
Swaziland’s Ncwandeni Christ Ambassadors and Shongwe with his Khuphuka Saved group will headline the fest alongside Sipho Makhabene, Takesure Zamar, Vocal Ex, Mathias Mhere and Indosakusa: The Morning Star.
The festival, now in its fifth edition, will be held at its usual venue, Phelandaba Stadium from tomorrow until Sunday.
Denzel the Pianist from Cape Town, Mkhululi Bhebhe, Joyful Praise from Gweru, Hybrid Sounds from Gwanda and Harvest Music Super Choir from Bulawayo will make up the rest of entertainers.
KHAMA BILLIAT has joined the bandwagon of Zimbabwe international footballers who are using their privileged positions, as well-paid professional sports stars, to give back to communities back home.
Nyasha Mushekwi has already splashed US$120 000 on a brand new state-of-the-art bus for his former local club, CAPS United, for the Green Machine to use as their team bus.
Midfielder Marshall Munetsi took on board over 60 children under his wing in Mabvuku, where he grew up, and will pay school fees for all of them. The project will be run under the fledgling Marshall Munetsi Foundation.
Billiat, the 29-year-old Kaizer Chiefs forward, yesterday announced the launch of the “Khama Billiat Foundation,’’ which he says will try to contribute to society by positively impacting on the lives that matter.
The announcement sent Twitter exploding with a number of people congratulating the football star for his initiative.
“Welcome to the Khama Billiat Foundation,’’ Billiat announced on Twitter. “Our vision is to contribute to society by positively impacting on the lives that matter.
“Our mission is to make our foundation a vehicle to changing the lives of the less unfortunate through sports tournaments, donations and fundraising.’’
Billiat has in the past been criticised, by some analysts, for his colourful lifestyle, which plays out on social media, where he is accused of having a taste of life’s fine tastes, including investing in some of the most expensive vehicles around.
The same people, without giving him a chance to defend himself or to clear the air, said they would rather see him investing in such things like property. However, the latest initiative by one of the Zimbabwe’s best footballers at the moment, whose superb goal helped the country avoid the ignominy of crashing out of the 2022 World Cup qualifiers at the preliminary stage at the hands of Somalia, is set to change all that.
It shows Billiat has a heart, to help the less fortunate members of society, and he is prepared to make a difference in their lives through a number of initiatives.
Scores of people took to Twitter yesterday to congratulate Billiat for the move with one company even offering to partner the foundation.
“We are IsaDi, a proudly African owned sports brand. We would love to get on board by aligning ourselves with your programme to supply and sponsor kits and off-field apparel,’’ the company said.
“We 100% black youth owned sports brand. Proudly For Africa By Africans.’’
Recently, Billiat’s Warriors teammate, Munetsi, revealed that the tough ghetto life during his youth taught him some priceless lessons about love and giving back to the less privileged members of society.
Munetsi moved from the South African Premiership into the French Ligue 1 at the start of the season and has been running the foundation with the assistance of his close friend Munya Wayne Tembo, who does all the work on the ground.
“Growing up in Avondale and Mabvuku helped me realise a lot of things and how hard it is, especially living in the ghetto where there are less privileged people,’’ Munetsi told The Herald.
“It’s a challenge for kids to get a better education when they can’t go to school because of (lack of) finances. So, the idea has always been there, but I was waiting for the right time to start it.
“I’m glad it has been possible with the help of a friend and a brother Munya Tembo.”
The foundation paid school fees for 30 primary school children in Mabvuku before they spread their wings by adding 30 more pupils from his former school — Donnybrook Primary School.
“It’s always good to see the kids happy and to see people in my own community happy as they saw me grow to be the person I am today with help from most of them,’’ said Munetsi.
“As a Christian, I was taught in the Bible that the greatest thing we can use as children of God is love and to love one another, to share whatever we have and in love.
“So, my motivation is love, it needs to be shared to everyone regardless of who they are and where they come from.
“I feel the need to empower kids to choose the course of their lives and future from a point of strength, not desperation.
“Education is key to everything we do in life, and when you are educated, there are greater chances you will have a better life and it helps you to make the best decisions in life.
“The foundation is something that is going to grow big by God’s Grace to different aspects and those will be seen in the future once everything is done.’’
Mushekwi, who played alongside Munetsi and Billiat for the Warriors at the 2019 AFCON finals, set the ball rolling when he announced the assembling of the US$120 000 specially-customised 45-seater passenger bus, which he bought for his old club CAPS United, had now been completed.
He said the luxury coach was now expected to be delivered to the Green Machine once its branding had been completed in South Africa.
The Zimbabwe international striker, who turned 32 last month, acquired the luxury bus as a token of appreciation for the role CAPS United played in his career as a professional footballer. The acquisition of the bus came exactly 10 years to the year Mushekwi left the Green Machine. -state media
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwean soccer players have struck a rich vein of form in Europe.
According to Soccer 24, in England England, Marvellous Nakamba’s Aston Villa scored a last minute winner to beat Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park.
The midfielder was impressive throughout the entire 90 minutes as Dean Smith’s side registered back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since May 2015.
In the English second tier, the Championship, Macauley Bonne opened the scoring for Charlton Athletic in their 3-0 win over Derby County. The striker’s goalscoring form continued after he also netted against Fulham before the international break.
In France, Marshall Munetsi came on as a second half substitute in Stade de Reims’ 1-0 over Montpellier.
Still in the Western Europe country, Tino Kadewere scored a penalty for Le Havre in their 2-2 draw at home to Lorient. This was Kadewere’s 11th goal of the seaon in the French Ligue 2.
Alec Mudimu scored for his Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids in their 3-1 win over Caernarfon Town.
Mudimu’s Warriors central defence patner Teenage Hadebe’s Yeni Malatyaspor returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win over ten-men Konyaspor. Hadebe played the entire game.
Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube says the 2 percent Intermediated Money Transfer Tax on transactions will continue for much longer as it covers for tax defaulters.
His comments come amid growing calls by business leaders to scrap the tax that they claim is increasing the cost of doing business. Among those disputing the introduction of the tax is Combined Harare Residents’ Association (CHRA) director Mfundo Mlilo who made a court application last month challenging the SI 205-2018.
Industrial lobby groups among them the Confederation of the Zimbabwe Industries and the Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce, have also voiced their concern on the subject.
However, Minister Ncube has maintained that the tax sought to expand Government’s capacity to bankroll capital projects and retooling of diverse economic sectors.
In an interview with Zimpapers Televison Network on Monday, Prof Ncube said the contested tax will be channelled towards improvement of the country’s productive sectors to stimulate economic growth.
Part of the tax has also been used to cushion workers through the provision of the highly subsidised Zupco buses.
“We will not scrap the 2 percent tax because it helps us on the compliance front, in terms of lowering tax. I cannot pre-announce what I will say in the budget, all I can say generally is we want to support growth and productivity. One of the things we have to look at is obviously incentives and tax adjustments,” said Minister Ncube.
Popularly known as 2 percent tax, the Intermediated Money Transfer Tax came into effect on October 13, 2018 after it was gazetted in Statutory Instrument 205 of 2018.
However, High Court Judge Justice Happias Zhou recently scrapped Statutory Instrument (SI) 205 of 2018, which enabled Government to levy 2 percent tax on electronic money transactions above $20. The tax was introduced as an austerity measure by Minister Ncube.
However, Justice Zhou’s judgment had no material effect since there is now a Finance Act, which provides for the contested tax, passed on August 21. – state media
Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Jacob Mudenda yesterday thwarted attempts by MDC-Alliance legislator Innocent Gonese, to raise through a point of privilege in the House the matter involving the withdrawal of sitting allowances of members of the opposition party after they walked out on Emmerson Mnangagwa during his presentation of the State of the Nation Address early this month.
The opposition legislators had their sitting allowances for the day of the walkout and the preceding five months withdrawn after they refused to acknowledge Mnangagwa when he entered the chamber as a sign of respect.
They subsequently walked out when he was presenting his SONA and official opening the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament.
MPs receive $700 per sitting and Parliament has since docked the allowances ranging from $9 000 to $15 000.
“On Tuesday October 1, 2019 in this august House, the chair exercised certain powers which in my view were punitive and arbitrary in nature,” said Mr Gonese.
He was, however, immediately ruled out of order by Advocate Mudenda who said the matter could not be raised in the House since the MDC-Alliance had already written to his office on the matter.
The MDC-Alliance MPs wrote to the Speaker seeking reversal of the ruling arguing there was no legal provision that empowered him to dock their allowances and said they will sue him after he ignored their demands.
Meanwhile, Advocate Mudenda said the judgment of the Privileges Committee set up to investugate allegations of corruption against Norton legislator Temba Mliswa and three others would soon be tabled in Parliament.
Mr Mliswa was accused together with Messers Anele Ndebele (Magwegwe), Leonard Chikomba ( Gokwe North) and Prince Sibanda (Binga North) of demanding US$400 000 from Mr James Ross Goddard as facilitation fee to enable his company JRG Contracting (Pvt) Ltd mine coal at Hwange.
Advocate Mudenda said the report would be tabled in Parliament once the chairperson of the Privileges Committee, Chief Fortune Charumbira, who is out of the country, returned. – Herald
LONDON. — Derek Chisora’s eyes light up and his voice suddenly goes high.
He is cooing over a new-born calf. Welcome to the farm — this is the unlikely solace for the Zimbabwe-born heavyweight hero, the controversial but beloved stalwart of the British boxing scene.
It is completely bizarre to learn that the great outdoors, on this farm, is Chisora’s happy place.
When he isn’t flipping tables, angering officials or dishing out beatings, he is here on the farm.
Often alone, except for the animals which he looks after. And. on this occasion, he is caring for the latest addition to the family, the calf, which he immediately visits to deliver a loving caress.
This is a side to the man known as “War” that has never been seen before. He looks the part, too, wearing wellies, gloves and a farmers’ jacket.
He is, admittedly, the only farmer who adds a “War Chisora” snapback and a bandana to the traditional look.
So how did this become a thing?
How did a dangerous heavyweight contender discover a love for agriculture?
“When I’m here, when the gate closes, I shut off. I shut off from everything,” Chisora says.
“You don’t look at your phone, when you’re here. It’s the only place where you won’t look at your phone.”
Chisora is typically mysterious but life on the farm is nothing new for him.
He has cows, sheep, Shetland ponies, horses (which he knows how to ride) and two reindeers. The sheep know their master has arrived because, to break the silence of the countryside, Chisora bellows “baaaa” at the top of his voice when he sees them.
He has a bag of apples when he arrives, and munches one himself while hand-feeding the rest to his cows.
Chisora lights up when explaining that a pig, contrary to its reputation, is actually the cleanest animal of them all.
The former world heavyweight title challenger rides motorbikes and quadbikes, and shoots clay pigeons, on this land which is a million miles from a boxing ring.
The farm helps his training, too. He has been known to take natural ice baths in ponds during the winter. He will retreat back to his peaceful solitude between monster sessions at David Haye’s gym.
Chisora’s manager Haye, for his part, is hilariously out of his comfort zone on his first visit to the farm. — Sky Sports
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
Farai Dziva| A senior MDC official has said Zanu PF is deeply reluctant to facilitate the national healing process.
Below is MDC Secretary for National Healing, Peace, Reconciliation and Integration, Blessing Chebundo’s statement:
Zimbabwe national healing; reconciliation; integration and peace building agenda, requires leadership with clear conscience, with political will; who are sincere, and not the type of leadership who are part of perpetrators of human rights violations.
The nation and its citizens continue to witness human rights violations; democratic suppression; the unabated grand state assets stripping/corruption; the abductions of innocent people, and poor economic policies which are all a threat to the emancipation and safety of the citizens. All these breeds discontent among the citizens and are a proof of the level of the regime’s insincerity to heal the wounds of the past atrocities and to prevent recurrences.
What is worrying the MDC, the people’s party, is that the violence and torture in the country is perpetrated mainly by state agents and their ancillaries. Yet state authorities have a duty to ensure people’s safety, and rights to freedom of expression. It is the state’s obligation to facilitate and protect the right of the citizens. Zimbabwe’s problem is however further compounded by what has been seen by many as the government’s unwillingness to engage honestly and genuinely with the past, possibly because a good number of past and current serving senior government officials fear implication.
Indeed it is a hurdle to ensure effective national healing agenda when the perpetrators are the ones in the driving of the healing policies and programmes…
We ought to build confidence, through demonstrated practical political will, and sincerity. The constitutional institutions for healing and human rights’ independence should be strengthened and adequately resourced. You cannot give people confidence, or expect concerted efforts in implementation when the successive political appointed heads of organs for national healing have serious negative human rights records of human rights violations, and abused of their high offices and are implicated in past political violence, such as the case of the immediate past Vice President Mpoko, and the current incumbent, as heads of the institutions for healing and peace. The former’s efforts to convince the nation that events of the Matabeleland and the Midlands massacre was a product of Western conspiracy and nothing that could be blamed on anyone in our own country was a mockery of the people, while the latter’s alleged involvement in cases of political assaults and violence compromise their appointment and trust as heads of organ for healing and peace. It amounts to an attempt to forge national unity and reconciliation through the suppression of truth and constant denial and victim blaming on the part of perpetrators.
Hence the whole agenda lacks political will, and makes people angry and stakeholders, including victims of violence and interested organisations, would not agree to have alleged perpetrators of violence lead the process of healing. True to that, this position is logical and clear as accepting these people is tantamount to expect a criminal to preside over his own trial.
Thus for four decades since independence, Peace continues to elude the nation. And the so called new dispensation Just like its predecessor, have failed the nation and citizens as regards implementation of the Agenda meant to heal the wounds from the past atrocities, and the prevention of further human rights violations, prevention of the state instigated violence, prevention of grand corruption by cartels made up of the ruling elite, and the need to ensure of enabling environment for citizens to choose national leadership freely. All these are major sources of discontent, disharmony among the citizens, and breeds leadership legitimacy crisis that affect peace and national development. Regarding ‘Corruption’ it is both a source of, and consequence of instability and conflict and a factor in exacerbating them
ZIMBABWE needs a meaningful culture of peace.”
Investing in National peace gives the impetus of development. A nation at war with itself/citizens will never enjoy meaningful development
Concerted collective efforts are needed to continue to engage issues around past human rights violations, including the liberation war period. The starting point would be to address the past atrocities in Ernest, with sufficient political will, and in a manner that permanently heals the wounds from past atrocities: reconcile differences; Integrates communities: and prevent future recurrences.
Because, of both the pre and post-colonial state’s failure to uphold the rule of law and guarantee civil and political liberties, Zimbabwe has experienced nine distinct periods of gross human rights violations in pre and post-colonial period 1970 to 2019.
These includes:-
The 1970s gross injustices during the Liberation Struggle
The Gukurahundi campaign between 1983 and 1987 that left more than 20 000 people dead, dislocated the lives of millions and was associated with the deliberate denial of identity documents: humanitarian services: and the general destruction of livelihoods, and instilled perpetual fear.
Violent farm invasions in year 2000. The invasions resulted in the displacement of 400 000 farm workers and displacement of 1.8 million members of farm worker families and the deaths of many farm workers. The violent invasions also resulted in the displacement of over 4000 white farmers of which several were killed.
State-sponsored violence during successive campaigns for national elections beginning 1985 resulting in the death of hundreds of people mainly opposition supporters. Injuries, loss of property, loss of livelihoods, and internally displaced people.
Operation Murambatsvina in May, June and July 2005 that displaced more than 700 000 people, loss of livelihoods and destruction of property.
The brutal 27 June, 2008 Presidential run-off campaign in which more than 300 people were killed, more than 10 000 injured, 20 000 homes were destroyed and more than 200 000 people were displaced.
The 1st August 2018 Harare shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protest on perceived delay and rigging of Presidential elections, now the source of leadership legitimacy crisis.
The 14 January 2019 shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protests on fuel and other commodity skyrocketing price.
The wave of unprecedented abductions during 2019
There is therefore need for ‘Case Specific Taskforce/teams’ to be established for each of the Past atrocity, with clear Terms of References, and timelines, and working within the constitutional framework and with the institutions for peace as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution, and supported with clear, sincere state funding. Reports of the previous but concealed reports of inquiries by state established commissions of inquiry, such as the Chihambwakwe, Chidyausiku, Dumbujena etc commissions, as well as those of independent commissions of inquiry, such as the CCJP, the ZimRights etc should be made available for the Task Teams, whose mandates; inter-alia will be to bring closure to the issues.
That said, the MDC’s ideal, realistic and sincere position on national peace are clearly enunciated in its policy documents, the Sustainable and Modernisation Agenda for Real Transformation Partnership (SMART), and the Zimbabwe’s Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) www.mdc.co.zw, and backed by a leadership that is God fearing, and unlike the 4 decade regime, the MDC leadership have no human blood on its hands.
Thus the MDC’s position is to prioritise the importance of national peace and stability to sustainable development and is committed to facilitating and instituting a national healing, reconciliation, integration and due care program for the victims as a pre-requisite for nation building and sustainable democracy and development.
As a people’s party, with a visionary leadership, the vision for peace based agenda is to create a just, free, peaceful, transparent, integrative, transformative, developmental nation at peace with itself, with every citizen, and with all other nations and peoples.
The party mission is to champion the process of national healing, through correcting past injustices, healing the wounds, preventing recurrences; ushering comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors victims, religious and traditional and cultural leadership: ensuring just, non-vindictive, nation building and integration.
The party is cognisant that, conflict, attrition and intolerance have contributed to the erosion of the Zimbabwean economy.
To reclaim Zimbabwe, mechanisms must be created that eradicate political violence. The wounds of the so many injustices over the years have never healed. The ‘top-down approaches’ have suppressed the voices of survivors and victims. In order to move forward, wrongs of the past must be corrected, but in an inclusive, just and non-vindictive way. The future must not be a prisoner of the past, but equally so, past grievances must not be sacrificed at the altar of future dreams
The legacy of impunity must be addressed, with the view to ensure the non-recurrence of violations of human rights. A comprehensive programme of transitional justice will have to be formulated and implemented. Under this programme, the following principles will apply:
Victim-centred approach.
Comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors, victims, religious and traditional and community leaders.
The duty and obligation on the State to apologise for all atrocities.
The establishment of confessions, truth telling and truth seeking.
Acknowledgement of wrong doing.
Justice, compensation and reparations.
National healing and reconciliation.
Non-repetition (NEVER AGAIN).
Gender equity and gender sensitivities.
Transparency and accountability.
Nation building and reintegration.
As can be seen, the programme combines elements of restorative justice to balance the delicate attainment of both reconciliation and justice in line with transformative agenda. An integral vehicle of the transitional justice programme will be to strengthen the independence of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution.
It would be suffice to cap the effective Policy Interventions and Peace Initiatives with the following committees operating under the umbrella of an adequately equiped National Peace and Reconciliation Commission:
Truth Committee : to conduct individual hearings from perpetrators and victims. Victims of human rights violations will be entitled to give their individual testimonies. A comprehensive process of truth telling by perpetrators as an incentive to amnesty should complement this. It should also be the duty of the Truth Committee to provide legal assistance to victims. Individual testimonies, truth-telling sessions and event-specific hearings should be open to the public except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Commission
Justice and Amnesty Committee (JAC): responsible for recommending whether or not to grant amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations on a case-by-case basis. A criterion should be set to determine the legibility for amnesty such as the context and circumstances of the offense and the nature of the act. The hybrid system recognizes that to facilitate a new, stable and democratic Zimbabwe some amnesty is necessary but the people’s party led administration will not support a blanket amnesty.
The Commission should determine which human rights atrocities are capable of receiving amnesty. The position is that perpetrators should be categorized depending on the gravity and circumstances of human rights crimes committed. JAC should then refer what it considers unpardonable cases to be transferred to the state’s criminal justice department.
Compensation and Healing Committee (CACH) : to determine the need for compensation, the nature of compensation and implementation measures to facilitate access to government services. The position is adoption of three broad modes of compensation outlined below:
Individual Compensation Grants : entail financial compensation to individuals. Although one cannot put monetary value to suffering and pain experienced, this is a way of acknowledging the suffering endured. This compensation will also cover loss of property.
Symbolic Compensation : include helping families to exhume and provide decent burials for loved ones; erection of tombstones; cleansing rituals and ceremonies; expedition in provision of civil documents such as death certificates; legal, medical and psycho-social support for trauma and grief stricken families.
Economic Compensation : The livelihoods of the affected victims potentially suffered significant decline. In addition to politically motivated human rights violations, the administration will be equally committed to redress socio-economic and property rights violations during the identified times. Broadly this will be anchored on macro-economic stabilization and growth in ways that allow equal opportunities to participate in the economic activity as substantiated in the economic blueprints.
Underlying philosophy is that peace will not be durable without economic stability and rebuilding of people’s livelihoods.
Conflict Prevention Committee (CPC) : The role of the CPC is to put in place post-conflict mechanisms that will prevent the recurrence of hostilities and encourage peaceful co-existence. The CPC would seek to make the gains irreversible and ensure that future grievances are solved through institutional and peaceful means.
It will come up with comprehensive programs for government and community interventions to foster a civic political culture. This might be through memorialisation and ritualisation among other initiatives.
Stakeholder Involvement
As already enunciated, the national healing and peace agenda will entail the Commission working in collaboration with civil society, churches, police, army, courts, churches, traditional leaders and other commissions for rights. This is to ensure that people affected at the grassroots level will effectively participate. Citizen participation will be crucial to lend legitimacy to the national healing, reconciliation and integration programme. National consensus and legitimacy are nurtured when all stakeholders’ work together.
National Peace as Tool for Development: as a recognized key component in ensuring lasting peace will be mainstreamed in the national peace agenda in the various reform platform undertaken to rebuilt the nation, includes on: legal reforms, land rationalization, institutional reforms: security reforms: political reforms: social and cultural agenda: economic agenda.
Conclusion
Overally, and centrally to lasting peace is reconciliation, which involves dealing with the past, taking responsibility and acknowledging wrong doing, and the critical first step in reconciliation is this recognition of guilt, with the acceptance of responsibility for atrocities or other events symbolising inter communal and interpersonal relations Hence the people’s administration’s commitment to programme that promote healing, reconciliation and integration of Zimbabwe polarized for more than 4 decades by gross human rights violations. The MDC administration is committed that the approach will encapsulate both justice and reconciliation ends.
Preservation of peace is a foundation to build a stable and democratic society bonded by the common spirit of national belonging. Ultimately the State will foster a culture of social dialogue as a means to resolve differences and conflict.
Hon Blessing Chebundo
National Secretary : MDC Policy Organ for National Healing: Peace: Reconciliation and Integration (NHPRI)
Dear Editor-COTRAD held exchange visit programs in Masvingo Central Constituency at Mutirikwi Nursery in Ward 18 and Shonganiso Mission in Ward 16 respectively.
The exchange programs were attended by German Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency, Dr Thorsten Hutter and WFD Team (WFD is an implementing organisation of the (CPS) Civil Peace Service Programme) and the Masvingo public officials and residents.
The exchange visit served as a platform for a peaceful face-to-face exchange of information, exchange of experiences and ideas between community members, public officials and the embassy on COTRAD social accountability and peace building work in Masvingo.
The participants applauded the impact of COTRAD intervention in addressing sources of conflict in Masvingo Rural which includes misinformation of rural communities by politicians and public officials, partisan distribution of government aid, conflicts over access to land and conflicts over the conservation of trees and the environment.
The communities have acknowledged that COTRAD has improved the capacity of young men and women in ward 16 and 18 in terms of peace building, conflict prevention and social accountability monitoring through community trainings, facilitating the provision of non-partisan youth friendly and women oriented engagement platforms with public officials through community meetings, women forums, peace gardens and sports for peace as well as improving the provision alternative sources of information through establishing and equipping information kiosks at ward level.
The participants requested COTRAD to: scale up its current interventions to new wards, increase and continue servicing the information centres with necessary documents and current information material and to blend peace building initiatives with livelihoods activities in order to achieve sustainable peace and community development.
The traditional leaders and local public officials have asked COTRAD to conduct constitutional literacy and leadership training.-COTRAD
Farai Dziva|The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged Zimbabweans to take a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration.
The department has also warned that the exceedingly high temperatures being experienced in most parts of the country will persist.
“In light of the expected hot conditions, the public is urged to carry sunhats for outdoor activities and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration particularly water, avoiding a prolonged stay in the sun, avoiding outdoor activities protecting yourselves from the sun by using umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats …,” said the department in a statement.
By Melinda Moyo | The City Of Harare should with immediate effect implement the following resolutions so as to protect the image of the city, fight Brain-Drain & and have an improved service delivery by its Fire & Ambulance Services Dept.
1)The City Should Provide Better Salaries, In this case move the grade of firefighters and ambulance technician from 11 to 9 with immediate effect.
2)The Management & Some Senior personal in the emergency services dept should be relieved off duty & pave way for new blood& enegertic people
3)All Fire Sub-stations & other council properties should be equipped with solar systems for lighting as well as refurbished.
4)The Canteen Services be improved to suit our emergency services personal or be abolished & new players introduced
5)Provision of transport to & from work for all council employees
6) Emergency Services personal risk allowances be increased by not less than 100%
7) Barbaric Behaviours & Mistreatment of fire & ambulance personal(Unnecessary punishments and all day long donkey work) by their seniors be abolished with immediate effect. Other alternative to instill discipline be implemented.
8)The City should purchase more ambulances & fire appliances, not waiting for donations as is the case ( from operation Florian).
9)All Fire stations be provided with cooking staff and call room personal, not what is currently happening in some of the stations
10) Decentralisation of fire dept, a sub-station should be fully equipped with a station officer in place & his or her juniors. Fire appliances & ambulances be readily available there not the current state whereby a sub-station only has one appliance available.
11) Recruitment should be done according to book, and the City should not recruit people to be taken by other countries e.g UAE & Saudi Arabia, that’s why we are saying improve their salaries & meet world payment gauges.
12)The Emergency ServicesDept be treated as a major priority in City’s budgets.
13)Corrupt Fire, Ambulance servi & Municipal Police top management be closely monitored.
14) All council vehicles be given a City’s white plate, including those being used by top management
15)The City should drill boreholes on all council properties, not the current state whereby we see fire appliances fetching water in containers for other station use, the public will see the City as using that water to fight fires, we say no to all that.
16) All council employees be given identity cards, with immediate effect.
17)The training of recruits & moving them to other depts should be abolished, as this will leave a gap again & it’s a wastage of resources as in training someone & then just change them to other departments.
18)The City should meet salary payment deadlines.
These are some of the things the City should implement with immediate effect, so that the City will not lose its employees in the Fire & Ambulance Dept to other countries,So As an Analyst Fighting for sanity in the City I would like to see service being improved by the fire & ambulance dept, for a better & quality service as well as improved employee morale. So I say once again no to barbaric treatment & I’ll practices to our firefighters(punishments & non-work related activities), they risk for us so lets treat them with respect
Farai Dziva|MDC provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central Province George Gwarada believes Emmerson Mnangagwa has lost the people’s trust in the province.
Gwarada was commenting on the postponement of a Zanu PF rally in the area -due to poor coordination.
“People in the province are tired of the Mnangagwa regime. This is clearly shown by poor attendance at their functions, despite trying to bus people from all the districts. In short, Mash Central is just fed up with Zanu PF,” Gwarada told a daily publication.
He added:“There is only one way to save Mnangagwa from further humiliation, that is dialogue with Chamisa, but he (Mnangagwa) has to be sincere…”
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
The late former president Robert Mugabe’s son, Chatunga has said he will not be making any investment in Zimbabwe for the next 5 years in case he suffers financial losses.
The man who removed his father,
Emmerson Mnangagwa has another (about) 5 years left.
Young Mugabe said he is not interested in doing business considering the current financial crises.
By A Correspondent- A Bulawayo prophet and his two accomplices have appeared in court for allegedly stealing US$500 and property worth RTGS$6 000 armed with a pistol and disguised as police officers.
Robertson Khulekani Koti (29) of Nketa 8 suburb, Frond Mbiba (39) of Old Luveve suburb and Mthulisi Brighton Mpofu (39) of Emganwini suburb allegedly stole from Ms Sithokozile Sibanda (17) of Ntabazinduna Flats in Makokoba suburb in the absence of her employer.
The stolen property includes a 55-inch Sonny plasma television set, a Samsung microwave, open view decoder, Dstv decoder, a laptop, two apple iPods, a gread v11t diagnosis machine, a wrist watch, 8×2 litres of cooking oil, 8×2 kilogrammes Maq washing powder and a box of Koo baked beans.
The trio was not asked to plead to armed robbery when they appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Ulukile Muleya-Ndlovu.
The magistrate remanded them in custody to November 4.
Koti is also being charged separately after he was allegedly found in possession of 1,9 metres of python skin worth $2 000, hedgehog skin worth $1 500 and a warthog tooth worth $ 1 000.
He was not asked to plead to possession of a specially protected animal trophy (python skin), possession of a hedgehog skin and tooth of a warthog charges when he appeared before the magistrate.
He was also remanded to November 4 on the charges.
Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on October 2 this year at around 10AM, Ms Sibanda was at home when she was approached by Koti and his accomplices.
“The accused persons who were armed with a gun and handcuffs introduced themselves as police officers and asked where the owner of the house was,” he said.
Upon realising that she was alone, the men allegedly forced the girl into a bedroom where they covered her with a blanket before ransacking the house and stealing property.
Koti and his accomplices allegedly packed the property into a Toyota vehicle they had hired.
The matter was reported to the police and investigations were carried out leading to the trio’s arrest.
Police allegedly recovered two iPads, two wrist watches and one decoder in Mbiba’s house.The television and the microwave were recovered in Magwegwe suburb at a pawn broker.
A diagnosis machine was also recovered.
The firearm used in the offence was not recovered.
Property worth RTGS$ 4 000 was recovered.
Searches were also conducted at Koti’s house where detectives recovered a blue travelling bag in his bedroom which had the python skin, a hedgehog skin and a warthog tooth.
Koti failed to account for the recovered items leading to his arrest.
By A Correspondent- Workers in the general agriculture sector have been awarded an 84,62% salary increment, which will see the lowest paid employee getting $360 a month.
According to the collective bargaining agreement, the highest paid employee would now get $720 from $390.
Before the adjustment, the least paid employee was earning $195.
However, the new wage adjustment, which became effective on October 1, has been described as too little to cushion workers from the prevailing economic hardships.
Inflationary pressures have seen the cost of living rising beyond the reach of many in the southern African nation as prices of basic commodities have more than quadrupled in recent months, resulting in the poverty datum line for an average family of five skyrocketing to $1 617 in July.
The wage agreement, signed on October 18, was reached by the parties which included Zimbabwe Agricultural Employers Organisation, Zimbabwe Commercial Farmers’ Union, Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union, Commercial Farmers’ Union, Zimbabwe Tobacco Association, General and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe and Horticulture General Agriculture and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe as well as Horticulture General Agriculture and Plantation Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe.All amounts were rounded off to the nearest $1, the agreement reads.
“An establishment or employees may apply to the National Employment Council within 14 days for an exemption of partial exemption or review from paying wages as set up in the above schedule, stating the reasons why that application should be considered,” reads part of the memo.
Progressive Agriculture and Allied Industries Workers’ Union of Zimbabwe general-secretary Raymond Sixpence accused workers’ unions, who took part in the negotiations, of conniving with the employers to impoverish workers.
“It’s still the same wine in a new bottle. There is nothing to cheer or celebrate. We are going to negotiate for a living wage on the farms with each individual employer. These unions are betraying the workers. They are sleeping in bed with employers,” Sixpence said.
“None can survive with this paltry wage. We are allowed to negotiate in terms of the Labour Act chapter 28:01,” he added.
At its peak, Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector used to provide 45% of the country’s exports, 60% of all raw materials used by local industry and 70% employment.
But now the figures have plummeted, due to a combination of challenges such as recurrent droughts that have preceded chaotic land reform programme in the wake of unavailability of cheap agriculture funding, among other constraints.
By A Correspondent- Four machete-wielding illegal gold panners allegedly raided a Kwekwe homestead and robbed the owner of cellphones, R220 and $11 before taking turns to rape his wife while he watched helplessly.
The quartet stormed the victims’ home recently armed with machetes and threatened to attack them before robbing them of their money and cellphones. They then tied the husband with a piece of cloth and allegedly took turns to rape his wife.
This emerged when two of the suspects, Onias Masanhiko (20) and Ernest Sibanda (35) approached the High Court seeking bail pending trial. They face armed robbery and rape charges.
Masanhiko and Sibanda, through their lawyers Mavhiringidze and Mashanyare Legal Practitioners, filed an application for bail at the Bulawayo High Court citing the State as a respondent.
In their bail statement, the two applicants are denying the charges, arguing that they were not at the scene of the crime on that particular day.
“It is the applicants’ submission that they had visited their uncle in the area after he had invited them to assist him in his mining activities. The applicants have never been at the complainants’ place of residence or committed the offences on that particular day as they had gone to Battlefields to collect some of their clothes. They were actually taken by surprise when they got arrested for offences that they had no idea of,” said the applicants’ lawyers.
The two accused persons argued that there were no compelling reasons warranting their continued detention. They submitted that there was no evidence by the State that if released on bail, they would abscond due to the gravity of the offence.
“It is submitted that the mere fact that the offences are grievous does not disentitle the applicants from bail if there are no compelling reasons to deny them. It is apparent that the applicants are of fixed abode. In any event, the applicants proffered plausible defences and the court should therefore lean in favour of bail as there are no compelling reasons to dictate otherwise,” argued the lawyers.
Masanhiko and Sibanda said they were proper candidates for bail and offered to strictly adhere to any stipulated bail conditions imposed by the court in the event that they are released on bail.
According to court papers, on September 1 this year, the two men ganged up with Anesu Mpofu (25) and Tarisai Mupundu (37) and went to the complainants’ home in Major Compound in Kwekwe where they force opened the door using machetes.
They stormed the house and found the complainants, a husband and wife, sleeping in their bedroom. They woke up the couple and demanded money amid threats to strike them with machetes.
Out of fear, the victims handed over their cellphones to the accused persons. They assaulted the victims before demanding money. The victims showed the quartet where they kept their money. Mpofu tied the male victim’s hand using a piece of cloth and they took R220 and $11.
After robbing the couple, they force marched the female complainant for about 100 metres where they allegedly took turns to rape her without protection before they fled into the darkness.
A report was made to the police leading to the arrest of Masanhiko and Sibanda. Their two accomplices are still at large.
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) yesterday said it had set up a crowd-funding platform through their affiliate associations to ease financial problems faced by its members, particularly those who did not receive their salaries last week.
The doctors, who also claim they are receiving indirect threats to force them to abandon their nearly two months’ strike, said the non-payment of salaries had further impoverished them.
“The most recent assault has been the withholding of October salaries for all doctors who have not been reporting to work due to the very fact that they are financially liquidated,” ZHDA representative Tawanda Zvakada said.
Health Services Board chairperson Paulinus Sikosana has, however, denied reports that government suspended salaries for the striking doctors, claiming that some doctors were omitted by mistake.
“The HSB receives consolidated information from registers compiled by individual hospitals. For senior doctors, this is based on an on-call roster and as such if the doctor on-call was called to attend to patients and did not come, they were considered to be absent from work,” he said.
Addressing the media at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals yesterday, Zvakada, who was flanked by other members of the ZHDA executive, said while they acknowledged attempts by government in addressing their pleas, the offers fell short of their expectations.
Although their employer dragged them to court which ordered them to go back to work, the doctors have said they remain incapacitated to go back to work.
“While the willingness to comply with the ruling is there, we maintain that we remain physically and materially incapacitated,” Zvakada said.
Of concern to doctors is the fact that they have received threats.
“We as the ZHDA leadership, we feel there are indirect threats that have been made towards us. We condemn such actions if indeed they were directed to us or if there is anyone planning to do so,” they said.
The threats come three weeks after ZHDA president Peter Magombeyi was allegedly abducted and tortured by suspected State security agents and had to be flown to South Africa to receive further treatment.
Meanwhile, suspected Zanu PF members took to social media yesterday describing the doctors’ strike as a political move being sponsored by the United States government.
This followed President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s remarks last week that there was a third force behind the doctors’ strike. He alleged that his government had discovered that there were four or five leaders who went to meetings at night and came back to influence others not to return to work.
The suspected Zanu PF members went on Twitter, accusing human rights lawyer Doug Coltart of handing over US$19 300 to ZHDA spokesperson Masimba Ndoro at Fishmonger Belgravia to cushion doctors who failed to receive their salaries.
But Coltart refuted the allegations, accusing Zanu PF of making desperate allegations to divert attention from the strike.
By A Correspondent- There was chaos at the burial of the late Mugodhi Apostolic sect leader Tandewu Mugodhi’s in Wedza on Saturday after two factions clashed over the burial site and the appointment of his son as heir apparent.
Three police officers, who were at the site, had a torrid time quelling the chaos as sect members exchanged harsh words, while some shouted unprintable words as the leadership wrangle within one of the biggest apostolic sects in the country escalated.
A faction opposed to the elevation of Mugodhi’s son Washington was left seething with anger after he was ordained sect leader against a High Court ruling which recognised vice-bishop Tonnie Sigauke as the bona fide successor.
High Court judge Justice Owen Tagu made the determination on September 4, 2019, after sect members petitioned the court, seeking an order to interdict Tandewu from appointing Washington the acting vice-bishop and to act on his behalf.
Justice Tagu further said Tandewu’s move was a breach of the sect’s constitution.
In his ruling, Justice Tagu said: “The first respondent (Tandewu) be and is hereby interdicted from carrying out his duties until he has been cleansed in terms of the applicant’s constitution.
“The first, second, third and fourth respondents (Tandewu, Washington, Innocent and Enock Mugodhi) together with their families be and are hereby interdicted from interfering in the operations of the applicant (Sigauke).
“The pronouncement by the first respondent that the second respondent is now the acting vice-bishop be and is hereby declared unlawful. The vice-bishop Tonnie Sigauke be and is hereby confirmed as acting bishop.”
There were also frantic efforts to bar Tandewu from being buried at the sect’s headquarters. The disgruntled sect members tried to use traditional leadership in the area to stop the burial without success.
Tandewu was buried at the sect headquarters where his father Elijah Mugodhi, who died in 1971 is buried.
Giving a speech during the burial ceremony, one of the leaders revealed that all was not well within the sect as some members were jostling for top posts.
A family member, who preferred anonymity, told NewsDay that there had been efforts by the anti-Tandewu faction to take over the leadership long before his death.
“There have been efforts to seize leadership from the Mugodhi family. This is why there was chaos at the funeral wake. They tried to bar him from being buried at the sect headquarters despite other bishops being buried there. Some of the members feel that the family should not be involved in the church leadership, which is wrong.
They are against the elevation of Washington and it is not looking good. When Tandewu was no longer feeling well, some of his enemies changed the constitution without his knowledge as they were trying to stage a coup,” the family member said.
Tandewu died last week after a long battle with cancer.
By A Correspondent- Zanu PF secretary for administration Obert Mpofu has sued the party’s Youth Affairs deputy secretary Lewis Matutu for $10 million.
The lawsuit emanates from claims made by Matutu during a press conference on June 24 this year against Mpofu, where he claimed that the latter is corrupt. The summons read in part:
The content of the statement was widely disseminated in the local print and electronic media and on various social media platforms.
… That the plaintiff’s corrupt inclinations continue to undermine socio-economic transformation in Zimbabwe and, as a result, defendant’s generation is suffering.
Mpofu argued that his reputation and standing as a businessman, politician has been damaged in the eyes of the public because of the statement.
He further contended that the corruption allegations made by Matutu are false, malicious, scandalous, wrongful and defamatory to him.
The government has been urged to probe the high cases of continued open defecation in rural areas where in some communities, people are shunning toilets due to cultural beliefs, risking the spread of infectious diseases.
The Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC), in its latest report, said open defecation was prevalent in all provinces with practice high in Matabeleland North.
“Open defecation was reported across all provinces, and is high in the Matabeleland region, requires further in-depth investigations, including identification of social-cultural barriers to the uptake of optimum sanitation facilities and practices,” ZimVAC said.
Open defecation is the disposal of human waste in fields, forests, bushes, open bodies of water or other open spaces or with solid waste.
All the 12 districts in Matabeleland North had more than 50% of households practising open defecation at the time of the ZimVAC assessment with Binga district being the most affected at 74.3%.
“Open defecation was most prevalent in Matabeleland North. Binga had the highest proportion of households at 74.3% practising open defecation. 12 districts had more than 50% practising open defecation at the time of the assessment.
“Elimination of open defecation through availing of resources (both software and hardware) for the construction of latrines is recommended. Customised service standards should reconcile with technology choice and service levels with the economic capacity of user groups,” said ZimVAC.
It also noted the proportion of households without hand-washing facilities at their toilets was more than 80% in all districts in the country and this increased the risk of the spread of infectious diarrhoea related diseases such as cholera.
ZimVAC is a consortium of government, development agencies, UN, NGOs, technical agencies and academia whose mandate is to promote a multi-sectoral response to food insecurity and nutrition problems.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa has been dubbed a transitional leader whose role is to stabilise the country after the disastrous 37 years of the late former president Robert Mugabe’s reign.
This was said by a political analyst, Rashweat Mukundu, who claimed that the government does not have a solution to the current economic crisis. He said:
Reacting to a situation after it gets out of hand means that Mnangagwa is failing to galvanise the country towards a national vision, but remains trapped in petty politics and power struggles.
Like it or not, Mnangagwa is a transitional leader and his historical role is to stabilise Zimbabwe after the disastrous years of (the later former president Robert) Mugabe and that role necessitates reaching out to all without preconditions so that Zimbabwe can focus on its developmental needs.
Mukundu accused the ruling ZANU PF party of negotiating in bad faith and not interested in the betterment of citizens’ welfare but on wealth accumulation.
Revellers will be disappointed to know that Delta Beverages has postponed the Castle Lager National Braai Day which was scheduled to take place this coming Friday and Saturday. According to the beverages manufacturer, the event will be held at a later day which is too advised. However, Delta did not mention the reasons for postponing the much-awaited annual event although Friday there will be the anti Sanctions march which has been declared a public holiday by the government.
In a statement, the company said,
PRESS RELEASE
DELTA BEVERAGES
Harare, Zimbabwe (22 October 2019)
The Castle Lager National Braai Day Postponement!
The Castle Lager National Braai Day activation which was scheduled for the 25 to the 26th of October 2019 at Old Hararians Sports Club in Harare has been postponed to a date to be advised.
Further communication on tickets already bought for the event will follow in due course. Any inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted.
Chippa United coach Norman Mapeza says his charges will bounce back to their winning ways when they host Bloemfontein Celtic in a Telkom Knockout clash at the Sisa Dukashe Stadium in Mdantsane on Tuesday.
Kickoff is at 7.30pm.
Mapeza, who has been with the Port Elizabeth-based outfit for three weeks, said he was ready to debut as Chilli Boys head coach and was confident his side would give their best performance against Siwelele.
“This is my third week now and everything has been going ahead as planned,” Mapeza said.
“Everyone has been working hard at training because we are trying to bring the team back to winning ways.”
He said they were hoping for a victory to push them into the quarterfinals of the competition.
More importantly, a win would boost the players’ confidence to help move the club away from the basement of the league.
Chippa have played eight league matches, but have failed to secure maximum points in all of them, leaving them with only four points after four draws.
“We are trying to move away from the position we are in on the log standings, and we just hope everything goes well for us and we’ll get the result which will take us forward” Mapeza said.
“I can’t complain from what I’ve seen from the boys.
“They are all willing to work and I think the club’s biggest challenge was not winning games.
“But from what I’ve seen in the past weeks the guys are pushing themselves.
“They know every game we play is a must-win, whether it’s Telkom Knockout or any other.
“I think there are quality players,” Mapeza said.
“I watched them playing a training match against Bafana Bafana [against Mali] and I think they did very well there.”
Chilli Boys long-serving striker Andile Mbenyane said a victory against Siwelele would give them the positive mindset every professional team needed to bounce back in the PSL.
He said Mapeza was doing a great job in reviving the players’ confidence and that he had earned their respect.
Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) supporters hold a placard with a picture of their leader Duma Boko during a campaign rally in Gaborone on October 19, 2019. Botswana holds its general elections on October 23, 2019 in race deemed unpredictable following the falling out between President Mokgwetsi Masisi and his predecessor Ian Khama who is backing the opposition Botswana Patriotic Front candidate Biggie Butale.
Botswana, often hailed as an oasis of peace and stability in Africa because of its regular smooth transfer of power, will be entering uncharted territory when it holds its keenly awaited general elections on Wednesday October 23.
Former president Ian Khama has broken with tradition to challenge his successor Mokgwetsi Masisi in the polls and his shadow will loom large over the polls with his breakaway party – the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF) – contest elections for the first time.
Lt Gen Khama claims BPF will get at least 14 seats in Parliament with some analysts predicting an outcome ranging from too close to call to a historic defeat for the Botswana Democratic Party that has ruled the country since independence.
In the last elections five years ago, the BDP lost the popular vote after it got 47 percent but secured 37 seats against the opposition’s 20 to retain power thanks to Botswana’s first past–the–post democracy.
An Afrobarometer poll carried out in July and August predicted an easy win for the BDP. “In a hypothetical election, the ruling Botswana Democratic Party would enjoy a 2 to 1 lead over the opposition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC),” Afrobarometer said.
More than half of the respondents – 56 per cent – said they identified with the BDP against 22 percent who said they were with UDC.
Only two per cent said they identified with Lt Gen Khama’s BPF but Peter Fabricius, a consultant at the South Africa based Institute of Security Studies (ISS), insisted that the former president’s defection from the ruling party had made the outcome of the polls unpredictable.
Uncertain outcome
“Former president Lt Gen Ian Khama is the wild card in this week’s Botswana elections. His bitter public fallout with his successor Masisi has made the outcome uncertain and raised some concerns about political and economic post-election stability,” he said in a preview of the polls published by the ISS.
Mr Fabricius believes the UDC – a loose coalition of opposition parties – presents the biggest threat to the BDP as it has the potential to split the ruling party’s rural stronghold.
In central Botswana, Lt Gen Khama’s Bamangwato clan where he is a chief, has overwhelmingly voted for the ruling party in its previous 11 consecutive victories since independence.
It is now backing BPF to which the former president’s younger brother Tshekedi, a minister in President Masisi’s government, defected on the eve of the polls.
Open Society for Southern Africa executive director Sipho Malunga said BPF, even without wrestling power, would hurt BDP “badly”
He said Lt Gen Khama had revived BDP’s popularity especially in rural areas by virtue of being chief of the Bamangwato; the majority ethnic group in the central region.
“Their allegiance to their (chief) improved the fortunes of the BDP. Now that he has severed ties with the BDP, many of his subjects may follow suit,” Mr Malunga said in Africa Report.
Lt Gen Khama has joined forces with his BPF candidate Biggie Butale and other opposition leaders including Duma Boko of the UDC.
Foreign funding
Mr Butale has made audacious promises including creation of 100, 000 jobs, fourfold increase in pensions, doubling the minimum wage and increasing student allowances by 56 percent.
“We should come up with an innovative youth development programme. In government we would get rid of inertia, red tape and ensure equity, fairness and social justice,” Mr Butale said during the country’s first ever Presidential debate on October 16.
Organised by a coalition of non-government organisations, the debate pitted President Masisi, Boko, Butale and the Alliance for Progressives’ Ndaba Gaolathe on matters including the economy, foreign policy and governance.
President Masisi has promised to step up the fight against corruption which is believed to be at the center of his falling out with Lt Gen Khama and his allies.
Since coming into power President Masisi has reversed most of Lt Gen Khama’s signature policies including the relaxation of alcohol trading hours, restoring relations with China and lifting a ban on trophy hunting.
Despite a peaceful give-and-take campaign, the alleged financing of the opposition by South African businessman, has raised temperatures.
Authorities seized aircraft belonging to the businessman that was used by Mr Boko during the campaigns.
“Never in history of the country has the result of an election been so uncertain,” Mr Malunga wrote, relying on projections by Fitch Solutions that showed BDP at 35 percent of the vote and the opposition alliance at 40 per cent
Garnering the 29 seats required for an outright win may prove elusive for both the BDP and the opposition.
All female immigration officers during the pre-dawn operation “Good Morning Madam Immigration Officer” held at Beitbridge Border Post. Pictures by Thupeyo Muleya
The Department of Immigration today launched an all-female enforcement and compliance operation dubbed “Good Morning Madam Immigration Officer” which seeks to clamp down on illegal immigrants, touts, child and human smugglers among other criminal vices at Beitbridge Border Post.
The 14 member team led by Assistant Regional Immigration Officer (ARIO), Mrs Memory Mugwagwa took many dealers by surprise. According the ARIO-in-charge Beitbridge Mr Nqobile Ncube, the operation saw hundreds of travellers being turned away from the border for violating various sections of the Immigration Act.
All female immigration officers during the pre-dawn operation “Good Morning Madam Immigration Officer” held at Beitbridge Border Post. Pictures by Thupeyo Muleya
He said most of those turned away had full passports and cited issues at the Passport Office, while some travellers turned themselves away when they took notice of the operation.
“Our officers managed to uplift eight passports for irregular movements and the owners were instructed to pay fines. In addition, 30 arrests were effected on those who contravened various sections of the Immigration Act (e.g. noncompliance, entry by evasion and not possessing travel documents). The arrested were escorted to the police post to pay fines,” said Mr Ncube.
The senior immigration officer also said that 38 cars were turned at away at the port of entry for carrying undocumented passengers. The drivers, he said, were warned and cautioned.
According to Dr Peter Magombeyi, the salaries of doctors in Zimbabwe have been slashed from $1,800 a month to a mere $80. This left doctors unable to sustain themselves and their families. Many of them cannot even afford to pay for transportation. The drastic salary cut was never communicated to doctors officially: the news came via an SMS notification.
The decrease in salaries is speculated to be a consequence of switching from the US dollar to the RTGS dollar, Zimbabwe’s new currency. With the prices of essential commodities soaring by nearly 1,000%, Zimbabwe’s economy is at an all-time low, leaving most of the population unable to afford basic living expenses.
Resources such as fuel are scarce, and the country is in the throes of rolling power cuts, some lasting up to 18 hours. Many patients have been turned away from their surgical appointments because of the power cuts and those on life support are in a precarious position, to say the least.
In the midst of severe economic unrest, the Zimbabwean healthcare system has collapsed. Just under 2,000 doctors serve a population of 14-million, who are largely unemployed.
“This collective job action is not a strike; we are incapacitated,” said Magombeyi.
Magombeyi, who practises as a doctor at the Harare Central Hospital, said the current working conditions of healthcare practitioners were tantamount to slave labour.
“Imagine being in a hospital that accepts all referrals, and then not having things as simple as gloves or bandages. Patients have to buy and bring their own test tubes,” Magombeyi said.
In some instances, patients are forced to buy medication privately. “We don’t even have Paracetamol,” Magombeyi said. Paracetamol is the most basic pain medication. Millions of Zimbabweans who rely on the public healthcare system bear the brunt of the under-resourced facilities as they are unable to access the private healthcare system.
“The private system is for the rich and politicians, and they often have the option of flying out of the country to access healthcare,” said Magombeyi.
He described the situation in Zimbabwean hospitals as a “silent genocide”.
“Our government is averse to truth-telling. When we speak out about what is happening, we are labelled as a third force trying to destabilise the country; if you tell the truth, you become an enemy of the state. We can no longer subsidise the government, our people must know exactly what is happening.
“The government should have policies that enable us to look after the population, and that is not happening. We subscribe to the codes of health practice that outline that we cannot do harm to our patients. If the government does not create policies that allow us to execute our duties in a safe manner, then our patients’ lives are at risk.”
The public healthcare system in Zimbabwe has become dysfunctional even at the lowest level of care. The primary healthcare system is severely incapacitated, forcing their referrals onto even more incapacitated central hospitals, which are supposed to cater to the needs of patients from all over the country.
“There are very high rates of death linked to HIV/AIDS as well as chronic illnesses such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Thousands of people have died,” Magombeyi lamented.
On 21 October, doctors in Zimbabwe had been on an “incapacitated” demonstration for 50 days. None of them has received a salary since they embarked on demonstrations against the government. Magombeyi said the government had refused to respond to the healthcare crisis with any degree of urgency. He criticised the state for skirting around the issue of remuneration of healthcare givers.
He further refuted government claims that there were only five doctors who were disgruntled with the state of affairs and influencing other doctors to take part in the demonstrations.
“How can 1,600 doctors be influenced by five people? Our requests are not a matter of greed, we are not being unreasonable either, our patients are dying. Thousands have already died. If we don’t advocate for them, who will?” asked Magombeyi.
Despite the doctors’ continued action of incapacitation, Magombeyi clarified that the collective job action was structured so that emergency cases were still attended to.
“It’s not that we are all on leave at once. We have doctors on call to attend to life-threatening cases. If a patient is identified as baton red, they are attended to. We are an essential service and we honour those ethical engagements.”
Doctors and the government are at a stalemate, as doctors continue their collective job action awaiting a favourable resolution to address their dire situation.
Warriors winger Khama Billiat has announced the launch of the Khama Billiat Foundation which is aimed at improving lives through sports.
The forward who plays for Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa becomes the latest national team star to set up a charitable organisation as he looks to give back to the community.
According to the foundation’s vision, Billiat and partners want to contribute to society by positively impacting and changing the lives of the less privileged.
They will achieve this by organising sports tournaments, fundraising and donations.
Other players that have taken the same path include Kudakwashe Mahachi who helps the elderly in Bulawayo and Marshall Munetsi who is paying schools fees for kids in Mabvuku.
Tendai Darikwa has also been helping with football kits in rural areas while Tinotenda Kadewere and Willard Katsande run annual football tournaments in their respective home areas.
Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things that the Lord hates ,seven that are an abomination to him; haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devices wicked plans , feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies and one who sows discord among brothers”
Although the above Biblical verse mentions all the bad this Zanu PF regime is currently doing I will only concentrate on the lying lips of Zanu PF people.
Zimbabweans do you remember the then Minister of Energy Dr Joram Gumbo when he was beamed daily on Zbctv assuring the nation that Zimbabweans need not panic as the country had enough fuel.
In less than a week the country was nearly dry.You all remember the daily statements and reasons for fuel shortages which this illegitimate regime issued. Why should a people’s government lie to its people.?
It would be best for Zbctv to rewind and flight the 2017 and 2018 statements Dr Gumbo on the fuel situation for this government to hear.I definitely assure you if those statements were to be rebroadcast some Zanu PF leaders will commit suicide….nokunyara!One wonder if these ZanuPF leaders after such blasphemous statements they ever discuss with their spouses?Surely many marriages in ZanuPF would not see the light of the next day, as many would think even in marital its their in- born thing to lie.
Zimbabweans who have followed the Command Agriculture bumper harvest statements would have thought Zimbabwe will be exporting grain to neighbouring countries.
Its a pity that Zanu PF is acknowledging it now that Zimbabwe is in a serious food deficient. Only when Zanu PF was dishing out maize in a vote buying exercise in 2018 the government boasted of the success of Command Agriculture operations. Zbctv and The Herald as Zanu PF mouthpiece praised the operation .Its a pity that the state media are now praising the same government of securing foreign currency to import maize from neighbouring countries. *What an irony !! Sure Annanias and Sapphire deserved to die for lying …this evil party doesnt deserve support…lying to the taxpayers who fund the programmes…satanic!!
Prof Ncube and President Mnangagwa categorically stated that the prices of goods and services will stabilize and go down by June.
When the two were making such statements bread was $2.90 now $15.75 ;upfu was $6.10 a kg but now its $ 54 .80 or more.One wonders if these Zanu PF leaders really know the difference of prices going down or up?
How many things have these monsters lied to the nation ?It seems they are not ashamed to lie.These are pathological liars.If Zanu PF leaders do tell you that they have two wives or two eyes believe it with a pinch of salt.
When they are saying the economy is failing to perform because of sanctions ,will you believe them?
If you believe Zanu PF leaders statements ,better your relatives seek a psychological help for you before its too late. *Vane shavi rokunyepa vanhu ava !Vanosvikirwa nevakafa vane menduru dzokunyepa !! Surely if there was a world cup for lying Zanu PF would the undisputed champions.
President Mnangagwa told the people of Masvingo that Mashava and Masvingo Cold Storage Commission will be fully operational by 2018 August…what a lie!!
What happened with the billion dollar mega deals which we were promised will change the economic situation of the country?
Harare -Masvingo -Beit Bridge highway was to be completed by end of 2019 according to these pathological liars…..today not even 100km is tarred.
“The President is safe and sound.We are only targeting the criminals surrounding the President…” Ohoo My God it has taken this long to arrest the criminals. Mugabe is no more before he saw the criminals who were surrounding him.These Zanu PF leaders are world class liars.
In soccer when the Warriors were about to depart for Egypt the ZanuPF leaders promised the nation that they will fundraise more than $500 000 !….The Acting Minister of Sport promised the nation audited records of the funds but up to now the nation is still waiting.
Zimbabwe Netball team’s hopes of making it into the podium positions we dented by a ruthless Malawi side who capitalised on every mistake the Gems made and at the end of the match it was Malawi walking off court with a 71-46 win over Zimbabwe.
The first quarter started off on fire as both Southern African teams traded point for point until the Malawi surged ahead thanks to 2 intercepts off Patricia Maluladi’s attempted passes and closed the first stanza 11-16.
The second quarter started off exactly the same way as the firtt quarter until an injury to goal shooter Joice Takaidza who never looked healed from yesterday’s fall, sucked out the impetus from the Gems and from there onwards it was Malawi who dominated the game.
Coach Ropafadzo Mutsauki later introduced Lorraine Manjoro for Patricia Mauladi, Sharon Bwanali came in at goal shooter with Ursula playing as the goal attacker but the changes in the final third of the court never paid dividends and the technical bench was quick to rectify it as they brought in Linda Nkorongo for Ursula and Sharon moved to her familiar attacking position and fluidity returned to the team but all this while Malawi was just surging further ahead.
At the end of the match, Coach Ropa bemoaned the injury to Joice and the lack of preparations going into the tournament.
“Overally we played well, we could have done better this game and the tournament in general but the injury to Joice affected the team’s rhythm and we took time to recover.
Going forward we need to have sound preparations just like what we did when going for the world cup and the results were telling for everyone, we can not do more if we prepare well and it’s a lesson that we have learnt, ” said the stand in coach.
The Gems now finish the tournament ranked 4th and need to make sure they play in future competitions to improve their rankings.
Warriors coach Joey Antipas will now shift his focus to the 2021 Afcon qualifiers after successfully led the national team composed of locally-based players to the 2020 CHAN finals over the weekend.
The Afcon qualifying campaign begins next month, and Zimbabwe are in Group H along with Algeria, Zambia and Botswana.
They will play two games during the November international break, starting with a home encounter against Botswana on the 15th of the month.
The Warriors will then travel to Zambia four days later for their second Group H match.
Meanwhile, ZIFA is yet to confirm the venue for Botswana match.
LONDON. — Jose Mourinho claims Manchester United’s tactics skewered Liverpool as he bizarrely claimed Jurgen Klopp “liked meat but got fish”.
Kop boss Klopp certainly looked crabby as VAR decisions went against his English Premier League football leaders in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
But former United boss Mourinho believes Klopp’s biggest beef will be Liverpool failing to cope with United’s “solid” defensive tactics.
Klopp’s men floundered in the first half, Marcus Rashford’s opener for United being awarded after video replays, just before VAR ruled out a Sadio Mane equaliser. But midfielders Adam Lallana and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain came off the bench to get Liverpool out of a stew.
And it was fit-again Lallana who tapped home to put Klopp’s men six points clear of Manchester City, albeit the first time Liverpool have failed to win in their nine Premiership games this season.
And noting Liverpool’s poultry first-half display, Mourinho said of Klopp: “He likes meat and he got fish.
“United, with the limitations they have at the moment, they played with five at the back, were solid and didn’t give the chance of transition.
“Jurgen Klopp didn’t like the menu.”
United’s improved display still leaves their manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with plenty on his plate.
But Mourinho focused more on Klopp’s potential problems. Ex-Chelsea chief Mourinho ribbed the Champions League winners by saying: “They missed quality to play against a team with a low block. “— The Sun.
Dear Editor-COTRAD held exchange visit programs in Masvingo Central Constituency at Mutirikwi Nursery in Ward 18 and Shonganiso Mission in Ward 16 respectively.
The exchange programs were attended by German Ambassador to Zimbabwe His Excellency, Dr Thorsten Hutter and WFD Team (WFD is an implementing organisation of the (CPS) Civil Peace Service Programme) and the Masvingo public officials and residents.
The exchange visit served as a platform for a peaceful face-to-face exchange of information, exchange of experiences and ideas between community members, public officials and the embassy on COTRAD social accountability and peace building work in Masvingo.
The participants applauded the impact of COTRAD intervention in addressing sources of conflict in Masvingo Rural which includes misinformation of rural communities by politicians and public officials, partisan distribution of government aid, conflicts over access to land and conflicts over the conservation of trees and the environment.
The communities have acknowledged that COTRAD has improved the capacity of young men and women in ward 16 and 18 in terms of peace building, conflict prevention and social accountability monitoring through community trainings, facilitating the provision of non-partisan youth friendly and women oriented engagement platforms with public officials through community meetings, women forums, peace gardens and sports for peace as well as improving the provision alternative sources of information through establishing and equipping information kiosks at ward level.
The participants requested COTRAD to: scale up its current interventions to new wards, increase and continue servicing the information centres with necessary documents and current information material and to blend peace building initiatives with livelihoods activities in order to achieve sustainable peace and community development.
The traditional leaders and local public officials have asked COTRAD to conduct constitutional literacy and leadership training.-COTRAD
Farai Dziva|MDC provincial chairperson for Mashonaland Central Province George Gwarada believes Emmerson Mnangagwa has lost the people’s trust in the province.
Gwarada was commenting on the postponement of a Zanu PF rally in the area -due to poor coordination.
“People in the province are tired of the Mnangagwa regime. This is clearly shown by poor attendance at their functions, despite trying to bus people from all the districts. In short, Mash Central is just fed up with Zanu PF,” Gwarada told a daily publication.
He added:“There is only one way to save Mnangagwa from further humiliation, that is dialogue with Chamisa, but he (Mnangagwa) has to be sincere…”
Farai Dziva|The Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has urged Zimbabweans to take a lot of fluids to avoid dehydration.
The department has also warned that the exceedingly high temperatures being experienced in most parts of the country will persist.
“In light of the expected hot conditions, the public is urged to carry sunhats for outdoor activities and plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration particularly water, avoiding a prolonged stay in the sun, avoiding outdoor activities protecting yourselves from the sun by using umbrellas and wide-brimmed hats …,” said the department in a statement.
LOCAL company ezFuelapp.com has launched its first patent registered mobile application which enables Zimbabweans to purchase fuel online.
The mobile application is now available for download on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Users can then redeem fuel via the ezFuelapp at approved pick up points or service stations all over the country.
“The idea came to us after losing a litre here and there with pre-paid coupons. For example, you are topping your car and you have a 20 litre coupon. Your car only needs 18,46 litres to fill up. Consumers are losing out on the balance,” said marketing director for Indev Tech Pty Ltd Azhar Khan.
To redeem fuel, one has to take their phone to the selected pick up point. The application also keeps users up to date where ezFuel is accepted and redeemable.
Zimbabwe has been experiencing erratic fuel supplies for quite some time now whilst availability has been intermittent since January.
The price of fuel has gone up multiple times this year owing to severe foreign currency shortages.
Zimbabwe consumes about 4,7 million litres of diesel and 3,8 million litres of petrol daily. – dailynews
GAROBONE – Botswana’s leading election contenders have laid into each other in their last-ditch debate to woo voters.
President Mokgweetsi Masisi said unlike his predecessor Ian Khama, if he lost in Wednesday’s elections, he would accept the outcome and would not return to destabilise the government.
But Khama, who left the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), said he wanted the party that has governed the country since independence to lose because Masisi was undermining democracy.
Masisi and three other presidential hopefuls took part in a public debate and Khama made an appearance at the final rally of the Botswana Patriotic Front.
Khama and his successor Masisi have been at each other’s throats throughout the campaigning season.
Khama’s departure has analysts predicting, for the first time, that a new party could govern Africa’s most stable democracy.
After a fall out with his anointed successor, Khama vowed to support all candidates that would ensure the BDP loses the elections.
He accused Masisi of being dictator: “Those in charge of BDP are undermining democracy…”
Masisi said unlike Khama, he would accept the outcome of the elections and stay out of politics if he lost.
“BDP and I respect the constitution, so we will accept the outcome and I won’t come back like some people who look like they forgot something.”
The other four main political parties said they too would accept the outcome but have accused intelligence agencies of meddling in the election.
This is seen as the most fiercely contested poll yet for Botswana.
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
Ndaba Mandela with his grand father Nelson Mandela.
Former president Nelson Mandela’s farms in the Eastern Cape are derelict, with little or no agricultural activity taking place. One of the farms has been badly vandalised and the situation is no better at the other farm, where the herd of cattle has dwindled dramatically, and the gardens are overgrown and untended.
The sorry state of affairs is a far cry from what Madiba intended.
In his final will, signed on September 30 2004, Mandela wrote: “It is my wish that the farming operations in Qunu and outside Umtata continue after my death and that the NRM Family Trust continues to employ the manager now running the operations and find suitable persons should he no longer be available to do it.”
A Daily Dispatch team recently visited both farms and discovered this wish seems to have been forgotten.
The farmhouse in Hillside, near Mthatha airport, is now dwarfed by long grass. There is no manager and the once modern house has been badly vandalised. It has no electricity supply, the windows are broken, built-in cupboards have been ripped from the peeling walls and many doors have been stolen. The thatched roof of another house on the property has vanished.
At the main farm in Qunu, the fields stand unploughed and neglected, the lawns have not been mowed and there is not a single vegetable growing in the garden. The 100-head herd of cattle is down to about 18 beasts, including calves. The herd has also dwindled at the Hillside farm, where some of the cattle have died. Here the cattle kraal is broken, as is the borehole which was operated by a windmill and was the only water supply for the farm.
Cattle herder Mzimasi Guma, 68, who worked for the family for more than 20 years, has watched the property that belonged to the late global icon deteriorate into a “ghost house”.
Guma told the Dispatch that some of the farm’s Bonsmara cattle had been sold.
“I am told that these cattle were sold but what I am noticing is that the house has been vandalised. There’s no security at this farm; the manager left a long time ago,” said Guma.
“The cattle were being sold and there are only four that are left here in Hillside but I know the same is happening in Qunu. I believe that the reason for them being sold is because of the drought and feed is expensive. But Madiba loved his cattle. Every time I met him, he told me about his love of farming and cattle,” Guma recalled.
He referred the Dispatch to a Mr Titi and to Nomahala Sangoni.
“They are taking care of these farms and staff. They pay our salaries; speak to them,” he said.
Both Titi and Sangoni referred the Dispatch to the Mandela family.
“I will suggest that you speak to the family about these issues,” said Sangoni. Titi said he had no authority to speak to the media about the properties.
“I can’t speak about anything. Speak to the Mandela family, ” he said.
Mandela’s eldest daughter, Makaziwe Mandela, who spent a couple of days in Qunu recently, referred the Dispatch to the executors of her father’s estate.
The three executors are retired Deputy Chief Justice Dikgang Moseneke, retired judge Themba Sangoni and advocate George Bizos.
Numerous efforts were made by the Dispatch to contact the three executors but they could not be reached for comment.
Attempts were also made to speak to Mandela’s grandchildren but Mandla Mandela, a traditional leader and an MP, could not be reached for comment while his younger brother, Ndaba Mandela, said he was abroad and told the Dispatch reporter “Don’t waste my time. Ungandibuzi amasimba mna. Don’t ask me kak.”
Qunu traditional leader Nokwanele Balizulu confirmed that the farms were neglected and abandoned. She said this made her heart sore.
“Madiba cherished both these farms and as a traditional leader this makes my heart bleed. I wanted to cry when I saw the condition of the Hillside farm house. This is an insult to Madiba’s legacy,” Balizulu said.
She said there were once 96 cattle that were healthy and strong at the Qunu farm. “Madiba loved his cattle. It is bad to see his properties dying with him. The family cannot fold their arms and watch the houses collapse and cattle die.”
A teenage Zimbabwean footballer, Cedric Dube, collapsed during a league match in Bulawayo on Sunday and died.
He was 18 and was playing for Division Three side Talen Vision.
Cedric was a student at Mpopoma High School.
He collapsed during a league match between his team and Bulawayo City at the Barbourfields B Arena on Sunday.
The footballer was in the middle of writing his Ordinary Level examinations and had already sat for two subjects out of the seven he had registered.
Dube played for the ambitious Talen Vision, a Division Three side in the Bulawayo Province, which serves as the feeder to the Division One club.
He collapsed and died during the match.
As fate would have it, the utility player, who commanded a first team place in the team, arrived late for the match.
His coach advised him he would have to start from the bench. Dube was introduced in the second half, but after only 10 minutes on the pitch, he collapsed and landed on his face.
He was alone at the time, unmarked.
Medics from both teams rushed to try and help him and, sensing the seriousness of the condition, they instructed the player be rushed to the hospital.
Dube was taken to Mpilo Hospital by the Talen Vision team manager’s car as it was going to take longer to call an ambulance.
Mpilo Hospital is close to Barbourfields, but the player was, unfortunately, pronounced dead upon arrival. Post-mortem results have since ruled the death was due to an asthmatic attack.
His grandfather, Caleb Sibanda, who raised him from the age of seven months, said he was treated for asthma when he was still a boy.
“He left home as usual to go and play a match, but he didn’t even play for more than 10 minutes. He appeared like he got a cramp and fell down.
“Two days before the fateful day, I heard him coughing, but he said he was okay. His grandmother offered some pills, but he said he was okay and it did not require that.
“He was diagnosed with asthma when he was still a young boy, but he was treated and was fine. Even when he featured for Mpopoma at the NASH tournament in Marondera,he never complained of any discomfort,” he said.
Sibanda said the family was in shock that the budding footballer met his death this way.
“I started looking after this boy when he was only seven months old because my daughter had other twin children to look after,” he said.
“So, we decided, together with my wife, that it was better to take good care of him.
“He was now 18 years and I was looking forward to the day he would also look after me.
“The family is very sad, no death is easy, but honestly, this has shaken the family.”
Talen Vision operations manager Brian Moyo, who is closely working with the family during the bereavement, said the players and club officials had all been shattered.
“The players collapsed when they heard the news. We have a group of young players, so you can imagine everything unfolding in their eyes.
“He had a cousin in the team, and this has been difficult on every one.
“He was in the middle of his examinations. He was a versatile young player, who was comfortable in different positions, but had grown so much in the centre half position and was in the Under-20 team,” said Moyo. The Footballers Union of Zimbabwe paid tribute to the player on their Twitter page.
“We were saddened to hear of the passing of Talen Vision Division 3 player Cedric Dube. “Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“May his soul rest in eternal peace,” tweeted FUZ.
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
We must really understand the concept of National Interest. If you are a political party, a politician or civil society then you must ask yourself what you are trying to achieve for people. If your interests are for people then you shouldn't be calling for sanctions pic.twitter.com/9VnnCjhAHC
Paul Nyathi|Government has declared Friday, October 25, a public holiday to allow people to attend the ZANU PF led march against so called sanctions on Zimbabwe, whose main event is slated for the National Sports Stadium in Harare.
The public holiday was announced last night by Acting Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Professor Amon Murwira who happens to be the Minister of Higher Education but could not realise the problematic clash of dates.
Below are the Zimsec examination likely to be affected by the hurriedly arranged holiday.
Farai Dziva|Warriors winger Khama Billiat has announced the launch of the Khama Billiat Foundation.
The foundation is aimed at improving lives through sports.
The Warriors forward becomes the latest national team star to set up a charitable organisation as he looks to give back to the community.
According to the foundation’s vision, Billiat and partners want to contribute to society by positively impacting and changing the lives of the less privileged.
They will achieve their objectives through organising sports tournaments, fundraising and donations.
Farai Dziva|Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has opened up on why speculation of Jose Mourinho replacing at the Spanish giants bothers him.
Real Madrid surrendered their LaLiga top spot to Barcelona on Saturday after a shock 1-0 loss to Real Mallorca and are also bottom of their Champions Leaugue group, a situation which has fuelled speculation of the Frenchman’s exit and the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ being rumored to replace him.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash with Turkish side Galatasaray, which they must win to salvage their campaign, Zidane admitted that the rumours irritate him.
“In football, people forget what you’ve done in the past,” the French coach told Bein Sports.
“The important thing is the present…I’m not going to say it doesn’t bother me what is being said about other coaches, because it does.”
“But what I have to do as a coach is to give everything, get the players to do the same, to give everything – and that’s all I can do,” he added.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwean soccer players have struck a rich vein of form in Europe.
According to Soccer 24, in England England, Marvellous Nakamba’s Aston Villa scored a last minute winner to beat Brighton and Hove Albion at Villa Park.
The midfielder was impressive throughout the entire 90 minutes as Dean Smith’s side registered back-to-back wins in the Premier League for the first time since May 2015.
In the English second tier, the Championship, Macauley Bonne opened the scoring for Charlton Athletic in their 3-0 win over Derby County. The striker’s goalscoring form continued after he also netted against Fulham before the international break.
In France, Marshall Munetsi came on as a second half substitute in Stade de Reims’ 1-0 over Montpellier.
Still in the Western Europe country, Tino Kadewere scored a penalty for Le Havre in their 2-2 draw at home to Lorient. This was Kadewere’s 11th goal of the seaon in the French Ligue 2.
Alec Mudimu scored for his Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids in their 3-1 win over Caernarfon Town.
Mudimu’s Warriors central defence patner Teenage Hadebe’s Yeni Malatyaspor returned to winning ways with a comfortable 2-0 win over ten-men Konyaspor. Hadebe played the entire game.
A Few days ago Zanu PF was generously helping Mozambicans in Zimbabwe to vote.
Many people alleged that the Zanu PF government was an accomplice in vote rigging for that country ‘s ruling party.
The debate here is not about if Zanu PF had a helping hand in vote rigging in the Mozambican elections but about diaspora voting rights.
Mnangagwa was not even ashamed to help the people of Mozambique to exercise their democratic political right to vote as diasporans while he is denying his own people the same.
It is estimated that 3-4 millions potential voters are living in the diaspora.
These people’s rights are not recognized by this regime.
Zanu PF must understand that for Zimbabwe to continue to tick ,its the role diasporans play.Zimbabwe’s biggest industry is “DIASPORA.
The foreign currency in circulation in the country is mainly contributed by the diasporans as they send to friends and relatives.
Diasporans are responsible for payment of medical bills,help during funerals,pay school fees,buy groceries and many other .This they are doing because the Zanu PF government has destroyed the economy. Our industries are operating below 20% due lack of electricity,water , fuel and many other ZanuPF induced challenges.
The Zimbabwean Constitution is very clear that it allows the diaspora vote but the Zanu PF thinks otherwise.
The Zanu PF government is clearly violating the constitution on diaspora vote.
The Zanu PF government has imposed political sanctions against its own people in the diaspora .
SADC which is foolishly supporting Zanu PF government on the 25 October Anti-santions march has never voiced against Zanu PF.
Zimbabweans living in diaspora must stage democratic demonstrations at Zimbabwean Foreign Mission Offices and respective Parliament building demanding that Zanu PF to unconditionally lift the political voting sanctions against its own people in the diaspora.
” SADC and ZanuPF Kuda kuona kauswa kari muziso romumwe asi mako mune zitsiga
Charity begins at home.SADC must call their colleague to order before they try ” kuda kuita hweTower light rinoona zviri kure kure asi muzasi maro riri rima chete chete”
Diasporans the best opportunity to demand the Zimbabwean ZanuPF government to lift the political voting sanctions it imposed on you is on 25 October.
“Hatide munhu who is known for marriage counselling but iye muchato wake asingaugone!”
Farai Dziva|ZANU PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa cancelled a rally he was supposed to address in Bindura, due to poor coordination, party sources have claimed.
Mnangagwa reportedly cancelled the rally “fearing low figures.”
Zanu PF supporters in Bindura vowed not go to the rally on empty stomachs.
Mnangagwa was supposed to address a rally in Bindura before officiating at a graduation ceremony at Bindura University of Science Education.
“Things are very difficult these days so we will be busy hustling to have food on the table, we cannot go to rallies on empty bellies,” a party supporter told a daily publication.
Farai Dziva|ZANU PF supporters in Bindura snubbed Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rally in Bindura, party sources have claimed.
Mnangagwa reportedly cancelled the rally as a result of poor coordination.
Zanu PF supporters Bindura vowed not go to the rally on empty stomachs.
Mnangagwa was supposed to address a rally in Bindura before officiating at a graduation ceremony at Bindura University of Science Education.
“Things are very difficult these days so we will be busy hustling to have food on the table, we cannot go to rallies on empty bellies,” a party supporter told a daily publication.
Zimbabwe national healing; reconciliation; integration and peace building agenda, requires leadership with clear conscience, with political will; who are sincere, and not the type of leadership who are part to perpetrators of human rights violations.
The nation and its citizens continue to witness human rights violations; democratic suppression; the unabated grand state assets stripping/corruption; the abductions of innocent people, and poor economic policies which are all a threat to the emancipation and safety of the citizens. All these breeds discontent among the citizens and are a proof of the level of the regime’s insincerity to heal the wounds of the past atrocities and to prevent recurrences.
What is worrying the MDC, the people’s party, is that the violence and torture in the country is perpetrated mainly by state agents and their ancillaries. Yet state authorities have a duty to ensure people’s safety, and rights to freedom of expression. It is the state’s obligation to facilitate and protect the right of the citizens. Zimbabwe’s problem is however further compounded by what has been seen by many as the government’s unwillingness to engage honestly and genuinely with the past, possibly because a good number of past and current serving senior government officials fear implication.
Indeed it is a hurdle to ensure effective national healing agenda when the perpetrators are the ones in the driving of the healing policies and programmes…
We ought to build confidence, through demonstrated practical political will, and sincerity. The constitutional institutions for healing and human rights’ independence should be strengthened and adequately resourced. You cannot give people confidence, or expect concerted efforts in implementation when the successive political appointed heads of organs for national healing have serious negative human rights records of human rights violations, and abused of their high offices and are implicated in past political violence, such as the case of the immediate past Vice President Mpoko, and the current incumbent, as heads of the institutions for healing and peace. The former’s efforts to convince the nation that events of the Matabeleland and the Midlands massacre was a product of Western conspiracy and nothing that could be blamed on anyone in our own country was a mockery of the people, while the latter’s alleged involvement in cases of political assaults and violence compromise their appointment and trust as heads of organ for healing and peace. It amounts to an attempt to forge national unity and reconciliation through the suppression of truth and constant denial and victim blaming on the part of perpetrators.
Hence the whole agenda lacks political will, and makes people angry and stakeholders, including victims of violence and interested organisations, would not agree to have alleged perpetrators of violence lead the process of healing. True to that, this position is logical and clear as accepting these people is tantamount to expect a criminal to preside over his own trial.
Thus for four decades since independence, Peace continues to elude the nation. And the so called new dispensation Just like its predecessor, have failed the nation and citizens as regards implementation of the Agenda meant to heal the wounds from the past atrocities, and the prevention of further human rights violations, prevention of the state instigated violence, prevention of grand corruption by cartels made up of the ruling elite, and the need to ensure of enabling environment for citizens to choose national leadership freely. All these are major sources of discontent, disharmony among the citizens, and breeds leadership legitimacy crisis that affect peace and national development. Regarding ‘Corruption’ it is both a source of, and consequence of instability and conflict and a factor in exacerbating them
ZIMBABWE needs a meaningful culture of peace.”
Investing in National peace gives the impetus of development. A nation at war with itself/citizens will never enjoy meaningful development
Concerted collective efforts are needed to continue to engage issues around past human rights violations, including the liberation war period. The starting point would be to address the past atrocities in Ernest, with sufficient political will, and in a manner that permanently heals the wounds from past atrocities: reconcile differences; Integrates communities: and prevent future recurrences.
Because, of both the pre and post-colonial state’s failure to uphold the rule of law and guarantee civil and political liberties, Zimbabwe has experienced nine distinct periods of gross human rights violations in pre and post-colonial period 1970 to 2019.
These includes:-
The 1970s gross injustices during the Liberation Struggle
The Ghukurahundi campaign between 1983 and 1987 that left more than 20 000 people dead, dislocated the lives of millions and was associated with the deliberate denial of identity documents: humanitarian services: and the general destruction of livelihoods, and instilled perpetual fear.
Violent farm invasions in year 2000. The invasions resulted in the displacement of 400 000 farm workers and displacement of 1.8 million members of farm worker families and the deaths of many farm workers. The violent invasions also resulted in the displacement of over 4000 white farmers of which several were killed.
State-sponsored violence during successive campaigns for national elections beginning 1985 resulting in the death of hundreds of people mainly opposition supporters. Injuries, loss of property, loss of livelihoods, and internally displaced people.
Operation Murambatsvina in May, June and July 2005 that displaced more than 700 000 people, loss of livelihoods and destruction of property.
The brutal 27 June, 2008 Presidential run-off campaign in which more than 300 people were killed, more than 10 000 injured, 20 000 homes were destroyed and more than 200 000 people were displaced.
The 1st August 2018 Harare shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protest on perceived delay and rigging of Presidential elections, now the source of leadership legitimacy crisis.
The 14 January 2019 shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protests on fuel and other commodity skyrocketing price.
The wave of unprecedented abductions during 2019
There is therefore need for ‘Case Specific Taskforce/teams’ to be established for each of the Past atrocity, with clear Terms of References, and timelines, and working within the constitutional framework and with the institutions for peace as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution, and supported with clear, sincere state funding. Reports of the previous but concealed reports of inquiries by state established commissions of inquiry, such as the Chihambwakwe, Chidyausiku, Dumbujena etc commissions, as well as those of independent commissions of inquiry, such as the CCJP, the ZimRights etc should be made available for the Task Teams, whose mandates; inter-alia will be to bring closure to the issues.
That said, the MDC’s ideal, realistic and sincere position on national peace are clearly enunciated in its policy documents, the Sustainable and Modernisation Agenda for Real Transformation Partnership (SMART), and the Zimbabwe’s Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) www.mdc.co.zw, and backed by a leadership that is God fearing, and unlike the 4 decade regime, the MDC leadership have no human blood on its hands.
Thus the MDC’s position is to prioritise the importance of national peace and stability to sustainable development and is committed to facilitating and instituting a national healing, reconciliation, integration and due care program for the victims as a pre-requisite for nation building and sustainable democracy and development.
As a people’s party, with a visionary leadership, the vision for peace based agenda is to create a just, free, peaceful, transparent, integrative, transformative, developmental nation at peace with itself, with every citizen, and with all other nations and peoples.
The party mission is to champion the process of national healing, through correcting past injustices, healing the wounds, preventing recurrences; ushering comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors victims, religious and traditional and cultural leadership: ensuring just, non-vindictive, nation building and integration.
The party is cognisant that, conflict, attrition and intolerance have contributed to the erosion of the Zimbabwean economy.
To reclaim Zimbabwe, mechanisms must be created that eradicate political violence. The wounds of the so many injustices over the years have never healed. The ‘top-down approaches’ have suppressed the voices of survivors and victims. In order to move forward, wrongs of the past must be corrected, but in an inclusive, just and non-vindictive way. The future must not be a prisoner of the past, but equally so, past grievances must not be sacrificed at the altar of future dreams
The legacy of impunity must be addressed, with the view to ensure the non-recurrence of violations of human rights. A comprehensive programme of transitional justice will have to be formulated and implemented. Under this programme, the following principles will apply:
Victim-centred approach.
Comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors, victims, religious and traditional and community leaders.
The duty and obligation on the State to apologise for all atrocities.
The establishment of confessions, truth telling and truth seeking.
Acknowledgement of wrong doing.
Justice, compensation and reparations.
National healing and reconciliation.
Non-repetition (NEVER AGAIN).
Gender equity and gender sensitivities.
Transparency and accountability.
Nation building and reintegration.
As can be seen, the programme combines elements of restorative justice to balance the delicate attainment of both reconciliation and justice in line with transformative agenda. An integral vehicle of the transitional justice programme will be to strengthen the independence of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution.
It would be suffice to cap the effective Policy Interventions and Peace Initiatives with the following committees operating under the umbrella of an adequately equiped National Peace and Reconciliation Commission:
Truth Committee : to conduct individual hearings from perpetrators and victims. Victims of human rights violations will be entitled to give their individual testimonies. A comprehensive process of truth telling by perpetrators as an incentive to amnesty should complement this. It should also be the duty of the Truth Committee to provide legal assistance to victims. Individual testimonies, truth-telling sessions and event-specific hearings should be open to the public except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Commission
Justice and Amnesty Committee (JAC): responsible for recommending whether or not to grant amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations on a case-by-case basis. A criterion should be set to determine the legibility for amnesty such as the context and circumstances of the offense and the nature of the act. The hybrid system recognizes that to facilitate a new, stable and democratic Zimbabwe some amnesty is necessary but the people’s party led administration will not support a blanket amnesty.
The Commission should determine which human rights atrocities are capable of receiving amnesty. The position is that perpetrators should be categorized depending on the gravity and circumstances of human rights crimes committed. JAC should then refer what it considers unpardonable cases to be transferred to the state’s criminal justice department.
Compensation and Healing Committee (CACH) : to determine the need for compensation, the nature of compensation and implementation measures to facilitate access to government services. The position is adoption of three broad modes of compensation outlined below:
Individual Compensation Grants : entail financial compensation to individuals. Although one cannot put monetary value to suffering and pain experienced, this is a way of acknowledging the suffering endured. This compensation will also cover loss of property.
Symbolic Compensation : include helping families to exhume and provide decent burials for loved ones; erection of tombstones; cleansing rituals and ceremonies; expedition in provision of civil documents such as death certificates; legal, medical and psycho-social support for trauma and grief stricken families.
Economic Compensation : The livelihoods of the affected victims potentially suffered significant decline. In addition to politically motivated human rights violations, the administration will be equally committed to redress socio-economic and property rights violations during the identified times. Broadly this will be anchored on macro-economic stabilization and growth in ways that allow equal opportunities to participate in the economic activity as substantiated in the economic blueprints.
Underlying philosophy is that peace will not be durable without economic stability and rebuilding of people’s livelihoods.
Conflict Prevention Committee (CPC) : The role of the CPC is to put in place post-conflict mechanisms that will prevent the recurrence of hostilities and encourage peaceful co-existence. The CPC would seek to make the gains irreversible and ensure that future grievances are solved through institutional and peaceful means.
It will come up with comprehensive programs for government and community interventions to foster a civic political culture. This might be through memorialisation and ritualisation among other initiatives.
Stakeholder Involvement
As already enunciated, the national healing and peace agenda will entail the Commission working in collaboration with civil society, churches, police, army, courts, churches, traditional leaders and other commissions for rights. This is to ensure that people affected at the grassroots level will effectively participate. Citizen participation will be crucial to lend legitimacy to the national healing, reconciliation and integration programme. National consensus and legitimacy are nurtured when all stakeholders’ work together.
National Peace as Tool for Development: as a recognized key component in ensuring lasting peace will be mainstreamed in the national peace agenda in the various reform platform undertaken to rebuilt the nation, includes on: legal reforms, land rationalization, institutional reforms: security reforms: political reforms: social and cultural agenda: economic agenda.
Conclusion
Overally, and centrally to lasting peace is reconciliation, which involves dealing with the past, taking responsibility and acknowledging wrong doing, and the critical first step in reconciliation is this recognition of guilt, with the acceptance of responsibility for atrocities or other events symbolising inter communal and interpersonal relations Hence the people’s administration’s commitment to programme that promote healing, reconciliation and integration of Zimbabwe polarized for more than 4 decades by gross human rights violations. The MDC administration is committed that the approach will encapsulate both justice and reconciliation ends.
Preservation of peace is a foundation to build a stable and democratic society bonded by the common spirit of national belonging. Ultimately the State will foster a culture of social dialogue as a means to resolve differences and conflict.
Hon Blessing Chebundo
National Secretary : MDC Policy Organ for National Healing: Peace: Reconciliation and Integration (NHPRI)
Farai Dziva| A senior MDC official has said Zanu PF is deeply reluctant to facilitate the national healing process.
Below is MDC Secretary for National Healing, Peace, Reconciliation and Integration, Blessing Chebundo’s statement:
Zimbabwe national healing; reconciliation; integration and peace building agenda, requires leadership with clear conscience, with political will; who are sincere, and not the type of leadership who are part of perpetrators of human rights violations.
The nation and its citizens continue to witness human rights violations; democratic suppression; the unabated grand state assets stripping/corruption; the abductions of innocent people, and poor economic policies which are all a threat to the emancipation and safety of the citizens. All these breeds discontent among the citizens and are a proof of the level of the regime’s insincerity to heal the wounds of the past atrocities and to prevent recurrences.
What is worrying the MDC, the people’s party, is that the violence and torture in the country is perpetrated mainly by state agents and their ancillaries. Yet state authorities have a duty to ensure people’s safety, and rights to freedom of expression. It is the state’s obligation to facilitate and protect the right of the citizens. Zimbabwe’s problem is however further compounded by what has been seen by many as the government’s unwillingness to engage honestly and genuinely with the past, possibly because a good number of past and current serving senior government officials fear implication.
Indeed it is a hurdle to ensure effective national healing agenda when the perpetrators are the ones in the driving of the healing policies and programmes…
We ought to build confidence, through demonstrated practical political will, and sincerity. The constitutional institutions for healing and human rights’ independence should be strengthened and adequately resourced. You cannot give people confidence, or expect concerted efforts in implementation when the successive political appointed heads of organs for national healing have serious negative human rights records of human rights violations, and abused of their high offices and are implicated in past political violence, such as the case of the immediate past Vice President Mpoko, and the current incumbent, as heads of the institutions for healing and peace. The former’s efforts to convince the nation that events of the Matabeleland and the Midlands massacre was a product of Western conspiracy and nothing that could be blamed on anyone in our own country was a mockery of the people, while the latter’s alleged involvement in cases of political assaults and violence compromise their appointment and trust as heads of organ for healing and peace. It amounts to an attempt to forge national unity and reconciliation through the suppression of truth and constant denial and victim blaming on the part of perpetrators.
Hence the whole agenda lacks political will, and makes people angry and stakeholders, including victims of violence and interested organisations, would not agree to have alleged perpetrators of violence lead the process of healing. True to that, this position is logical and clear as accepting these people is tantamount to expect a criminal to preside over his own trial.
Thus for four decades since independence, Peace continues to elude the nation. And the so called new dispensation Just like its predecessor, have failed the nation and citizens as regards implementation of the Agenda meant to heal the wounds from the past atrocities, and the prevention of further human rights violations, prevention of the state instigated violence, prevention of grand corruption by cartels made up of the ruling elite, and the need to ensure of enabling environment for citizens to choose national leadership freely. All these are major sources of discontent, disharmony among the citizens, and breeds leadership legitimacy crisis that affect peace and national development. Regarding ‘Corruption’ it is both a source of, and consequence of instability and conflict and a factor in exacerbating them
ZIMBABWE needs a meaningful culture of peace.”
Investing in National peace gives the impetus of development. A nation at war with itself/citizens will never enjoy meaningful development
Concerted collective efforts are needed to continue to engage issues around past human rights violations, including the liberation war period. The starting point would be to address the past atrocities in Ernest, with sufficient political will, and in a manner that permanently heals the wounds from past atrocities: reconcile differences; Integrates communities: and prevent future recurrences.
Because, of both the pre and post-colonial state’s failure to uphold the rule of law and guarantee civil and political liberties, Zimbabwe has experienced nine distinct periods of gross human rights violations in pre and post-colonial period 1970 to 2019.
These includes:-
The 1970s gross injustices during the Liberation Struggle
The Gukurahundi campaign between 1983 and 1987 that left more than 20 000 people dead, dislocated the lives of millions and was associated with the deliberate denial of identity documents: humanitarian services: and the general destruction of livelihoods, and instilled perpetual fear.
Violent farm invasions in year 2000. The invasions resulted in the displacement of 400 000 farm workers and displacement of 1.8 million members of farm worker families and the deaths of many farm workers. The violent invasions also resulted in the displacement of over 4000 white farmers of which several were killed.
State-sponsored violence during successive campaigns for national elections beginning 1985 resulting in the death of hundreds of people mainly opposition supporters. Injuries, loss of property, loss of livelihoods, and internally displaced people.
Operation Murambatsvina in May, June and July 2005 that displaced more than 700 000 people, loss of livelihoods and destruction of property.
The brutal 27 June, 2008 Presidential run-off campaign in which more than 300 people were killed, more than 10 000 injured, 20 000 homes were destroyed and more than 200 000 people were displaced.
The 1st August 2018 Harare shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protest on perceived delay and rigging of Presidential elections, now the source of leadership legitimacy crisis.
The 14 January 2019 shooting and killing of civilians by armed soldiers during protests on fuel and other commodity skyrocketing price.
The wave of unprecedented abductions during 2019
There is therefore need for ‘Case Specific Taskforce/teams’ to be established for each of the Past atrocity, with clear Terms of References, and timelines, and working within the constitutional framework and with the institutions for peace as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution, and supported with clear, sincere state funding. Reports of the previous but concealed reports of inquiries by state established commissions of inquiry, such as the Chihambwakwe, Chidyausiku, Dumbujena etc commissions, as well as those of independent commissions of inquiry, such as the CCJP, the ZimRights etc should be made available for the Task Teams, whose mandates; inter-alia will be to bring closure to the issues.
That said, the MDC’s ideal, realistic and sincere position on national peace are clearly enunciated in its policy documents, the Sustainable and Modernisation Agenda for Real Transformation Partnership (SMART), and the Zimbabwe’s Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) www.mdc.co.zw, and backed by a leadership that is God fearing, and unlike the 4 decade regime, the MDC leadership have no human blood on its hands.
Thus the MDC’s position is to prioritise the importance of national peace and stability to sustainable development and is committed to facilitating and instituting a national healing, reconciliation, integration and due care program for the victims as a pre-requisite for nation building and sustainable democracy and development.
As a people’s party, with a visionary leadership, the vision for peace based agenda is to create a just, free, peaceful, transparent, integrative, transformative, developmental nation at peace with itself, with every citizen, and with all other nations and peoples.
The party mission is to champion the process of national healing, through correcting past injustices, healing the wounds, preventing recurrences; ushering comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors victims, religious and traditional and cultural leadership: ensuring just, non-vindictive, nation building and integration.
The party is cognisant that, conflict, attrition and intolerance have contributed to the erosion of the Zimbabwean economy.
To reclaim Zimbabwe, mechanisms must be created that eradicate political violence. The wounds of the so many injustices over the years have never healed. The ‘top-down approaches’ have suppressed the voices of survivors and victims. In order to move forward, wrongs of the past must be corrected, but in an inclusive, just and non-vindictive way. The future must not be a prisoner of the past, but equally so, past grievances must not be sacrificed at the altar of future dreams
The legacy of impunity must be addressed, with the view to ensure the non-recurrence of violations of human rights. A comprehensive programme of transitional justice will have to be formulated and implemented. Under this programme, the following principles will apply:
Victim-centred approach.
Comprehensive, inclusive, consultative participation of all stakeholders, particularly survivors, victims, religious and traditional and community leaders.
The duty and obligation on the State to apologise for all atrocities.
The establishment of confessions, truth telling and truth seeking.
Acknowledgement of wrong doing.
Justice, compensation and reparations.
National healing and reconciliation.
Non-repetition (NEVER AGAIN).
Gender equity and gender sensitivities.
Transparency and accountability.
Nation building and reintegration.
As can be seen, the programme combines elements of restorative justice to balance the delicate attainment of both reconciliation and justice in line with transformative agenda. An integral vehicle of the transitional justice programme will be to strengthen the independence of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as enshrined under Section 251 to 253 of the constitution.
It would be suffice to cap the effective Policy Interventions and Peace Initiatives with the following committees operating under the umbrella of an adequately equiped National Peace and Reconciliation Commission:
Truth Committee : to conduct individual hearings from perpetrators and victims. Victims of human rights violations will be entitled to give their individual testimonies. A comprehensive process of truth telling by perpetrators as an incentive to amnesty should complement this. It should also be the duty of the Truth Committee to provide legal assistance to victims. Individual testimonies, truth-telling sessions and event-specific hearings should be open to the public except in exceptional circumstances as determined by the Commission
Justice and Amnesty Committee (JAC): responsible for recommending whether or not to grant amnesty to perpetrators of human rights violations on a case-by-case basis. A criterion should be set to determine the legibility for amnesty such as the context and circumstances of the offense and the nature of the act. The hybrid system recognizes that to facilitate a new, stable and democratic Zimbabwe some amnesty is necessary but the people’s party led administration will not support a blanket amnesty.
The Commission should determine which human rights atrocities are capable of receiving amnesty. The position is that perpetrators should be categorized depending on the gravity and circumstances of human rights crimes committed. JAC should then refer what it considers unpardonable cases to be transferred to the state’s criminal justice department.
Compensation and Healing Committee (CACH) : to determine the need for compensation, the nature of compensation and implementation measures to facilitate access to government services. The position is adoption of three broad modes of compensation outlined below:
Individual Compensation Grants : entail financial compensation to individuals. Although one cannot put monetary value to suffering and pain experienced, this is a way of acknowledging the suffering endured. This compensation will also cover loss of property.
Symbolic Compensation : include helping families to exhume and provide decent burials for loved ones; erection of tombstones; cleansing rituals and ceremonies; expedition in provision of civil documents such as death certificates; legal, medical and psycho-social support for trauma and grief stricken families.
Economic Compensation : The livelihoods of the affected victims potentially suffered significant decline. In addition to politically motivated human rights violations, the administration will be equally committed to redress socio-economic and property rights violations during the identified times. Broadly this will be anchored on macro-economic stabilization and growth in ways that allow equal opportunities to participate in the economic activity as substantiated in the economic blueprints.
Underlying philosophy is that peace will not be durable without economic stability and rebuilding of people’s livelihoods.
Conflict Prevention Committee (CPC) : The role of the CPC is to put in place post-conflict mechanisms that will prevent the recurrence of hostilities and encourage peaceful co-existence. The CPC would seek to make the gains irreversible and ensure that future grievances are solved through institutional and peaceful means.
It will come up with comprehensive programs for government and community interventions to foster a civic political culture. This might be through memorialisation and ritualisation among other initiatives.
Stakeholder Involvement
As already enunciated, the national healing and peace agenda will entail the Commission working in collaboration with civil society, churches, police, army, courts, churches, traditional leaders and other commissions for rights. This is to ensure that people affected at the grassroots level will effectively participate. Citizen participation will be crucial to lend legitimacy to the national healing, reconciliation and integration programme. National consensus and legitimacy are nurtured when all stakeholders’ work together.
National Peace as Tool for Development: as a recognized key component in ensuring lasting peace will be mainstreamed in the national peace agenda in the various reform platform undertaken to rebuilt the nation, includes on: legal reforms, land rationalization, institutional reforms: security reforms: political reforms: social and cultural agenda: economic agenda.
Conclusion
Overally, and centrally to lasting peace is reconciliation, which involves dealing with the past, taking responsibility and acknowledging wrong doing, and the critical first step in reconciliation is this recognition of guilt, with the acceptance of responsibility for atrocities or other events symbolising inter communal and interpersonal relations Hence the people’s administration’s commitment to programme that promote healing, reconciliation and integration of Zimbabwe polarized for more than 4 decades by gross human rights violations. The MDC administration is committed that the approach will encapsulate both justice and reconciliation ends.
Preservation of peace is a foundation to build a stable and democratic society bonded by the common spirit of national belonging. Ultimately the State will foster a culture of social dialogue as a means to resolve differences and conflict.
Hon Blessing Chebundo
National Secretary : MDC Policy Organ for National Healing: Peace: Reconciliation and Integration (NHPRI)
The legendary Athletics ace Artwell Mandaza who died yesterday died an extremely bitter man accusing Former Vice President Joice Mujuru for stealing his gold medals.
Mandaza who passed on at 73, was the first African as well as the first black man to run the 100m dash in under 10 seconds clocking 9.9 seconds in 1970.
Journalist Farayi Muchemwa who once wrote a very detailed life and accolades of Mandaza, revealed in a Twitter post that Joice Mujuru who was the Sports Minister in 1980 took Mandaza’s Gold medals claiming that she was taking them to then Prime Minister Robert Mugabe and never brought them back.
Mandaza is said to have made the the claims to Muchemwa in 2012 but asked him not to divulge the information in fear of reprisals.
Muchemwa wrote on Twitter, “I promised Mandaza I would not write the story of his greatest pain as he feared reprisal. He told me how he lost his medals to a Government official in 1980.”
“The Sports minister asked for my medals to show president Mugabe. They were real gold. I never got them back.” Mandaza is quoted as having said.
I promised Mandaza I would not write the story of his greatest pain as he feared reprisal.
He told me how he lost his medals to a Gvt official in 1980
“Th Sport minister asked for my medals to show president Mugabe. They were real gold. I never got them back.” RIP Sonofthewind! pic.twitter.com/HqsHdFCM1E
