By A Correspondent- President Mnangagwa capped 2 652 students at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust)’s 25th graduation ceremony.

Among those who graduated were the leader of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi, who was however, not present.

The graduates were drawn from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, the Built Environment, Commerce, Communication and Information Science, Engineering, Science and Technology Education and Medicine.

The colourful ceremony began shortly after 10AM when President Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State universities, led the academic procession into the Nust Sports Grounds where the graduands, their friends and relatives were waiting.

Out of the 2 652 students who graduated, six were holders of Doctoral degrees, 678 Masters’ degrees and 1 968 undergraduates in different disciplines.

Of the 1 968 undergraduate recipients, 1 063 (54,01 percent) were male while 905, which translates to 45,99 percent, were female.

At Masters level there were 373 males and 305 females while those who graduated at PhD level, four were males while two were females.

In his report, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, said Nust remains one of the key centres of educational excellence in the country and regionally as evidenced by collaborations with universities from other neighbouring countries in various areas of partnerships.

He said despite numerous challenges, the university made great strides in redirecting Nust to the realisation of its mandate as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) university.

“We are in the process of enhancing the design of the main campus. In addition to that, we are also increasing our footprints throughout the Sadc and further afield by way of affiliations and associations with STEM biased institutions led by like-minded institutional leadership. To top it all, if the other Vice Chancellors in the convocation were to enumerate the achievements of their alumni, we would all be awe-stricken, to say the least. That simply points to Zimbabweans and our education system as next to none,” said Prof Dlodlo.

The university has since its inception in 1991 expanded its basket of distinguished offerings to 45 teaching departments in seven faculties along with institutes, centres of excellence, a graduate school of business in support of its entrepreneurial thrust as a university and affiliate institutions both within and outside the country.

Collectively, Nust offers 50 undergraduate and 48 post graduate degree programmes.

“Our mostly young research community is unbelievably vibrant, as shown by our diverse products of research. Buttressed by a robust staff development programme and research and innovation office with an internationalisation portfolio, academic departments have been steadily increasing the number of PhD holders in their establishments,” said Prof Dlodlo.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Two Bulawayo men were robbed of R8 850, RTGS$40 and other valuables by six unidentified suspects, who attacked them with axes and machetes, after their vehicle developed a flat tyre along the Bulawayo-Beitbridge highway on Friday.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.

“Two Bulawayo men lost cash amounting to R8 850, RTGS$40 and various properties after they were robbed along the 292km peg on the Bulawayo-Beitbridge Road. They were traveling from South Africa, when their vehicle, a Toyota Hiace developed a flat tyre. They decided to park on the side of the road and wait until morning to seek assistance,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said they were then approached by six people armed with machetes and axes who pounced on the vehicle and smashed the front passenger window.

“They assaulted the victims with fists and open hands before searching them. Four of the suspects then force-marched the complainants into a nearby bush, while two others ransacked the vehicle in search of valuables,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

He said police were investigating the matter and urged motorists to move away from dark spots in case their vehicles broke down.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated incident police in Plumtree arrested three suspects in connection with four robbery cases which took place last month at Nyabane Business Centre in the border town.

“The three suspects who were armed with knives targeted shop owners and workers before forcing entry into homes, shops, stabbing victims with knives and demanding cash. They will soon appear in court,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Musician Nox managed to single handedly pull a large British crowd at the centre of Leeds half of whom were white Brits.

The talented artist was taken hostage by 2 British women right on stage where one wiped off his sweat while his own wife watching and caressed him.

Another fan literally picked him up and carried him as if taking him away home.

Nox weaved in Killer T, and Freeman’s Ngaibake songs all in one, much to the amazement of the crowd.

By A Correspondent- A man from Nkayi District clobbered his neighbour with a hoe, stabbed her on the neck and went on to drink the blood that was oozing from the lifeless body.

This was revealed when Christopher Sibanda (28) of Sikhobokhobo Village appeared before a Bulawayo judge, Justice Thompson Mabhikwa during a Hwange High Court circuit which sat on Friday.

Sibanda, however, escaped the death penalty after a special verdict was passed due to his insanity.

Justice Mabhikwa found Sibanda not guilty of murder arguing that he could not be held to account as he was a mental patient.

He commuted him to Mlondolozi Mental Institution.

According to a statement of agreed facts between the State led by Mrs Martha Cheda and defence counsel, Mr Daniel Ncube of Legal Aid Directorate, on 27 June 2018 at around 3pm, Sibanda met Ms Sibusisiwe Sigauke along a footpath in Sikhewu village.

He was carrying a hoe handle, an axe, knife, black satchel and black pot.

The court heard that Ms Sigauke was coming from Kana Business Centre on her way home.

Without warning or provocation, Sibanda struck the deceased several times on the head with a hoe handle before stabbing her on the neck with a knife.

She died on the spot.

A passerby, Leonard Masuku who was using the same path found Sibanda sitting on top of deceased’s body and was sucking blood which was oozing out of the wound on her neck.

He rushed back to Kana Business Centre where he reported the matter to the police.

Upon his arrest police recovered a blood-stained knife and hoe handle which was broken into three pieces as a result of the attack.

Following his arrest Sibanda was taken to court before being referred to Mlondolozi Prison for psychiatric evaluation where he was found to have been mentally unstable at the time of commission of the offence.

The State and defence counsel submitted that the court retain a special verdict to the effect that Sibanda be found not guilty of murder because of insanity as guided by section 29 (2) (a) of the Mental Health Act.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Over 1000 pupils at Chakomo Primary School in Dotito, Mt Darwin, on Thursday escaped death after a whirlwind blew off rooftops of two classroom blocks, destroying property worth over $200 000.

Only one pupil was reported injured when the roof fell in while he was in one of the classrooms. About 12 solar panels used to power the computer room were also destroyed.

Pfura Rural District council chief executive officer, Stanslous Nyachowe said he was yet to get a full report of the incident as he was attending a meeting in Mazowe.

Ward 8 councillor, Lonwell Chipikiri yesterday confirmed the damage to the school.

“It happened shortly before 2pm, when a whirlwind hit the school, destroying roofs of two classrooms and completely damaging 12 solar panels, which were used to run the computer room. We later learnt that the damages needed $230 000 to repair according to a quotation we got,” said Chipikiri.

He said the pupils were not in the classrooms because it was still lunch hour.

Chipikiri appealed to well-wishers and the corporate world to chip to help restore the damaged property.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Statistics availed by the National Aids Council show that S_TI cases in Bulawayo have surged from 2344 to 2574 in the second quarter of 2019.

The publication said those mainly affected were between the ages of 25 and 49.

Bulawayo Provincial Aids Coordinator Mrs Sinatra Nyathi speaking to the publication lamented the fact that people knew the dangers of unprotected s_x but still engaged in it.

Said Mrs Sinatra:

“In Zimbabwe more than 90 percent of the population have information on how to protect themselves from S_TIs and HIV but the issue is that they do not translate it to positive behaviour therefore we plead with the members of the community to make informed decisions when it comes to s_ex.

We are educating people about STIs and they now have abundant information but the problem is that they are failing to put that knowledge into practice and this increase in S_TIs shows that people are still having unprotected se_x because if one is using condoms, they will not contract S_TIs.2

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The Mining Business Confidence Index had plunged to 2.2% in 2019, down from 8% in 2018 and 21.9% in 2017.

This has been mainly due to power cuts, forex shortages and policy uncertainties the state media reports.

However, according to UZ’s Prof Makochekamwa, who presented the findings of the survey, the survey forecasted that mining executives were confident about 2020.

Said the Professor:

“Survey findings show that mining executives are slightly more confident about investment plans for 2020, with 60 percent of the respondents indicating that they are planning to inject fresh capital into their businesses in 2020.”

Zimbabwe is currently going through an economic crisis that has seen inflation soaring to 300% by the end of August. The mining sector in a normal functional system contributes 65% of all export receipts.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Treasury has reportedly released $22 Million to compensate the 400 commercial farmers that were affected by the infamous land reform program.

The $22 million is part of the $52 Million that Mthuli set aside for that specific purpose in the 2019 budget.

Commercial Farmer’s Union President spoke to a local publication and said the farmers agreed that the money should better be spread among many farmers as most of them were struggling financially.

Said Mr Gilpin:

In the National Budget, an amount of $52 million was set aside for compensation,.

Farmer representatives requested that instead of this money being used to settle a few claims, it would be better to spread it amongst many.

This is because there are many elderly ex-farmers who are struggling financially.

Farmers received the first $RTGS 55000 sometime during winter in 2019.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Corruption has officially opened a case against the Harare City Council’s road work scandal Sunday Mail reports.

Zacc is investigating the falsification of roads works progress figures that resulted in influence contracts extension.

While the ZACC probe is going on the council has suspended one of its director of works to pave way for Investigations,

A letter dismissing engineer Chawatama one of the directors for works fingered in the scandal, Town clerk said:

It has come to my attention that your department is facing some operational challenges that has necessitated an investigation in order to establish the facts on the ground. For purposes of transparency, it is necessary that you be given absence of leave to pave way for this investigation..

The council’s roadworks scandal made headlines a few weeks ago when it emerged that council paid for some services which were never received.

-StateMedia

HARARE – Some of the fired doctors in Zimbabwe say they’ve accepted their fate and don’t regret their actions.

This week the Zimbabwean government fired over 200 doctors and promises to expel more.

The doctor were dismissed for protesting terrible working conditions and poor salaries.

Prince Butau is one of the doctors fired for striking.

Like other doctors, he was on strike for over 60 days demanding better salaries.

Butau says he doesn’t regret the expulsion and plans to leave the country to seek better opportunities, in other countries.

“So this is the letter which they slipped under my door this letter shows that I have been charged from absenteeism without due course,” Butau said.

“I am supposed to evacuate this hospital apartment 30 days from effect of the date I was given it, that’s 5 November. So by 5 December I should have evacuated otherwise there are going to evict me from here.”

Butau says he only feels sorry for the majority of poor ordinary Zimbabweans.

He says they don’t have access to better medical services because of poor government administration.

“I have been standing for what I believe is right and for what I think is right,” Butau said.

“I am proud to have been fighting what I believe is the oppression that we are facing currently not only as doctors, but as the rest of civil servants. I feel very sorry for the Zimbabwe population at large which are the one who are losing the expertise and services that we are supposed to offer them as doctors.”

Zimbabwean doctors currently earn less than $100 (R1,400) a month.

It’s uncertain if government will be replacing the fired doctors.

The country is facing its worst economic crisis in a decade, power cuts and medicine and fuel shortages

State workers marched in the capital Harare demanding better working conditions and salary increments but the protests were blocked by police.

Migrating to the UK will soon be easier for health professionals from countries such as Zimbabwe as the United Kingdom plans to introduce a new fast-track visa scheme for health professionals.

Under the National Health Service (NHS) visa scheme, application fees would be halved to 464 pounds from 928 pounds at present. In addition, medical professionals joining the NHS would receive extra points and applicants would be fast-tracked under the plans with preferential treatment and faster decisions.

The plan to relax rules for NHS staff comes after Britain said in August it would relax immigration rules to attract more scientists as it prepares to leave the European Union (EU).

“These measures are part of our plan for an Australian-style points-based immigration system that allows us to control numbers while remaining open to vital professions like nurses,” Home Secretary (interior minister) Priti Patel said in a statement.

She said that the UK wants to attract talent from around the world so that the NHS continues to provide brilliant service while ensuring that it isn’t put under strain by opening Britain’s borders to the entire world.

The special visas will make it easier for UK’s National Health Service to recruit doctors and nurses from other countries after Brexit.

Commenting on the developments, journalist Hopewell Chin’ono says countries with poorly remunerated medical professionals like Zimbabwe will be the biggest losers as brain drain is set to begin on a large scale. The Zimbabwe government announced that it had fired 211 junior doctors for absenteeism after they ignored a Labour Court ruling to return to work.

“Zimbabwe has lost several Urologists to Britain in the past few weeks. We are going to lose more doctors and nurses. The exodus has started as it did with pharmacists in 2006,” said Chin’ono, writing on social media.

He added: “As Britain prepares to exit the EU, it will no longer be tied to EU restrictions. It will hire professionals from around the world. Our Government should have known this before foolishly firing the country’s doctors. Recruiters from Britain are now at work going through CVs.”

Zimbabwean public hospital doctors have been on job action for the past three months and insist they want a salary tied to the interbank exchange rate, something treasury says will not happen as it has no money.

About 153,000 of 1.2 million health workers in the UK are non-British. About 52,000 of current NHS staff are Asian nationals including those from India.

The UK government said the new NHS visa would allow it to control immigration while ensuring there would not be a skills shortage for the health service.zimvoice

Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa says that beginning on Monday, Zimbabweans who are hard pressed for cash will start withdrawing their cash from the banks with no problems at all.

Mnangagwa made the commitment which might soon come back to haunt him while he addressed a so called anti-sanctions rally at Tshovani Stadium in Chiredzi on Saturday.

Further, the President said there is no going back on the ban of the multi-currency system.

He said no country can develop without its own currency.

Said President Mnangagwa at the rally: “Right now people are being pained by the ever increasing prices in shops, it is because we are in a transition. We are transitioning from the low levels and we need to resuscitate our economy. We have no choice but to resuscitate our economy. In that process, we have some people who want to take advantage to profiteer.

“You were not getting money from the banks, but on Monday (tomorrow) we are going to inject more money in the banks until we reach a level where you lose appetite to go and get cash from EcoCash.

“You will simply go to the bank if you have money in your account and withdraw it to buy what you want. Right now, we are told that if you want $100 bond you should transfer $150 into an agent’s account.

“You are losing the other $50 for nothing. This is because there are cash shortages in the banks. We are now injecting money in the banks to correct that.”

THE Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will tomorrow release the new Zimbabwe dollar notes and coins into the market, with depositors set to start withdrawing limited amounts when banks open in the morning.

The new notes come in $2 and $5 denominations while $2 bond coins will also be released into circulation concurrently.

Banks started exchanging part of their electronic balances for the new notes with the RBZ at the weekend ahead of their planned release into the market. The Central Bank will during the course of the week announce new daily and weekly withdrawal limits, which it says will be in line with best international practice.

Authorities plan to gradually drip feed around $1 billion of cash into the market over the next six months that will take the amount of physical cash in circulation to around 10 percent of total money supply. Zimbabwe has about $19 billion in circulation, with only 4,5 percent being cash.

The RBZ Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) is also set to meet on Friday to assess the market’s reaction to the new notes, and if necessary, prescribe appropriate interventions.

RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya told state media that release of the new notes will neither be inflationary nor raise money supply.

“Banks will this weekend begin exchanging their RTGS balances for physical cash with the RBZ before they are released to the public on Monday.

“We will make sure that we drip feed the physical cash into the market in order to ensure that there is sufficient cash in the economy. What we are doing will not increase money supply because we are just substituting existing electronic money with physical cash. The goal here is to create convenience for the transacting public and also offering them a choice of either using electronic money or cash.

“We believe this will also help in eliminating queues at the banks where people spend countless hours of productive time queuing for cash.

“The fears that people are expressing on social media are a legacy of the hyperinflation era, but we rest assure them that there will be no repeat of that because there will be no increase of money supply; there is absolutely nothing to fear.”

Economist and member of the RBZ Monitory Policy Committee, Mr Eddie Cross said concern over inadequate security features, prevented the introduction of higher denomination notes. He said introduction of the new notes would drive down premiums being charged for cash. Premiums of up to 60 percent are being charged for bond notes with coins pegged at 40 percent.

“The primary objective is to bring sufficient cash into the market, to do away with queues at the banks and ATMs and to bring cash into free supply without any premium. The new cash which will be introduced next week (this week) and will be sold to commercial banks on a 1:1 basis for RTGs dollars. There will be no impact on money supply or inflation. We are not creating new money, we are replacing existing money with cash — so it won’t have any impact on the national macro-economic fundamentals.

“If this injection is not enough to solve the problem, we will introduce more currency. The reason for the relatively small notes — the $5 and $2 notes and coins — is because we were concerned about the security features. The security of these notes is not adequate and if we introduce a higher value note there will be counterfeits notes produced.”

The Central Bank is seeking to eliminate cash shortages, which the country has experienced since 2016 as well as huge premiums being charged for cash. The Zimbabwe dollar was reintroduced in June this year following the outlawing of the multi-currency system.

State Media

Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, Nick Mangwana, has indicated his boss, Emmerson Mnangagwa is grooming a young successor.

Writing at the weekend, Mangwana said Mnangagwa believes that a young leader should succeed him. He said Mnangagwa believes the next President “leadership of Zimbabwe should be younger in age compared to the leadership the country has had so far.

“It is with this in mind that he has taken the bold step of infusing young leadership in the government as deputies to learn the ropes.

Mnangagwa who became head of State in 2017 has said he will still be leading ZANU PF in 2030. He will be 92 when he will be due for re-election. Still however, Mnangagwa insists he is determined to hand over to a younger mentee.

IS HE TELLING THE TRUTH?

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted heavy rains accompanied by violent thunderstorms with possible flash floods with effect from this evening.

The announcement comes at a time when the country has been eagerly waiting for the rainy season to commence after months of hot weather and drought which has resulted in more than 9 000 cattle dying.

“Relief is on the way as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast significant rainfall and slightly lower temperatures in most parts of the country during the coming week,” said the MSD in a statement.

The department said significant rainfall is expected across the country with effect from tomorrow until November 16, 2019.

“During storms, avoid metal objects and tall isolated trees.

Where possible stay indoors. Motorists are advised to be vigilant when driving through storms. Take caution on the road as flash flooding and gushes of water may lead to treacherous road conditions. Visibility may also be compromised during heavy downpours.”

The MSD said the heavy rains, which are a result of a cloud band from Botswana and Zambia, are expected to start affecting the Western parts of the country starting on November 10, 2019.

The wet conditions should move eastwards covering the whole country by Monday which should result in moderate to heavy rains across the country.

The rains should persist in most areas for much of the week, with localised heavier falls (in excess of 50mm in 24 hours) being highly likely in some places.

“The public is advised that the combination of this moisture together with heat can trigger violent storms which will be accompanied by lightning, hail and wind,” said the MSD.State media

By A Correspondent- The police in Bulawayo arrested a three member gang for stealing 90 cellphones and a laptop worth $25000.

The trio recently appeared before the court and the magistrate remanded them to Monday.

It is the states’ case that the trio saw the bag containing the cellphones in a parked car in Bulawayo and decided to help themselves with the mobile phones. After smashing the car window they got away with the bag.

When the owner of the car then came back, he saw that his car had been broken into and he made a police report. A police investigation landed them into the hands of one of the thieves. This led to the rest of the crew being rounded up and finally, the police nabbed the other  2 and recovered the remaining few cellphones.

-StateMedia

Watch video below. ..

 MDC is totally unimpressed and unmoved by the Cabinet reshuffle. Worse still, the reshuffle means Zimbabwe now has a useless and expensive bloated Cabinet that will only prove to be a real waste of hard-earned taxpayers money.

It is our strong and unequivocal stance that no matter how many times the Cabinet maybe reshuffled; this will in no way make any difference to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.

Indeed, the crisis in Zimbabwe is much bigger than a mere Cabinet reshuffle.

The crisis in Zimbabwe is clearly a crisis of political legitimacy and continued bad governance as demonstrated by the ever-rising high levels of corruption in the country.

Zimbabwe will remain in perpetual crisis because it has a lack of visionary leadership that is derived from a popular mandate from the long-suffering masses of Zimbabwe.

The people’s party remains clear and resolute in its stance that as long as the head of the Cabinet is not a popularly elected President; no amount of reshuffles will be able to turn the dire Zimbabwean situation around.

In line with its RELOAD strategy document, the MDC is very clear that the first step towards the restoration of normalcy in Zimbabwe will only happen once there is an unconditional acknowledgement that there is real need of a genuine or credible all-inclusive national dialogue facilitated by a neutral convenor.

The same dialogue process must also be able to agree on a transitional mechanism that will facilitate the implementation of comprehensive reforms.

Once this is all done, free and fair elections will then be held, that will enable Zimbabwe to have an undisputed popularly elected President.

As such, unless and until that happens first; no Cabinet reshuffle will be able to end the crisis in Zimbabwe.

MDC@20: Celebrating Courage, Growth and the People’s Victories

By A Correspondent| Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting, Ndavaningi Nick Mangwana, said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa believes that a young leader should succeed him.

Mangwana made the remarks on microblogging site Twitter on Saturday afternoon.

He wrote:

President Mnangagwa believes that the next President leadership of Zimbabwe should be younger in age compared to the leadership the country has had so far.

It is with this in mind that he has taken the bold step of infusing young leadership in the government as deputies to learn the ropes.

President Mnangagwa became head of State in 2017 while he was in his mid-seventies following a military-instigated popular coup that toppled long-time ruler, the late Robert Mugabe.

Mugabe ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years until the coup when he was past 90 years of age. All of Mugabe’s deputies died in office, (apart from Mnangagwa and Joyce Mujuru who were sacked at the height of ZANU PF factionalism.)

By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has announced the arrest of seven people who attacked six male adults at a mine in Chegutu.

The accused were armed with machetes, axes, knives and sjamboks when they committed the crime. They stole cellphones, gold ore, fuel and foodstuffs.

Police said in a statement:

Seven accused persons have been arrested after they went on a rampage in  Chegutu  on 5/11/19.

The accused persons who were 16 in number, armed with machetes, axes, knives and sjamboks attacked 6 male adults at a mine where they stole cellphones, gold ore, fuel and foodstuffs.

Some of the stolen property, weapons and motor vehicle used in the commission of the crime have since been recovered. Police are on the hunt for the remaining suspects.”

-StateMedia

Saturday, 09 November 2019

The MDC national executive met today for seven hours and spent the better part of the meeting deliberating on the deteriorating situation in the country, particularly the worsening plight of the ordinary citizens. The executive, a key organ of the party, discussed and charted the way forward on the following key national issues.

1.The national situation
The national executive deliberated on the deteriorating political, economic and social situation in the country. In particular, the executive noted the rising cost of basic commodities as well as the slow genocide in the country’s hospitals, where the illegitimate regime has fired yet another batch of doctors for raising legitimate concerns about their wages and working conditions. They haven also raised issues about lack of medicines and other medical consumables to enable them to save lives.

2.Food insecurity
About 8,5 million people in the country are food insecure and the party noted with serious concern that the illegitimate regime had begun politicizing food in the rural areas. The party resolved to do all within its remit to stop the abuse of a key livelihood issue such as food.

3.Legitimacy crisis
The executive affirmed that the economic governance crisis in the country and the challenges facing the nation are symptomatic of the legitimacy crisis arising out of the stolen election of 2018.

Unless and the until the legitimacy crisis is resolved, there will be no reprieve on the dire national situation as the people running government do not have the requisite confidence and mandate from the people.

The executive noted that the legitimacy crisis has led to the breaking down of the social contact, particularly between the leading and the led.

4.Elections
The party’s continued participation in by-elections has exposed the dire need for prudent electoral reforms. A compromised election management system, the murkiness around voting material, the abuse of traditional leaders and the use of food as political weapon continues to be rampant in the countryside, justifying the need for genuine electoral reforms.

To this end, the party’s parliamentary caucus will table an alternative Electoral Bill that guarantees the holding of credible and legitimate elections that do not breed contested outcomes.

5.Increasing brutality against citizens and the leadership
The party noted the increasing brutality against the citizens and the people’s leadership and affirmed that the illegitimate regime of Mr. Mnangagwa will not succeed to break the collective spirit of the MDC in prosecuting the democratic struggle. The party stands in solidarity with citizens and leaders that are being persecuted.

The party resolved to set aside a day every year to remember and salute all survivors of political violence, living or dead, who have been victims of State-sanctioned brutality.

6.Parliament
The party deliberated on developments in parliament, particularly Zanu PF’s attempt to reverse the democratic gains enshrined in the Constitution.

The national executive resolved that the people’s deployed to the August House must use the arena of Parliament to table alternative Bills as well as pro-poor motions that further citizens’ rights, widen democratic space and further the people’s democratic agenda.

The party resolved to continue pressing for alignment of laws to the Constitution, and not amendment of the Constitution, itself made and affirmed by the people themselves in a referendum.

7.Dialogue
The party reiterated its commitment to a sincere, honest and credible dialogue process. The dialogue must unlock the impediments that have stood in the way of credible, free and plebiscites.

As such, any honest and credible dialogue process, under a mutually agreed convener, must focus on a comprehensive reform agenda to ensure the security and freedoms of citizens as well as ensuring a free, fair and credible election that must yield a people’s government.

8. Local Government
The executive noted the challenges faced by MDC-led councils and bemoaned the fact that in most of these councils are MDC-led but are not MDC-controlled. Zanu PF has centralized most of the key operations of local authorities, such as procurement.

The party noted that Zanu PF has usurped key operations of councils in a manner that has curtailed the autonomy and the full independence of local authorities, in the process grossly interfering with service delivery.

The party resolved to continue supporting the local authorities that it runs to ensure that they deliver prudent and affordable services to the people.

9.Resolving the national crisis
The party resolved to stand on the side of the people. The party will continue mobilizing locally and internationally for a cogent and robust #FreeZimbabweCampaign that must eventually yield a legitimate people’s government.

MDC Communications

A break-in at the Harare home of prominent lawyer Advocate Thabani Mpofu on Wednesday night is being treated as “suspicious”, he said on Friday.

Mpofu, who represented MDC leader Nelson Chamisa in his 2018 presidential election court petition, said unknown individuals broke in as he slept with his wife.

“They took my laptop, my wife’s phone and cash. They had all the time to even re-arrange stuff. I think we had passed out,” Mpofu told ZimLive by phone from Harare.

Mpofu said he had “every reason to believe” that the raid was carried out by state agents looking for information.

“I won’t be cowed into silence,” he added.

In June, Mpofu was slightly hurt after a vehicle in which he was a passenger overturned in Mashonaland Central. He suspected foul play in that incident.

Last month, Chamisa appointed Mpofu to lead an internal “Integrity and Accountability Panel”.

— ZimLive

By Own Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has blocked the opposition MDC from holding a district rally in Mabvuku on Sunday.

In a letter addressed to the MDC chairman of Ward 19 in Mabvuku-Tafara, Officer Commanding Police, Harare Suburban District, Chief Superintendent S. Matongo wrote:

RE: NOTIFICATION TO HOLD A RALLY AT HIGH STREET/MABVUKU PARK ON 10 NOVEMBER 2019

1. I acknowledge receipt of the notification for a rally dated 6 November 2019 and served on us on 6 November 2019 through Mabvuku Police Station.
2. Kindly be advised that you have not fully complied with the terms of Section 25(1((b) and Section 25(2) (a) and (g) of the Public Order and Security Act [Chapter 11:17].
3. You are therefore required to advise this authority of a new date of meeting which meets the provisions of the Act.
4. Accordingly referred.

The banning of the MDC rally raises several questions, among them; why is the law selectively applied? ZANU PF held an anti-sanctions rally in October in Harare and the ruling party held another rally on Saturday 9 November 2019 in Chiredzi.

Moreover, the government has told the international community that the repressive law, POSA, has been removed from the statute books yet it is still being used by the police to ban the MDC’s rallies.

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted heavy rains accompanied by violent thunderstorms with possible flash floods with effect from this evening.

The announcement comes at a time when the country has been eagerly waiting for the rainy season to commence after months of hot weather and drought which has resulted in more than 9 000 cattle dying.

“Relief is on the way as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast significant rainfall and slightly lower temperatures in most parts of the country during the coming week,” said the MSD in a statement.

The department said significant rainfall is expected across the country with effect from tomorrow until November 16, 2019.

“During storms, avoid metal objects and tall isolated trees.

Where possible stay indoors. Motorists are advised to be vigilant when driving through storms. Take caution on the road as flash flooding and gushes of water may lead to treacherous road conditions. Visibility may also be compromised during heavy downpours.”

The MSD said the heavy rains, which are a result of a cloud band from Botswana and Zambia, are expected to start affecting the Western parts of the country starting on November 10, 2019.

The wet conditions should move eastwards covering the whole country by Monday which should result in moderate to heavy rains across the country.

The rains should persist in most areas for much of the week, with localised heavier falls (in excess of 50mm in 24 hours) being highly likely in some places.

“The public is advised that the combination of this moisture together with heat can trigger violent storms which will be accompanied by lightning, hail and wind,” said the MSD.State media

Over 300 undocumented foreign nationals have been found hiding in a Hillbrow building, and three suspects have been arrested for hijacking the 21-storey building.

The undocumented nationals, from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were taken in for processing and verification of their stay in the country, says police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters.

“Three suspects, two women and a man, were arrested for hijacking the building after police were able to locate the rightful owner,” Peters says.

Six Malawian nationals – four juveniles and two pregnant women – have been released pending their appearance before immigration authorities to prepare for their direct deportation.

FESTIVE SAFETY

The operation kicked off the Safer Festive Season Campaign in Gauteng, and was attended by Police Minister General Bheki Cele, together with the Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, and Johannesburg Metro Police Department Chief David Tembe.

In other operations under the campaign, police traced 124 suspects on whom warrants of arrests were executed for a range of crimes. Roadblocks were mounted at strategic points in all the five districts in the province and saw unroadworthy cars impounded and fines issued for contravention of road traffic regulations.

“A stolen police firearm was found on a wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, who was also driving a suspected stolen vehicle on the N12 in Alberton,” says Peters.

Three other firearms were also recovered – one in a roadblock on the N3 and two during a hostel raid in Thokoza. In addition, confiscated counterfeit goods estimated at R25m and confiscated liquor valued at R1.4m were confiscated.

“Residents of Gauteng can look forward to high visibility in known hotspots such as shopping centres and malls; more roadblocks to address road fatalities; visits by the police to places of entertainment; and more shut-downs of illegal liquor outlets; and generally more crime prevention operations,” says Peters.

– News 24

President Mnangagwa Reshuffles Cabinet

MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS AND RE-ASSIGNMENTS

In terms of Subsection 1 of Section 104 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013, His Excellency the President, Cde Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has made the following Ministerial appointments and re-assignments:

1.0 MINISTERS

1. Honourable Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu – Minister of Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry
2. Honourable Dr Sekesai Irene Nzenza – Minister of Industry and Commerce
3. Honourable Professor Paul Mavima – Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare
4. Honourable Ambassador Cain Mathema – Minister of Primary and Secondary Education
5. Honourable Kazembe Kazembe – Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage,
6. Honourable Jenfan Muswere – Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services,
7. Honourable Daniel Garwe – Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities.

2.0 DEPUTY MINISTERS:

1. Honourable Marian Chombo – Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works
2. Honourable David Musabayana – Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
3. Hon Jennifer Mhlanga – Deputy Minister of Women Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development,
4. Honourable Yeukai Simbanegavi – Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities
5. Honourable Dingumuzi Phuti – Deputy Minister of Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services
6. Honourable Raymore Machingura – Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development,
7. Honourable Tinoda Machakarika – Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation, 8. Honourable Clemence Chiduwa
8. Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development.

These appointments and re-assignments are with immediate effect.

Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa yesterday commissioned 76 Zimbabwe United Passenger Company (Zupco) buses in Bulawayo and said that the country would receive 1 500 more buses from China “soon”.

Mnangagwa has previously commissioned new ZUPCO fleet on more than one occasion and continues to do so, raising questions if he is trying to steal the limelight from transport minister Biggie Matiza.

This time Mnangagwa took the scissors to Bulawayo where he ordered that the buses be deployed to rural Matebeleland areas where residents are reportedly experiencing transport challenges.

While other Presidents are officially launching major projects such as bullet trains in Rwanda, Mnangagwa sees new ZUPCO buses as an achievement to talk about.

Mnangagwa said the government was in the process of importing 1500 buses from China to increase the ZUPCO fleet to be able to cover the whole country.

“About 1 500 buses are expected to come from China and 300 of those will come in knocked down parts which will be assembled here in Zimbabwe to create employment,” he said.

The mysterious man on video with Speaker Of Parliament Jacob Mudenda at the In Hotel in Belgrade Serbia, has been revealed. 

The man who attempted to interrupt journalist Simba Chikanza’s interview with Mudenda, is none other than ZANU PF MP for Buhera North, William Mutomba. 
He disrupted the interview soon after Mudenda had confessed that the Zimbabwean military was used to alter the 2018 election results.

In our first article, he was named, “UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN.” 

Below is the full Jacob Mudenda interview in Serbia on the 13th October 2019.

MUDENDA WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA FOR AN INTERVIEW- Begins with the humiliation Zim is receiving here, a Tanzanian politician says “Zim is now 7 times worse than it was under Bob.” Mudenda asks why. He is told it’s because you’re torturing MDC MPs and 1 Aug victims.. FINAL VIDEO ON ZIMEYE pic.twitter.com/23KwitUSSM

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) October 13, 2019

INTERVIEW OF ZIMBABWE’S SPEAKER OF PARLIAMENT WITH SIMBA CHIKANZA AT THE IN-HOTEL IN SERBIA ON SUNDAY 13TH OCTOBER 2019. 

The interview by Simba Chikanza (SC) with Adv Jacob Mudenda was recorded partly on audio and the rest on video. It began with Simba Chikanza showing Adv Mudenda his official name badge presenting himself as a journalist doing research over the Interparliamentary Union (The Union of all parliaments around the world). 

Adv Mudenda was happy doing the brief interview which later became heated.

Watch video below. ..

FULL VIDEO OF INTERVIEW (PLUS AUDIO) LOADING BELOW…

SC: Many of the things that are coming on Zimbabwe; right now, I have just met some Tanzanians who were criticising us, heavily, just here.

Well, we are being told that we are now 7 times worse, more, than when we were during Robert Mugabe times. I think that is one matter that I am going to need a short engagement with you Sir.

Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)

SC: Excuse me?

Mudenda: There are exigencies (sic)

SC: Let me just, while we are, let me just get a picture with you if you don’t mind Sir.

SC: Right, where are we here? Right so, here. Meeting Advocate Mudenda.

Mudenda: Thank you.

SC: You seem to have forgotten me, I don’t know why.

Mudenda: Yeah, I am trying to recollect.

SC: Splendid. Looking forward, I will be with you shortly.

Mudenda: Yeah

SC: Thank you Sir.

Mudenda: Someone will be joining me soon.

SC: Oh, someone will be joining you?

Mudenda: Yes.

SC: Okay, so someone will be joining you. Okay. So what I will do maybe, once they come maybe, I will go away. I am just having a very light one.

Mudenda: Okay.

SC: Oh, thank you Sir. Yeah, the criticism against us is very scathing, it is very heavy, this gentleman from Tanzania who was saying he runs an NGO, and works between Uganda and Tanzania, and he says your country is now 7 times worse than when Robert Mugabe.

Mudenda: What reasons does he give?

SC: Err, we didn’t go into deep, we didn’t get deeper than that, other than him saying the conduct of both government and institutions. He alleges the judiciary as well, and parliament and he mentioned specifically the withdrawal of allowances. Sir.

Ndokutorerai (shall I get you a ) chair?

SC: Sir, the withdrawal of allowances Advocate Mudenda, that has extremely, extremely criticised yourself. On what basis. You have here a topic, local and international policy analysts here, they say you have caused the deterioration of parliament, and.

Mudenda: I have what?

SC: You have made parliament to deteriorate. The value of parliamentarianism is, should be.

Mudenda: Into what?

SC: You are now a spokesman of a military cartel rather than parliament. And in this case Advocate Mudenda, you have a discussion, a topic, that you yourself, you allowed into parliament, you brought this discussion, and that is the 1 August brutality. It is clear even ZBC broadcast this.

Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).

SC: They broadcast this, announcement that the military would be used to change 2018 election results.

Mudenda: (nod and sound in affirmation).

Mudenda: Yes

SC: The same MPs who are meant to be part of your own parliament Advocate Mudenda, they are part of your parliament. And you are the one who allowed this discussion to get into. You allowed it to be discussed.

Mudenda: No, you see the members of parliament have threatened to go to court, so that matter is subjudice.

SC: Sorry?

Mudenda: The matter is subjudice and I am not discussing that.

SC: Because they have threatened to go to court?

Mudenda: Yeah I’m not discussing that.

SC: But then, Sir, aren’t you concerned?

Mudenda: I am not discussing that.

SC: Aren’t you concerned?

Mudenda: I am not discussing that. I am not discussing that.

SC: That we have a clear matter.

Mudenda: I am not discussing that.

SC: You talked about a threat Sir, you talked about a threat advocate.

Mudenda: I am not discussing that.

SC: You talked about a threat.

Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright?

SC: Advocate, Advocate, a crime is being committed right now. People are dying.

Mudenda: Go to court. Go to court.

SC: Go to court where? People are dying right now in Zimbabwe advocate.

Mudenda: I am not.

SC: I have got; I have got victims of 1 August.

Mudenda: Can you also respect my point of view. Alright?

SC: Do you also respect the people who are suffering, Sir? Do you respect the victims who still have bullets in their bodies, Sir…the victims who still have bullets in their bodies right now?

Mudenda: Can you stop it. Alright. Can you stop it.

SC: Advocate, Advocate, you are the highest you are the most respected person in Zimbabwe you are here to represent parliamentarianism. What parliamentarianism is. You are the person we refer to; we respect you sir. We respect you. And I’ve come to you to ask you about this thing which we are being criticised for; our nation is being criticised right here, Sir.

Mudenda: Can you still stop it. This is not the forum.

SC: Why is it not the forum Sir?

Mudenda: Can you stop it.

SC: But you are the Speaker of Parliament.

Mudenda: Can you stop it. Haaah.

SC: I have got people who are crying I have got victims. Are you concerned that you are no longer the Speaker of Parliament you are now the Speaker of a military cartel?

Mudenda: Can you stop it.

SC: Stop what advocate, stop what?

Mudenda: Can you stop it.

SC: Stop what?

Mudenda: Can you stop it.

SC: But you are destroying our country. You are destroying a whole community. You are right now, even the perception of our nation (sic) Advocate Mudenda.

Are you happy that parliamentarianism has been violated advocate Mudenda? Tell me.

Mudenda: [NO RESPONSE]

So you are not willing to address concerns about parliamentarianism, you are here to represent parliamentarianism and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs adding to the physical torture to victims of violence on 1 August which was done to change election results and this was broadcast on the ZBC. Advocate Mudenda, you are a respected man. You are the highest, the most respected person Sir.

Mudenda: Can you slow down so I can eat.

SC: I shall slow down, but I hope you realise here, that I have got people who are dying, there is a crime that is being committed.

Mudenda: Can I have my breakfast?

SC: You can sir, you can sir, I shall wait.

A crime is being committed Advocate.

Mudenda: Can you move off can you move off.

SC: I am not Sir.

I have got a legitimate criminal concern here, a legal concern sir;

I have got a legitimate legal concern.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN – MUDENDA’S AIDE TRAVELED WITH HIM FROM ZIMBABWE:

Sorry sorry I thought I had given you enough time.

SC: No you can’t do this.

SC: Advocate Mudenda people are dying right now people are dying right now and you are mentally torturing MDC MPs. On what basis do you withdraw their allowances for 5-months merely because they are expressing what you brought before Parliament?

Mudenda: Can you move out.

SC: I am here I am not going to move out I am a guest here and I am also; I am very much here; I am very much here; but I will wait on you because this is important, because you are an employee; you are a civil servant Sir; you are a civil servant. This is your job. This is your job, to be accountable to members of the public; to the international community; to prove that you’re doing the job of a speaker of Parliament not a speaker of a military cartel advocate Mudenda.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN: (attempt to interrupt).

No you cannot shut me I’m going to slow down I will allow him to eat but I’m not going to leave here. I am here I am a guest here; I am an invitee to this conference where you are as well; Thank you.

Tine vanhu varikufa right now hamadzedu dzirikufa kuZimbabwe, akomana, varume, mauya kunoku imimi, saka ndanyarara ikozvino. Ndakumirirai. Ndakumirirai.

This is a legal matter, it is also a criminal matter; I am waiting here.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

I think the honorable speaker has come here to have something to eat.

SC: Yes I will wait for him. I will wait for him Sir

As you can see I have withdrawn, I have withdrawn, I was sitting there when you are sitting so now I have moved away now so we will wait sir. I have got Zimbabweans who are waiting across inside Zimbabwe and around the world. They’re waiting; this is the most respected person; The highest person in the country in Zimbabwe next to Emmerson Mnangagwa.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

So why are you shouting?

SC: I am not shouting I am waiting sir.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

I think it is more about threatening than anything.

SC: What threat did you hear? What threat did you hear there?

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

I haven’t heard.

SC: No no no. Please don’t be unreasonable what threat did you hear here? What threat did you hear tell me, can you justify what you said.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

Know what I am simply saying you know when you are talking on top of your voice if you really want to interview you the Speaker you should interview in a manner that is (sic).

SC: According to your allegations I am quiet. Thank you.

UNKNOWN/ UNNAMED MAN:

Thank you.

POLICE ARE THEN SUMMONED IN AND DISRUPT THE INTERVIEW THEN THE BELOW HAPPENS….

LIVE: MUDENDA CONFESSES MNANGAGWA USED MILITARY TO KILL PEOPLE TO CHANGE 2018 ELECTION RESULTS https://www.zimeye.net/2019/10/15/live/ via @ZimEye

By Nomusa Garikai| When you are in a hole, stop digging because you are not doing to dig yourself out of the hole by making the hole deeper! That is obvious, common sense, but clearly not to some people; but I never thought one will need to explain this to someone like Professor Mthuli Ncube, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Finance, no less!

“Zimbabwe’s army and police are poised to get the biggest chunks of the 2020 national budget, which finance minister Mthuli Ncube has revised to far exceed the initial ceiling of ZWL$28 billion (about US$1.77 billion or R26.1billion),” reported TimesLive.

The Army and the Police are each going to get ZWL$25 billion and ZWL$32 billion.

This must be compared and contrasted with the budgetary allocation to health, agriculture and industry which are getting ZWL$ 18, 14 and 6 billion respectively! 

The first thing to note is that the budget allocation to the Police alone exceeded the initial total ceiling set by the Minister and his staff. The total allocation to the five ministries named above alone is ZWL$ 85 billion or nearly three times the set ceiling. Of course, this is bound to fuel the country’s hyperinflation estimated at between 358% to 900%. 

The second obvious flaw is why oh why is the country spending fortune on security and pittance on health, agriculture and industry?

“People complain about soldiers this and that, but let me tell you, if we do not have peace we will have huge problems,” Minister Ncube explained.

“It’s very important that we should make sure that the security cluster is well funded, that soldiers have a decent meal, three meals a day, as well as the police.”

Minister Ncube should know that ever since the country attained her independence in 1980 the country has spend disproportionately more and more resources on its bloated public sector, notably the security services. Yes this was done to placate the security personal but at the price of starving the country’s wealth generating sectors. When a nation spends more than the wealth it is generating that is the root cause of economic meltdown and price inflation.

By increasing the money supply three fold without doing anything to increase the wealth the nation generates the Minister has only stoked the hyperinflation flames!

After 39 years of kicking the can of voodoo economic policies down the road the country is running out of road. Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown has pushed unemployment to the nauseating heights of 90%, basic services such as health have all but completely collapsed, etc. The country desperately need sound economic policies to revive the comatose economy and not more of the failed  voodoo economics!

–zsdemocrats.blogspot.com

FLAMBOYANT businessman and socialite Genius Kadungure has blessed Freeman with US$500 for his successful hit song Ngaibake featuring Alick Macheso.

Ngaibake has become one of the most played tunes in Zimbabwe – in homes, clubs and parties.

Freeman was called to collect US$500 by Ginimbi as a token of appreciation.

“I was called to come and receive US$500 yesterday at Dreams and I was so surprised.

“I am grateful and humbled being appreciated in such a way, it’s not every day you find someone who believes in your art that much,” said Freeman.

The Ngaibake singer Freeman said he is going to share the money with the Sungura kingpin Alick Macheso.
“I will be going to visit mdara (Macheso) then I give him a piece of the cake we received because it is something we did together,” he said.
— HMetro

By Patrick Guramatunhu | ”It has been a privilege to chair the All Party Zimbabwe Group in Parliament and speak up for that beautiful country now in the grip of @edmnangagwa destroying it just like Mugabe,” twittered retiring Labour MP Kate Hoey. 

THANK YOU KATE! 

You spoke for the millions of ordinary Zimbabweans who have been systematically denied the freedoms and rights including the right to a meaningful vote and even the right to life by this corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship. 

Zimbabwe is a beautiful country with great economic potential and a hard working people. The reality on ground tells a different and sorry story because the country has had the great misfortune of being ruled by thugs.

Ever since Zimbabwe attained her independence in 1980 the country has been ruled by corrupt, incompetent and murderous Zanu PF thugs who have denies the people their freedoms and rights including the right to a meaningful say in the governance of the country and even the right to life. The people have risked life and limb to elect MDC on the ticket they would implement the democratic reforms to end the Zanu PF dictatorship. They had the golden opportunity to implement the reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU; they failed to get even one reform implemented. Not one! And ever since the MDC leaders have participated in flawed and illegal elections for selfish political gain. 

Ms Kate Hoey, the EU, the Americans, the Canadians, the Commonwealth and many, many other observed last year’s Zimbabwe elections and they all condemned the elections as a farce. Ms Hoey argued the British government, the EU and the international community to punish the Mnangagwa regime for rigging the elections. It was none other than Zimbabwe’s own opposition politicians who undermine this call!

There is no doubt that by participating in the elections, the opposition gave the flawed and illegal elections some democratic credibility. And boy oh boy; the opposition politicians were falling over each other in their enthusiasm to contest. There were 23 contestants in the presidential race alone!

The election process was so flawed that 3 million Zimbabweans in the diaspora were denied the vote (Mnangagwa was declared the winner with 2.4 million votes)! ZEC even failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll. But none of these flaws and illegalities dumped the opposition candidates’ enthusiasm! 

MDC leaders and their fellow opposition politicians were after the few gravy train seats Zanu PF gives away as bait and they did not care how flawed and illegal the process happened to be. Having participated in the flawed and illegal elections, knowing all along Zanu PF would rig the elections, Chamisa and company had no choice but to accept the elections as credible. 

Yes, E D Mnangagwa is destroying Zimbabwe just as Mugabe before him had done and with the active help of the corrupt and incompetent Nelson Chamisa and his MDC friends! MDC leaders have been running with the hare and hunting with the hounds for over 20 years now and hence the reason Zimbabwe is still stuck with this corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship.

People like Kate Hoey have fought hard to stop tyrants like Mugabe and Mnangagwa destroying Zimbabwe. But if the truth be told, this is our fight; we have allowed tyrants to ride roughshod over our hopes and dreams and it is our responsibility to now put an end to this madness! 

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” said Jesus.

Zimbabwe is in a real serious economic mess with unemployment a nauseating 90% and basic services like health care all but completely collapsed because of forty years of corrupt and tyrannical bad governance. To get out of the mess Zimbabweans must be shrewd to see something as obvious as MDC leaders are selling out hence the reason the party has failed to implement even one reform in the last 20 years. And it is naive to expect the party to do so now!

– zimbabwelight.blogspot.com

Over 300 undocumented foreign nationals have been found hiding in a Hillbrow building, and three suspects have been arrested for hijacking the 21-storey building.

The undocumented nationals, from Malawi and Zimbabwe, were taken in for processing and verification of their stay in the country, says police spokesperson Brigadier Mathapelo Peters.

“Three suspects, two women and a man, were arrested for hijacking the building after police were able to locate the rightful owner,” Peters says.

Six Malawian nationals – four juveniles and two pregnant women – have been released pending their appearance before immigration authorities to prepare for their direct deportation.

FESTIVE SAFETY

The operation kicked off the Safer Festive Season Campaign in Gauteng, and was attended by Police Minister General Bheki Cele, together with the Deputy Minister of Police Cassel Mathale, Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Fannie Masemola, Gauteng Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Elias Mawela, and Johannesburg Metro Police Department Chief David Tembe.

In other operations under the campaign, police traced 124 suspects on whom warrants of arrests were executed for a range of crimes. Roadblocks were mounted at strategic points in all the five districts in the province and saw unroadworthy cars impounded and fines issued for contravention of road traffic regulations.

“A stolen police firearm was found on a wanted suspect, a Mozambican national, who was also driving a suspected stolen vehicle on the N12 in Alberton,” says Peters.

Three other firearms were also recovered – one in a roadblock on the N3 and two during a hostel raid in Thokoza. In addition, confiscated counterfeit goods estimated at R25m and confiscated liquor valued at R1.4m were confiscated.

“Residents of Gauteng can look forward to high visibility in known hotspots such as shopping centres and malls; more roadblocks to address road fatalities; visits by the police to places of entertainment; and more shut-downs of illegal liquor outlets; and generally more crime prevention operations,” says Peters.

– News 24

Pictures of an elderly municipal police officer in Harare at a vending stall have emerged. The unnamed female, is seen pulling up a plastic bag before walking away, looking frail and vulnerable.

The development has drawn questions as to her name and particularly her age.

Below was a comment passed by the popular Talitha Dube: “Municipal police or whatever they are too old to be working yet our youthiz are unemployed.

“It started with a 76 yr old pres, then a 56 yr old youth leader Togarepi Pupurai .

“Something ain’t right in Zim. Then there is opposition that is not opposition.”

By A Correspondent- A Chipinge village head was left counting losses after his homestead was torched by his subject who accused the traditional leader of bewitching him and harbouring intentions to evict him from the village.

This came to light during the appearance of Joseph Kuwayani (43) of Mutowe Village under Chief Musikavanhu before Chipinge magistrate, Joshua Nembaware, facing charges of malicious damage to property.

He was convicted on his own plea of guilty.

In mitigation, Kuwayani said he was remorseful for his actions as he committed the offence in anger after the village head had threatened to bewitch him.

“I am sorry for my actions Your Worship. I was angry after the village head threatened to bewitch me and also evict me from my homestead. I am asking for your lenience when passing sentence,’ said Kuwayani.

He was sentenced to 20 months in prison of which five months were conditionally suspended for five years. A further five months was suspended on condition he restitutes the complainant $5 000 on or before February 28 in 2020.

Prosecutor Shamiso Ncube told the court that on October 13, this year, Kuwayani was drinking at Daisyhill Business Centre in Chipinge.

He then gathered that the village head, Edgar Garwi (72), was planning to chase him away from the village.

The news did not amuse him.

He left the business centre and passed through another villager, Gift Ngirandi’s homestead where he asked for a box of matches. He was given the match box without divulging his intentions.

Kuwayani then proceeded to Garwi’s homestead where he set alight one of the thatched huts.

He went and hid behind another hut before setting it on fire too.

He escaped from the homestead, but was positively identified by one of the villagers who had reacted to the inferno. Property worth $5 000 was destroyed.

A police report was made, leading to his arrest.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Tobacco farmers have been forced to cut production by 16% following a dry spell and other reasons.

This will also result in lower export receipts next year the state media reports.

This was revealed by tobacco grower statistics that show a 16% decline in registrations for the 2019/2020 season. 

The TIMB CEO Andrew Matibiri was quoted by the state media saying the decline may be temporary:

“There is a -16 percent variance over the same period last year, We believe this is transitory as more are expected to register as they plant their crops in the fields.

Some farmers that spoke to the publication have however announced their retirement from tobacco farming as they are now venturing into other crops. According to the publication, the RBZ governor is on record saying forex generated from Tobacco sales is enough to import fuel for a greater part of the year.”

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a programme to fast track the visa applications for overseas doctors, nurses and other health care workers.

Johnson said this would go a long way in ensuring that the National Health System (NHS) of the United Kingdom is fully capacitated and is not suffering from a shortage of critical staff.

watch the video downloading below….

Under the scheme, the cost of a visa for healthcare professionals would be halved from 928 pounds ($1,190) to 464 pounds ($590), while applicants would be guaranteed a decision within two weeks.

Applicants coming to work in the NHS would receive preferential treatment with extra points under the points-based system, and no cap on numbers entering through the NHS route.

This news will not be welcomed by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa whose government has already fired 211 doctors for going on strike demanding better pay and working conditions. 

The doctors are reported to be earning US$80 per month.  The Mnangagwa government is threatening to fire a third of the doctors over the strike which has now gone past 60 days.

-Wires

By A Correspondent- A Chipinge granny escaped death by a whisker after she was stabbed three times on the head by her mentally-challenged son.

This was revealed yesterday when Daniel Muchongoyo (34) of Maronga village under Chief Musikavanhu appeared before Chipinge magistrate Joshua Nembaware facing physical assault charge.

Muchongoyo exhibited signs of mental disorder in court, prompting the magistrate to remand him in custody to November 20 to allow for his mental examination by two doctors in terms of the Mental Health Act (MHA).

“What’s wrong with your behaviour? Are you normal? I think you need to be examined by two doctors in prison to ascertain your mental status. You are remanded in custody and ordered to be examined by two doctors in terms of the MHA,” Nembaware said.

Prosecutor Shamiso Ncube told the court that on November 3, the complainant, Agnes Muchongoyo (60), who is Daniel’s mother, was at her homestead preparing breakfast for her family.

After eating, Daniel threw away the plates, to the chagrin of his mother.

She inquired from him why he had thrown the plates away and Daniel became angry and moved away from her.

He went on to arm himself with a knife which he took to his room.

She followed him to inquire why he had armed himself with such a dangerous weapon.

He allegedly became aggressive and charged towards her. He went on to stab her thrice on the head. The mother fell to the ground, screaming for help and neighbours rushed to her rescue.

She sustained a deep cut on the head and was rushed to Chipinge District Hospital where a police report was made, leading to Daniel’s arrest.

The knife was recovered and will be produced in court as an exhibit.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- As the govt intensifies it is Electronic Government (e-government) drive, the parliament clerk has said MPs will receive tablets before this month ends.

Addressing a pre-budget seminar in Vic Falls early this week the parly clerk said:

You will have the tablets before we close this Parliament session. Our suppliers are expecting to have the tablets on 26 November and immediately thereafter we will give to members

The move was in response to some MPs’ queries that they were saddled with parly paperwork business.

-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Four senior teachers at a school in Chiredzi allegedly connived to write examinations for their partners.

According to a whistleblower, the quartet (names withheld) would open the sealed envelopes after exams and rewrite some papers for their partners, mostly external candidates, before sealing them again and forge signatures and dispatch the exam papers.

The teachers are alleged to have written Geography, English and Mathematics papers for their lovers.

“The teachers are said to have come up with a rendezvous where they would take the extra papers and write the exams while their partners fake sitting for the exam,” a source disclosed.

“After the exam, the signed envelopes would be taken to a room and torn open and their partners’ exam papers would be replaced by the ones they would have written. Extra envelopes would be used before signatures are forged.”

The deal turned bad after one of their (teachers’) relatives discovered that they were rewriting exams for their partners and let the cat out of the bag. The pictures of the torn envelops and exam papers seen by a local publication show that they were taken on a bed meaning they were not immediately taken to the strong room as required by Zimsec examination board.

Further investigations by a local publication showed that one of the candidates was a Form Four student at the school who was having an improper association with one of the teachers.

Another candidate is also married to one of the teachers. It also turned out that some of the partners are married and stay in Chiredzi town. The scam is alleged to have been going on since 2017 mainly in exchange for sex.

The matter was reported to Chiredzi district schools inspector Petronella Nyangwe, who dispatched a team to the school, but appears to have died a natural death.

Nyangwe could not be reached for comment as her mobile phone was not reachable.

Provincial education director Zedius Chitiga said he needed to study the pictures before he could give a comment.

Primary and Secondary Education permanent secretary Tamisang Thabela, said she would investigate the matter when reached for comment.

Primary and Secondary Education minister Paul Mavhima said he had not been briefed about the issue, but promised to find out.

Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) public relations officer Nicky Dlamini said investigations were underway.

“Yes, I can confirm that we received a report through our hotline and investigations are already underway. We are going to dispatch a team of investigators to the school to find out what was really happening,” Dlamini said.

The four teachers could not be reached for comment as their mobile phones were not reachable.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Senior Doctors here have demanded the reinstatement of Junior doctors who were fired by the government following their labour action of not reporting for duty for over 60 days.

Speaking to the Health Times, Zimbabwe Senior Hospital Doctors Association said:

“For the way forward the punitive disciplinary hearings must stop forthwith and those dismissed must have this decision reversed. A livable wage must be dispatched. Robust dialogue in good faith should take place with key stakeholders to help direct the capacitation and of the workers and the public health institutions. These must be given timelines to yield results.

The government fired 211 doctors recent;y as a punishment for their continued strike.

By A Correspondent| Bulawayo Metropolitan province reportedly needs an additional 25 schools to curb overcrowding issues that have seen most schools resorting to hot sitting for them to cater for all students.

This was revealed by Housing and Community services assistant director Mrs Thumamina Khumalo who said:

“The city is in dire need of more schools to eradicate the challenges associated with hot sitting. My education officers estimated that we need around 25 new schools with Emganwini, Pumula South and Cowdray Park being the most affected.

We pray for the economic situation to improve and access to the Public Sector Investment Programme (PSIP) funding in achieving this goal.”

-StateMedia

State Media|Minister of Defence: ZDF will continue fulfilling its mandate. This was said by Defence and War Veterans Affairs Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri in a speech read on her behalf by her ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Mark Grey Marongwe, during the graduation ceremony of junior staff course number 36 at Manyame Air Base yesterday.

The Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) will continue discharging its duties effectively and fulfil its mandate in line with the dictates of the Constitution to create an enabling environment for economic development.

“The Ministry of Defence and War Veterans Affairs considers this endeavour of training of staff in the ZDF as one of the components critical for the effective fulfilment of its constitutional mandate prescribed in Section 212 of the Constitution of the Republic of Zimbabwe; which is to protect Zimbabwe, its people, its national security and interests, territorial integrity and uphold the Constitution,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

“The knowledge imparted in courses of this nature also empower the ZDF to maintain peace and stability and contribute to the creation and sustenance of an environment conducive for equitable economic development.

“The mandate of the ZDF extends to civic duties, that include rendering support to the ZRP in the maintenance of law and order, which they do under command of the ZRP and assisting the Department of Civil Protection, which is charged with coordination and management of disasters and hazards.”

Muchinguri-Kashiri applauded the ZDF Special Forces for the critical role they played in rescuing thousands of marooned civilians, providing food and medicines, as well as repairing roads and other infrastructure after Cyclone Idai hit Manicaland and Masvingo this year.

She said the ZDF sailed through in training programmes despite the current harsh economic conditions exacerbated by the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the United States and the European Union.

“Despite the current tough economic conditions, occasioned largely by the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe by Britain and its allies, the ministry has gone out of its way to ensure that resources are availed to ZDF training and personnel development programmes,” said Muchinguri-Kashiri.

The course, the second since the commencement of the Second Republic, had 25 students, with five of them from Zambia, Tanzania and Malawi. The regional factor is in line with President Mnangagwa’s engagement and re-engagement process.

The graduation ceremony was attended by Commander Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) Lieutenant-General Edzai Chimonyo, representing Commander ZDF General Phillip Valerio Sibanda, and Air Marshal Elson Moyo among others.

Yet can’t even care for local practitioners

This has been one of the most deluded weeks for the Zimbabwe government – even by its own inherently schizophrenic standards – firstly claiming that providing low salaries to workers was economically prudent as it attracted foreign direct investment (FDI), since companies preferred investing in countries with cheap labour, then yesterday announcing that it intended inviting back foreign-based specialist doctors – yet, clearly failing to adequately care for its own local medical practitioners.

Wow! Could this get any worse? I am pretty sure we have not heard the last of these laughable pronouncements – which, however, fall far short of being comical, as ordinary Zimbabweans have bore the brunt of such brazenly atrocious policies by the government for decades.

Quite frankly, what would inspire a whole minister of health to be so excitable – whilst, touring and inspecting a private health institution – to seemingly forget that his government has dismally failed to attend to the demands and needs of its own health care workers with any gravity of seriousness?

As every Zimbabwean knows by now – likely through most traumatic experiences of not receiving any medical attention at public health institutions, or witnessing loved ones dying for lack of care – doctors have been incapacitated from attending to their duties, due to the inadequacy of their remunerations from government.

As much as they have tried to plead their case with relevant authorities, this has, nonetheless, been greeted with the usual cruel hard-heartedness and unforgivable arrogance – whereby, instead of the government negotiating in good faith, they have resorted to threats and firing of the clearly shortchanged and aggrieved doctors.

Who is to blame here? Who has wronged whom?

For a clearer understanding of the doctors – and by extension, all other civil servants, including teachers, nurses, etc, as well pensioners – let us rewind the clock to exactly a year ago, when every employee’s salary was pegged in United States dollars, as that had effectively been the currency of choice since the introduction of the multi-currency system in 2009.

Notwithstanding that people were now receiving their monies from banks in Bond Notes, purely as a consequence of US dollar cash shortages – as the exchange rate was at par at 1:1 – employee contracts, however, never changed, and their salaries were still legally in the Greenback.

Nonetheless, fast forward to 2019, enter a new phase of the government’s crazed economic policies, with the 20 February introduction of the RTGS dollar as the new local currency, and the liberisation of the interbank exchange rate – which was characterised by a steady decline of the Zimbabwe currency against the US dollar.

This was the genesis of the ‘stealing’ of employee salaries, as they continued to receive their monies in local currency at a rate of 1:1 against their contractually binding US dollar remuneration – despite the fact that the RTGS dollar was swiftly losing strength, and as such, their payments needed to be adjusted accordingly.

Furthermore, on 24 June – through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 – the administration outlawed the multi-currency system, and also introduced yet another local currency in the form of the Zimbabwe dollar.

Workers continued to receive their salaries in the new local currency – with brazen disregard of prevailing interbank exchange rates, which would have maintained these at their US dollar equivalent, in line with their contracts of employment.

Thus, when workers and pensioners demanded their right for salaries to be pegged at prevailing interbank exchange rates, the government treated this as some insane request for pay increments – thereby, offering them pitiful so-called ‘cushioning allowances’, and ‘cost of living adjustments’ (COLA), under the excuse that they (government) had no money.

Government had no money for what? Civil servants were not asking for anything more than what they were already entitled to in accordance with their employment contracts as of October 2018 – a salary that was in US dollars.

Therefore, all the government was supposed to do was continue providing its workers their salaries at the same value as in October 2018 – but, as the depreciating Zimbabwe dollar had now become the only legal tender in the country, then these had to be valued at the prevailing interbank exchange rate.

Simple!

What does government need more money for? If they could pay their employees a salary of, for example, US$500 in October 2018, then only what civil servants demand is the same salary today. Yet, in order to receive the same value in Zimbabwe dollars, it needs to be at the prevailing interbank exchange rate of US$1:ZW$15, which makes it ZW$7,500.

However, if the same employee is currently being given ZW$1,000, then it means the employer – the government of Zimbabwe – has deprived him or her of ZW$6,500.

As such, who has stolen from whom? Who has wronged whom? Thus, if there is anyone who should be taken to labour court for breaching the contract, should it not be the employer? So, where does the government get the audacity to conduct disciplinary hearings against its workers, whom it has clearly wronged and dispossessed of their rightful remunerations?

If anyone deserves to be fired, it certainly is not the incapacitated employee – whose compromised salary is clearly not enough to report for duty, considering the ever-rising and unaffordable cost of living – but, the minister responsible for this dispossession of rightful salaries.

Given this shameful background of the obvious unfair treatment of its employees by Zimbabwean authorities – which will further compromise the already wretched health delivery system, as there surely will be a huge upsurge in emigration of our valued medical practitioners – how do they imagine inviting back specialist doctors currently in the diaspora?

Will this government’s deranged and delusional thinking ever end? Let us not forget why these specialist doctors left the country in the first place – the same reason that our current medical practitioners will be moving to foreign lands…the ruthless and uncaring treatment, and abuse they are receiving at the hands of their employer.

An employer, whose spokespersons would rather utter uncharitable and reckless statements on both social and mainstream media to the effect that they preferred that these ‘murderous doctors were fired’! Who is being ‘murderous’ in this regard?

Who has deprived our valued doctors the ability to attend to our ailing loved ones? Who has decided to fire these medical practitioners – whose cause it totally understandable – instead, of conducting genuine negotiations? Who is forcing these indispensable gallant men and women out of the country, to serve other people, whist their fellow compatriots are left desperate? Who has effectively driven our critically sick loved ones to their deaths?

Why then would any right thinking foreign-based specialist doctor decide to return under such grave conditions? The Zimbabwe government should first sort out its own affairs at home before dreaming of any fantastical and unrealistic ambitions.

The Zimbabwean

State Media|Eight years after smashing an axe into his wife, seven years after being convicted of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm and sentenced to jail, and six years after losing his appeal, Gordon Tsuro, the head of the Marriages Department at the Registrar-General’s Office in Harare, was finally picked up from his office this week and sent to prison to serve his three-year sentence.

Until his six years of freedom in a legal limbo was exposed by state media, Tsuro had gone about his normal day-to-day life without a care in the world, going to work, socialising and the like.

But once the authorities read about his peculiar case in the newspaper, records were checked and the legal bureaucracy swung, or perhaps creaked, into action.

The critical missing link was apparently the letter from the High Court Registrar to the Harare Magistrates Court stating the appeal had failed. That letter finally turned up six years late.

But, better late than never, the process finally started at the end of October and armed with a warrant of arrest, the police picked up Tsuro on Wednesday, took him the following day to the Harare Magistrates’ Courts where he had been originally convicted, and the necessary papers were signed to send him to jail to serve his punishment.

If he had started his sentence the day it was given, and had behaved himself in jail to earn the one-third standard remission for good behaviour, Tsuro would have been out in 2014, five years ago, and now be well into his post-prison life.

Tsuro (48) was on June 26, 2012 convicted and jailed three years by then Harare Regional Magistrate Mr William Bhila, for seriously injuring his wife, Ms Rosemary Charlie, after striking her with an axe in a domestic dispute.

During trial, the court heard that the couple had a misunderstanding over residential stand documents as they were going to bed at around 8.40pm. Tsuro wanted the documents for Charlie’s house where building had started. But they were at her workplace and could not be obtained that night. So Tsuro grabbed an axe from under the bed and after forcing his wife to sit smashed her in the head and legs with the axe, before breaking her arm.

The couple’s landlord, Edward Gwekwete, rescued her and took her to hospital.

Tsuro was charged with attempted murder, but was finally convicted on a lower charge of very serious assault.

He immediately appealed to the High Court against both the conviction and sentence and was granted bail as is common in these cases until his appeal was heard.

But neither Tsuro nor his lawyers, Mupinu and Mugiya, pursued the appeal. So almost a year later on May 15 2013, deadlines being missed, the Registrar of the High Court formally dismissed the appeal. It is now that Tsuro entered legal limbo.

The Magistrates Court should have been told that the appeal had failed, and then Tsuro would have been arrested and formally committed to prison.

The waters were a little muddied by the lawyers, Mupindu and Mugiya, who applied for reinstatement of the appeal, but the Registrar advised them to file a court application if they wanted the automatic process reversed.

However, Mupindu & Mugiya had renounced agency in 2013 before a new law firm by the name Mugiya & Macharaga assumed agency, but there are no indications on the relevant court record, 580/12 that an application for reinstatement of appeal was ever pursued. So there never was an acquittal.

Contrary to the record, on September 13 2019, Harare lawyer Mr Norman Mugiya of Mugiya & Macharaga claimed his client was acquitted by the High Court, but could not state the date, judges or prosecutor who handled the case.

“It’s an old case and I think my client has since been acquitted. I am not sure of the judge and prosecutor who were involved. I will check the case number for you,” he said.

Officials at the High Court and the Judicial Service Commission (JSC) head office said they were only aware of Appeal Case Number 580/12 that was dismissed for non-compliance with the rules.

The Herald is reliably informed that on October 24 this year, the Registrar of the High Court Mr Donald Ndirowei sent a copy of the High Court record to the Harare Magistrates’ Courts to enable the lower court to issue a warrant of arrest against Tsuro, which was eventually issued this week.

The Herald also established that the magistrate’s court record did not show any sign of acquittal or reinstatement of the appeal.

A perusal of the court record shows that State papers prepared at Zengeza Police Station, did not state that Tsuro was a senior Government official.

It should have been different, according to legal expert Advocate Wellington Pasipanodya.

He said the Registrar of the High Court should have timeously informed the magistrate’s court of the dismissal of the appeal to enable the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

“Once the Registrar of the High Court has dismissed the appeal, he

or she instructs the Clerk of the lower court to ensure the issuance of a warrant of arrest against the convict.

“After issuance of the warrant, the clerk of court in turn conveys the dismissal to the police. The police, armed with a warrant of arrest, will then bring the convict before a magistrate for committal to prison,” he said.

Mr Pasipanodya explained the process of a criminal appeal.

“When a convict files an appeal at the High Court, he or she must prosecute it through payment of record preparation fees, payment of notice of setdown fees as well as physically inspecting the record.

“In the event that one fails to comply with the rules of appeal, the Registrar of the High Court may deem the appeal to have lapsed,” he said.

State Media|PRESIDENT Mnangagwa yesterday capped 2 652 students at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust)’s 25th graduation ceremony.

Among those who graduated were the leader of Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA), Dr Peter Magombeyi, who was however, not present.

The graduates were drawn from the Faculties of Applied Sciences, the Built Environment, Commerce, Communication and Information Science, Engineering, Science and Technology Education and Medicine.

The colourful ceremony began shortly after 10AM when President Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all State universities, led the academic procession into the Nust Sports Grounds where the graduands, their friends and relatives were waiting.

Out of the 2 652 students who graduated, six were holders of Doctoral degrees, 678 Masters’ degrees and 1 968 undergraduates in different disciplines.

Of the 1 968 undergraduate recipients, 1 063 (54,01 percent) were male while 905, which translates to 45,99 percent, were female.

At Masters level there were 373 males and 305 females while those who graduated at PhD level, four were males while two were females.

In his report, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo, said Nust remains one of the key centres of educational excellence in the country and regionally as evidenced by collaborations with universities from other neighbouring countries in various areas of partnerships.

He said despite numerous challenges, the university made great strides in redirecting Nust to the realisation of its mandate as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) university.

“We are in the process of enhancing the design of the main campus. In addition to that, we are also increasing our footprints throughout the Sadc and further afield by way of affiliations and associations with STEM biased institutions led by like-minded institutional leadership. To top it all, if the other Vice Chancellors in the convocation were to enumerate the achievements of their alumni, we would all be awe-stricken, to say the least. That simply points to Zimbabweans and our education system as next to none,” said Prof Dlodlo.

The university has since its inception in 1991 expanded its basket of distinguished offerings to 45 teaching departments in seven faculties along with institutes, centres of excellence, a graduate school of business in support of its entrepreneurial thrust as a university and affiliate institutions both within and outside the country.

Collectively, Nust offers 50 undergraduate and 48 post graduate degree programmes.

“Our mostly young research community is unbelievably vibrant, as shown by our diverse products of research. Buttressed by a robust staff development programme and research and innovation office with an internationalisation portfolio, academic departments have been steadily increasing the number of PhD holders in their establishments,” said Prof Dlodlo.

He said the Faculty of Medicine has had a breakthrough in the discovery that three phytochemicals provide effective malaria treatment and are working in commercialising the result.

Prof Dlodlo said the Nust Institute of Development Studies under the Faculty of Commerce concluded in December last year a three-year research project that sought to mitigate drought related vulnerabilities among livestock farmers in Beitbridge district.

He said the university is working on plans to improve its existing programmes as well as introduce more innovative and industry driven programmes that seek to address current challenges and gaps in the economy.

Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Professor Amon Murwira, his Permanent Secretary Professor Fanuel Tagwira, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development Prof Mthuli Ncube, State Security Minister Owen Ncube and the chairperson of the Nust Council Eng Alvord Mabena attended the event.

Also present were Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube and her Matabeleland South counterpart Abednico Ncube and Vice Chancellors from other State universities as well as senior Government officials.

Paul Nyathi|President Emmerson Mnangagwa has unexpectedly created an additional Ministry into his cabinet at a time when expectations were that he was going to trim down his cabinet in the wake of austerity measures that his economic policies have been calling for.

Mnangagwa unceremoniously divided into two, the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing to create a new ministry named National Housing and Social Amenities.

Murehwa North Constituency MP Daniel Garwe has been appointed to head the new Ministry.

In his reshuffle, Mnangagwa replaced fired former Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Priscah Mupfumira with Former Industry and Commerce Minister Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu.

The Ministry has been renamed Environment, Climate Change, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Ministry.

Ndlovu has been the Acting Minister since August 8 when Mnangagwa fired Mupfumira, who was then in remand prison following her arrest on a slew of corruption charges involving US$95 million.

Dr Sekesai Irene Nzenza becomes Industry and Commerce Minister, while Professor Paul Mavima replaces her in the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare.

Ambassador Cain Mathema moves from Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage to replace Mavhima in Primary and Secondary Education.

Minister Kazembe Kazembe moves from Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services to Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, replacing Minister Mathema.

Former ICT Deputy Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere has been promoted to Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister.

Murehwa North Constituency MP Daniel Garwe has been appointed Minister of the new National Housing and Social Amenities portfolio.

The President also appointed new deputy ministers and reshuffled others.

Dingimuzi Phuti has been appointed Deputy Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services.

Marian Chombo becomes Deputy Minister of Local Government and Public Works.

David Musabayana, a former Minister of State for Mashonaland East Province, is the new Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

The new Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation is Tinoda Machakaire, who replaces Yeukai Simbanegavi, who has been named Deputy Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities.

Clemence Chiduwa has been appointed Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development.

Cde Raymore Machingura is the Deputy Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation and Science and Technology Development.

Jennifer Mhlanga is Deputy Minister of Women’s Affairs, Community, Small and Medium Enterprise Development.

THE Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has predicted heavy rains accompanied by violent thunderstorms with possible flash floods with effect from this evening.

The announcement comes at a time when the country has been eagerly waiting for the rainy season to commence after months of hot weather and drought which has resulted in more than 9 000 cattle dying.

“Relief is on the way as the Meteorological Services Department (MSD) has forecast significant rainfall and slightly lower temperatures in most parts of the country during the coming week,” said the MSD in a statement.

The department said significant rainfall is expected across the country with effect from tomorrow until November 16, 2019.

“During storms, avoid metal objects and tall isolated trees. Where possible stay indoors. Motorists are advised to be vigilant when driving through storms. Take caution on the road as flash flooding and gushes of water may lead to treacherous road conditions. Visibility may also be compromised during heavy downpours.”

The MSD said the heavy rains, which are a result of a cloud band from Botswana and Zambia, are expected to start affecting the Western parts of the country starting on November 10, 2019.

The wet conditions should move eastwards covering the whole country by Monday which should result in moderate to heavy rains across the country.

The rains should persist in most areas for much of the week, with localised heavier falls (in excess of 50mm in 24 hours) being highly likely in some places.

“The public is advised that the combination of this moisture together with heat can trigger violent storms which will be accompanied by lightning, hail and wind,” said the MSD.State media

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa was yesterday awarded an honorary Doctorate degree in the Philosophy of Education (Honoris Causa) by the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) during the institution’s 25th graduation ceremony in Bulawayo.

In his acceptance speech, President Mnangagwa, who is also the university’s Chancellor, challenged institutions of higher learning to churn out graduates who are adequately equipped with essential skills to drive the country’s modernisation and industrialisation agenda in line with his vision of transforming the economy into an upper middle-income status by 2030.

“As I receive this honour, I challenge all our universities and colleges to ensure that the graduates they churn out are equipped to provide solutions, services and products that will propel our modernisation and industrialisation agenda towards the attainment of Vision 2030,” he said.

President Mnangagwa urged institutions of higher learning to strive for qualitative change to the country’s education in line with the new development trajectory of Zimbabwe and the ever-changing socio-economic dynamics.

“Equally, we must all aim to realise functional education which meets the needs of our communities and aims at improving their quality of life. I challenge graduates to press on to do the extraordinary by inventing, designing and manufacturing products and artefacts from locally incubated ideas and researches,” he said.State media