Paul Nyathi|Online media Zimbabwe Voice which has a known biase towards the ruling ZANU PF party has published a set of minutes said to be those of the MDC Standing Committee meeting held on the 18th of September 2019 from 10:00hrs to 13:45hrs.
The media claims that the meeting was supposed to be one of the most secret meetings, but unfortunately the minutes were leaked to them.
The said minutes expose the top party officials planning to unleash a wave of violence as well as “marching to the seat of power,” a phrase implying removing the government through violence.
According to the minutes, the opposition party wants to gather enough numbers at its 20th anniversary celebrations being held in Harare today to mount flash protests into Harare CBD.
The MDC anniversary celebrations are being held at the Rufaro Stadium in Mbare, just less than 6km from central Harare.
Efforts to get a comment from the MDC Secretary General Charlton Hwende were not successful at the time of writing but a highly placed source within the party told ZimEye.com that the minutes sounded very fake as the party would never deliberate issues in the manner the minutes are written.
Robert Mugabe apparently wanted his widow, Grace to stay with his body until he was buried
BBC Columnist|In our series of letters from African writers, journalist-turned-barrister Brian Hungwe writes that many Zimbabweans have been shocked to learn that ex-President Robert Mugabe’s widow is staying with his body at home ahead of his burial at his rural home.
How do you eat, sleep and drink with a corpse in your house for weeks?
That question has been puzzling many Zimbabweans since it emerged that the body of former President Robert Mugabe – who died more than three weeks ago (on 6 September) at the age of 95 – is being kept inside his opulent Blue Roof mansion in the capital, Harare, amidst friction between the government and his family over whether he should be buried in a shrine at Heroes Acre or in his home region of Zvimba north-west of the capital, Harare.
Mugabe’s coffin was put on display in his home region
With no official announcement of where his body was, some Zimbabweans thought it was being kept in a mortuary while others went as far as to speculate that Mugabe – as the heir to the chieftainship of Zvimba, his rural home – had already been buried in a cave in accordance with the rituals of his Gushungo clan, following his state funeral in Harare and the mourning and body-viewing in Zvimba.
But photos of Mugabe’s casket at his mansion emerged on Monday (23 September) when South Africa’s firebrand opposition politician Julius Malema came to pay his respects to Grace Mugabe, the former first lady whose ambitions to succeed him as president were thwarted when her husband was forced out of office in 2017 by the military.
“Mr Mugabe was sleeping easy… just resting peacefully. He is resting,” Mrs Mugabe said, during Mr Malema’s visit.
This was followed by the viewing of the body, and a sumptuous lunch of pie and vegetables across the room from the corpse.
Some Zimbabweans are now drawing comparisons with rituals in Indonesia’s Tana Toraja region, where it takes a long time to bury the dead.
The corpse is kept in the house. The bereaved wash and clean it. They bring it food twice a day, as well as coffee and even cigarettes.
It is a way for the living to deal with grief. People believe the dead can hear them, and if they do not take care of the dead, the spirit – hovering above their heads – will haunt them.
Fear of the dead
Traditional beliefs among the Shona ethnic group – under which the Gushungo clan falls – also requires many rituals to be performed when death occurs.
These rituals reinforce a collective identity, and help families and communities to come to terms with the loss of a loved one.
Robert Mugabe will continue to cast a shadow over Zimbabwe for many years
Zimbabwean experts in this field also say that Shona funeral rituals tend to revolve around fear of the dead.
The spirit is regarded as being powerful, with human-like emotions. It can also haunt the living, if the corpse is not looked after.
Having ruled Zimbabwe since independence in 1980, Mugabe was not just a towering figure – he was a political institution.
Next to his mother
Some Zimbabweans say the 95-year-old spirit may not yet be ready for his interment and this why his body was kept at his mansion for so long.
His family appears to be at ease with this. Some of them have said one of Mugabe’s wishes was that his wife should never leave the corpse until he is buried.
It is unclear why he would make such a wish. Perhaps the family fears his body could be tampered with for ritual purposes.
Mugabe: From war hero to resignation
According to the family, Mugabe had another wish – to be buried at his rural home, close to his late mother, Bona. They further accuse President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Mugabe’s long-time ally, of betraying his former comrade and being behind the military takeover.
Normally the wishes of the dead are respected, but when alive, Mugabe defied the wishes of some of his liberation war colleagues who asked not to be buried at Harare’s Heroes Acre, the shrine for freedom fighters.
It seemed as though Mr Mnangagwa was going to do the same – he announced that a special grave would be built for his predecessor at Heroes Acre.
It was to have been a shrine to symbolise – as Mr Mnangagwa put it – his great works.
After behind-the-scenes talks, Mugabe’s family agreed to the plan.
“The government and the chiefs went to the Heroes Acre, showed each other where President Mugabe is going to be buried, and that place would take about 30 days to complete,” said Leo Mugabe, a nephew of the former president who has acted as a spokesman for the family.
‘He didn’t invent the country’
But the construction of the mausoleum at the national shrine provoked intense controversy.
History professor Gerry Mazarire told me that to elevate Mugabe above other heroes of the Independence War would create a false narrative – that he invented the country. It also belittles the contribution of others – and suggests that the government is being held to ransom by the ego of a dead man, he said.
The Heroes Acre shrine is to remember those who fought colonial rule
Many Zimbabweans could not understand the decision – if you defy the wishes of the dead, you anger their spirit, and it is difficult to then appease it.
The family must have felt the pressure.
It seems that this point has now been taken on board – the government has announced that the former president would be buried in Zvimba in accordance with the “new position” of his family.
The question now is whether the man who tried to treat Zimbabwe’s presidency as a hereditary post will be buried in a cave, like a traditional chief.
President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi speaks at a session at the World Economic Forum on Africa in Cape Town, South Africa, 4 September 2019. REUTERS/Sumaya Hisham
The Africa Report|In its 53 years in power, the governing party, the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) has never come this close to losing an election. True, it has seen its support dwindle over time, and most notably lost the popular vote in the last election in 2014.
Back then, it was able to retain power because of a combination of the first-past-the-post electoral system and its dominance of the Central Region of the country, which contributes 19 out the 29 seats needed to win a mandate to govern. Things have changed, and the tables in the election in six weeks are completely turned.
The Khama factor
The most significant risk to the BDP’s electoral fortunes is the party’s fallout with its former president, Ian Khama. Most visible through a public personal spat with his successor Mokgweetsi Masisi, it has seen Khama form his own party, the Botswana Patriotic Front, to contest the election. Whilst Khama has no illusions of wrestling power from Masisi and BDP, he can hurt them really badly. It was Khama who presumably saved the BDP when its popularity declined, especially in rural areas. As chief of the Bangwato (the majority ethnic group in the Central Region), he was drafted in to shore up his subjects’ support. Their allegiance to their Kgosi improved the fortunes of the BDP. Now that he has severed ties with BDP, many of his subjects may follow suit. Ian Khama’s brother Tshekedi, long touted as a possible successor to Ian and then Masisi, resigned from the BDP this week – signaling an irreparable rift.
Some estimates, including his own, are that Khama and his new party can get at least 14 seats. That’s easily enough to badly hurt the BDP. Even so, in other constituencies that he is unlikely to win, he is openly encouraging voters to ditch the BDP in favour of the opposition coalition, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), led by Duma Boko, and comprised of three parties: his party, the Botswana National Front (BNF), the Botswana Congress Party (BCP) led by Dumelang Saleshando and the Botswana Peoples Party (BPP) led by Motlatsi Molapisi. Khama’s sole agenda is the defeat of Masisi and the BDP. In any event, any sense of politicising ethnicity or ethnicising politics especially in Africa is not just bad but dangerous.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend
As for the opposition, there is little that binds them together ideologically besides a common desire to oust the BDP. Prior to Khama stepping down, they were bound by a common desire to punish Khama for what they alleged was his excessively authoritarian rule. But now with Khama offering them support, ambivalence has set in and they can neither condemn him openly nor continue to call for accountability as they previously did. One notable change in the opposition coalition is the inclusion of the BCP. In the last election in 2014, Saleshando declined to join the coalition. And when the opposition and independents garnered more votes than BDP, he was blamed for handing over victory to the BDP.
Analysis shows that had he joined the coalition, the opposition would have garnered 33 seats, enough to win outright. This time round he did not want to make the same mistake. But beyond that, he is widely respected and seen as a moderating influence in the coalition. Duma Boko, the leader of the coalition, is a charismatic individual and seasoned politician who has been on the scene for some time and popular with young people. He has made the most populist and attractive electoral promises of all – creating 100,000 jobs, quadrupling pensions to P1,500 ($136), doubling the minimum wage to a P3,000 ‘living wage’ and increasing student allowances by 56% from P1,600 to P2,500. Never mind the scanty details on how this will be funded by the fiscus, this is likely to attract some voters. Not to be outdone, Masisi has himself provided populist salary increases to the army, prison workers and the police. This may come in handy for him later in a tussle to retain power.
Corruption – the elephant in the room
Masisi and BDP have made dealing with corruption a major issue in the election. But, this is seen as code for dealing with corruption allegations related to Khama and his allies. One of these is Isaac Kgosi, Khama’s spy chief. He is in Malaysia, where he says he is seeking medical attention.
But, corruption allegations have been contagious. Masisi, himself has not been spared of accusations of knowing and doing nothing – as vice-president, about the looting of P250m from the Petroleum Fund, benefiting several individuals. In his founding affidavit to court, Bakang Seretse, the key suspect in the looting of the fund, made unproven allegations about both Khama and Masisi. They maintain their innocence. Whilst corruption has remained a concern in the country in recent years with high-level scandals, very little has been done to curtail it.
On the campaign trail, there have been concerns regarding the undisclosed financing of the campaign including allegations of support for Duma Boko from controversial South African businessman Zunaid Moti, who provided planes and helicopters for the UDC campaign. The aircraft was seized by the revenue service in what some saw as an act of partisanship in favour of the BDP.
It is unclear to what extent it will have a bearing on the outcome of the election. In view of the fact that all candidates are in one way or the other alleged, accused or implicated albeit remotely, it may really turn out to be a non-issue.
So, who’s winning?
Never in history of the country has the result of an election been so uncertain. Fitch Solutions has put the BDP’s prospects of winning at 35%. But, it does not mean that the opposition coalition, whose prospects Fitch places higher at 40%, will win either. If Khama’s prediction of taking 14 seats holds, garnering the 29 seats required to win may prove elusive for both the BDP and the opposition.
Deal or no deal?
In the absence of an outright winner, a hung parliament is likely to result. Only a coalition government may be able to govern. That may make Khama a kingmaker, and there areno prizes for guessing where he will be casting his lot in view of his spat with the BDP. Then again, a day in politics is too long. A deal may yet be struck with Khama by the BDP to bury the hatchet. Negotiating with a stronger hand, Khama could return to the BDP with greater sway. With the prospect of losing power altogether, the BDP may do any deal to stay there. Whatever the outcome, everyone needs to start seriously thinking about a deal of some sort.
If the opposition aligns with Khama – if he too wins the 14 seats he hopes – then Botswana will for the first time in history have a new party in government. This is highly likely. But, is the country, the BDP and the opposition itself ready for this outcome? In the worst case, a hung parliament may bring with it political instability of the kind seen in Lesotho. Parties will need to quickly learn how to share power and govern together.
Letting go is never easy
53 years is a hell of a long time to be in power. Experience from elsewhere in Africa and the world has shown that the longer a party is in power, the less likely it is to give up power willingly even when it loses elections. There are many reasons for this including and especially the political economy. Political patronage systems dominate the landscapes of many countries. The political and economic elites work hand in hand to leverage the political and commercial levers of power. An election result can readily torpedo these systems. The high stakes of losing not just political but economic control with obvious implications on personal livelihoods make losing an unacceptable outcome for political elites in many countries. Examples of ruling parties in the region that have lost elections and refused to give up power include Robert Mugabe’s ZANU-PF in Zimbabwe. In other countries, such as the DRC, the prospect of losing has driven ruling parties into election rigging frenzies. Worse, in some cases, parties have resorted to violence to stay in power.
Contested outcomes
Whatever the case may be, the higher the electoral stakes, the higher the likelihood of a contested electoral outcome. This is likely to be the case in Botswana. Should this ensue, what should we expect?
The classical caution to electoral contestants is always to follow legal and peaceful means to contest outcomes they are unhappy with. In most cases, this is the route some take. But, in many African elections, the legal route to resolving electoral disputes is the least attractive to losers. Factors such as lack of independence, partisanship and lack of impartiality by the courts and justice systems have led opposition parties to reject outright the use of the courts to adjudicate electoral disputes in many countries, including in Kenya in 2008. Even when parties do use the courts, such as in Zimbabwe in 2002, 2008, 2013, and 2018, the courts often either drag their feet until the next election – rendering the petition useless, or when they do hear the petition, fail to deliver reasoned judgement up to a year later, as they did in the presidential election in Zimbabwe.
So, whether losing political contestants opt for judicial resolution depends on the levels of trust and confidence they may have in the judiciary and its independence. In Botswana, the most recent example of a court-led electoral dispute resolution is the petition by President Masisi’s rival for the BDP presidency, Pelonomi Venson- Moitoi. In that case, several judges recused themselves alleging possible conflict of interest. Botswana is a country with a very small population and such conflicts are commonplace with personal relationships the order of the day.
The relationship between the executive and judiciary in Botswana has also not been good. Prior to stepping down, Khama suspended several judges and forced them to apologise before reinstating them in a move that was widely regarded as a significant incursion into their independence. The bitter taste of this infringement looms large as the country approaches potentially contentious elections.
Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst
If you ask Batswana, they will tell you that they are a peaceful and tolerant people who will never use violence against each other -especially for politics. Whilst this is largely true, it is also false. There have been instances of election-related violence in previous elections. In addition, that there has not been violence before does not mean they can never be.
It can be triggered by perceived flaws in the electoral process, lack of trust in those running elections. It can be used by one party to intimidate and force particular electoral choices by voters, as happened in Zimbabwe in 2008. It can also be triggered by an outcome that is perceived as not reflecting the will of the people, as was the case in Malawi.
Experience of elections and violence from around the world shows that there are many drivers of election-related violence and the changes in space and time can drive hitherto peaceful communities into confrontation.
The greatest responsibility to avert chaos lies with the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), the body responsible for managing the election. This will be the toughest election it will ever have run. It will also have to be the cleanest. The process will have to meet the transparency and credibility test in every respect in order for the outcome to be credible and acceptable. Domestic and external observers will be needed to verify the transparency and credibility of the process and the extent to which it is an accurate reflection of the will of the Batswana.
An architecture for peace
Undesirable as it maybe, is therefore possible that the election could bring with it some violence. For this reason, there has to be a certain level of preparedness to prevent it. Many countries come back from the brink because there exist within societies an architecture for peace – in other words institutions, systems, individuals that transcend the political spectrum to build and promote social cohesion. It is the peace architecture that helps societies ride the wave of political turbulence. Botswana will need its own architecture ready and on standby to bring the country back from the brink should it go there.
But, this time around the region’s and the continent’s poster child for democracy will also need help from the outside as it seeks to navigate its greatest political test ever.
Paul Nyathi|The former President’s nephew, Leo Mugabe, in an interview with Voice Of America, emphasised that the burial of the late leader will be a very private affair. Mugabe will be buried today in Kutama his home village after his family snubbed the heroes acre.
In ask interview on Friday, Leo Mugabe said the family does not regret changing the burial arrangements at the last minute and costing government money in the construction of a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre.
Independent|Councillor Herbert Gomba has spoken about the intensifying Harare Water crisis. In an interview with Zimbabwe Independent, the mayor spoke about the woes tormenting the city fathers in supplying clean water to Harare residents. The Mayor said their biggest challenge is importing chemicals which they need at least US$3 a month to buy chemicals especially chlorine gas.
The Mayor also said they need at least ZW$40 Million a month now to treat the water due to the volatile interbank exchange rates. He dismissed reports that the government was now taking over Morton Jaffray Waterworks in the same interview. The Mayor also shed light on the council’s plans to construct other dams to supply Harare with water and shed more light on why the projects had a false start. Read the full transcript below as posted by the Zim Ind:
TK: This week council announced that it had to shut down operations at the Morton Jaffray Waterworks owing to inadequate treatment chemicals. How much money is required on a monthly basis to ensure is a consistent supply of treated water to residents?
HG: On average, we need at least US$3 million to procure chemicals that will last a month. However, if the Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) approves our application for production of our own chemicals to happen at the plant, that will reduce the cost by US$1 million.
TK: We understand there is more to the water crisis than just a shortage of forex to buy purification chemicals. What are the other challenges causing these water cuts?
HG: It is basically due to inadequate chemicals, particularly chlorine gas. The challenge is that since the removal of the 1:1 we are now required to chase the interbank market for forex, meaning we needed ZW$40 million from residents to procure the US$3 million from the banks. TK: The government this week announced it was taking over the Morton Jaffray plant. Is that true?
HG: Morton Jaffray is run by City of Harare. We have no communication to the effect that government has taken over the plant. You must remember that central government once transferred management of the plant to Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and you know what happened. Nationalising the plant will not bring the foreign currency which is required to procure treatment chemicals.
The ideal situation is to have US$9 million to buy three months’ supply of chemicals as cover for eventualities; that was what the Rhodesian government would do. However, under the current circumstances, we only have foreign currency to buy chemicals that will last for only four days. Then after that, we have to start running around to mobilise the money needed to import treatment chemicals.
TK: This week, you announced that you had secured chemicals to last seven days. Going forward, what measures have you put in place to ensure that water supply returns to normalcy?
HG: We have bought chemicals for seven days and are waiting for government to transfer the ZW$37,4 million it promised after our requests. We are also building internal capacities to get more resources.TK: How is the ZW$37,4 million going to be utilised?
HG: It is yet to be transferred to our municipal account and its use is detailed in our request to the parent ministry. We need to do piping, metering and improve the purification capacity.
TK: In 2013, council received a US$144 million loan from China Export and Import Bank to fund the same tasks you are asking for more money. Can you explain how that money used?
HG: Only US$72 million from that US$144 million was used. The Chinese started raising issues around the non-payment of other government debts. It was also the case with that loan facility because it was guaranteed by the government.
Part of that money was used to refurbish Morton Jaffray, while some of it was channelled towards the procurement of vehicles. This was done by the commission which was running the city in June and July 2013.
TK: We understand that up to 60% of the water which the council treats is lost through leakages. What is being done to curb these leakages? HG: We have sent our work programme to government for approvals. The work programme includes entering into agreements with the Chinese for a comprehensive project to do pipe replacement. As it stands, we are using internal resources to do it.
TK: There are some suburbs which have not been receiving water for over a decade now, what is council doing to ensure that potable water is supplied to those communities?
HG: Council is committed to supplying those suburbs with water, but that can only be done through rationalising water distribution and managing water demand. TK: How has the re-introduction of the Zimbabwean dollar impacted on your operations, particularly in light of your import requirements?
HG: It has caused a lot of problems, particularly the removal of the 1:1 ratio and the multi-currency pricing regime. What it means is that we are now chasing the interbank market with limited resources from a price-controlled product such as water.
TK: There are a number of informal settlements sprouting across the city, thereby straining service delivery. What is council doing to regularise these illegal settlements?
HG: We have approached the High Court in terms of the law, seeking to remove some but, again, we will regularise where possible.TK: The Kunzvi Dam project has been on the cards for decades. What is stalling progress?
HG: The tender was awarded but nothing has been done yet. We need to expedite the construction of Kunzvi and Muda dams in order to ensure adequate supply of water. Unfortunately, it is Zinwa and the Ministry of Water who must do that. We can only remind them of the urgency of now. TK: How much is required to finalise the project?
HG: Kunzvi needs US$450 million and Muda requires US$180 million, according to research done before by engineers.
End of Mission Statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, on his visit to Zimbabwe (17-27 September 2019).
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End of Mission Statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, on his visit to Zimbabwe (17-27 September 2019) 27 September 2019, Harare:
Members of the press,
Ladies and gentlemen,
In my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, I conclude today the first official visit carried by a United Nations Special Procedures mandate holder in the country, which took place from 17 to 27 September 2019.
As a Special Rapporteur, my views are independent. I present reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. The overarching purpose of my visit to Zimbabwe is to contribute to the efforts it has undertaken in its path towards democratization and to offer recommendations as to how Zimbabwe can better respect, promote, protect and implement international human rights law and standards as they apply to the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe for having extended an invitation to my mandate to visit the country with the aim of assessing, in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, the level of enjoyment of these two civil and political rights. I would also like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for the cooperation extended to me prior to and throughout the visit. I hope that after my departure we will continue working jointly towards a better enjoyment of these rights by all.
I would also like to particularly thank representatives of independent institutions who also engaged in this dialogue as well as a wide-range of civil society representatives from around the country, including chiefs and community based organizations, trade union leaders and women human rights defenders.
I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the UN Resident Coordinator ad interim and his Human Rights Advisor, the UNDP Representative and their Offices as well as the World Food Programme for the support provided to me.
During my visit, I had the opportunity to travel outside the capital to Bulawayo, Hwange in the Matabeleland North Province and Mutare, Arda Transau and Marange, in the Manicaland Province.
In Harare, I met with senior Government authorities, including the Acting Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and authorities from the Zimbabwe National Police, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, accompanied by representatives of the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company, the Speaker of Parliament and heads of relevant parliamentary Committees, the Attorney General, the Prosecutor General and the Chief Justice. I also held meetings with representatives of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as well as with the members of the United Nations Country Team, the diplomatic community, representatives of civil society and representative of the main opposition political party, at their request.
Although the majority of my requests for meetings and visits to places of interest to my mandate were facilitated, I regret that my requests to meet with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; the Minister of Finance and Economic Development; and the Mayor of Harare could not be accommodated despite the length of my ten-day visit.
In addition, outside Harare, I also met local authorities such as the Minister of State of Bulawayo, the Mayor of Bulawayo, the Minister of State of Manicaland and the Mayor of Mutare as well as with relevant law enforcement authorities and development programme officers in both provinces.
I will now present some of the preliminary findings and recommendations in the spirit of holding a constructive dialogue and based on information received before and throughout my visit. I will elaborate on these preliminary findings in a more detailed manner in a report that will be presented at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020. These preliminary findings neither reflect all the issues presented to me, nor all the initiatives undertaken by the Government of the Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe has ratified a number of international and regional human rights instruments and committed itself to observe them. I would like to encourage it to ratify the remaining key international human rights treaties such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and the optional protocols to which it is not yet a State party, in particular those of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, during the Universal Periodic Review in 2016, Zimbabwe accepted recommendations pertaining to the freedoms I am mandated to monitor. My assessment is guided by these principles.
Democratic transition
Zimbabwe has gone through different political transitions in the course of its recent history since independence in 1980. More recently, as a result of a National Unity Government, a Constitution was adopted in 2013 which includes an expansive bill of rights with specific provisions promoting and protecting the rights on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.
With the new constitutional framework that includes the establishment of a number of independent institutions, the recent change of leadership, prospects of legal and judicial reform, effective economic recovery measures and changes in the governance structures,, arose as a natural expectation for many Zimbabweans who are desperately awaiting to improve the quality of their lives.
I have repeatedly heard from different segments of society that the “new dispensation” brings the hope of more freedoms. The Government has committed to have a more open and democratic space, that enables a multi-party democratic political system. They have also promised to erect a transparent, just, accountable and responsive way of governance based on the rule of law, respecting the principles of separation of powers.
The transition has also brought along reassurances of strategic reengagement with representatives of the international community as well as with financial institutions. The Government has said it will take a strong stance in relation to the fight against corruption and impunity and has recommitted to its obligations contained in regional and international human rights instruments.
Albeit the common belief that a transformation will come, I believe that the long-awaited hopes are fading. The population is now questioning the Government’s capacity to bring about such changes. They feel they have not experienced concrete and tangible results. On the contrary, I have perceived from my different meetings around the country, that there is a serious deterioration of the political, economic and social environment since August 2018 resulting in fear, frustration and anxiety among a large number of Zimbabweans.
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly
Zimbabwe is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which it acceded to on 13 May 1991, and which provides for the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association under articles 21 and 22.
The Constitution guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly. Various pieces of legislation give effect to Sections 58 and 59 of the Constitution that provides for this fundamental right such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Electoral Act.
I was informed that the POSA will soon be repealed and replaced by the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPO) which “will provide mechanisms to ensure that the police in maintaining law, order and suppression of civil commotion or disturbances in any police district do so in a manner that does not compromise human rights”.
While I acknowledge that there is a need to enact a new law in accordance with international human rights norms and standards, the MOPO bill has worrying similarities to the POSA revealing a common scope in which the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly is not fully guaranteed. Instead the MOPO bill continues to give law enforcement agencies broad regulatory discretion and powers.
The MOPO bill does not propose significant substantive amendments targeted to address the main problems prevailing in the POSA. One important improvement is the deletion of Section 27 of the POSA related to the temporary prohibition of holding processions or public demonstrations within particular police districts, however this change is made based on the declaration of unconstitutionality made by the Constitutional Court in 2018. Another improvement is the provision mandating the President, instead of the Minister of Defence (as provided by POSA), to authorize the deployment of military forces to assist the police in exercising their functions, and report promptly to Parliament bringing it in line with the Constitution.
I have emphasized in my different meetings with government authorities that assemblies should be presumed lawful and peaceful. Permissible limitations to this right are set out in international law and require the Government to explicitly justify any limitation, to explain the necessity of any limitation, its legality and proportionality in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Citizens should be able to challenge such limitations in the courts. Under international law it is not enough for a Government to say demonstrations pose a national security threat, a Government has the obligation to identify the specific risks it is concerned about, the measures it will implement to mitigate such risks and the limited number of restrictions it will order to manage the risks. Blanket prohibitions are rarely lawful. The role of the Government is to mitigate risks to enable the enjoyment of the fundamental right to peaceful protest.
From my discussions on recent events, I have perceived that the use of military forces has a profound negative impact, including in the minds of the population, who fear these forces are not adequately trained to handle demonstrations. On this point, I would like to stress that the involvement of the military in the managing of assemblies contradicts the Guidelines for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa, as they provide that military forces must only be used in exceptional circumstances and only if absolutely necessary. This same criteria has been used by the CCPR that has recommended “to ensure that public order is, to the maximum extent possible, upheld by civilian rather than military authorities” (CCPR/C/VEN/CO/4).
I am also concerned that the MOPO bill contains notification requirements for certain gatherings, including cumbersome administrative processes – that amount to an authorization, not a notification regime. It is also of concern that spontaneous assemblies are not protected in the bill, which does not recognize the right of individuals to engage in spontaneous public gatherings.
I have requested to be briefed on how the notification procedure is implemented in practice in different provinces and found that it is extremely burdensome in terms of administrative requirements but also very intrusive in its demands, undermining the exercise of this fundamental freedom for public gatherings and private meetings.
I firmly believe that the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly should not be subjected to authorization. At most, a prior notification procedure is sufficient, in order to facilitate peaceful assemblies and to take measures to protect public safety and order and the rights and freedoms of others. Moreover, spontaneous assemblies should be recognized in law and exempted from prior notification in conformity with the jurisprudence of the CCPR that reaffirms that article 21 contains an obligation to facilitate spontaneous assemblies without interference.
I am also concerned by the provisions of the MOPO Bill regarding the administrative liability of organizers as well as the criminal liability of organizers and participants of gatherings. Such legal consequences undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly especially as the law does not clearly define the administrative or criminal offenses and the language could provide for a very extensive interpretation of the liability of individuals entitled to exercise this right.
Finally I would like to express my concern in relation to the provisions that allow the police broad discretion to disperse public gatherings as well as the broad search and seizure powers given to law enforcement agencies. The United Nations Basic Guidelines on the Use of Force by law enforcement officers, provide important guidance on these matters in line with international human rights standards.
I trust that as a result of this visit and the good level of cooperation that I have experienced with the Government and seek to maintain, it will be possible for the government to examine the concerns that have been raised in order to revise the MOPO bill according to international human rights standards.
Furthermore, throughout my visit, I have noted that restrictive practices also limit the enjoyment of this freedom.
The restrictions described to me range from very subtle forms of interference, to threats issued by public authorities to suppress protests and dissent, to the use of the judicial system to impose unlawful charges and/or the use of disproportionate and excessive force resulting in massive violations against protestors. I have also heard of numerous cases of arbitrary detentions, cases of injury, torture and even the loss of innocent lives.
Recurrently during meetings with civil society actors, trade union leaders or representatives of dissenting political parties, I have learnt of several number of occasions in which there has been unjustified denials of authorization to demonstrate, some even with extremely short notice, making it virtually impossible to call off the protests at the very last minute and resulting into unwarranted liability.
In response to this seemingly common practice, it was drawn to my attention that the organisers of assemblies are compelled to recurrently challenge these decisions in the courts in order to be able to exercise this fundamental right though the support of court orders.
Another, worrying example is the use of Section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act provision on “subverting a constitutional government” to prosecute human rights defenders, civil society and opposition leaders suspected of having played important roles in protests. The crime is similar to treason and could attract up to 20 years of imprisonment. From my meetings, it transpired that leaders calling for protests, supporting protests through public statements or social media, and participating in protests have been charged with this crime and I have been informed that in this year alone, 22 individuals are facing this criminal charge.
I have also heard extremely disturbing reports of excessive, disproportionate and lethal use of force against protestors, through the use of tear gas, batons and live ammunition.
In particular, I would like to refer to the authority’s response to the protests of January 2019 calling for a national ‘stay-away’ in response to massive fuel price increases. The order to disperse protestors participating in the demonstrations led to the use of lethal and excessive use of force, mass arbitrary arrests and torture. Unlawful restrictions on access to internet were also put in place.
On this occasion, I was informed that the military was deployed to the streets in different parts of the country, including in Bulawayo, Harare city centre, Chitungwiza Township and high-density suburbs of Epworth, Mabvuku and Kuwadzana. While I was informed that there was looting and destruction of private property, the disproportionate response by the security forces to the turmoil resulted, according to different sources, in at least 17 killings, including 14 men and 3 women, with more than 300 people treated for serious injuries including 70 for gunshot wounds. I was informed that one police officer in Bulawayo died as a result of these events.
From the conversations held with government authorities in and outside the capital on the facts related to these very unfortunate events, it is clear that, in line with the existing legislation, law enforcement officials view their role in managing assemblies as a public order function, rather than a protection function.
I would like to reiterate my call to the Government to adopt a human rights based approach that facilitates assemblies as an integral human right of every person. An approach that allows for specific, targeted, legal and measured responses to prevent, contain and respond to specific incidents of violence in the context of protests. An approach that leads to the establishment of a well-trained force and professional democratic policing.
From my meetings with different stakeholders, I also heard the testimonies of individuals who lost valuables and property and who until now have not received compensation in respect of these violent acts.
I was shocked by the testimonies of victims who alleged they had been raped and sexually assaulted by military and police elements in the context of the protests. The victims of these crimes explained they were assaulted in their homes, in many cases at night, and felt this was being used as a tactic to cause pain and fear among those linked to leaders of protests or to cause general fear among the population. I also heard of massive arbitrary arrests, and cases of abduction and torture of protestors. During these events children who were caught in the middle of the protests or who wanted to actively participate in them were prevented from doing so.
I was also informed of cases of internet shutdown that took place during the crackdown of protests further limiting the right to peacefully assembly. I strongly believe that network disruptions are in clear violation of international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Network shutdown orders often lack a legal basis and these events in Zimbabwe were no exception. In this sense, I applaud the High Court’s decision ruling that the Minister of State responsible for national security in the President’s Office did not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.
Although, the events of January 2019 affected most of the country, I would like to recognize efforts made in Bulawayo to address this situation, among other issues, when the President met with a large and diverse representation of the Matabeleland Collective. A set of follow up action points was reached with the Matebeleland Collective and I call on the Government to closely monitor the implementation of all items discussed, in particular, action point 14.
In another instance, in Hwange, I met with spouses of workers of the Hwange Colliery, who initiated protests on behalf of their husbands due to unpaid salaries of almost 5 years. Since the workers feared victimisation from the employer which could result in dismissal from work, a group of women decided to make the situation visible by protesting peacefully and camping at the company’s premises to demand their husbands’ due payments. The women indicated that they have endured very difficult moments, not only as a result of the hardships that they were confronted with in their homes but also because of pressure and threats from anonymous sources possibly linked to the company. The company took the women to court on civil and criminal charges for trespassing on the company’s premises. Although the cases were dismissed from the courts, the women decided to put an end to the protests as they felt were not being listened to, while they had suffered too much hardship. The role that non-State actors also play in creating an environment of fear, to silence the voice of the most desperate, is a matter of concern, which warrants attention by state authorities in order to prevent and respond to such acts.
Although there are areas of concern I am encouraged that the Government took steps to investigate the crackdown of the protests of 1 August 2018, which took place after the harmonised national elections, when demonstrators took to the streets of Harare demanding the immediate release of the election results. On this occasion, what started out as a peaceful protest turned into chaos and included violent indiscriminate acts. As a result of these protests at least six persons were killed and many others tortured and injured.
In order to investigate these events, through Statutory Instrument 181 of 2018, a Commission of Inquiry, now known as the Motlanthe Commission, was appointed and a final report has been presented with recommendations. These include recommendations such as the need to compensate the losses and damages caused, including support and school fees for the children of the deceased; the need to promote political tolerance, as well as responsible and accountable leadership and citizenry; the need to adopt electoral reforms to enhance the transparent and expeditious announcement of election results; the need to build the capacity of law enforcement authorities; the need for accountability in respect of the alleged perpetrators and the need for nation building and reconciliation including an initiative for multi-party dialogue and cooperation.
During my meeting with the Minister of Justice, I was informed that as a response to the recommendations of the Montlanthe Commission, authorities have continued to undertake legislative and administrative measures to ensure that recommendations are implemented. For example, in March 2019, an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce was established to lead political, electoral and legislative reforms. I hope to get additional information on the work of the taskforce and the implementation of the recommendations.
I commend the Government for these efforts and encourage it to follow this good practice in relation to other such incidents which have occurred.
To conclude, I would like to reiterate that the right to peacefully assemble is a basic pillar in any democracy and should not be negated and feared. On the contrary, it should be allowed and encouraged as its intrinsic value is to allow individuals and groups to express aspirations and concerns publicly. It is in the interests of the State to allow public and peaceful assemblies as a “release valve” in order to avoid recourse to other means of dissent and disagreement that are not desirable and can be harmful to society as a whole. It is a right and one that the State has the obligation to enable and protect.
Freedom of Association
The right to freedom of association is guaranteed in Constitution and is currently regulated through legislation such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (PVOA) and the Deeds Registries Act.
Registration of associations, including NGOs, is required by the PVOA and is done through the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare. I am informed that the registration procedure can be onerous, lengthy and complex in nature requiring, through the PVO registration form, a significant amount of detailed information of the association, and additional documents can be requested at the discretion of the Registrar of PVOs.
Applicant associations are required to provide a proof of public notice in national papers in order to call for objections, which should be lodged with the Registrar. If an applying association has been denied registration due to their political stance and support or under vague circumstances such as “appears unable to abide by the objectives”, no system for challenging the decision is in place.
Foreign funding is strictly regulated and when allowed is met with hostile government rhetoric. International non-governmental organisations intending to operate in the country are required to conclude a memorandum of understanding or cooperation with Government. The PVOA stipulates severe penalties for any unregistered organisations that continue to operate in the country.
In addition to the limitations in setting up an association, the PVOA grants wide discretionary powers to the Minister who can interfere in the internal governance of the association, if she or he believes that a PVO has failed to comply with its objectives or constitution, has been subject to maladministration, or has engaged in illegal activities, or that “it is necessary or desirable to do so in the public interest” or any other ground in terms of Section 21 of the PVOA. Another barrier to the activities of associations relates to the authority of the Minister to inspect “any aspect of the affairs or activities” of any an association.
Considering the registration limitations and challenges provided in the PVOA, many NGOs have resorted to registering themselves as Trusts under the Deeds Registries Act.
Regardless of the law that governs their activities, I have been informed that NGOs are under surveillance in law and in practice. On the latter, I have heard repeatedly accounts of NGOs who need to submit letters of notification to the police informing of their intent to hold meetings in public or even privately.
In particular, I have been able to perceive this toxic environment during my meetings with community based organizations from the Marange region and in Arda Transau whose activities are related to advocacy for transparent, accountable and fair distribution of benefits within the communities in the context of natural resource exploitation.
In both places, I could feel the level of pressure that communities feel because of their activities related to their own well-being and development. The level of isolation in which these communities attempt to operate, which in the case of the Marange communities is even physical, confirms a strong policy of control and intimidation.
In order to reverse this situation, I believe that one of the first steps that the government should take is to carry out genuine consultations with all affected communities, particularly with those that have been relocated. Through the practical guidelines for “Civil society participation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (A/HRC/41/41/Add.2) and by aligning to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a more constructive dialogue can be instituted within the Marange communities and with others in similar situations.
I was also able to understand how activism is immediately related to a political stand even when advocating for the achievement of economic, social and cultural rights. A training abroad can result in arrests upon return to the country, as it occurred earlier this year when activists were detained at the Harare airport and charged with subversion because of their participation in a workshop on peaceful resistance.
I have also been made to understand from my discussions that NGOs working on development and humanitarian issues have been accused of being partisan and based on those perceptions required to sign MOUs with local authorities or they would not be able to implement their projects or activities in a particular province. In the same vein, I received allegations of partisan distribution of food aid.
Finally, I would like to mention that I regret not having being able to meet with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare since there were a number of issues of particular concern of this mandate, such as the current audit exercise planned to be completed by October and through which more than 700 private voluntary organisations registered in the country will be scrutinized.
Freedom of Association of trade unions
Trade union activities are guaranteed by the Constitution and regulated mainly by the Labour Act and the Public Service Act. In addition, Zimbabwe ratified, in 1998, the ILO Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98) and, in 2003, the ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87).
I understand that comprehensive labour law reform and harmonization predates the 2013 Constitution; however, no concrete results have been achieved from this process.
Of particular concern to me are sections 102 and 104 of the Labour Act. Section 102 refers to “essential services” and provides a very wide and open discretion to the Minister of Labour to declare what constitutes an essential service from which workers are denied the right to strike. In turn, Section 104 provides that workers embarking on strike should give a 14 day written notice to the regulating authority. Failure to do so renders the strike illegal, and such workers will not enjoy the right to protest. For instance I learnt that in 2016, 1357 workers of the National Railways of Zimbabwe were dismissed after the Labour Court ruled that they did not comply with the set procedures ignoring the fact that the same workers were owed a significant amount of dollars’ worth in unpaid salaries.
Sections 107, 109 and 112 of the Labour Act in relation to Collective Job Action, which provides for excessive penalties in case of an unlawful collective industrial action, also raise concerns.
The application of POSA to trade union marches, demonstrations and protests actions, has also resulted in the restriction of the right to peaceful assembly and of association despite several court orders against law enforcement forces prohibiting them from interfering in these peaceful protests.
During my visit, I have received a considerable number of allegations related to arrests, detentions and even abductions of a high number of trade union leaders and members that have taken place in connection with their activities. In particular, I would like to refer to the alleged abduction of Dr. Peter Magombeyi, acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association (ZHDA), who led a series of strikes over working conditions and poor pay in the health sector. Although Dr. Magombeyi was later found and the matter is currently under investigation by the authorities, I would like to mention that this is not an isolated case and that union leaders that requested to meet with me expressed that they were living in a toxic environment of constant retaliation and fear.
Due to the current economic situation the country is facing, mass striking appears to be taking place regularly in the country. However, reactions by authorities do not appear to be in line with their Constitution and international commitments.
For instance, in April 2018, there was a nationwide nurses’ strike. The Vice President dismissed all nurses participating in the strikes and ordered the recruitment of new nurses to cover the gaps. As a result, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) went to court to reverse the order, saying that the Vice President did not have the authority to issue such an order and claiming that members had been threatened when negotiations with the government had taken place. The order was later reversed, and the nurses returned to work, but the incident reflected the government’s stance on striking.
Another worrying example is that of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), whose fourteen members were arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct” after organising protests concerning the economic crisis in Zimbabwe as well as low wages in December 2018. On this case, the Harare Court dismissed it stating that trade unions are exempt from the application of POSA.
Key Recommendations and Conclusions
Zimbabwe’s openness to receive my mission and the visits of other United Nations Special Procedures is an important step in its efforts to create a more enabling environment for human rights. I hope that my visit and the conclusions and recommendations of my visit will assist the authorities in improving the environment for and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
In particular, I would like to urge the Government, in line with Section 210 of the Constitution, to establish an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public in respect of misconduct by security services and remedy any harm caused by such misconduct. Furthermore, it is critical that in establishing such an oversight mechanism, its independence is ensured in line with international law principles and best practices.
The Government’s stated commitment to improve human rights and widen democratic space is welcome. The 2013 Constitution provides a sound and robust basis for the protection of human rights and it is important to acknowledge progress in the setting up of several independent commissions.
I lament the loss of lives due to excessive use of force against protestors and urge the Government to ensure a thorough and independent investigation of these events and the prosecution of those responsible. The repression of protestors, the attempt to ban protests, the excessive use of force and the restrictive application of legislation regulating the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and association gravely overshadow efforts to democratically transform Zimbabwe.
I urge the Government to amend laws that are not in line with the Constitution and make use of the independent institutions which are designed to facilitate the exercise of human rights and the courts, in order to ensure that all human rights are enjoyed by all those under its jurisdiction. I recommend that the Government takes steps to identify gaps in legislation which may allow for its discriminatory use, and makes concerted efforts to close these gaps. In these processes, I strongly call for a close consultation with civil society organizations and encourage them to actively engage and participate.
The Government has the momentous task of redressing and solving the long and grave economic crisis afflicting Zimbabwe. In order to be able to find durable solutions that protect the most vulnerable, the Government of Zimbabwe is going to need the support and assistance of the international community. It is important for all actors to join forces to assist in this effort.
In such a context, the Government must protect its citizens’ rights to organize and to assemble. The Government’s role is to enable the free expression different views. The Government must strengthen good practices that enhance dialogue, that allow for democratic expression and organization and respond to the grievances of the people. Such an approach will help enable a solution to the crisis, with the participation of the citizens of Zimbabwe.
It is furthermore important that the Government acts to address the root causes of protests, dealing head on with the issues raised by the populace in the course of their demonstrations.
In a similar vein, following the testimonies that I have received while travelling throughout the country, I am of the opinion that reform of the security sector and strengthening the capacity of reformed structures will go a long way in preventing unnecessary disproportionate use of force, intimidation, surveillance, of civil society, social movement leaders and building trust among communities.
With regards to the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPO Bill), which will replace the POSA, I encourage the government to ensure that this new bill is brought in line with the international standards to effectively guarantee the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly. In that regard, my full end of mission statement and the report I will produce of my visit, will contain detailed recommendations regarding specific provisions of the MOPO Bill law that I believe should be amended, to bring them into conformity with Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations.
Regarding the trade unions, I urge the government to implement the recommendations of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) adopted by the International Labour Conference of June 2019 and accept a direct contact mission to assess progress in this regard.
In order to build trust between the government and civil society actors and create an enabling environment for civil society work, it is important to withdraw all criminal charges against workers’ representatives and civil society leaders who were arrested for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.
I would also like to encourage the government to follow up and deliver on the recommendations issued by the Montlanthe Commission as well as with other instances such as the action points from the meeting with the Matabeland Collective.
The effective combat of corruption and impunity is key in delivering on the promises under the “new dispensation” and concrete and tangible result need to be achieved in this regard.
I encourage the government to seek the support of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights through the establishment of an Office to support the government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights in this critical transition.
I equally encourage the government to continue to open up the country for the visit of the United Nations Special Procedures in order to benefit from the expertise of these mechanisms.
I urge the Government to ensure that no acts of reprisals, threats or intimidation occur against those under its jurisdiction who have interacted with me or cooperated with the United Nations.
All in all, I urge the Government to take the issues raised in my preliminary observations into consideration, and I underline that, in this regard, my mandate remains available to the Government for any advice regarding the implementation of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, technical or otherwise. Furthermore, at the Government’s invitation, I would be happy to conduct a follow up country visit should the opportunity arise.
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe during this critical period, I strongly believe that Zimbabweans are peaceful loving people and that the Government should capitalize on this value and facilitate an unfettered exercise of democratic fundamental freedoms.
I look forward to continuing our dialogue, including through pending replies to communication from my mandate, and discussing my full report when I present it in June 2020 at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council.
I thank you for your attention.
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A Harare man who allegedly shot dead his estranged wife and brother-in-law in Gletwin Park early this year, is still on the run, six months after the incident.
Petros Pomborokani escaped after the murder in March this year and police are struggling to locate him.
The whereabouts of Pomborokani, a former Ministry of Health and Child Care official, are still a mystery amid widespread belief that he could have skipped the country through illegal points.
Police have appealed for information on the whereabouts of Pomborokani, who is suspected to be holed up in either South Africa or Namibia.
The matter is still being handled by detectives from the CID Homicide and police are appealing to anyone with information that might lead to his arrest to come forward.
Pomborokani used a CZ pistol to shoot his wife Olivia Zenda (42) and brother-in-law Robert Zenda (49) in front of his three children, mother-in-law, a relative and a housemaid.
The couple had been married for 20 years and has four children aged 19, 12, 10 and eight. Police recovered two loaded magazines of the pistol at the scene.
Investigations carried out revealed that Pomborokani was once arrested in 2016 after he kidnapped gospel singer, Mathias Mhere.
He accused Mhere of having an extra marital affair with his wife. Pomborokani forced his wife to phone Mhere. The wife invited Mhere to the couple’s house.
Pomborokani pointed a firearm at Mhere when he arrived at the couple’s house. He allegedly forced Mhere and his wife to remove their clothes and held them hostage naked for five hours.
Pomborokani was arrested and appeared before a Harare Magistrate who convicted him.
He was fined $150 or three months in prison. Pomborokani also had two other cases of physical abuse that were reported against him by his wife at Highlands Police Station.
The cases were, however, withdrawn by the wife. He also has another pending case of attempted murder reported by his wife at Highlands Police Station.
Pomborokani had been driving around in a South African registered vehicle. – state media
MDC-T faction president Thokozani Khupe has shot down reports by the MDC-Alliance that her party supporters in Victoria Falls have defected to the real MDC led by Nelson Chamisa describing them as lies.
This comes after MDC-A’s Matabeleland North party leadership claimed the renegades were citing lack of direction in the former MDC vice-president and ex-deputy prime minister Thokozani Khupe-led party.
Khupe told the state media the reports by the Chamisa-led MDC-A were fake news, a gimmick meant to aide their political propaganda.
“The reports are fake news, it’s political propaganda,” Khupe told thw Herald.
The supporters backed Dr Khupe after MDC split following the death of its founding president, the late Morgan Tsvangirai, in February last year.
MDC-A provincial organising secretary Goshen Zhou, who is also Victoria Falls councillor for Ward 11, had confirmed the development saying they had received calls from MDC-T supporters who wanted to jump ship.
“We have received a number of calls from MDC-T supporters who want to defect from the party to MDC-Alliance. They have expressed their desire to come back.
“Some of them have approached the provincial leadership begging to be allowed back into the party. We have requested that they put their applications in writing and we are still waiting for their letters,” he said.
MDC-T vice president Dr Obert Gutu dismissed the reports saying the allegations were an exercise in futility and frivolity.
“Anyone alleging that MDC-T cadres in Victoria Falls have defected to a rag-tag political formation which is now evidently in terminal decline doesn’t deserve to be taken seriously. This is actually a joke that isn’’t funny at all,” said Dr Gutu.
The Khupe-led MDC-T joined President Mnangagwa’s Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) with other leaders of political opposition parties which participated in last year’s harmonised elections.
MDC-T national chairman Mr Abednico Bhebhe described the claims as barefaced lies which must be dismissed with the contempt they deserved.- state media
By A Correspondent| Harare mayor Councillor Herbert Gomba has spoken about the intensifying Harare Water crisis.
In an interview with Zimbabwe Independent, the mayor spoke about the woes tormenting the city fathers in supplying clean water to Harare residents.
The Mayor said their biggest challenge is importing chemicals which they need at least US$3million a month to buy chemicals especially chlorine gas.
The Mayor also said they need at least ZW$40 Million a month now to treat the water due to the volatile interbank exchange rates.
He dismissed reports that the government was now taking over Morton Jaffray Waterworks in the same interview. The Mayor also shed light on the council’s plans to construct other dams to supply Harare with water and shed more light on why the projects had a false start.
Read the transcript below:
TK: This week council announced that it had to shut down operations at the Morton Jaffray Waterworks owing to inadequate treatment chemicals. How much money is required on a monthly basis to ensure is a consistent supply of treated water to residents?
HG: On average, we need at least US$3 million to procure chemicals that will last a month. However, if the Procurement Authority of Zimbabwe (Praz) approves our application for production of our own chemicals to happen at the plant, that will reduce the cost by US$1 million.
TK: We understand there is more to the water crisis than just a shortage of forex to buy purification chemicals. What are the other challenges causing these water cuts?
HG: It is basically due to inadequate chemicals, particularly chlorine gas. The challenge is that since the removal of the 1:1 we are now required to chase the interbank market for forex, meaning we needed ZW$40 million from residents to procure the US$3 million from the banks. TK: The government this week announced it was taking over the Morton Jaffray plant. Is that true?
HG: Morton Jaffray is run by City of Harare. We have no communication to the effect that government has taken over the plant. You must remember that central government once transferred management of the plant to Zimbabwe National Water Authority (Zinwa) and you know what happened. Nationalising the plant will not bring the foreign currency which is required to procure treatment chemicals.
The ideal situation is to have US$9 million to buy three months’ supply of chemicals as cover for eventualities; that was what the Rhodesian government would do. However, under the current circumstances, we only have foreign currency to buy chemicals that will last for only four days. Then after that, we have to start running around to mobilise the money needed to import treatment chemicals.
TK: This week, you announced that you had secured chemicals to last seven days. Going forward, what measures have you put in place to ensure that water supply returns to normalcy?
HG: We have bought chemicals for seven days and are waiting for government to transfer the ZW$37,4 million it promised after our requests. We are also building internal capacities to get more resources.TK: How is the ZW$37,4 million going to be utilised?
HG: It is yet to be transferred to our municipal account and its use is detailed in our request to the parent ministry. We need to do piping, metering and improve the purification capacity.
TK: In 2013, council received a US$144 million loan from China Export and Import Bank to fund the same tasks you are asking for more money. Can you explain how that money used?
HG: Only US$72 million from that US$144 million was used. The Chinese started raising issues around the non-payment of other government debts. It was also the case with that loan facility because it was guaranteed by the government.
Part of that money was used to refurbish Morton Jaffray, while some of it was channelled towards the procurement of vehicles. This was done by the commission which was running the city in June and July 2013.
TK: We understand that up to 60% of the water which the council treats is lost through leakages. What is being done to curb these leakages? HG: We have sent our work programme to government for approvals. The work programme includes entering into agreements with the Chinese for a comprehensive project to do pipe replacement. As it stands, we are using internal resources to do it.
TK: There are some suburbs which have not been receiving water for over a decade now, what is council doing to ensure that potable water is supplied to those communities?
HG: Council is committed to supplying those suburbs with water, but that can only be done through rationalising water distribution and managing water demand. TK: How has the re-introduction of the Zimbabwean dollar impacted on your operations, particularly in light of your import requirements?
HG: It has caused a lot of problems, particularly the removal of the 1:1 ratio and the multi-currency pricing regime. What it means is that we are now chasing the interbank market with limited resources from a price-controlled product such as water.
TK: There are a number of informal settlements sprouting across the city, thereby straining service delivery. What is council doing to regularise these illegal settlements?
HG: We have approached the High Court in terms of the law, seeking to remove some but, again, we will regularise where possible.TK: The Kunzvi Dam project has been on the cards for decades. What is stalling progress?
HG: The tender was awarded but nothing has been done yet. We need to expedite the construction of Kunzvi and Muda dams in order to ensure adequate supply of water. Unfortunately, it is Zinwa and the Ministry of Water who must do that. We can only remind them of the urgency of now. TK: How much is required to finalise the project?
HG: Kunzvi needs US$450 million and Muda requires US$180 million, according to research done before by engineers.
A FIRE gutted down a portion of a hostel at Hillside Teachers College in Bulawayo on Friday morning, destroying property worth an estimated $1 million.
Bulawayo police assistant spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube confirmed the incident saying an entire hostel floor was gutted down by fire.
“We attended to a scene where a fire broke out at a hostel at Hillside Teachers College. The fire brigade was swift and managed to put out the fire before it razed down the entire hostel,” said Insp Ncube.
An official at the institution who declined to be named said they were not sure of the cause of the fire.
“Investigations are still being carried out and we are yet to ascertain the cause. The entire second floor was gutted down and students have been left stranded,” said the official.
Student Representative Council (SRC) president Mr Hurry Mudenda said some of the occupants of the hostel were final year students.
“The entire second floor was burnt down, a few managed to save some of their belongings but the same cannot be said for others. Most of them were final year students, who are about to sit for their final exams,” said Mr Mudenda.
The President, Emmerson Mnangagwa and Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, who attended the 74th United Nations General Assembly, have arrived back home from New York,United States.
The president and his delegation was welcomed at Robert Mugabe International Airport by Vice President, Kembo Mohadi, Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri, Minister of State in the President’s office for National Security, Owen Ncube and other senior government officials and service chiefs.
Speaking to journalists soon after arrival, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Sibusiso Moyo, was upbeat that Zimbabwe was successful in telling her story to the wider world.
In his address at the United Nations, President Mnangagwa urged the world to be patient with Zimbabwe in her economic recovery process.
Alluding to the illegal sanctions imposed on Zimbabwe by the West, the President said they have slowed down development and called for their immediate removal describing them as an attack on the rights of citizens.
He applauded Southern Africa for solidly standing by Zimbabwe in calling for the unconditional removal of the two-decades-old embargo.
Paul Nyathi|The University of Zimbabwe has made drastic adjustments to its students’ menu by adding beans as part of their meal plan.
The institution has also made some serious rationing which will see 12 students sharing one chicken, 1kg beef for 12 students with each student getting 1 piece of meat. 1 litre of milk will cater for 40 students.
By A Correspondent| Government has finally gazetted laws to govern the industrial production and supply of industrial hemp.
This came to light in a published Government gazette yesterday.
The regulations in the gazette read in part:
These regulations may be cited as the Criminal Law Codification and Reform (Persons who may lawfully possess, deal in or use industrial hemp) Regulations, 2019.
In these regulations “industrial hemp” means the plant cannabis sativa L. and any part of that plant including the seeds thereof and all derivatives, extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, whether growing or not with a delat-9tetrathydrocannabinol concentration of not more than 0,3 percent on a dry weight basis
An application for the issue of a licence in terms of section 27 of the Act shall be made to the Minister, in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the appropriate fee and three copies of a plan of the site proposed to be licensed which shall comply with the requirement specified in these regulations.
In case of an individual, proof of citizenship or proof of being ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe or proof of an exemption by the Minister (will be required).
In the case of a company, proof of citizenship or proof of being ordinarily resident in Zimbabwe of the majority of directors or proof of an exemption by the Minister and proof of incorporation in Zimbabwe of the company; and a declaration, signed and dated by the proposed authorised person in charge, stating that the authorised person in charge, the proposed responsible person in charge and, if applicable, the proposed alternate responsible person in charge, are familiar with the provisions of the Act (will be required).
Zimbabwe’s main opposition leader Nelson Chamisa speaks during an interview at his offices in Harare. File picture: Tsvangirayi Mukwazhi/AP
Paul Nyathi|THE Nelson Chamisa led Movement for Democratic Change has been ordered to pay $10 000 in damages and interest to an employee they fired unlawfully.
According to the Daily News, Bramston Gwena had cited the MDC as a respondent in the registration of an arbitral award after it had been opposed by the political party.
High Court judge Tawanda Chitapi registered the arbitral award granting Gwena $10 140 with five percent interest calculated from May 1, 2014 as damages in lieu of reinstatement as an order of the court.
Gwena and 15 other employees took the MDC to the Labour Court sometime in 2015 and it was ordered to reinstate the aggrieved workers without loss of salary and benefits from the date of dismissal.
Paul Nyathi|MDC supporters have Friday evening inundated ZimEye.com with enquiries on the authenticity of a social media post gone viral claiming that MDC President Nelson Chamisa has been invited by the Mugabe family to preside over the burial of the late former President Robert Mugabe’s burial.
If you received this post:
The correct position is this:
Also watch MDC speak on the matter in the video downloading below:
By A Correspondent- The wife of the late Upper Room Ministries senior pastor, Bishop Berry Dambaza, has rejected social media claims that she was a woman of loose morals.
Speaking during the funeral of her late husband in Milton Park on Thursday, Sithembeni Dambaza said that she was not with her husband when he threw himself to death from a high-rise building in central Harare. She said:
When I received the sad news about the passing on of my husband my heart was broken.
I was not interested in following what was being posted on social media although someone wanted to share that with me.
I just became emotional and promised to take legal action about it.
People who know me know that whenever I stand on a pulpit to preach, I am not that kind of a person who is of loose morals.
In fact, my job is to correct what is not right and to rebuke what needs to be rebuked. That is me and my husband was different from me.
If people tell you different stories it’s not true. I was not there when my husband passed on.
I was attending to my mother-in-law.
Bishop Dambaza died early this week when he threw himself to death from the third floor of a building along Rezende Street in Harare.
Paul Nyathi|Former President Mugabe’s nephew Leo has finally revealed in an interview on ZTN why the Mugabe’s family has been closely guarding the body of the late former statesman, while also staging fake burials.
In a series of sensational revelations, Leo alleges that people are after the late Mugabe’s body to use it for rituals..
By A Correspondent- The man who murdered a Roman Catholic Sister before r_ping her dead body was on Wednesday freed by High Court Judge, Erica Ndewere.
The man who is from Mutoko and identified as Potani cannot be punished because he committed the offence when he was mentally sick, the judge ruled.
Patience Mavinganidze, the doctor who examined Potani had said:
My examination revealed that Enock Potani started showing symptoms of mental disorder in 2013. He would burn houses and property, shout at people and bath continuously.
Medical certificates done at the time show that he had paranoid delusions (excessive suspiciousness), auditory and visual hallucinations, hearing and seeing things not there.
At the time of the alleged offence, he was mentally disordered which prevented him from appreciating the wrongfulness of his actions. I examined him, he is now of sound mind.
Potani murdered Sister Plaxedes Kamundiya who was an official at St Georges High School in Mutoko. She had gone to The Glorious Cross of Life shrine in Mutemwa Mountain for a prayer retreat.
Kamundiya’s body was found a few days after she had gone missing. Potani confessed to killing her.
By A Correspondent- A body mix-up at a funeral parlor in South Africa resulted in a family from Tsholotsho in Matabeleland North burying a wrong corpse.
Bhekisisa Moyo (25) was allegedly stoned to death and his body was taken to a mortuary in Diepsloot in South Africa where the body of Coaster Chauke from Chiredzi, was also being kept.
Moyo’s family mistakenly collected Chauke’s body for burial as they did not conduct body viewing due to the state of their son’s body.
Moyo was allegedly stoned to death in the neighboring country while Chauke was fatally s_tabbed.
Moyo was buried on September 15.
In a telephone interview, Chauke’s family yesterday said the body-mix has left them drained emotionally and financially.
Chauke’s brother Mr Joseph Chinhemba said his family had to bring Moyo’s body to his relatives in Tsholotsho when they discovered the body mix-up.
“My brother and this other one from Tsholotsho were taken to the same funeral parlour following their deaths last month. It seems they were taken on the same day to the parlour. The family from Tsholotsho managed to fix their repatriation papers before us and collected the body; unfortunately they collected my brother’s body which they buried in their rural home in Tsholotsho,” said Mr Chinhemba.
He revealed that Moyo’s family did not conduct the body viewing process in line with their cultural beliefs as their son was killed.
Mr Chinhemba said processes have commenced to ensure that his brother is exhumed for reburial in their rural home.
“This is painful for us. It has exhausted us emotionally, physically and financially. We had to bring a body fully knowing it is not ours from South Africa. Now it is going to cost us further to transport my young brother’s remains to our rural home. Some of our relatives will never get the closure they require as we will also no longer conduct body viewing process,” said Mr Chinhemba.
However, he said they have no qualms with Moyo’s family as they believe that the incident was a genuine mistake.
Mr Chinhemba said if there is anyone to blame it is officials at the South African mortuary.
Many Aston Villa fans have responded after the club account released a video of Jack Grealish thumping home Villa’s third in their 3-1 win over Brighton.
The two sides met on Wednesday in the EFL Cup third round at the American Express Stadium, where Brighton put out an extremely young side as Villa dominated across the 90 minutes.
The day after the game the Aston Villa Twitter account released a video of Jack Grealish scoring a half-volley, with the caption “How to strike a half volley. By @JackGrealish1”.
Brighton made 11 changes in the match so there can’t be huge surprises that they succumbed. Villa made a few changes, with the goals coming through Jota, Conor Hourihane and of course Grealish.
The captain came on from the bench to hit a sweet half-volley to secure their place in the next round.
Villa will now play local rivals Wolves in the next round of the cup at Villa Park.
Many fans shared their delight at Grealish’s goal, while others commented on the performance of Matt Targett at left-back, who put in the cross which led to the Grealish goal.
By A Correspondent- The price of sugar has been increased by a wide margin just a week after the manufacturer, Tongaat Hulett announced new prices. On 16 September, the company announced the following prices:
Brown Sugar 1kg – $11.95
Brown Sugar 2kg – $23.90
Brown Sugar 5kg – $59.75
Brown Sugar 10kg – $119.50
White Sugar 1kg – $12.58
White Sugar 2kg – $25.16
White Sugar 5kg – $62.90
White Sugar 10kg – $125.80
For the past week, shops were adhering to these prices. In fact, OK supermarket was selling sugar at the old August prices, probably because they were still selling old stock and as we move into summer sugar sales are likely to go down.
This week’s sugar prices:
OK supermarket $30.50
TM/ Pick N Pay $28.99
FoodWorld $30.40
Choppies $30.40
Mahommed Mussa $30.00
A survey in the city revealed that downtown retailers are selling it for strictly cash only, with 2kg of sugar being sold at $24 bond. Given the opportunity cost of obtaining cash in Zimbabwe, that translates to about $36.00 making them the most expensive.
FORMER FRIENDS … Ian Khama and Mokgweetsi Masisi during happier days.
Paul Nyathi|Tshekedi Khama, the young brother to Botswana’s ex-president Seretse Khama Ian Khama, confirmed Wednesday that he has quit the governing Botswana Democratic Party (BDP).
In a telephone interview with Xinhua from Serowe, his rural village, situated some 310 km north of Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, Khama said there were “deep differences between him and some senior members within the BDP.”
Khama, who is the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, said he found it imperative to “follow the steps of his brother because the leadership of the ruling party has lost direction.”
The Khama brothers are sons to the first president of Botswana, Seretse Khama. Enditem
Reality TV star Zodwa Wabantu just revealed the dress she would’ve worn on her wedding day and she looked every bit as stunning as we expected her to.
Although there was no wedding following her break up with her ex fiancé Ntobeko Linda, Zodwa still dressed up as if it were her wedding day at a recent fashion show at the ICC in Durban.
Speaking to Drum Zodwa confirmed that the dress is actually the one she would’ve walked down the aisle in.
“I wasn’t getting married in the pictures I posted on Instagram but this is the dress I would been married in. I really felt beautiful. It is by designer Muzi Mlambo,” she said.
And it’s not surprising why. The dress is a beautiful textured princess ball gown, complete with cap sleeves that have fringes – a look that was very modest for the provocative entertainer.
“Got Married I Don’t change my Goal. Plans Can Change. Video @starlight_picturez Thanks to my designer of note! @mitandezynz @muzi_mlambo, your hands of magic,” she captioned a picture of her in the dress.
Zimbabwe’s political and economic environment is deteriorating, causing anxiety as hopes fade for a long-awaited improvement in people’s living conditions, a United Nations human rights envoy said on Friday.
Many Zimbabweans are frustrated that the departure in November 2017 of longtime ruler Robert Mugabe, who died on Sept. 6 in Singapore, did not lead to a quick economic recovery and end to heavy-handed tactics by authorities.
The International Monetary Fund said on Thursday Harare needed to intensify reform efforts.
Clement Nyaletsossi Voule, a U.N. envoy on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, told reporters after a 10-day fact-finding visit that Zimbabweans were questioning the capacity of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to bring about change.
“Albeit the common belief that a transformation will come, I believe that the long-awaited hopes are fading,” Nyaletsossi said.
“I have perceived from my different meetings around the country that there is a serious deterioration of the political, economic and social environment since August 2018, resulting in fear, frustration and anxiety among a large number of Zimbabweans.”
Nick Mangwana, the information ministry’s permanent secretary and principal spokesman, could not be reached for comment on Friday.
Mnangagwa’s disputed election win last year was met by a security crackdown that killed six people, while more than a dozen people died in January when security forces moved in to quell fuel protests that had turned violent.
The government arrested scores of civil society and opposition officials after the January protests and charged them with subversion, which carries a 20-year jail term.
Nyaletsossi said Harare authorities should withdraw the charges against civil society leaders to build trust between government and non-governmental organisations as well as stop surveillance of the groups by state security agents.
Nyaletsossi, who will present his report at the United Nations Human Rights Council meeting next year in June, also urged Mnangagwa’s government to amend security laws to allow peaceful protests and remove a blanket ban on demonstrations.
Last month, the police and courts banned the main opposition party from holding countrywide protests over Mnangagwa’s handling of the economy, saying the demonstrations posed a security threat.
President once hailed as beacon of African liberation whose rule bankrupted country
Grace Mugabe mourns her husband.
Guardian Services|As the armoured vehicles rolled in to Hararein November 2017, after weeks of political fencing and brinkmanship, Robert Mugabecould not believe he had lost. The senior military leadership who placed the Zimbabwean president under house arrest made it clear they were conducting the politest of coups, while stressing to the outside world that it was not a coup at all. It was merely a corrective action and, indeed, at its end, with Mugabe’s resignation, it was still his party, Zanu-PF, in power.
Mugabe, who has died aged 95, came to power as a result of the gun – wielded by others, as he himself never fought in the field – and fell by those who wielded the gun. And, as he fell, the true depths of the economic mire into which he had plunged Zimbabwe – spending so much time on party and succession battles, and seemingly none on issues of deep impoverishment and national non-productivity – became apparent. Emmerson Mnangagwa, the new president, in stressing an economic emphasis and outreach to the world, seemed to admit that the country was bankrupt and that Mugabe had made it so.
Mugabe’s fall from power lifted the political paralysis that had gripped Zimbabwe, which he led as prime minister from 1980, and president from 1987. His authoritarian nature, his ruthless manoeuvres, his stature as the leader of liberation and his scathing disdain of rivals could be a dead hand on friend and foe alike.
However, Mugabe was a highly complex man. He saw himself as last in a line of African liberators and was determined to carry that legacy with him until his death, but he remained an enigma to the non-African world. Even in the 1980s, when he was the darling of the west, diplomats in Harare would characterise him as secluded, deeply private, and monastic in his self-discipline. Though he was also often elegant and eloquent, these characteristics did not disguise his capacity for ruthlessness.
Nor did his immense self-regard as an intellectual. The collector of several master’s degrees, he looked down on his principal democratic challenger, the less well educated Morgan Tsvangirai, and on all those not schooled in the texts of pan-Africanism and African liberation. His problematic affinity with the South African president Thabo Mbeki after the 2008 elections stemmed from Mbeki’s own liberation credentials, but also from Mbeki’s essays on the black struggle as defining both a new Africa and a postcolonial era. Those essays, however, and the Pan-Africanism they espoused, were centred on a doctrine of inclusivity. As a result, Mbeki discouraged Mugabe’s efforts to marginalise completely an opposition leader who had demonstrated significant popular support.
For all his stature and his hugely controversial legacy, Mugabe’s start in nationalist politics was courageous and principled, but not auspicious. He was never a fighter, carrying a rifle in the campaigns against white rule. And nor, despite his commitment to nationalisation of the land, was he ever a peasant, a farmer, or someone who had gripped a hoe until calluses formed.
It was in prison that he began his rise in the nationalist ranks. His militant opposition to white minority rule in what was then Rhodesia led to a 10-year jail term in 1964, after the banning of the newly formed Zimbabwe African National Union (Zanu). Mugabe refused to break under pressure – whereas the Zanu founder and leader, Ndabaningi Sithole, did, renouncing subversion and terrorism after he was sentenced in 1969 for incitement.
Robert Mugabe jokes with the media when taking part in the Rhodesia conference in Geneva in November 1974. Photograph: AP
By 1974 Mugabe had taken over as leader of the imprisoned movement, but this did not mean he was recognised as a leader outside. Much of his time in prison was spent reading for external degrees from universities in London and South Africa. He was helped by academics at the London School of Economics and the School of Oriental and African Studies. As with the African National Congress (ANC) detainees on Robben Island, a university of the cells was established by the detainees and Mugabe, who had been a teacher in Ghana in the early 1960s, was one of the lecturers.
By the time of his release, he had well-developed views and was vehemently opposed to any accommodation or compromise agreement between the frontline states of southern Africa – committed to ending apartheid and white minority rule – and Rhodesia. Zambia’s president, Kenneth Kaunda, considered Mugabe such a risk to his ambitions for a peaceful region that he had him arrested in 1974. The man who had tasted white imprisonment now found himself detained by a black president. It is perhaps no coincidence then that after Zimbabwe’s independence was achieved and the presidents of the frontline states were honoured with Harare streets named after them, Kaunda’s street was a polluted road beside the railway station.
Kaunda had considered Mugabe an unreasonable and disruptive force and was glad to be rid of him. Arresting him had been an embarrassment, and his “escape” was probably engineered by the Zambians themselves. Mugabe resumed his nationalist activities in Mozambique.
Once across the border, Mugabe found that his prison credentials were not enough to persuade the Zimbabwean nationalist forces – who had massed in Mozambique and had begun a military onslaught against Rhodesia – to accept him as leader.
In Mozambique, President Samora Machel arrested him, ostensibly for Mugabe’s own safety in the face of antipathy from the guerrilla leaders already there, but Machel also shared Kaunda’s suspicion of Mugabe. However, by a series of adroit manoeuvres which established his early reputation for ruthlessness, Mugabe sidelined the rebels’ military command with the support of one key commander, Solomon Mujuru (at the time known by his nom de guerre, Rex Nhongo), and in 1977 he was elected president of Zanu.
Mugabe politicised Zanu to an unprecedented degree. He subordinated the military leaders to party rule and infused the sense of nationalist struggle with his pan-Africanist ideals. The combination of the gun and Mugabe’s political ascent sparked the imagination of young people in Rhodesia, and they flocked to fight under his banner. Trained with Chinese assistance in Mozambique and Tanzania, they were sent back to fight the white regime.
Rival armies
It is part of the mythology created by Mugabe that his guerrillas won independence and majority rule for Zimbabwe, forcing the white Rhodesian forces to capitulate. There is little doubt that his forces inflicted much more damage on the white establishment and infrastructure than the rival forces of Joshua Nkomo’s Zimbabwe African People’s Union, operating from Zambian bases. The two rival armies were made up of differing ethnicities from opposite ends of the country. Though never on friendly terms, the two men had entered a negotiating alliance to secure independence.
Mugabe’s fighters had forced a bloody stalemate on the battlefield, one that – just by pure paring down of numbers – the minority white population could not have sustained for ever. But the white army was not defeated. It took the advent of Margaret Thatcher as British prime minister in 1979, her foreign secretary, Lord Carrington, and the diplomacy of Kaunda and the Commonwealth secretary general, Shridath Ramphal – not to mention the co-operation of apartheid South Africa – to force negotiations at the end of 1979 that led to the transformation of Rhodesia into Zimbabwe.
Joshua Nkomo and Robert Mugabe signing the Rhodesia ceasefire agreement in London in December 1979. Photograph: PA
The white minority Rhodesian government, alarmed by the attrition of the war, contrived a coalition with moderate black nationalists. Thatcher, anxious to be rid of a diplomatic burden, was prepared to recognise the coalition, but despatched Carrington on a last effort to find a compromise to accommodate all parties. Kaunda and Ramphal persuaded Mugabe and Nkomo to come to the negotiating table, and South Africa, anxious not to have a militant black government on its borders – one which had taken the country by force – persuaded the Rhodesian prime minister, Ian Smith to attend.
The truce that resulted was followed by elections at the end of February 1980. Mugabe won a landslide victory. The newly enfranchised black majority recognised those who had fought for them. It was not the result Thatcher and Carrington had anticipated, but Mugabe’s national address of reconciliation between black and white mollified almost everyone. Mugabe began his rule in Zimbabwe as an internationally acclaimed freedom fighter and apostle of reconciliation.
Beacon of Africa
Almost overnight, he became the new beacon of Africa. He remained in power for 37 years, fighting and winning every election during this time. His concern for electoral validation, even as he entered his last authoritarian phase, was in some senses the mark of a man who, despite all his intellect and ruthlessness, never quite got over the bodies sacrificed during his ascent.
Those bodies accumulated as he held power. The west seemed unaware of the slaughters he instigated in Nkomo’s powerbase, the two Matabeleland provinces of eastern Zimbabwe, from 1982 to 1987. On the suspicion that a rebellion was forming among disaffected former members of Nkomo’s guerrilla army, Mugabe sent in North Korean-trained units to crush them. Exact figures are difficult to ascertain, but some tens of thousands of civilians were killed in a “police action” that turned into a bloody and gratuitous pogrom.
Away from the Matabelelands, Mugabe’s first years in power were regarded internationally as peaceful and democratic. He easily won the 1985 elections but in 1990 faced opposition from his former liberation colleague Edgar Tekere. Mugabe engaged in a series of intimidatory tactics that flawed an election that he would have won anyway. It set a tone of “democracy if there is no serious opposition”. There seemed no irony when, in 1991, the Commonwealth released the Harare Declaration on Human Rights (covering all member states), nor in 1992, when Mugabe lectured the Chinese on the desirability and harmlessness of opposition parties.
But it was also in 1992 that the land question returned to haunt Mugabe. Carrington had pointedly refused to have land ownership included in the negotiations that led to independence in 1980, despite Mugabe’s insistence that most of the landowning settlers were historically of British origin. Also, early efforts at negotiation in the mid-70s had included compensation for land nationalisation, paid from western sources.
However, 1992 saw drought sweep Zimbabwe and questions of productivity of the land were swiftly caught up in those to do with ownership of it. Although the Land Acquisition Act of that year was never enforced, it should have been a warning sign to all, including the international community, that a gradual, phased and compensated programme of land nationalisation should be placed on the agenda before it was forced on to it.
Instead, when Mugabe approached the newly elected Tony Blair about the issue in 1997, he received such a curt dismissal that an antipathy towards Blair became a burning element of Mugabe’s feelings towards Britain. Some, like the British Commonwealth secretary general of that period, Emeka Anyaoku, maintain that the land issue had been postponed in 1992 so as not to alarm white negotiators in South Africa, as that country made its final steps towards majority rule. After Carrington, the British had hoped to nudge the question of land ownership off the main agenda by small but regular funds for land nationalisation. John Major had ensured that this was the case in the early 1990s, but Blair adamantly refused any assurance of increase or even continuation.
This was a lack of historical comprehension on Blair’s part. Although Mugabe’s latter-day views of historical need highlighted the land question, the struggle for independence was as much about racism, equality and freedom. Carrington thought he could sideline land while delivering an acceptable breakthrough on the other goals of the struggle. The British government argued that it could not afford large-scale compensation at that point, and Carrington had been given a hard time by the white delegation at the 1979 negotiations.
But the land issue could not be kept off the agenda for ever. Two-thirds of the arable land of Zimbabwe was in white ownership, acquired by seizure and legislation in which black voices played no part. The argument of the white farmers would have rested on what they had done to make the land commercially productive – so the debate, had Britain been wise, should have been over compensation, but not over historical rights. However, it was the rights issue that, after 1997, Mugabe wheeled out with great literal force.
Mugabe had always been committed intellectually to a vision of black culture having its historical moment. The achievement of the black personality in terms of both its heritage and its place in the modern world was of extreme importance to him. However, given a choice between the fulfilment of that heritage – and to Mugabe that increasingly came to mean ownership of the land – and place within modernity, then he was prepared to choose heritage.
In many ways 1997 was the year that marked the beginning of the downturn of Zimbabwe. Although Mugabe had won the 1995 elections easily, the advent of the war veterans as a pressure group made itself felt soon afterwards. The economy was slowly but markedly deteriorating. Civil society began to campaign with increasing effect for a new constitution, and Mugabe began to express his immense distaste for the British legacy in Zimbabwe, based on both the land issue and what rapidly became a visceral animosity towards Blair.
Had Mugabe retired in 1995, he would have been hailed internationally as a great leader. The slaughters in the Matabelelands would have been considered an unfortunate aberration. Now, as the century turned, Mugabe was well into his 70s. He finally seized the land, but bankrupted the country he had fought so hard to win, divided his own citizens, oppressed those who refused to support him, and created in the midst of a new national poverty a class of oligarchs who stole money from his “historical moment” and supported him as much for their own gain as their deep belief in him and his vision. Land was gained, but equality and freedom lost.
Authoritarian demeanour
If the decline of Zimbabwe began in 1997, recovery with good management was still possible. Mugabe, however, was sucked into the war then raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This caused great expense, but it also helped him to consolidate the support of his generals as they were given free rein to plunder the mineral resources of the DRC. However, the public expense and other economic issues, coupled with Mugabe’s increasingly authoritarian demeanour, prompted the creation of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), led by Tsvangirai, in 1999. It became immediately apparent that the new opposition party had a national following.
Against all Mugabe’s expectations, it defeated him in a referendum in early 2000 which he had called over constitutional issues, including an amendment to give the presidency even more power. It was his first defeat, and although it had not been at an election, Mugabe came to recognise the opposition’s strength and was determined that, in elections to come, he would triumph over Tsvangirai and the MDC.
Shortly after the referendum, the pro-Mugabe war veterans were unleashed to begin the seizure of white-owned farms, and administrative and financial chaos descended. For what Mugabe never factored in to his pastoral vision of African heritage was that the agricultural economy of his country was based, not on a romanticised sense of peasant ownership and what it could produce, but on an aggressive and highly modern agriculture industry that sold food and tobacco on the international markets.
Mugabe and Zanu-PF won the 2000 parliamentary elections, then the 2002 presidential ones. He followed this with victory at the 2005 parliamentary polls. But he resorted increasingly to violence and vote-rigging. The violence could be naked, but the rigging was of a highly sophisticated nature and no one has yet uncovered all the details of how it was done. Away from polls, everything the MDC could throw at Mugabe – strikes and protests – was met by repression, heavy-handed police action and violence from hired thugs and paramilitaries. Tsvangirai was charged with treason and, though acquitted, a campaign of psychological harassment was unleashed on him. He began to make mistakes and the MDC split.
A dispirited Tsvangirai then faced the combined presidential and parliamentary elections of 2008 with a split among MDC supporters. All popular wisdom and political punditry suggested that he would be crushed. Mugabe was supremely confident. But the ruination of the country had been such that the electorate insisted on change. By some estimates, Tsvangirai and the MDC won 56 per centof the vote. But when the pattern of results became apparent, Mugabe and his party panicked. Counting promptly stopped.
There followed many weeks of painstaking recounts of the opposition’s vote until it fell below 50 per cent. A runoff was then declared for the presidency which prompted Mugabe to resort to further violence and intimidation. Tsvangirai withdrew in protest and Mugabe was declared the victor.
He had stolen it, but the nature of the theft was such that, at last, other African countries would not stomach a pretence of such magnitude. South Africa’s Mbeki intensified his mediation efforts to bring Mugabe and Tsvangirai together. It was a protracted twisting of arms that eventually led to a fractious power-sharing coalition. Mugabe remained president, his generals and hard men remained powerful and rich, while Tsvangirai was made prime minister and given the task of lifting Zimbabwe out of the economic mire that Mugabe had caused. Mugabe’s party made life difficult for Tsvangirai at every step.
Even so, Tsvangirai’s efforts at government, including the appointment of Tendai Biti as finance minister, and Biti’s wise ministrations of the economy, did bring stability to Zimbabwean financial transactions. And they allowed the consolidation of a Zimbabwean middle class that had been threatened by rampant hyper-inflation. But, despite a huge raft of appeals to surrounding presidents, Tsvangirai could not demilitarise Mugabe’s hold on the election machinery, and the shadow of military power on society as a whole.
The electorate, anxious to hold on to its new financial stability, were drawn once again to Mugabe’s party in the 2013 elections, fearing chaos and military struggle if it was defeated.
Tsvangirai, although impressive as an opposition leader, never really inspired as a prime minister. Although the 2013 elections were rigged to an extent, it was also clear that large numbers voted for Mugabe willingly, and that Tsvangirai had not done enough to break his iron grip on the institutions of Zimbabwe.
The presidency from 2013 onwards became an economic disaster. Mugabe began to concentrate increasingly on party matters, rather than national government. Obsessed with the possibility of plots against him, he purged the party of even his most prized lieutenants. Joice Mujuru, his vice-president, a war heroine and the widow of Solomon Mujuru – who died in mysterious circumstances in 2011 – was purged in December 2014.
The economy began to plummet as Mugabe’s plans to extend nationalisation from land to industry abruptly halted foreign direct investment of any sizeable nature. The stabilisation of the economy during the coalition years under Tsvangirai and Biti had depended on the substitution of the Zimbabwean currency by US dollars. Now, without investment, and increasingly without productivity – aided and abetted by an increase in corruption by Mugabe’s militarised oligarchy – the dollars dried up. The country went through increasing periods when there were simply no physical dollars in everyday circulation.
Protests
In the midst of this meltdown, citizen protest began to increase. Demands for salaries to be paid on time began to be transformed into a critique of corruption and, increasingly, of an old man in his 90s with no new ideas and a constant need for medical rejuvenation in a variety of foreign clinics. In the face of widening unrest and the loss of support from his war-veteran allies, Mugabe vowed to stay in power, insisting he would stand again for the presidency in 2018.
It was not to be. Preoccupied with holding party factions in check both for the sake of a balance of power within Zanu-PF, and then increasingly to position his wife, Grace, for the succession, Mugabe failed to give attention to the economy and indeed began sabotaging his finance minister, Patrick Chinamasa, by reinstating public servants whom Chinamasa had wanted to dismiss as part of a programme to curtail public expenditure. There were no plans to increase productivity or search for new markets. A bottle of cooking oil became cheaper to import from South Africa than its Zimbabwean production cost. The shortage of US dollars, introduced in 2009, meant the printing of bond notes that heralded the beginnings of new hyperinflation.
When the generals moved against Mugabe, it was a move against mismanagement, the prospect of more of the same from his wife, and Mugabe’s willingness to sacrifice a noted war veteran, Mnangagwa, to placate Grace and smooth the path for her ambitions. It was an ignominious downfall for someone who had risen so high from nothing.
Born and raised at Kutama Mission, in Zvimba district, west of Harare (then Salisbury), Mugabe was a bookish child. His father, Gabriel, deserted the family when Robert was 10, leaving his mother, Bona, to bring up the boy and his five siblings. He was educated by Jesuits, who imbued in him a deep faith, before in 1949 he won a scholarship to Fort Hare University in Eastern Cape, South Africa – a private institution that accepted black students – following closely behind Nelson Mandela. An entire generation of future African leaders passed through its doors and emerged with a taste for learning and for resistance.
It was not until the 1970s and his time in Mozambique that Mugabe became a crypto-Marxist. His belief was anchored in a stages-of-history view of the world, with black liberation constituting a critical stage. It was a cultural and, to an extent, racist view of history – the latter perhaps inevitable as a reaction to the climate of minority white-ruled Rhodesia. Many shared this view and a good number of Zimbabwean intellectuals stood by him for years. His death is unlikely to diminish the sense of enigma that surrounded him, with passionate mourning expected in many parts of Africa and a sense of good riddance among many in the west.
Mugabe’s domestic life was marked by tragedy and controversy. He met Sally Hayfron while teaching in Ghana and they married in 1961. Their only son, Michael Nhamodzenyika (“suffering country” in Shona), died aged three while Mugabe was in jail. He was denied compassionate release for the funeral and it is said this embittered his view of the white population. Sally died in 1992.
He then married his secretary, Grace Marufu, who had borne him two children, Bona and Robert Jr, while he was still married to Sally. A third child, Chatunga, came once they were wedded. Grace was an extravagant figure, nicknamed both “Dis Grace” and “Amazing Grace” – almost the perfect symbol of the oligarchic class around Mugabe – but she was loyal to her husband.
However, when it became clear that Tsvangirai had won in 2008, but before the decision to rig the result was taken, she pleaded with Mugabe to stand down for the sake of their children, who were being taunted at school because their father “had ruined the country”.
After the 2013 elections her demeanour became more and more preoccupied with maintaining her husband in power before she became involved in the struggle for the succession of an increasingly frail old man – seeking that succession for herself.
With the death of Mugabe, questions of his enigma remain. He was, however, a nationalist leader with moments of greatness. He had a far more intellectual sense of African destiny than his critics would acknowledge. He would, in some ways, have made a better professor than a president but, as a president, he clung to power far too long. He achieved liberation and created a tragedy.
He is survived by Grace, and their children, Bona, Robert and Chatunga.
Paul Nyathi|Information just received indicates that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will not be attending the late former President Robert Mugabe’s private family burial in Zvimba this weekend.
According to the reports, Mnangagwa has designated Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema to stand for him and read his speech at the burial if the family opens up space for government officials to take part in the programme.
Mugabe and Mnangagwa had a fallout since the later disposed him from power in coup in November 2017 leading to Mugabe making dying wishes that include a call for Mnangagwa not to preside over his burial.
Mugabe also told the family that he does not want Mnangagwa and his allies to take custody of his body as it might be used for ritualistic purposes, sources said.
Before his death in Singapore, Mugabe told his family that he does not want to be associated with Mnangagwa, some government officials and military chiefs, whom he viewed as “betrayers” and “tormentors”.
Mugabe also told his family that he does not want Mnangagwa and the government to have custody of his body at any given moment and pontificate over it, insisting Grace and other family members must closely stick to it until it is interred.
Mnangagwa is expected to arrive in Zimbabwe on Friday night from the UN General Assembly.
Construction of a mausoleum where former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe was supposed to be buried halted at the National Heroes Acre, on Friday after Mugabe family took the body away for burial in Zvimba.
Paul Nyathi|The country’s longtime leader Robert Mugabe is finally going to be buried on Saturday not in the much talked about mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre but in rural Zvimba, Mashonaland West after three weeks of drama over the former strongman’s final resting place.
Security has been tight around the former President’s rural home that now will be the burial site after an abrupt change of plans left Zimbabwe’s government with an incomplete mausoleum on a hilltop at the National Heroes Acre.
The family had preferred the rural site but agreed on a burial at the National Heroes Acre in Harare — only after the construction of a mausoleum that would set Mugabe apart from the rest.
Now steel rods and scaffolding remain at the site as the drama over the resting place of one of Africa’s longest serving leaders continues.
Mugabe died this month in Singapore at age 95. He led Zimbabwe for 37 years before being forced by the military and ruling party to retire.
Paul Nyathi|Patrick Zhuwao, a nephew of late former president Robert Mugabe, who is due for a private family burial this weekend says his uncle died a tormented man.
Speaking to City Press newspaper of South Africa recently, Zhuwao said his uncle was forced to seek refuge in a foreign country after “some of his own had turned against him and weighed him down mentally”.
The late struggle stalwart was, according to his nephew, “forced to seek peace of mind in Singapore, where he rented his own accommodation, had no doctor or nurse at hand, was bathed by his wife and son, and was even forced to travel to hospital using Singapore’s equivalent to Uber”.
Zhuwao said the last straw for Robert Mugabe – who was deposed in 2017 – was when the current administration, led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, realised that killing the ousted leader would result in a huge fallout – so, they resorted to using local TV stations to air content that was meant to “weigh him [Mugabe] down mentally”.
“The old man loved watching news on television. However, since his unceremonious ousting from power in a coup in 2017, most of his former allies had turned against him and were uttering obscenities against him on a regular basis, something that scarred him immensely.
“For his own peace of mind, he decided to leave the country,” said Zhuwao.
“Mugabe had no doctor looking after him. Mrs Mugabe had to train staff to assist the family. He was looked after by domestic workers who had no medical training; these are the people who were assisting Mrs Mugabe to look after her husband.
“When he needed to go on regular trips to see the doctor, they had to order the equivalent of Uber, called Grab – a Singaporean transport company offering this service,” said Zhuwao.
He said such treatment would explain why the family was struggling to reconcile with Mnangagwa and his administration, which he accused of “grandstanding and wanting Mugabe to be buried according to their preference”.
“They cannot have a say because they abandoned him,” he said.
He said that, even when “Mugabe knew that his life was slipping away and could have quite easily said: ‘Take me back to Zimbabwe; I am going to die in Zimbabwe,’ he had opted to rather die in a foreign country – away from most of his colleagues who had ostracised him and blamed him for everything that went wrong”.
Mugabe’s family yesterday dumped government plans to bury Mugabe in a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre and quickly moved to their rural home in Zvimba where he will be buried tomorrow.
Journalists and other visitors were on Thursday turned away from close to Mugabe’s rural home where secret burial preparations are underway.
Happier times: Bishop Dambaza with his wife Sithembeni.
H-Metro|BISHOP Berry Dambaza’s wife yesterday narrated sad incidents she experienced with her husband on the fateful day he threw himself to death from third floor during a funeral service in Milton Park.
Sithembeni Dambaza testified before mourners dismissing alleged infidelity allegations levelled against her over her husband’s suicide.
“When I received the sad news about the passing on of my husband my heart was broken,” said Sithembeni.
“I was not interested in following what was being posted on social media although someone wanted to share that with me.
“I just became emotional and promised to take legal action about it.
“People who know me know that whenever I stand on a pulpit to preach, I am not that kind of a person who is of loose morals.
“In fact my job is to correct what is not right and to rebuke what needs to be rebuked. That is me and my husband was different from me.
“If people tell you different stories it’s not true. I was not there when my husband passed on.
“I was attending to my mother in-law,” said Sithembeni.
She narrated how she made efforts to convince Bishop Dambaza to disclose what was troubling him since he was looking distressed.
Sithembeni said they were involved in an accident a day before the tragedy and how Bishop Dambaza was nearly assaulted at that accident scene.
“Things were not all good that Bishop Dambaza was nearly attacked by the person who was driving an unregistered vehicle.
“Our vehicle was damaged but his vehicle was just scratched but the man assaulted Bishop Dambaza and he remained quiet.
“I asked my husband to get behind the wheel since he looked absent minded but he refused and we went home on Sunday.
“On Monday I kept on reminding him about the Bishops meeting but he said there was no meeting.
“Bishop Dambaza was very particular in making sure that every dollar is accounted for and he never misused any church money.
“He just told me that some of his personal money was not balancing well and that sounded disturbing from him but I encouraged him to move on.
“He wanted to buy a truck he said he would use in moving around preaching the gospel.
“He was a loving husband and I loved him too. He was very quiet and it is one of the characteristics that made me decide to marry him when we met in Zambia.
“People, including my relatives were used to calling me names saying I am ugly but God gave me a handsome man I loved and God gave us blessed children.”
Bishop Dambaza was born in 1960 in Zambia and moved to Zimbabwe in 1981 and met Sithembeni at a Bible College before they got married in 1988.
He pastored in Marondera and Kambuzuma and joined Pentecostal Assemblies of Zimbabwe Upper Room in 1996.
He served as a provincial overseer and a Bishop in charge of finance, administration evangelism and church planting till the time of his death.
Allow me to congratulate you, Professor Tijjani Mohammed-Bande, on your election as the president of the 74th session of the General Assembly. Zimbabwe is confident that under your able stewardship, the General Assembly will accelerate the achievements of our organisation’s objectives.
May I also commend your immediate predecessor, Ambassador Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, for successfully presiding over the 73rd session of the General Assembly. I address the General Assembly today following the sad passing on of the founding father of our country, the late former President, His Excellency, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Mr President, Zimbabwe is in transition and determined to overcome the reality that we are a collapsed economy with a collapsed currency, due to the illegal economic sanctions imposed on our economy. Since I took over the leadership of Zimbabwe, much has been accomplished with indicative recovery, stabilisation and growth. Immense progress towards macro-economic and fiscal stabilisation, as well as high-impact projects that pave the way for a private sector-led growth have been made.
Embedded in our aspirations, is a strong sense of urgency for us to eradicate poverty, achieve quality and relevant education, create employment for women and youths as well as mitigate the cross-cutting impact of climate change on our society and economy. Our people deserve better and we are committed to delivering.
The engagement and re-engagement with all countries of world towards returning Zimbabwe to its rightful place within the comity of nations is yielding notable progress. Our arms remain outstretched with a genuine heart of friendship and cooperation, to all those willing to take this new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
In our desire to deepen democratic space in our country, we have established an open political platform where we invite all political parties to frank debate and dialogue on aspects of socio-political and economic reforms.
Comprehensive and far-reaching reforms are being implemented by my Government for the benefit, protection and economic prosperity of our people, in line with their ever-changing aspirations.
Furthermore, the fiscal austerity and discipline has resulted in balanced books and a budget surplus which is unprecedented in our country. The impact of change and reforms on the generality of our people takes time, but we are in the right direction. We shall continue to put in place social safety nets to cushion the lower strata and most vulnerable members of our society and appeal for further multilateral support, in this regard.
These achievements are in spite of the continued albatross of the illegal economic sanctions. These sanctions constitute a denial of the human rights of the people of Zimbabwe, to develop and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable. As the United Nations, let us boldly honour the disciples of our Charter. The wrongs of the world must be set right.
Unfair practices must be challenged; injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man must be opposed and rejected.
My country applauds the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and all who stand with us in demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of these illegal sanctions. Those that imposed illegal sanctions must heed this call and lift them now. Cooperation is a win-win game. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Zimbabwe deserves a restart.
Mr President; Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business. Restrictions on shareholding across all sectors of the economy have been removed and some public entities are being privatised. The new National Investment Policy reflects the commitment of my Administration to open up the economy.
In line with our modernisation and industrialisation agenda, we are enhancing the equality of our education to make it more relevant for modern technology and innovation.
Greater focus is now on science, technology and innovation, while incubation hubs and industrialisation parks are being established throughout the country. Increased collaboration between industry, small and medium enterprises and our education sector for responsive and relevant products, goods and services which answer to the ever changing needs of our country and the world at large.
Mr President; In our quest to deepen constitutionalism; the rule of law; democratic practics; good corporate governance; transparency and accountability; the capacity of institutions that protect democracy, continue to be enhanced The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government through supporting and strengthening institutions which help in the fight against this corruption cancer.
Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms. To date, the alignment of most of our laws to the Constitution is almost complete. We commend the support we continue to receive from the UNDP and other stakeholders.
The outdated media laws, access to information, protection of privacy and the old Public Order and Security Act have been repealed. New laws in relation to these areas have been enacted.
Mr President; Let us accelerate our quest to end poverty by 2030. In the spirit of “leaving no one behind” synergies and greater coherence in the implementation of all global frameworks on sustainable development are imperative. The theme of this session, “Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion”, is most appropriate and timely.
As the “climate crisis” continues, the world is changing before our eyes. For us in Southern Africa, the recent Cyclone Idai serves as a reminder that the impact of climate change and its damage to humankind and life on earth, is dire and irreparable. The Tropical Cyclone Idai left thousands dead, injured or displaced and a trail of infrastructure destruction.
We are still recovering from the disaster, whose cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated to be about US$600 million, for Zimbabwe alone. Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from across the world for the solidarity and support we received towards relief, recovery, reconstruction and other forms of assistance, following the cyclone.
Our country is an agro-based economy with agriculture sector contribution between 15 percent and 20 percent of the country’s GDP and about 60 percent of raw materials for industry. The impact of climate change has not only affected our agricultural productivity and food security, but also our hydropower generation capacity and overall economic recovery, growth and development. Consequently, my Government has since declared a State of National Disaster.
Mr President, The importance of a re-invigorated and responsive multilateral system to promote global partnership for peace and development cannot be overemphasised. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace and sustainable development. The reform of the United Nations system making it more representative, empowered and responsive to fulfil its mandate is long overdue. Zimbabwe remains firm on the Africa position as enunciated by the Ezulwini Consensus.
Mr President; Let me conclude by reiterating that Zimbabwe is reforming and undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The task facing us is great, the road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But so is our potential and determination to succeed.
I urge the world to be patient with us, to support us and to join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realise our common vision of a common future free of poverty, hunger and conflicts, on a safe planet; for the benefit for all our people. I thank you.
Farai Dziva|World football governing body FIFA has responded to suggestions that THE BEST awards were rigged in favour of Barcelona superstar Leo Messi.
Messi shrugged off competition from rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Liverpool’s Virgil Van Dijk to scoop the men’s award on Monday night, a decision which has now come under scrutiny following reports that the coach of Sudan and Nicaragua captain Juan Berrera denied voting for the Argentine, as FIFA published in their results.
The body vehemently denied allocating votes to Messi.
“We have checked the voting documents submitted by the Nicaraguan FA and all documents are signed and confirmed with the official stamp of the Nicaraguan FA,” a FIFA spokesperson told ESPN.
“Having compared with the vote sheets submitted by the federation and the ones we have published on FIFA.com, we confirm that we have the right votes signed by the player. We are asking the Nicaraguan Football Federations to inquire on this matter.” he added.
Farai Dziva|FC Platinum arrived safely in Mozambique for their CAF Champions League encounter.
FC Platinum have a date with UD Songo.
The Zimbabwean delegation touched down at the Beira International Airport just before 10am yesterday aboard a chartered flight.
“We received a warm welcome and, after completing our immigration formalities, we were taken to a very standard hotel where again the staff was very friendly and brotherly,” said a member of the delegation.
“I have been in constant touch with the team manager to find out if they are any outstanding things but the response has all been (good), an indication that all is in order.
There are no such things as mind games from the hosts, at least up to now, but I honestly don’t think there will be changes to their behaviour.’’
In a shocking incident two South Africa-based men allegedly murdered their 54-year-old father after they accused him of bewitching them causing them to be covered by a cloud of bad luck.
The incident happened on Friday last week at Hlanganiso Village under Chief Mazetese’s jurisdiction in Mwenezi District, Masvingo province.
A source from the village said the deceased, Nelson Toma (54) left to drink beer at Nkomo Township.
Toma was reportedly joined by his neighbour Saviors Masuka (53).
“They started drinking beer at 2pm. They then left at 9pm. The two parted ways near Toma’s homestead.
Unbeknown to him, his two sons Clayton (22) and Layton (20), who are based in South Africa, had ambushed him near the gate of his homestead.
“They informed him that they consulted a n’anga who informed them that he was bewitching them causing them to suffer bad luck in whatever they lay their hands on,” the source said.
The source went on to say that Toma’s wife Khethiwe Mzaya (45) heard arguments from the gate and never bothered.
After a few minutes, the noise heightened, prompting Mzaya to check on what was happening.
“Clayton and Layton were accusing their father of bewitching them while demanding traditional healers’ paraphernalia that included a black cloth and white cloth that he used to cast a bad spell on them,” said the source.
At the height of the argument Clayton and Layton pushed their father into his matrimonial bedroom hut while demanding a black cloth and two white cloths.
“They took turns to beat him with clenched fists and booted feet and stabbed him on his back with a sharp object.
Seeing him bleeding profusely, his wife begged him to give
them and he gave them a black and white cloth,” said the source.
But they demanded the other white cloth, insisting that he hid it in the house.
“They continued assaulting him and stabbed him several times with a sharp object on the back. Mzaya rushed to invite a neighbour to intervene but the neighbour never bothered,” said the source.
When Mzaya returned she found Toma lying in a pool of blood while groaning in agony. Her sons left him in a pool of blood and fled. She sat beside him.
“He died at around 4am last week on Friday while she was
trying to conduct first aid on him,” the source said. A police report was made.
“I can confirm that two men
Clayton and Layton are said to have beaten their father Nelson Toma while accusing him of bewitching them with paraphernalia that included black cloth and white cloth. The pair is on the run,” said Chief Inspector Mazula.B-Metro
IN a heart-rending incident residents of Tshabalala suburb in Bulawayo were left shocked after relatives of a deceased man evicted his children and looted property that they sold in the suburb.
This was after the owner of the house, Vine Ndlovu, had been buried. According to Ndlovu’s neighbour Khethiwe Moyo (47), the deceased was staying with his two children, aged seven and nine.
He left them at the house. Moyo said the mother of the children died six years ago.
Last week the two children were plunged into misery when they were chucked out of the house and given two blankets.
“It is a sad situation. The children were chucked out of the house by the relatives of the late Ndlovu. They gave them two blankets, they sleep outside the yard,” said Moyo.
Speaking on condition of anonymity a family insider said the children had no food and had stopped going to school. The children are pupils at Intuta Primary School, where the elder one, in Grade Four, was said by the neighbour to be brilliant. The younger child is in Grade One.
“Since they were chucked out of their parents’ house they have not been going to school. From my observation they are mentally and emotionally troubled,” said a distraught relative.
Relatives of the deceased looted his clothes and property which they sold cheaply in the suburb.
“They sold the late’s property that ranged from wardrobe, stove, plates, blankets to a bed at very cheap prices as low as $30 to $70 to people in the suburb. What shocked and surprised us is why they did such a heartless thing knowing fully that the late was survived by two children, ”said Moyo.
Tshabalala residents association chairperson Albert Ndlovu, and some community members, had to engage the police.
“We engaged Tshabalala police and they gave us the permission to open the door. We then instructed the children to sleep in the house.
“(Khethiwe) Moyo who has been taking care of them since they were chucked out of the house has been of great assistance as she has been giving them food and other necessities that are needed,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu said they were making efforts to get hold of the grandmother of the children.
“We have gathered that there is a grandmother of the children who stays in Plumtree.
We are making efforts to meet her so that we give her the children and we believe she would take good care of the children,” said Ndlovu.
Harare City coach Lloyd Chitembwe has responded to reports that he is targeting to snatch five players from his former club CAPS United.
Media reports claimed this week that the gaffer was planning to raid the Green Machine some of their key players namely Joel Ngodzo, Newman Sianchali, Valentine Musarurwa, John Zhuwawu and Kudzai Nyamupfukudza.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday ahead of the Chibuku Super Cup tie against United on Saturday, Chitembwe rubbished the claims and blamed all this on “football politics.”
He said: “I know this is all football politics, but it is unfortunate for people to stoop as low as this.
“I know the people behind all this, I thought they have since moved on because I have moved on.
“I am now at Harare City and very happy, but there are some people who are still afraid of my shadow at Caps United.
“I have a very good relationship with the Caps United supporters, and that is why they saluted me before that last match. No one will take away my legacy at that club,” added Chitembwe as he gave reference to a league match played last week.
The Chibuku Super Cup encounter will be played at the National Sports Stadium, and kick-off is at 3 pm.Soccer24
News Agents|An off-duty Zimbabwean doctor on his way to take up a Chevening scholarship in the UK put his training into practice when a passenger fell ill on his flight.
Edgar Munatsi, who’s about to start an MSc in Public Health for Development at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, was on an overnight flight from Johannesburg, South Africa to London when he was woken up by the cabin crew asking if anyone was a medical doctor.
“I raised my hand”
“I quickly looked around to see if there was anyone who had responded, but there was none. So I raised my hand in response to the announcement, ” says Munatsi, who was previously head of Zimbabwe’s Hospital Doctors’ Association. He was led to the back of the plane where a passenger was so ill that the crew told him the captain might have to consider an emergency landing. Said Munatsi: “I asked the cabin crew to give me their medical kit to see what they had in there. I was glad to see that the medical kit had most of the basic things needed to be used in this case.”
Monitored for four hours
He was able to administer emergency care and quickly stabilise the passenger. He monitored the passenger for more than four hours. “When the Captain finally announced that we had begun our descend for landing at London Heathrow airport, I was overjoyed!” Munatsi says. “When we landed, I was elated to see my patient walk off the plane.”
First time
Munatsi, who’s served as a Government Medical Officer at Chitungwiza General Hospital near Harare, has huge medical experience. But he says this is the first time he’s had to deliver medical care on a flight. Chevening scholarships are offered by the UK government to hundreds of exceptional professionals around the world each year. Successful applicants are funded for a year’s postgraduate study, returning to transform their communities back home and build on links established during their courses.
A dream of many years
Munatsi says getting a scholarship to study public health in the UK was “a dream of many years.” He’s now about to start his year-long course. He said: “I cleared immigration, picked up my bags, and got on the underground train to Central London. It certainly was a terrific start to my Chevening journey.”
The UK ambassador to Zimbabwe Melanie Robinson said: ‘I’m so impressed he was able to help in this way, and he hasn’t even got to the UK yet!’. Doc Nyamande Norman Matara
Paul Nyathi|The High Courrt has granted $5000 bail to former Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira, who is facing corruption charges involving $95 million.
Mupfumira got her bail after four attempts that were all turned down. The bail comes a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa told the United Nations General Assembly that his government is fighting very hard to fight corruption.
As part of the conditions, Mupfumira will report to the police twice a week, and surrender title deeds to her Mt Pleasant home.
Mupfumira faces seven counts of criminal abuse of office for alleged impropriety during her previous tenure as Labour Minister.
Breaking- Prisca Mupfumira granted bail by a Harare magistrate
By A Correspondent- The director of the Harare-based Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI), Pedzisai Ruhanya, has said that both the late founding leader of the country, Robert Mugabe and the incumbent President, Emmerson Mnangagwa rose to power through military coups.
Ruhanya said that the family of the former president should, therefore, stop acting as if Mugabe was sacred.
Posting on Twitter, Ruhanya said:
“Mugabe rose to power after the Mgagao declaration of October 1975 before the 1977 Chimoio Congress. Mnangagwa rose to power after the Nov 2017 military coup then the ZANU PF Congress of Dec 2017. Both leaders are products of military factor. But Mugabe family thinks Bob is holy!
His remarks come at a time when the tensions between the Mnangagwa led administration and Mugabe’s family seem to be unending.
Tensions grew when the former first family allegedly tried in vain to assassinate the then vice president, Mnangagwa, through accidents, cyanide and ice-cream poison.
The military-assisted transition of November 2017 which resulted in Mugabe’s demise did less to save the situation.
Some members of the Mugabe family blame Mnangagwa for the death of the former veteran leader saying that the coup worsened his health condition.
The tension has resulted in the family rejecting the government’s offer to burry Mugabe at the National Heroes Acre.
Mugabe who died on the 6th of September in Singapore where he was receiving medical attention is expected to be buried on Saturday 27 September in Zvimba, his rural home.
Paul Nyathi|On Saturday, the MDC celebrates its 20th anniversary at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme “MDC@20: Celebrating Courage, Growth and the People’s Victories”.
Indeed, the past two decades have seen the audacious people’s party exhibiting nothing but unmitigated courage, phenomenal growth and unbridled victory.
Since the MDC’s formation at Rufaro Stadium in Harare in 1999, the party has grown in leaps and bounds. In the past 20 years, the people have displayed unmatched gallantry and courage in the face of oppression and repression.
Victory has been the watchword as shown by the millions who continue to repose their faith and trust in this mammoth people’s movement—the political behemoth called the MDC.
ZWNews|A married midwife was allegedly assaulted for alleged abuse of office after preying on patients to satisfy his s_exual appetites.
Artwell Ushongani who is stationed at Mupandira Clinic under Bindura District was assaulted by Elisha Ndonga after discovering love messages sent by the nurse to his wife, Blessmore Naledi Tasiiwa.
The matter came to light after an uproar by villagers over Ushonga’s misconduct spilled into the traditional court.
Appearing before headman, Benard Chikowore, Ushongani pleaded guilty to the accusations and was slapped with a fine of two goats.
“We cannot have a nurse who craves to have s_ex with patients, and this is why I assaulted him.
“He kept on sending love messages to my wife after she denied his proposal and we learnt from other women that they were approached as well by Ushongani on several occasions for s_exual favours.
“My wife told me that Ushongani has been asking for a hug whenever she visits the observation room for check-ups.
“I agreed with my wife to trap him after he sent her a message inviting her to visit the Clinic to s_exually satisfy her,” said Ndonga before the traditional court.
State Media|The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s request for the civil trial proceedings between it and its former board chairman Cuthbert Dube and four ex-senior executives referred to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe for inquiry and report has failed after the High Court threw out the application.
Former senior executives Happison Muchechetere, Elliot Kasu, Allan Chiweshe and Ralph Nyambudzi are accused of allegedly enriching themselves using the parastatal’s funds.
The national broadcaster alleges that the five illegally benefited themselves from $6 million obtained as loans.
ZBC last week filed an urgent chamber application asking the High Court to invoke Section 19A of the High Court Act (Chapter 7: 06) and refer the proceedings under case number HC 2770/2015 to ICAZ chief executive officer Ms Gloria Zvaravanhu, as a referee in the matter.
But in his ruling Justice Owen Tagu upheld submissions by the five’s lawyers led by Proffessor Lovemore Madhuku, who argued that the request was premature at this stage of the matter.
“I agree with counsel for the respondents that even if we are to assume that Section 19A applies or is likely to apply in the trial cause in case HC 2770/2015, it is premature at this stage to invoke the provisions of Section 19A of the High Court Act,” he said.
“The plaintiff had not led evidence from any witness. The court has not yet considered examination of documents.”
Prof Madhuku argued that when read properly Section 19A of the Act could not arise at this stage of the proceedings.
He said an inquiry only arises if it is an issue brought out of evidence that the court considers relevant to the ultimate determination of the dispute between the parties.
“The application is, therefore, premature and improper since there is nothing in the application demonstrating the inconvenience contemplated in Section 19A,” said Prof Madhuku calling for dismissal of the application.
Harare lawyer Mr Peter Kawonde appearing for Chiweshe and Nyambudzi said the appointment of a referee at this stage would be tantamount to an ouster of the court’s jurisdiction on the matter.
ZBC accused its ex-bosses of recklessly performing their duties, leading to the financial prejudice.
Allegations are that on January 19 2010, the former ZBC managers together with Dube secured a US$618 000 loan facility from CBZ Bank for the purchase of top executives’ vehicles after misrepresenting that the loan application had been approved by the board.
It is further alleged that the top executives on May 5 2010, approved a housing loan scheme agreement with a local bank for the benefit of the top management, again without the board’s approval.
The ex-bosses also allegedly prejudiced the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) after they allegedly under-declared their tax obligations.
The wife had been suspecting that her partner was hitting on the domestic worker.
Paul Nyathi|A Kenyan lawmaker has gone underground after he was allegedly battered by his spouse.
The wife of the legislator is said to have been incensed after he caught him pants down making out with a maid in their city home.
A close ally of the MP confided to Kenya’s media The Grapevine, that the wife had been suspecting that her partner was hitting on the domestic worker.
On the fateful day, she pretended to be travelling upcountry only for her to sneak back to the house after an hour through the back door catching the duo unawares.
The politician who is nursing a black eye admitted to one of his colleagues that he could not fight back, fearing that his wife could press assault charges against him.
For slightly over a week now, the leader has not been seen in public, including in his constituency, which he in the past visited every weekend.
By Dorrothy Moyo| They say a day is a very long time in the life of a failed politician. In 24hrs alone, Emmerson Mnangagwa has been rejected in 3 countries: US, Canada, and Zimbabwe. Below is a short summary of the shocking headlines:
Auxillia blocked from flying into Canada.
World Presidents desert Mnangagwa leaving him talking to empty chairs.
Auxillia rejected by Harvard University.
Mnangagwa loses President Mugabe’s corpse. President Mugabe described Mnangagwa as a disgrace the bations needs to rid itself of.
In 24hrs, Mnangagwa rejected in 3 countries: US, Canada, Zimbabwe
1. Auxillia blocked from flying into Canada.
2. World Presidents desert Mnangagwa leaving him talking to empty chairs.
Paul Nyathi|Annual inflation in Zimbabwe was 300 percent in August, according to new data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At that level, the inflation rate is the highest in the world.
Annualised inflation in Zimbabwe was measured at 175.66 percent in June, up from 97.85 percent in May. In a statement released on Thursday, IMF head of delegation probing Zimbabwe’s economic policies, Gene Leon said Zimbabwe was experiencing what he described as severe economic difficulties.
Leon was a part of an IMF delegation that was recently in the country to assess progress on the implementation of a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) that measures economic performance and Zimbabwe’s commitment to reforms. The programme is a key step towards unlocking IMF funding.
“Since the February currency reform, the exchange rate has depreciated ,” Leon said. The currency went from one-to-one with the US unit to 1 to 16.5 as of September 23, “fostering high inflation, which reached almost 300 percent (year-over-year) in August.”
Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube banned the publication of annual inflation numbers in July to allow the country’s statistical agency, Zimstat, to compile new price data, which will only be published in February 2020, Ncube said.
This is not the first time Zimbabwe has experienced high inflation. Government figures show Zimbabwe’s peak inflation rate was 79.6 billion percent month-on-month and 89.7 sextillion percent year-on-year in mid-November 2009.
Hyperinflation only ended the following year with the adoption of the US dollar.
Leon said economic difficulties in the country have been exacerbated by severe weather shocks. He foresees a steep drop in the value of all the goods and services produced within Zimbabwe in 2019.
“Social conditions have deteriorated sharply, with more than half of Zimbabwe’s population [8.5 million people] estimated by the UN to be food insecure in 2019/2020. Weakening confidence, policy uncertainty, a continuation of FX market distortions, and a recent expansionary monetary stance has increased pressure on the exchange rate,” Leon added.
Worse than Venezuela Like Zimbabwe, the Venezuelan government in 2018 once suspended inflation readings.
This year, annual inflation in Venezuela – the country with the world’s second-highest inflation – was measured at 135.3 percent in August. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices in Venezuela rose 65.2 percent in the same month, according to the opposition-controlled Congress.
While inflation in Venezuela has decelerated in recent months because of strict reserve requirements on banks, which reduced the credit available to businesses, Zimbabwe’s rate hike has not slowed down inflation.
Independent|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa took a bloated entourage of 90 people to this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, including Zanu PF youths who took part in an anti-sanctions demonstration there on Monday, the Zimbabwe Independent has learnt.
The inclusion of the youths raised the eyebrows of the United States embassy in Harare.This also comes as it emerged that Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxilia, flew to the US separately with her own sizable delegation, which included her security team, officials from her Angels of Hope charity organisation and a crew of journalists from the state media.
Both teams are reported to be enjoying hefty allowances funded by Treasury, at a time the government has been asking the citizenry to endure the pain induced by its austerity measures, which have severely eroded incomes and impoverished the majority of the population.
Government sources this week said the US embassy granted visas to a total of 90 individuals travelling to New York on a “state-sponsored visit”.
The sources said the embassy however expressed concern over the inclusion of dozens of party youths on the presidential entourage, but later granted them visas after government insisted on travelling with them, arguing they were part of President’s Mnangagwa’s security.
“A total of 90 visas were granted to these people. There were initial concerns about some of the members of the entourage but they were later granted visas,” a US embassy official said.
A government official who saw some of the travellers’ cabinet authority documents said the least-paid members of the entourage was entitled to a daily allowance of US$1 500 each, paid in hard currency.
This means Mnangagwa’s team is spending a total of US$1 350 000 for the 10 days on allowances only for 10 days in the world’s economic capital city, excluding air tickets.
Sources said the First Lady and her crew travelled to the US in two days in advance using a commercial flight.The cheapest ticket for a return flight to New York from Harare was pegged at US$1 260 as of Wednesday last week.
Other members of the entourage were booked on different commercial flights while Mnangagwa travelled in his favoured chartered Swiss luxury jet with a few members of his inner security and aides. Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and his Health counterpart Obadiah Moyo were also aboard the high-priced aircraft, chartered from Swiss aviation firm Comlux for US$30 000 per hour.
The total cost of hiring the jet for the expedition exceeds US$1,5 million.“Mnangagwa’s entourage will be away for a total of 10 days and government gives each member of the delegation US$1 500 per day, which is paid to all the members of the delegation as per diems. This means each delegate will receive at least US$15 000 for the 10-day trip,” a government source said.
“This money excludes airfares and the cost of hiring a private jet for the President. You saw those people who joined the December 12 Movement to demonstrate against sanctions, dozens of them were flown from here specifically for that purpose. This is the same as what happened earlier this month when party youths were bussed to demonstrate in favour of Mnangagwa during the World Economic Forum in Cape Town (South Africa),” the source added.
The New York junket comes in the middle of a crisis in the country’s health sector with doctors on strike demanding an increase in their salaries and better conditions of service.
It also comes as ballooning inflation, which has decimated earnings and pushed prices of basic goods and services beyond the affordability of many.
By the time Mnangagwa jetted out, the capital Harare was reeling from an acute water crisis after the city council declared it had lost capacity to purify the water it pumps into homes, citing shortage of foreign currency to buy the water treatment chemicals.
Despite evidence of economic implosion, Mnangagwa’s administration, which assumed power following a military coup in November 2017 before claiming a razor-thin controversial victory in the July 30, 2018 general election, argues that it is devising measures to steady the turbulent economic ship through its extremely unpopular and ruinous belt-tightening measures.
But despite government’s persistent pleas, tempers are flaring in the country as the austerity measures continue to bite deeper. In response, government has had to resort to brute force to quell the protests.
Mnangagwa is following in the footsteps of his late predecessor, Robert Mugabe, who repeatedly courted controversy by transporting massive hangers-on to the annual jamboree.
In the sunset years of his controversial rule, Mugabe’s entourages would flaunt their penchant for merry-making and luxury shopping by buying expensive designer clothes in New York, one of the world’s most expensive cities, angering poverty-stricken Zimbabweans who would take to social media to express outrage.
@ZACConline refuses to investigate Kuda Tagwirei. In its explanation, it says it seeks not to interfere with anither investigation by the parliamentary portfolio led by @BitiTendaipic.twitter.com/n3uwWbiiWb
Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare houses 2,508 inmates instead of the 1,360 it was designed for.
Paul Nyathi|The Chikurubi Maximum Security Prison in Harare is crumbling at the seams, assailed by overcrowding and a critical shortage of medicines, food and other basics as the economically-crippled country battles to care for its inmates.
Prisoners sleep on thin blankets on bare cement floors.
Convicts and wardens alike bemoan packed cells where running water is erratic and shortages of food, clothes and bedding prevail.
Basic painkillers and antibiotics are impossible to come by, meaning prisoners risk dying from easily-treatable conditions.
“We don’t have drugs for… ailments like pneumonia and meningitis. We need a functioning X-ray machine. As of now, our machine is down and yet this is a basic tool required for diagnosis,” Blessing Dhoropa, a doctor at the prison hospital, said as lawmakers visited Chikurubi last week.
The prison pharmacy lacks antibiotics and basic painkillers.
AFP correspondents saw prisoners wearing threadbare uniforms in the prison’s male and female sections.
Inside the cells, paint flaked off some walls and for bedding, prisoners had thin blankets on bare cement floors.
Inmates complain that they get maize porridge for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
One complained the cells were infested with lice and other vermin.
Such conditions are common in Zimbabwe’s 46 prisons. They were built to collectively incarcerate 14,000 prisoners, but hold more than 20,000 today.
Chikurubi’s men’s section houses 2,508 inmates instead of the 1,360 it was designed for.
“Our population is much higher than we should hold,” conceded Senior Assistant Commissioner Alvord Gapare, who oversees jails in the Harare province.
Diet ‘not suitable’
Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has condemned such “deplorable” conditions which it said “exposes inmates to illnesses and psychological trauma.”
In 2013, the body said, more than 100 prisoners died of malnutrition-related illnesses.
At Chikurubi, donors provide life-saving anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs for inmates who need it.
“I am HIV positive. Drugs for HIV are available. But other medicines, antibiotics… even the painkiller paracetamol, are not there,” 18-year-old prisoner Chiedza Chiwashira told members of parliament’s child welfare and justice committee on a fact-finding mission.
Another inmate complained there was “no medicine for epilepsy.”
And according to Gapare, Chikurubi’s only ambulance “is down”.
At Chikurubi, prisoners grumble about the staple diet of maize porridge without salt or sugar for breakfast, followed by the same, served with boiled kale, cabbage or beans, for lunch and dinner.
“Our diet is not suitable for people with ailments like diabetes and hypertension,” an inmate of the female section told the official visitors.
‘Not supposed to be here’
Gapare conceded the prison food has little nutritional value.
“We have challenges preparing the food that’s suitable for our prisoners. We cannot follow the dietary scale that we should follow. We serve mostly beans and vegetables,” he said.
In a bid to decongest the country’s jails, President Emmerson Mnangagwa granted amnesty to at least 3,000 prisoners in March last year.
But overcrowding persists as Zimbabwe’s convicts, like the general population, suffer the consequences of a moribund economy that has been in ruins since hyperinflation peaked at 500 billion percent and wiped out savings under former president Robert Mugabe.
Zimbabwe is undergoing another bout of price rises and shortages of fuel and daily essentials. Inflation is at more than 75 percent, putting basic goods beyond the reach of many.
The government is struggling to provide relief for citizens, let alone the prison population.
And the harshness of daily life continues feeding Zimbabwe’s already over-full prisons as many turn to crime to survive.
“Most of the patients are not supposed to be here,” Chikurubi’s deputy director for health services and a consultant psychiatrist, Patrick Mhaka told the lawmakers.
“Some are said to have stolen a loaf of bread and they end up here.”
Lawmaker Daniel Molokela asked prisoners and officials to draw up a list of needs, which he said the government would examine.
Paul Nyathi|In a very weird case, a Ugandan Court has sentenced a woman to jail for two years for forcefully feeding her step daughter menstrual blood.
The Magistrate, Patience Koburunga handed, Annet Namata the two-year-jail term on Thursday afternoon on her own plea of guilty.
In her judgment, Koburunga noted that she had reduced Namata’s sentence from seven to two years because she pleaded guilty saving court time and asked for lenience on grounds that she is a mother of three children.
Namata pleaded guilty during trial of her case. However, some of the residents and Namata’s husband, Yunus Lungu are not contented with the judgment.
Mr Lungu said he wished Namata would have got a longer jail term.
“Let her serve her time and hopefully she may learn her lesson,” he added.
Ms Susan Mayanja, a women’s rights defender in the area, said although justice has been served, the sentence was lenient.
“That sentence will only encourage other women to do the same thing knowing their sentences will be very light,” she said.
She advised women to treat their step children with love since they don’t know what the future holds.
The Court heard that on several occasions Namata served her step daughter food mixed with her menstrual blood contrary to Section 171 of the Ugandan penal code.
The law provides that “Any person who unlawfully or negligently does any act which is and which he or she knows or has reason to believe to be likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life commits an offence and is liable to imprisonment for seven years.”
13 Things Mnangagwa Told United Nations In His Short Speech.
1. Zimbabwe has achieved economic stabilisation and private sector-led growth.
2. We are committed to delivering equality and employment for all.
3. Introducing a new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
4. We have deepened the democratic space.
5. Reforms are being implemented.
6. Zimbabwe has balanced books and a budget surplus.
7. We are in the right direction.
8. Sanctions are slowing down our progress,
9. Zim is reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment.
10. We are enhancing the equality of our education
11. The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government.
12. Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms.
13. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace.
1. Zimbabwe has achieved economic stabilisation and private sector-led growth.
Since I took over the leadership of Zimbabwe, much has been accomplished with indicative recovery, stabilisation and growth. Immense progress towards macro-economic and fiscal stabilisation, as well as high-impact projects that pave the way for a private sector-led growth have been made.
2. We are committed to delivering equality and employment for all
Embedded in our aspirations, is a strong sense of urgency for us to eradicate poverty, achieve quality and relevant education, create employment for women and youths as well as mitigate the cross-cutting impact of climate change on our society and economy. Our people deserve better and we are committed to delivering.
3. Introducing a new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
The engagement and re-engagement with all countries of world towards returning Zimbabwe to its rightful place within the comity of nations is yielding notable progress. Our arms remain outstretched with a genuine heart of friendship and cooperation, to all those willing to take this new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
4. We have deepened thedemocratic space
In our desire to deepen democratic space in our country, we have established an open political platform where we invite all political parties to frank debate and dialogue on aspects of socio-political and economic reforms.
5. Reforms are being implemented
Comprehensive and far-reaching reforms are being implemented by my Government for the benefit, protection and economic prosperity of our people, in line with their ever-changing aspirations.
6. Zimbabwe has balanced books and a budget surplus
Furthermore, the fiscal austerity and discipline has resulted in balanced books and a budget surplus which is unprecedented in our country.
7. We are in the right direction
The impact of change and reforms on the generality of our people takes time, but we are in the right direction. We shall continue to put in place social safety nets to cushion the lower strata and most vulnerable members of our society and appeal for further multilateral support, in this regard.
8. Sanctions are slowing down our progress,
These achievements are in spite of the continued albatross of the illegal economic sanctions. These sanctions constitute a denial of the human rights of the people of Zimbabwe, to develop and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable.
As the United Nations, let us boldly honour the disciples of our Charter. The wrongs of the world must be set right.
Unfair practices must be challenged; injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man must be opposed and rejected.
My country applauds the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and all who stand with us in demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of these illegal sanctions. Those that imposed illegal sanctions must heed this call and lift them now. Cooperation is a win-win game. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Zimbabwe deserves a restart.
9. Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business.
Mr President;
Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business. Restrictions on shareholding across all sectors of the economy have been removed and some public entities are being privatised. The new National Investment Policy reflects the commitment of my Administration to open up the economy.
10. We are enhancing the equality of our education
In line with our modernisation and industrialisation agenda, we are enhancing the equality of our education to make it more relevant for modern technology and innovation.
Greater focus is now on science, technology and innovation, while incubation hubs and industrialisation parks are being established throughout the country. Increased collaboration between industry, small and medium enterprises and our education sector for responsive and relevant products, goods and services which answer to the ever changing needs of our country and the world at large.
11. The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government
Mr President;
In our quest to deepen constitutionalism; the rule of law; democratic practics; good corporate governance; transparency and accountability; the capacity of institutions that protect democracy, continue to be enhanced
The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government through supporting and strengthening institutions which help in the fight against this corruption cancer.
12. Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms.
Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms. To date, the alignment of most of our laws to the Constitution is almost complete. We commend the support we continue to receive from the UNDP and other stakeholders.
The outdated media laws, access to information, protection of privacy and the old Public Order and Security Act have been repealed. New laws in relation to these areas have been enacted.
Mr President;
Let us accelerate our quest to end poverty by 2030. In the spirit of “leaving no one behind” synergies and greater coherence in the implementation of all global frameworks on sustainable development are imperative. The theme of this session, “Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion”, is most appropriate and timely.
13. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace.
As the “climate crisis” continues, the world is changing before our eyes. For us in Southern Africa, the recent Cyclone Idai serves as a reminder that the impact of climate change and its damage to humankind and life on earth, is dire and irreparable.
The Tropical Cyclone Idai left thousands dead, injured or displaced and a trail of infrastructure destruction.
We are still recovering from the disaster, whose cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated to be about US$600 million, for Zimbabwe alone.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from across the world for the solidarity and support we received towards relief, recovery, reconstruction and other forms of assistance, following the cyclone.
Our country is an agro-based economy with agriculture sector contribution between 15 percent and 20 percent of the country’s GDP and about 60 percent of raw materials for industry. The impact of climate change has not only affected our agricultural productivity and food security, but also our hydropower generation capacity and overall economic recovery, growth and development. Consequently, my Government has since declared a State of National Disaster.
Mr President,
The importance of a re-invigorated and responsive multilateral system to promote global partnership for peace and development cannot be overemphasised. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace and sustainable development.
The reform of the United Nations system making it more representative, empowered and responsive to fulfil its mandate is long overdue. Zimbabwe remains firm on the Africa position as enunciated by the Ezulwini Consensus.
Mr President;
Let me conclude by reiterating that Zimbabwe is reforming and undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The task facing us is great, the road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But so is our potential and determination to succeed.
I urge the world to be patient with us, to support us and to join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realise our common vision of a common future free of poverty, hunger and conflicts, on a safe planet; for the benefit for all our people.
I thank you.
Paul Nyathi|High Court judge Justice Amy Tsanga will today deliver a probably final judgment on former Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister, Prisca Mupfumira’s quest for freedom.
Mupfumira has clocked over a month in custody on remand facing corruption allegations involving US$95 million swindled from state social security funds.
Sharon Fero of the National Prosecution Authority consented to another bail application on Wednesday.
Fero submitted that investigations on four of the seven counts that Mupfumira is facing were done whilst the reminder are expected to be complete by September 30.
She said chances of interfering with witnesses or that the ex-minister will abscond trial are now very slim.
The NPA has also said they expect to furnish the former minister with her trial date on October 4 when she appears for her routine remand at the Harare’s Magistrate court.
However, Fero said the appeal had a misdirection having not centered on the court’s judgment why Mupfumira was earlier denied freedom.
Fero added that the lower court had made a proper finding that Mupfumira was a flight risk after it emerged that she was a holder of ordinary and diplomatic passports.
Her ordinary passport had a multiple entry visa to the UK expiring in 2028 and there were allegations that she owns a number of properties in that country.
Through her counsel, Mupfumira said she was willing to be tried out of prison but the State cannot perpetuate the illegality of her arrest by an officer seconded to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.
The former minister is answering to seven counts of criminal abuse of office for allegedly forcing the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) into dodgy investment deals during her tenure as Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister.
Mupfumira has had her bail applications denied on several occasions and labelled a flight risk.
Independent Editorial|THE Zimbabwean dollar this week continued its downward spiral after a momentary lull last week after the central bank moved to freeze bank accounts of companies believed to be exerting downward pressure on the local currency as more money chased after a few US dollars in the market.
Strong demand for US dollars heightened in the wake of worsening inflation pressures triggered by money supply growth and a rush by both corporates and individuals to preserve value in the current economic environment.
The depreciation of the Zimbabwe dollar against the US dollar has been attributed to growth in money supply as the central bank doles out funding for quasi-fiscal programmes such as Command Agriculture, strong demand, a current account deficit, falling exports, low production— which are militating against the stability of the currency.
Manufacturing capacity utilisation — the percentage of total productive capacity being used — is at about 50% and is seen dropping 15%-20% in the near future as power cuts intensify.
In the first four months, mining output plunged by at least 10% compared to the same period last year owing to power outages.
The mining sector accounts for 12%-16% of GDP and more than 60% of Zimbabwe’s export earnings. Loss of confidence in the economy has led the corporate sector to seek safety in US dollar savings.
Major factors affecting the value of a currency are balance of payments, level of inflation, level of interest rates, level of government debt and political environment results in a weak currency.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has run systemic trade deficits due to a decline in exports owing to low production and lack of competitiveness.
Zimbabwe recorded a trade deficit of US$217,40 million in June 2019.
A country with a consistently high level of inflation, high government debt and a high default risk, political instability and weak economic performance, will have a weak currency.
Inflation was last measured in June at close to 200% and was on the verge of breaking into hyperinflation territory.
Domestic debt was in the region of US$10 billion before government arbitrarily converted to ZW$10 arbitrarily on a 1:1 basis.
Other extenuating circumstances that have contributed to the decline of the currency has also been the creation and channeling the ZW$2 billion dollar command agriculture programme proceeds to local companies who have been driving demand for US dollar.
Against such a background, the Zimbabwean dollar, which encompasses the Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) dollar as well as bond notes and electronic money balances, has been rapidly losing value against major currency. Last Friday, the currency hit an all-time low of ZW$24:US$1 for electronic money.
Only three weeks ago, around ZW$10 bought one US dollar on the black market.
The local unit is also plummeting on Zimbabwe’s managed interbank foreign currency market, which values the local currency more favourably as demand for the greenback firms.
As of Friday, it took 14 Zimbabwean dollars to buy one US dollar at interbank exchange rates. But after the central bank’s intervention, the rate dropped to around US$1:ZW$12 by Saturday. By end of day Monday, the rate was creeping back up again. As of Wednesday, the rate was US$1:ZW$17 and is seen rising again.
As of Thursday morning, the rate was US$1:ZW$17,50 with the rate seen rising beyond that.
Black market foreign exchange (forex) dealers believe the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe might be driving up the value of foreign currencies against the Zimbabwean dollar because the central bank needs foreign exchange to finance critical imports such as food and fuel.
“There has been strong demand for dollars since last week, and we think it’s the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe who are buying,” a dealer who wished to remain anonymous told the Independent this week.
The central bank has strongly denied it participates on the forex black market.The central bank last week froze the bank accounts of a local fuel company, Sakunda Holdings, and the country’s largest automobile dealership, Croco Motors and all its associate companies and.
“As we carry out further analysis, you are directed to freeze, with immediate effect, all accounts held in the names of the listed entities until further notice,” said the Reserve bank order.
Although the central bank did not specify why this action was taken, it was felt the companies could be using Zimdollar accounts to buy foreign exchange, which fuels downward pressure on the local unit.
Some economists believe that restoring confidence in the nation’s currency hinges on improving economic governance and on the government and opposition coming together in a constructive political dialogue to address a worsening economic crisis marked by soaring inflation, stagnant wages and shortages of fuel and other essentials.
Zimbabwe’s rapidly depreciating currency is a stark reminder of 2009, when hyperinflation forced the government to abandon the Zimbabwean dollar in favor of the US dollar and other foreign currencies.
The Zimdollar has been besieged by speculation since it was introduced in February.
In June, the government outlawed the use of foreign currencies in local transactions in an effort to stem speculative attacks on the Zimdollar, but faith in the homegrown currency continued to founder.
A dramatic attempt to perform pictorial fraud was unmasked yesterday when ZANU PF activists swapped their leader, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s crowdless UN picture for US President Donald Trump’s. Mnangagwa’s image was carefully morphed into Trump’s to portray a listening crowd for the ZANU PF strongman during his Thursday morning speech. The move was described as “rigging” by news readers and below were some of the reactions.
Paul Nyathi|Video blogger and political commentator Pardon Gambakwe of Gambakwe media has made sensational claims that Zimbabwe’s ailing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is no longer able to talk and at a risk of being the next major news headline in the country.
Watch Gambakwe video downloading below as he claims Chiwenga is the next big event to happen in Zimbabwe after Mugabe’s death and confusing burial.
Chiwenga, who was airlifted to China from South Africa in July.
The last updated the nation received on Chiwenga’s condition was from President Emmerson Mnangagwa who gave an update on the health of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga whilst addressing mourners at the residence of The Late Former President Robert Mugabe on the day Mugabe died.
Mnangagwa said the former general had undergone a successful operation that morning and was in a stable condition.
Mnangagwa said:
“…VP Chiwenga calls every morning asking about the situation. This morning I spoke to him. He came out of the theatre around 9:30 this morning. His operation was a success. He was saying when I get here, I should say to you Soko (Grace Mugabe’s totem), I will live and I will come alive. That is what he (Chiwenga) said this morning when he came out of the theatre.”
13 Things Mnangagwa Told United Nations In His Short Speech.
1. Zimbabwe has achieved economic stabilisation and private sector-led growth.
2. We are committed to delivering equality and employment for all.
3. Introducing a new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
4. We have deepened the democratic space.
5. Reforms are being implemented.
6. Zimbabwe has balanced books and a budget surplus.
7. We are in the right direction.
8. Sanctions are slowing down our progress,
9. Zim is reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment.
10. We are enhancing the equality of our education
11. The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government.
12. Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms.
13. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace.
1. Zimbabwe has achieved economic stabilisation and private sector-led growth.
Since I took over the leadership of Zimbabwe, much has been accomplished with indicative recovery, stabilisation and growth. Immense progress towards macro-economic and fiscal stabilisation, as well as high-impact projects that pave the way for a private sector-led growth have been made.
2. We are committed to delivering equality and employment for all
Embedded in our aspirations, is a strong sense of urgency for us to eradicate poverty, achieve quality and relevant education, create employment for women and youths as well as mitigate the cross-cutting impact of climate change on our society and economy. Our people deserve better and we are committed to delivering.
3. Introducing a new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
The engagement and re-engagement with all countries of world towards returning Zimbabwe to its rightful place within the comity of nations is yielding notable progress. Our arms remain outstretched with a genuine heart of friendship and cooperation, to all those willing to take this new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
4. We have deepened thedemocratic space
In our desire to deepen democratic space in our country, we have established an open political platform where we invite all political parties to frank debate and dialogue on aspects of socio-political and economic reforms.
5. Reforms are being implemented
Comprehensive and far-reaching reforms are being implemented by my Government for the benefit, protection and economic prosperity of our people, in line with their ever-changing aspirations.
6. Zimbabwe has balanced books and a budget surplus
Furthermore, the fiscal austerity and discipline has resulted in balanced books and a budget surplus which is unprecedented in our country.
7. We are in the right direction
The impact of change and reforms on the generality of our people takes time, but we are in the right direction. We shall continue to put in place social safety nets to cushion the lower strata and most vulnerable members of our society and appeal for further multilateral support, in this regard.
8. Sanctions are slowing down our progress,
These achievements are in spite of the continued albatross of the illegal economic sanctions. These sanctions constitute a denial of the human rights of the people of Zimbabwe, to develop and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable.
As the United Nations, let us boldly honour the disciples of our Charter. The wrongs of the world must be set right.
Unfair practices must be challenged; injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man must be opposed and rejected.
My country applauds the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and all who stand with us in demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of these illegal sanctions. Those that imposed illegal sanctions must heed this call and lift them now. Cooperation is a win-win game. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Zimbabwe deserves a restart.
9. Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business.
Mr President;
Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business. Restrictions on shareholding across all sectors of the economy have been removed and some public entities are being privatised. The new National Investment Policy reflects the commitment of my Administration to open up the economy.
10. We are enhancing the equality of our education
In line with our modernisation and industrialisation agenda, we are enhancing the equality of our education to make it more relevant for modern technology and innovation.
Greater focus is now on science, technology and innovation, while incubation hubs and industrialisation parks are being established throughout the country. Increased collaboration between industry, small and medium enterprises and our education sector for responsive and relevant products, goods and services which answer to the ever changing needs of our country and the world at large.
11. The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government
Mr President;
In our quest to deepen constitutionalism; the rule of law; democratic practics; good corporate governance; transparency and accountability; the capacity of institutions that protect democracy, continue to be enhanced
The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government through supporting and strengthening institutions which help in the fight against this corruption cancer.
12. Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms.
Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms. To date, the alignment of most of our laws to the Constitution is almost complete. We commend the support we continue to receive from the UNDP and other stakeholders.
The outdated media laws, access to information, protection of privacy and the old Public Order and Security Act have been repealed. New laws in relation to these areas have been enacted.
Mr President;
Let us accelerate our quest to end poverty by 2030. In the spirit of “leaving no one behind” synergies and greater coherence in the implementation of all global frameworks on sustainable development are imperative. The theme of this session, “Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion”, is most appropriate and timely.
13. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace.
As the “climate crisis” continues, the world is changing before our eyes. For us in Southern Africa, the recent Cyclone Idai serves as a reminder that the impact of climate change and its damage to humankind and life on earth, is dire and irreparable.
The Tropical Cyclone Idai left thousands dead, injured or displaced and a trail of infrastructure destruction.
We are still recovering from the disaster, whose cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated to be about US$600 million, for Zimbabwe alone.
Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from across the world for the solidarity and support we received towards relief, recovery, reconstruction and other forms of assistance, following the cyclone.
Our country is an agro-based economy with agriculture sector contribution between 15 percent and 20 percent of the country’s GDP and about 60 percent of raw materials for industry. The impact of climate change has not only affected our agricultural productivity and food security, but also our hydropower generation capacity and overall economic recovery, growth and development. Consequently, my Government has since declared a State of National Disaster.
Mr President,
The importance of a re-invigorated and responsive multilateral system to promote global partnership for peace and development cannot be overemphasised. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace and sustainable development.
The reform of the United Nations system making it more representative, empowered and responsive to fulfil its mandate is long overdue. Zimbabwe remains firm on the Africa position as enunciated by the Ezulwini Consensus.
Mr President;
Let me conclude by reiterating that Zimbabwe is reforming and undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The task facing us is great, the road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But so is our potential and determination to succeed.
I urge the world to be patient with us, to support us and to join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realise our common vision of a common future free of poverty, hunger and conflicts, on a safe planet; for the benefit for all our people.
I thank you.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo has cut short his trip to the United Nations General Assembly to attend to concerns of health workers.
Dr Moyo arrived home on Wednesday.
The rest of the delegation is expected home later today.
“I came back from New York on the 25th of September soon after attending the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Universal Health Coverage meetings,” said Dr Moyo.
“After the meetings I immediately came back to deal with the industrial action by the health workers.
“I held several meetings with the Health Services Board, Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube and the Minister of Local Government and Public Works July Moyo on the water challenges facing the country.”
By Own Correspondent| Barely hours after the prestigious Harvard University withdrew an ambassadorial conferment on her, Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia, suffered another major blow Thursday when she struggled to enter Canada for a function set up in her honour.
She was set to receive a special honour at the African Women in Leadership Conference (AWLC) for African Women in Leadership, scheduled for September 26 to 29th 2019, in Ontario, Canada.
However the Canadian government opened an investigation on her beforehand, and Prime Minister Trudeau quickly ordered immigration officers after her.
The Hon Ahmed D. Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, was assigned the task and Auxillia is now no longer attending.
All this was made possible through pressure from the MDC party in North America who roped in the Canadian government, all led by Mr Bako, the MDC District Chairperson for Canada.
The honour would have served to prop up Mrs Mnangagwa who has watched as unprecedented human rights abuses happen in Zimbabwe. Auxillia herself has physically assaulted many government officers including those from state house residences.
Commenting on the development, Mr Bako had this to say: because of the work we did, the conference organizers have told us that Auxilia Mnangagwa is no longer participating in that Women’s Conference in Canada.
“She … offered us 2 free tickets to attend and Mr Bako will get them and attend. Great job but we will be alert to make sure we do not get fooled.”
This message was sent a day before and on Thusday evening Mr Bako told ZimEye he toured the conference area and found to be a well funded function raising eyebrows on the real source of the funds.
Another component of humiliation came from the fact that the organisation’s board of directors is predominantly Nigerian. Furthermore the organisation itself is was founded in Nigeria, and the board members have never given such an honour to their own first lady, neither other Presidents’ wives from the West African region
Efforts to get a comment from Mrs Mnangagwa were fruitless at the time of writing.
What is govt saying seeing FL Auxillia Mnangagwa was blocked from entering Canada for the African Women in Leadership Conference (AWLC), last night? @InfoMinZW@nickmangwana@energymutodi
The team which worked on the successful campaign includes:
Tawanda Dzvokora- North America Chairman.
Simba Bako- Canada district MDC Chairperson; Francis Manyanga- MDC North America Communications Secretary;
International Relations Secretary – Dr Hatifanani.
Ziyambi: "This boy who announced his abduction,I first heard him when he came on VOA Studio 7 announcing he'd been abducted, giving an interview. But he'd already announced.The story is now unclear; he said he'd gone to church and then also to a pub with friends." credit: ZBC pic.twitter.com/uZ6X5nMzGl
By Farai D Hove | Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has said that he first heard of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association president Peter Magombeyi on the Voice of America channel last week, as he claimed “announcing his own abduction.”
Magombeyi went missing two weeks ago in a suspected case of abduction (for over 5 days) in which he came out complaining of having been severely tortured.
He was released last week after over 5 days and the Voice Of America Studio 7 which has already communicated in writing that it is supporting the oppressive Mnangagwa regime, is suspected to have colluded with his abductors since they immediately obtained an unfettered exclusive albeit abusive interview with him.
The statements the VOA obtained from that interview at the ones that are now being used word for word to discredit Dr Magombeyi’s abduction complaint.
The government has to date since issued contradictory statements over Magombeyi’s plight and it had to take journalists confronting the police boss Gen Godfrey Matanga to unravel a plot by the Zimbabwe Republic Police to keep him in continued detention at the Avenues Clinic. The development saw Gen Matanga embarrassing himself by appearing as if ignorant of his own officers who were abusing him at the Avenues Clinic.
Addressing the Senate yesterday, Ziyambi said, “This boy who announced his abduction,I first heard him when he came on VOA Studio 7 announcing he’d been abducted, giving an interview. But he’d already announced.The story is now unclear; he said he’d gone to church and then also to a pub with friends.”
Meanwhile, the VOA’s presenter who abused and interrogated Dr Magombeyi is on video announcing she is now doing the job of social engineering for the oppressive regime.
Ziyambi: "This boy who announced his abduction,I first heard him when he came on VOA Studio 7 announcing he'd been abducted, giving an interview. But he'd already announced.The story is now unclear; he said he'd gone to church and then also to a pub with friends." credit: ZBC pic.twitter.com/uZ6X5nMzGl
State Media|THE remains of former President Robert Mugabe will now be buried in Zvimba tomorrow at the insistence of his family, though Government had started working on the mausoleum it had demanded earlier.
Mr Leo Mugabe, the family spokesperson, confirmed the new development to The Herald last night.
“Yes, it is true, the former President will be buried in Zvimba on Saturday (tomorrow). I will let you know once I have the programme,” said Mr Mugabe
Asked what would happen to the mausoleum, Mr Mugabe said he didn’t know.
Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said Government was committed to respecting the wishes of the deceased’s family.
“The family of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe has expressed its desire to proceed with his burial in Zvimba. In line with Government policy to respect the wishes of families of deceased heroes, Government is cooperating with the Mugabe family in their new position,” he said.
Mr Mangwana said Government will render all the necessary support to give the former President a befitting send-off.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairman Ziyambi-Ziyambi said Government had been consistent from the beginning that it would respect the wishes of the family.
“The body of the late Mugabe left Harare for Zvimba, awaiting burial set for Saturday. The family indicated that they are happy with burial at Heroes Acre. We took them to identify the place and we agreed to have the mausoleum constructed. The two children — Chatunga and Robert Jnr — were part of those who went to the site. Today, they indicated that they want to go to Zvimba and Government agreed,” said Ziyambi.
He said the party will be guided by the family programme.
“We await communication from the family on the programme,” said Ziyambi.
However, chiefs from Zvimba yesterday threatened to boycott the burial, insisting the former President will be buried as an ordinary person if buried in Zvimba.
Chief Zvimba – Katiza Gombo – Gibson Jenami said the new arrangement was through the instigation of the family.
“It come as a shock to us. But from the word go there was conflicts between chiefs from Zvimba and his wife, Grace Mugabe,” he said.
The chiefs had settled for the National Heroes Acre, since the former President spent most of his life as a nationalist. He worked closely with President Mnangagwa for 54 years. We had approached the Government and settled for the National Heroes Acre,” he said.
It has also been learnt that Mrs Mugabe wanted the remains of her late husband to beinterred at their Blue Roof residence but the idea was shot down.
Auxilia Mnangagwa with staff from Harvard University
State Media|A United States institution, Harvard Medical School, has buckled under negative pressure to rescind an honour it bestowed on Zimbabwe’s First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa for her charity work.
On September 21, the institution recognised the First Lady with an honorary ambassadorial role in the Harvard University Global Health Catalyst Programme and agreed to organise a pan-African Global Health Catalyst Summit in Zimbabwe in 2020 “to mobilise effort, resources and collaborative action for high impact global health, with focus on non-communicable diseases like cancer, especially among children.”
The institution also honoured Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired, a leading global advocate for cancer control and non-communicable diseases (NCD) and president of the Union for Internal Cancer Control, and the first Arab Muslim to have been elected to lead in such a prestigious global post.
The honoured pair were described as “two outstanding women”.
Regarding the First Lady, Director of Global Health Catalyst at Harvard Medical School, Professor Wilfred Ngwa said: “We accorded her the new role to honour the work she is doing for the people of Zimbabwe, hence we want her to go across Africa.”
However, opposition from Zimbabwe — where opposition elements excoriated the institution for bestowing the honour — and pressure from a cohort of former American diplomats to Zimbabwe led to the institution melting under pressure.
It has since removed the statement of the event on its website.
Internet story links to the original resources have been disabled in an effort to expunge the record.
However, The Herald can authoritatively reveal that the process of honouring the First Lady and her colleague, were meticulous.
At the meeting wherethe honour was conferred, the First Lady was accompanied by Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr Agnes Mahomva; a renowned health expert and member of the Presidential Advisory Committee, Dr Godfrey Sikipa; Assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School Aditi Hazra; and Dr Oscar Nebangwa from the same medical school.
The meeting started with Dr Sikipa giving an account of how the institution had been keen to meet the Zimbabwean First Lady.
We are told that in May 2019 Ambassador Ammon Mutembwa (Zimbabwe’s Ambassador to the USA) was invited to participate in the 2019 Global Health Catalyst (GHC) Summit at Harvard Medical School.
The visit of Ambassador Mutembwa was an opportunity to give a talk about Zimbabwe and opportunities for international cooperation and investment including health care. The participation would also provide opportunity to engage with and invite stakeholders including the diaspora and health care industry partners to Zimbabwe.
The anticipated outcomes of the invitation included visit of a Harvard delegation with Constituency for Africa (CFA) to Zimbabwe, enhanced visibility of Zimbabwe, development of a framework for continuous collaboration to support and attract investment to advance health care and development for the people of Zimbabwe.
Dr Sikipa said in Ambassador Mutembwa’s presentation, he touched on the works of the First Lady in the health sector and the medical school expressed interest to enter into collaboration with Zimbabwe.
Our sources say a meeting was then arranged for Harvard officials to meet with Amai, which was then held on September 21.
The specific objectives of the meeting were to discuss and agree on specific areas of collaboration between the institution and the First Lady of Zimbabwe; to discuss on a framework and Memorandum of Understanding for collaboration; and agree on next steps.
The First Lady was then given the floor to narrate what she was doing in Zimbabwe particularly in the health sector and empowerment of marginalized communities.
A documentary showing her works especially with the marginalized communities was played which led to Dr Nebangwa crying and Prof Ngwawas equally touched and said, “this also brought tears to my eyes”.
While Prof Ngwa the Director of Global health was responding to the First Lady’s narration, he then said: “I understand you have a lot of ambassadorship already form your country and from Merck foundation, We are very interested in having you serving as the honorary ambassador of Harvard (everyone in the room clapped hands and the First Lady actually thanked him)…The reason for that is we will have Harvard-First Lady partnership that can become illuminating for whole of Africa and soother First Ladies can emulate you.”
Police are investigating a case in which a car allegedly driven by MDC-Alliance councillor for Manyame Rural District Council Blessings Tangwara fatally struck a Grade Two pupil last Friday.
Mashonaland East provincial police spokesperson Inspector Tendai Mwanza confirmed the case on Wednesday but said finer details would only be availed once investigations were complete.
The accident claimed the life of nine-year- old Marvellous Majonga, a pupil at Mhurimunashe Primary School. Majonga was laid to rest on Tuesday. Tangwara, believed to be unlicensed, yesterday confirmed the fatal accident, but said he would only respond to questions after consulting his lawyer.
“Yes, the accident occurred, but on allegations levelled against me I will talk to you after I have met my lawyer,” he said.State media
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa is a genuine and committed reformist keen on seeing Zimbabweans fully enjoying freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution.
This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa yesterday while officially opening a national consultative workshop on the Zimbabwe Media Commission Bill, the Freedom of Information Bill and the Draft National Media and Film Industry policy in Mutare.
The workshop attracted stakeholders from film, advertising, broadcasting and print media, civic organisations and scholars in the media fraternity. “I want to give an assurance from the onset. President Mnangagwa is a genuine and committed reformer,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
“This came from the briefing he gave to me as he assigned me to my new ministerial task.
“He wants Zimbabwe to fully enjoy the freedoms they entrenched in the 2013 Constitution of which he was one of the legal brains at the forefront.”
“Our task is thus made easier because my principal, the President, aspires to nurture a culture of democratic discourse and governance that removes any hindrances to the full realisation of the Zimbabweans at work, at play and at worship,” she said.
Minister Mutsvangwa said President Mnangagwa’s keenness to reform systems deemed undemocratic was evident.
“You can see this in practice. He has opened debate on every subject and dispensed with any political taboos all the way to the Gukurahundi affair. “He is dispensing with all elements of fear in the national body politic,” added Minister Mutsvangwa.
She said the President also pledged to repeal laws that infringe on the rights of Zimbabweans.
“He has gone further to give an undertaking to the international community including the critical Western countries that AIPPA is going to be repealed and that is what we are here for. We have done our best at both the Ministry and Cabinet level. Now it is your turn to peruse, critique and approve,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.State media
Allow me to congratulate you, Professor Tijjani Mohammed-Bande, on your election as the president of the 74th session of the General Assembly. Zimbabwe is confident that under your able stewardship, the General Assembly will accelerate the achievements of our organisation’s objectives.
May I also commend your immediate predecessor, Ambassador Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, for successfully presiding over the 73rd session of the General Assembly. I address the General Assembly today following the sad passing on of the founding father of our country, the late former President, His Excellency, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe.
Mr President, Zimbabwe is in transition and determined to overcome the reality that we are a collapsed economy with a collapsed currency, due to the illegal economic sanctions imposed on our economy. Since I took over the leadership of Zimbabwe, much has been accomplished with indicative recovery, stabilisation and growth. Immense progress towards macro-economic and fiscal stabilisation, as well as high-impact projects that pave the way for a private sector-led growth have been made. Embedded in our aspirations, is a strong sense of urgency for us to eradicate poverty, achieve quality and relevant education, create employment for women and youths as well as mitigate the cross-cutting impact of climate change on our society and economy. Our people deserve better and we are committed to delivering.
The engagement and re-engagement with all countries of world towards returning Zimbabwe to its rightful place within the comity of nations is yielding notable progress. Our arms remain outstretched with a genuine heart of friendship and cooperation, to all those willing to take this new and exciting journey of Zimbabwe’s rebirth.
In our desire to deepen democratic space in our country, we have established an open political platform where we invite all political parties to frank debate and dialogue on aspects of socio-political and economic reforms.
Comprehensive and far-reaching reforms are being implemented by my Government for the benefit, protection and economic prosperity of our people, in line with their ever-changing aspirations.
Furthermore, the fiscal austerity and discipline has resulted in balanced books and a budget surplus which is unprecedented in our country. The impact of change and reforms on the generality of our people takes time, but we are in the right direction. We shall continue to put in place social safety nets to cushion the lower strata and most vulnerable members of our society and appeal for further multilateral support, in this regard.
These achievements are in spite of the continued albatross of the illegal economic sanctions. These sanctions constitute a denial of the human rights of the people of Zimbabwe, to develop and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, the sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the poorest and most vulnerable.
As the United Nations, let us boldly honour the disciples of our Charter. The wrongs of the world must be set right.
Unfair practices must be challenged; injustice, racism and all forms of oppression of man must be opposed and rejected.
My country applauds the Southern African Development Community, the African Union and all who stand with us in demanding the immediate and unconditional removal of these illegal sanctions. Those that imposed illegal sanctions must heed this call and lift them now. Cooperation is a win-win game. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Zimbabwe deserves a restart.
Mr President; Zimbabwe is also reforming laws and regulations governing trade, investment and the ease and cost of doing business. Restrictions on shareholding across all sectors of the economy have been removed and some public entities are being privatised. The new National Investment Policy reflects the commitment of my Administration to open up the economy.
In line with our modernisation and industrialisation agenda, we are enhancing the equality of our education to make it more relevant for modern technology and innovation.
Greater focus is now on science, technology and innovation, while incubation hubs and industrialisation parks are being established throughout the country. Increased collaboration between industry, small and medium enterprises and our education sector for responsive and relevant products, goods and services which answer to the ever changing needs of our country and the world at large.
Mr President; In our quest to deepen constitutionalism; the rule of law; democratic practics; good corporate governance; transparency and accountability; the capacity of institutions that protect democracy, continue to be enhanced The anti-corruption drive is being accelerated by my Government through supporting and strengthening institutions which help in the fight against this corruption cancer.
Notable progress has also been achieved in the area of political and legislative reforms. To date, the alignment of most of our laws to the Constitution is almost complete. We commend the support we continue to receive from the UNDP and other stakeholders.
The outdated media laws, access to information, protection of privacy and the old Public Order and Security Act have been repealed. New laws in relation to these areas have been enacted.
Mr President; Let us accelerate our quest to end poverty by 2030. In the spirit of “leaving no one behind” synergies and greater coherence in the implementation of all global frameworks on sustainable development are imperative. The theme of this session, “Galvanising Multilateral Efforts for Poverty Eradication, Quality Education, Climate Action and Inclusion”, is most appropriate and timely.
As the “climate crisis” continues, the world is changing before our eyes. For us in Southern Africa, the recent Cyclone Idai serves as a reminder that the impact of climate change and its damage to humankind and life on earth, is dire and irreparable. The Tropical Cyclone Idai left thousands dead, injured or displaced and a trail of infrastructure destruction.
We are still recovering from the disaster, whose cost of reconstruction and recovery is estimated to be about US$600 million, for Zimbabwe alone. Let me take this opportunity to thank all well-wishers from across the world for the solidarity and support we received towards relief, recovery, reconstruction and other forms of assistance, following the cyclone.
Our country is an agro-based economy with agriculture sector contribution between 15 percent and 20 percent of the country’s GDP and about 60 percent of raw materials for industry. The impact of climate change has not only affected our agricultural productivity and food security, but also our hydropower generation capacity and overall economic recovery, growth and development. Consequently, my Government has since declared a State of National Disaster.
Mr President, The importance of a re-invigorated and responsive multilateral system to promote global partnership for peace and development cannot be overemphasised. Zimbabwe shall continue to play its part towards the attainment of world peace and sustainable development.
The reform of the United Nations system making it more representative, empowered and responsive to fulfil its mandate is long overdue. Zimbabwe remains firm on the Africa position as enunciated by the Ezulwini Consensus.
Mr President; Let me conclude by reiterating that Zimbabwe is reforming and undertaking a shared journey towards a better and more secure future. The task facing us is great, the road is long, winding and at times bumpy. But so is our potential and determination to succeed. I urge the world to be patient with us, to support us and to join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realise our common vision of a common future free of poverty, hunger and conflicts, on a safe planet; for the benefit for all our people. I thank you.State media
The change in the leadership of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), officially took place at a ceremony held at the Burkina Faso Embassy in the United States on Wednesday, with the new vice president of the organisation, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, calling for urgent attention on issues of gender-based violence, child marriages, non-communicable diseases and sustainable empowerment of women and the youths.
Amai Mnangagwa was voted vice president of OAFLAD in recognition of her philanthropic work and assistance to the less-privileged in Zimbabwe.
She was appointed after elections held during the 23rd OAFLAD’s General Assembly meeting that ran concurrently with the African Union’s Extraordinary Summit in Niamey, Niger in July this year.
Amai Mnangagwa took over from the First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, while the First Lady of Congo Brazzaville Antoinette Sassou Nguesso, took over as president from Burkina Faso First Lady Adjoavi Sika Kabore.
The First Ladies and OAFLAD secretariat met at the Burkina Faso Embassy for the signing ceremony. In her acceptance speech, Amai Mnangagwa said there was a lot to be done by the organisation to improve the lives of African people.
The First Lady said she was honoured to have been selected to the post of vice president adding that she accepted the responsibilities that came with the job.
“Our organisation requires a lot of work if we are to improve the lives of our people,” she said.
“As enshrined in our 2019-2023 strategic document, I will direct the attention of all our members to key focus areas that need urgent attention especially gender-based violence (GBV), child marriages, HIV in newborns, non-communicable diseases (NCDS) and sustainable empowerment of women and youth. We need to accelerate and move with speed in addressing these issues.”
The First Lady said since OAFLAD previously named Organisation of African First Ladies against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), was formed with emphasis on HIV and Aids elimination, most countries have realised success in varying degrees particularly in new cases of HIV infection.State media
The state media on Friday reported of former President Robert Mugabe without the brotherly “Cde” title.
This came as the Herald reported that Mugabe will now be buried in Zvimba tomorrow at the insistence of his family, though Government had started working on the mausoleum it had demanded earlier.
Leo Mugabe, the family spokesperson, confirmed the new development to The Herald last night. “Yes, it is true, the former President will be buried in Zvimba on Saturday (tomorrow). I will let you know once I have the programme,” said Mr Mugabe. Asked what would happen to the mausoleum, Mr Mugabe said he didn’t know.
Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said Government was committed to respecting the wishes of the deceased’s family.
“The family of the late former President Robert Gabriel Mugabe has expressed its desire to proceed with his burial in Zvimba. In line with Government policy to respect the wishes of families of deceased heroes, Government is cooperating with the Mugabe family in their new position,” he said.
Mr Mangwana said Government will render all the necessary support to give the former President a befitting send-off.
Zanu-PF Mashonaland West Provincial Chairman Ziyambi-Ziyambi said Government had been consistent from the beginning that it would respect the wishes of the family.
“The body of the late Mugabe left Harare for Zvimba, awaiting burial set for Saturday. The family indicated that they are happy with burial at Heroes Acre. We took them to identify the place and we agreed to have the mausoleum constructed. The two children — Chatunga and Robert Jnr — were part of those who went to the site. Today, they indicated that they want to go to Zvimba and Government agreed,” said Ziyambi.
He said the party will be guided by the family programme. “We await communication from the family on the programme,” said Ziyambi.
However, chiefs from Zvimba yesterday threatened to boycott the burial, insisting the former President will be buried as an ordinary person if buried in Zvimba.
Chief Zvimba – Katiza Gombo –Gibson Jenami said the new arrangement was through the instigation of the family.
“It come as a shock to us. But from the word go there was conflicts between chiefs from Zvimba and his wife, Grace Mugabe,” he said.
The chiefs had settled for the National Heroes Acre, since the former President spent most of his life as a nationalist. He worked closely with President Mnangagwa for 54 years. We had approached the Government and settled for the National Heroes Acre,” he said. It has also been learnt that Mrs Mugabe wanted the remains of her late husband to be interred at their Blue Roof residence but the idea was shot down.State media
Farai Dziva| Dr Tapiwa Mashakada, the MDC Secretary for Policy and Research has warned government that the economy cannot survive without dollarization.
See Dr Mashakada’s full argument below :
“To Be or Not to be. That is the question”. William Shakespear
In the United Kingdom, there is a County called Warwickshire. The University of Warwick is in this County. But in England Warwickshire is otherwise better known as Shakespear’s County. Indeed it is the birthplace of the poet and playwright William Shakespear, the wordsmith.
In his book HAMLET, Shakespear asks a rhetoric question: “To be or not to be-thats the question”.
Today, like Shakespear we can all pontificate on our present ecoomic/currency crisis and as Shakespear did, raise our own rhetorical question as follows: “To dollarize or not- that is the question”.
In my view, re-dollarization is inevitable because the market has completely rejected the fake reintroduction of the so-called Zim dollar and instead the market has continued to index prices of goods and services in usd. In fact most retail outlets, shops, fuel stations, schools, hospitals, pharmacies, you name it, are either charging in usd or indexing. What we see as the price madness is all about indexing prices to parallel market rates which the regime is battling to tame.
During the week ending 20th September 2019, the parallel market closed at 1:25 before gvt descended on some named companies and froze their accounts leading to the tumbling of parallel market rates to as low as 1:10. But the question is: Can the forex market be determined by arrests or punitive measures. The answer is a big No. The forex market must be a free float. Hazvidi demo (you cannot use an axe) as it were to slush down parallel market rates. It is wishful thinking. We must not deal with symptoms.
The currency- cum exchange rate crisis has gone out of hand. Hyperinflation makes the situation worse. Prices of basic commodities are out of this world. The last year-on-year inflation rate was recorded in June 2019 at 175%.
The regime announced it would no longer publish annual inflation figures due to the break in time series data from the dollarization era to the Zim dollar era. The data is soft. But Professor Hanke continues to measure the Zim inflation. His latest figure is 745%. This is frightening.
Under such galloping inflation, the only option is to adopt a stable currency, which is the usd. According to Prof Hanke, the Rand is volatile and prone to frequent cyclical depreciation against the usd.
Money has among many functions, two nost important functions. Money is a store of value and a medium of exchange. With due respect a currency depends on confidence. At present, the market lacks confidence in the Zim dollar. In fact, as usual, gvt bungled when it prematurely annoumced the instant return of the Zim dollar when in fact gvt was not ready to introduce it. It was a false start. Hence in this regard, the reintroduction of the Zim dollar was a dump squib. It is a still birth as there was no new local currency issued. The bond note and rtgs remained the only legal tender. That even killed public confidence the most. Instead, gvt should have demonetized the bond and rtgs, print and gazette new Zim dollar notes and coins(base money) with particular features. That did not happen. Iam not by any means suggesting that the reintroduction of the Zim dollar was going to work. Far from it. I am on record arguing that the right macro-economic fundamentals must be in place.
What makes it necessary now to redollarize? The following reasons are most compelling:
No one has confidence in the Zim dollar anymore
Economic agents are still charging in usd or indexing prices to the parallel market exchange rates.
The log-it or lagged effect of rtgs denominated Treasury Bills are still driving money supply growth in the economy and monetary targeting has failed to chlorinate or sterilize the effects of deficit monetization.
Prices of goods and services are sticky downwards. Pundits of neo-liberal economics (like Prof Mthuli Ncube) think that one day there will be some imaginary competition that will drive prices down. Such thinking is Utopian and academic. Look at what happened in the week ending 20th September. Even though paralllel market rates fell drastically after the arrest of money launderers, prices did not fall in sympathy. Instead prices of commodities continue to rise and the poor are fèeling the pinch. Society has become more unequal and Zimbabweans are now trapped in poverty. But the sharks are happy. They can hedge themselves against inflation through forex trading and acquisition of Assets. The poor civil servants are wallowing in poverty. Pensioners are the worst. The economy is in a state of implosion. The wheels have come off.
In order to abet this economic genocide, the gvt must without much ado, redollarize immediately within this side of 2019. Continuing with the bond and rtgs beyond December 2019 may precipitate social and political mayhem as citizens are losing patients. In fact the Currency crisis is itself a security threat. And so is the economic genocide propelled by price increases. People are dying in hospitals because firstly there are no drugs and secondly they cannot afford to buy from private pharmacies.
The recently appointed member of the Monetary Policy Committee, Eddie Cross opined that Zim earns about usd13.6bn per year in foreign currency inflows from exports of gold, tobacco , diaspora remmittances and other flows. If he is correct, then Zim has more that the 40% forex required as currency in circulation to underpin the reintroduction of the usd.
The rand has got issues with Rand Monetary Area and SACU rules. Moreover all the Member states have to agree on the admission of a new member.
Therefore, the only option for Zimbabwe is to redollarize. The Zim dollar is a debauched currency which cannot be used as a store of value.
Redollarization will solve the following:
Stabilize the economy and wipe out hyperinflation
Redollarize will stop the black market caused by the surrogate currencies
Redollarization will bring back confidence.
Redollarization will stop gvt borrowing and result in a cash budget
Redollarization will flush out cash barons and reverse corruption, clientelism and state capture.
Let there be market confidence. Let the usd return now and not later. I rest my case.
Farai Dziva|MDC deputy president Obert Gutu has bemoaned what he described as bias against African leaders at UN sessions.
“United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions need to be urgently re-organized. I’m in the United States right now and I noticed that African leaders are never given prime time slots for their presentations. US President Donald Trump made his presentation early morning, Tuesday,”argued Gutu.
“Zimbabwe is an extremely blessed country because we managed to successfully dodge a bullet. I just can’t imagine what would have happened if we had failed to dodge a bullet. “
By George Chinyande| It looks like there have been 2 burials of 2 different things namely the 1st burial of the very troublesome chikwambu or chimuti or ngoromera gonamombe, which was secretly buried last week in a secret location with the family fearing that someone could locate it for longevity of life and rulership and the 2nd burial coming this weekend which are the really mortal remains of the deceased.
In my routine applied research in northern Mozambique a couple of years ago, I once bumped into a young man, a driver in a government department I worked for as an adviser, whose father was a well known witchdoctor in the area. I spent hours with the young man trying to extract what his father’s trade was exactly about. Firstly he admitted openly his father was/is a witchdoctor who can perform unbelievable antics which I never bothered anyway to verify.
But one interesting thing he revealed to me was how his father taught him since his boyhood to tame wild vicious animals like lions, hyenas, leopards, etc. He explained that his rural home is located in the middle of seamless thick forest heavily populated by lions and other deadly creatures.
One day his father took him into the bush to hunt for lion’s most precious source of power and why it is feared so much by both human beings and the jungle, which is a piece of object it swallows in once it goes active and vomits on tree leaves when it wants to sleep or rest. He claims that once a lion vomits the fattish object it is as powerless and timid as a newly born baby.
However, only skillful and powerful witchdoctors know how to hunt and locate this object which is done by monitoring closely the movement of lions until they get down to rest. Meaning one has to get as close to where they are resting as possible and thoroughly look for it on huge tree leaves until one finds it.
Once located the witch doctor is as happy as never before and has one of the rarest life treasure that makes him or her one of the most powerful feared human being on earth. According to the young man, his father would then mix the object with other African traditional stuff and vaccinate them so that no human being nor animal can dare them.
Once vaccinated, one can move through the jungle any hour of day and night coming across lions who can only tuck in their tails in fear and powerless. In fact lions can simply shy away from you regardless of your age, the young man further claimed. He challenged me to visit his bush area but I refused. Inquisitively, I asked him about. the day he dies what would happen with his treated body to which he said, some rituals have to be performed to retract the fear and power juju from him or her, otherwise the person’s alma will be troublesome.
From the look of things this appears to be what Gushungo the all powerful and feared was like most probably. The so called private traditional ceremony undertaken by the family and clan in Zvimba village a week ago could be exactly to treat and remove his ngoromera gonamombe zvibhakira which was finally buried somewhere as rumoured.
Gushungo’s cdes Enos Nkala and Edgar Tekere had expressed previously their wishes not to be buried at the Gushungo’s Zanu pf heroes acre, but he never bothered to listen to their wills. Today Gushungo Karigamombe himself through his evil wife Gire refuses to be buried there what a strange turn of history? Stranger things than fiction really all with the hallmarks of African life elongating and power grabbing and retaining juju.
By A Correspondent| Tino Machakaire, a Zanu PF member of parliament who represents Wedza constituency in the National Assembly has dismissed Justice Mayor Wadyajena’s claim that Sakunda Holdings owner, Kuda Tagwirei has fled the country to Britain.
Writing on Twitter late on Thursday, Machakaire, who was pictured sitting beside Tagwirei, said they are in Kenya on their way to Zimbabwe.
Wrote Machakaire:
What does a child benefit from burning his father’s house? Kenya now enroute home. Zimbabwe is our HOME!!! #zimbabweourhome #homesweethome #ekhaya
UPDATE ON THE BURIAL OF THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT R. G. MUGABE.
The family of the late former President R. G. Mugabe has expressed its desire to proceed with his burial in Zvimba.
In line with Government policy to respect the wishes of families of deceased heroes, Government is cooperating with the Mugabe family in their new position.
Government will render all the necessary support to give the late former President a fitting burial as led by the family.
By Wilbert Mukori| ”This is a regime which is increasingly paranoid and unhinged. It has dug itself into a deep hole. In seeking to exculpate itself from the crimes against humanity it is alleged to have committed in recent months, which systematic disappearances by the State are, it has spun a propaganda yarn which is increasingly untenable and deeply embarrassing to Mr Mnangagwa who will have to face the international media in New York if this goes horribly awry with South African doctors levelling serious allegations against his government,” wrote Senator David Coltart in Zimeye.
“What is worrying however is the report this evening that Dr Magombeyi may have been poisoned and that he needs urgent medical attention for this. Equally troubling is the report that critical evidence of what may have been injected into his system may be lost if there is any further delay. So both medically and forensically it is critically important that he be allowed to travel to South Africa.”
There is no doubt that Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF regime are criminals and the regime was behind the abduction and torture of Dr Peter Magombeyi.
What most people would find frustrating in this Magombeyi and many, many other tragic stories is that they could have been prevented if Coltart and his MDC friends had implemented the democratic reforms designed to stop Zanu PF rigging elections. MDC leaders had their best chances to implement the reforms during the 2008 to 2013 GNU and the wasted them.
Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies rigged last year’s elections as the EU and all the other democratic observers readily agreed. The regime should have been put under immediate pressure to step down because it is illegitimate.
Sadly the sting of the pressure was taken out by the participation of the MDC in the elections knowing fully well that Zanu PF was rigging the elections and that participating would give the process some credibility, as Coltart readily admitted in his book.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the elections,” explained Senator Coltart.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
It is none other than Senator Coltart and his his MDC friends’ doing that Mnangagwa and his illegitimate regime are still in office today!
We cannot deny that in the last 39 years, we have had many golden opportunities to end the Zanu PF dictatorship and we have wasted them all.
What is more, we waste the chances and continue as if nothing has happened! No sign of remorse or regret and a concerted effort to make the most of the next opportunity!
Indeed, it is none other than Coltart and his MDC friends who are undermining the international community to pressure Zanu PF to embrace meaningful democratic changes.
By imposing sanctions, refusing to do business with this Zanu PF regime, speaking out against the regime’s tyrannical rule, etc. the international community is piling up the pressure on regime to implement democratic change.
MDC have the sanctions lifted and the regime accepted into the family of nation if Mnangagwa appointed a few MDC leaders ministers; that is all they care about!
“Mr Mnangagwa himself must be left in no doubt about the severe consequences of this barbaric conduct demonstrated by his government today.
In short the international community must speak out to compel the Mnangagwa regime to allow Dr Magombeyi to seek urgent medical treatment in South Africa.”
How naive!
Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections, the party has no democratic mandate to govern and is per se illegitimate and beyond the pale.
The only way forward is for the regime to step down to allow the appointment of an interim administration to implement the democratic reforms to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
The people blocking this are none other than you, Senator Coltart and your MDC friends with your foolish proposal for a power sharing arrangement with the illegitimate Zanu PF regime!
We cannot keep asking the international community to help end the Zanu PF dictatorship when we keep wasting the chances to dismantle the dictatorship and, worse still, are the ones keeping the regime in power because of our incompetency and greed!
