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!
Bob died on the 6th of September 2019. What we have in the coffin are his remains, bury them where you want. Lets stop this whole grandstanding with the body as if the old man will walk again. We all loved him but he is gone forever. Allow the former President rest in peace.
By A Correspondent- Senior police officers are undergoing the Rebranding Refresher Course for Senior Officers Phase two at Morris Depot.
Speaking at the official opening ceremony of the refresher course on Wednesday, Commissioner-General of Police Godwin Matanga said:
I am convinced that developing people is cardinal and paramount in any organisation since at the end of the day we normally bet on people more that strategies to realise our goals and aspirations.
As the Zimbabwe Republic Police, we are seized with the nascent need to improve our services in order to ensure a safe and secure Zimbabwe.
In light of this, Zimbabwe Republic Police pledges to double its concerted efforts in ensuring sustainable peace and stability in the country.
It is not in dispute that as a people, we can only successfully market and lure substantial investment if we create a conducive environment which guarantees safety of both life and property.
By A Correspondent- A Zanu Pf Member of Parliament, Justice Mayor Wadyajena, said Kuda Tagwirei has fled Zimbabwe for the United Kingdom on a 10-year visa.
Wadyajena added that Tagwirei, who is linked to Sakunda Holdings and the controversial Command Agriculture programme, fled with his wife and children to Britain after he was denied a visa to the United States of America.
Writing on microblogging site Twitter on Thursday, Wadyajena said:
Kuda Tagwirei,@Trafigura’s affiliate flees to @UKinZimbabwe on 10yr visa with wife & kids after tip-off that ALL his shady accounts were to be frozen. Initial plan to run to US failed after being denied visa. This savage economic saboteur tried to bring Zim to its knees. Time is up.
By A Correspondent- Four family members allegedly ganged-up and a fatally assaulted their son in law over a domestic dispute with his wife.
Reason Maseko met his untimely death after paying a visit at his inlaws homestead in a bid to resolve a domestic dispute with his wife Rejoice Sibanda who had vacated their matrimonial home.
Upon arrival, the deceased was brutally assaulted by his mother in law Judith Sibanda and her three children, Talent, Yolanda and Rejoice.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the incident.
”The deceased, Reason Maseko had a misunderstanding with his wife Rejoice Sibanda and she had to leave their homestead to her people. The deceased followed her to her family homestead.
When he got there, he met his brother-in-law Talent who was coming out of the hut. He alerted his mother Judith and Reason’s wife about the visitor. Reason was rescued by his father later on. The father was rescued by his father later on.
The father had followed to join in the discussion to solve the domestic dispute that arose at the deceased’s homestead. A report was made to Zhombe Police Station and officers attended the scene. The deceased was taken to Kwekwe General Hospital, but was pronounced dead on admission,” said Goko.
By A Correspondent| Inside sources have revealed intimate details regarding the secret burial ceremony of the late former president Robert Mugabe, that took place last week Tuesday.
A traditional burial ceremony was conducted in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at a hill cave on the outskirts of Zvimba.
The burial truly took place “but they buried some of Mugabe’s clothes and an animal hide (skin) according to the chiefs’ tradition,” a source told ZimEye.
The development comes against the backdrop of Mugabe’s nephew, Leo saying that there will be two different burials one of the real corpse and the other which is of “something else which is not the body,” as he stated.
The Mugabe burial has caused a lot of confusion as the family demands that he be privately buried in his rural area, Zvimba. Another paradox involving (two different coffins and) a counterfeit corpse has however added to the mystery of the former Zimbabwean leader.
The latest development has resulted in the government partially giving up to the demands.
Said the Permanent Secretary in the Information ministry, Nick Mangwana:
“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. Thank you.”
On Thursday afternoon the state issued a statement saying they were now handing over everything to the family’s wishes. But at the time of going to print (7pm) the family was still being blocked from carrying the coffin to Zvimba with police and military officers remaining stationed at Mugabe’s Blue Roof residence into the night.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
By A Correspondent- A 45-year-old man rues the day he injected vaseline to his manhood to make it bigger.
According to The Sun, the unnamed man from South Pacific Island went to the hospital after five days of suffering from an itchy sensation at the base of his 4-5.
He then noticed a significant build-up of fluid and ulcers on the shaft of his pe_nis, which were starting to rot and bleed.
According to the doctors, the patient was also feeling weak and suffering fevers.
He told doctors that he had self-injected vaseline into his shaft two years ago, in an attempt to boost his manhood size.
Writing in a journal published in Urology Case Reports, Dr Amer Amin said the man was an “unwell looking man” with high fevers.
He added that the penile shaft was “grossly deformed”, tender and had a serious build-up of fluid.
There were also small patches of visible rotting flesh and he was diagnosed with a condition called Fournier’s gangrene – a life-threatening “flesh-eating bug” of the genitals.
“Two years prior, he had self-administered Vaseline to the shaft of the penis in order to augment penile size.”
He was rushed into the operating theatre where surgeons removed the dead flesh and drained the pus-filled pockets along his shaft.
The man was taken to intensive care to recover ahead of further surgery planned for the next day.
In total, he needed three operations to remove all of the infected and rotted tissue – mostly involving the scrotum, docs said.
By his 10th day in hospital, his fevers had settled and his bloods had stabilised.
He was transferred to the plastic surgery team, who performed multiple skin grafts on his 4-5 and sc_rotum.
The man was allowed home from hospital after a month.
In his report on the case, Dr Amin, of St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, said: “A 45-year-old man from the South pacific islands was successfully treated with surgical debridement, intensive care unit admission and antibiotics after presenting to hospital with Fournier’s gangrene.
“Two years prior, he had self-administered Vaseline to the shaft of the penis in order to augment pe_nile size.”
Insider sources have passed an explanation on the secret Mugabe burial ceremony that took place last week Tuesday.
A traditional burial ceremony was conducted in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at a hill cave on the outskirts of Zvimba.
The burial truly took place “but they buried some of Mugabe’s clothes and an animal hide (skin) according to the chiefs’ tradition,” a source told ZimEye.
The development comes against the backdrop of Mugabe nephew, Leo, also saying that there will be two different burials one of the real corpse and the other which is of “something else which is not the body,” as he stated.
The Mugabe burial has caused a lot of confusion as the family demands that he be privately buried in his rural area, Zvimba. Another paradox involving (two different coffins and) counterfeit corpses added to the confusion.
The latest development has resulted in the government partially giving up to the demands. On Thursday afternoon the state issued a statement saying they were now handing over everything to the family’s wishes. At 2pm on Thursday, the family was still being blocked from carrying the coffin to Zvimba with police and military officers remaining stationed at Mugane’s Blue Roof residence into the night.
Buddies: Kuda Tagwirei with President Emmerson Mnangagwa
Paul Nyathi|Sakunda Boss and President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s close aide Kuda Tagwirei has reportedly fled out of the country to the United Kingdom after the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe froze accounts linked to his various businesses.
The claims come as speculation was getting rife that the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption Commission was closing in on arresting him.
The reports were published on Twiiter by Tagwirei’s long-time opponent Mayor Justice Wadyajena who said,
“Kuda Tagwirei, Trafigura’s affiliate flees to United Kingdom on 10year visa with wife and kids after tip-off that ALL his shady accounts were to be frozen. Initial plan to run to US failed after being denied visa. This savage economic saboteur tried to bring Zimbabwe to its knees. Time is up.”
Dear Editor|If you are in New York and you are the one that took this picture and you are very sure they left the seat empty immediately ED took the stand then that’s fine its an embarrassment.
But if you are just assuming that they left when he took the stand because you see some empty seats without knowing why those seats are empty or if they have been like that even before he took the stand, then be very careful how you assume so that you won’t assume and find yourself in jail one day.
What we should be doing is condemning the UN General Assembly delegates for leaving the auditorium when the so preserved small states are addressing.
If you check videos of all the so called small states addressing, you will realise that the auditorium was quarter full not empty not only on Mnangagwa.
Members of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) told VOA Studio 7 that their acting president, Dr Peter Magombeyi, is on his way to South Africa having left the Avenues Clinic on an ambulance late on Thursday.
Dr Magombeyi was initially admitted at the hospital but later blocked by the police from flying to South Africa for further treatment.
The High Court had to intervene twice to force the police to release him. A ZHDA official told VOA News:
He’s left the hospital. I am told that he left in an ambulance on his way to the airport and now he is in a flight to South Africa.
Dr Magombeyi went missing nearly two weeks and was held in situ for 5 days before being dumped in Nyabira, 32 kilometres north-west of Harare. – VOA
The IMF mission had productive discussions with the Zimbabwean authorities related to the 2019 Article IV consultation and performance under the Staff Monitored Program.
In this context, the authorities have reiterated strong policy commitments to implement much-needed reforms to restore stability, strengthen social protection, meaningfully improve transparency, improve FX policies and the monetary policy framework, and lay the foundations for a sustainable job-creating growth path.
The authorities and staff both acknowledge the complex macroeconomic environment in which these reforms are being undertaken, with Zimbabwe facing the impact of a severe drought and its external arrears preventing access to traditional avenues of external financing.
Economic difficulties have continued throughout 2019, exacerbated by severe weather shocks. GDP growth in 2019 is expected to be steeply negative as the effects of drought on agricultural production and electricity generation, impact of cyclone Idai, and the significant fiscal consolidation to correct past excesses serve to drag on growth.
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.
Since the February currency reform, the exchange rate has depreciated from USD 1:1 ZWL to USD 1:16.5 ZWL (as of September 23), fostering high inflation, which reached almost 300 per cent (year-over-year) in August.
Policy actions are urgently needed to tackle the root causes of economic instability and enable private-sector-led growth.
The key challenge is to contain fiscal spending consistent with non-inflationary financing and tighten monetary policy to stabilize the exchange rate and start rebuilding confidence in the national currency.
Risks to budget execution are high as demands for further public sector wage increases, quasi-fiscal activities of the RBZ that will need to be absorbed by the central government, and pressure to finance agriculture could push the deficit back into an unsustainable stance.
There is also a need to strengthen FX market operations and improve transparency on monetary statistics. These adjustment challenges are magnified by slow progress on international reengagement. Efforts will need to be intensified on both economic and political fronts to drive Zimbabwe forward.
The IMF staff and the authorities have agreed to maintain a close and continuous dialogue in the coming weeks on economic policies to restore economic stability while accommodating spending to alleviate food insecurity and protect vulnerable groups.
Our dialogue with the Zimbabwean authorities is anticipated to continue during the IMF and World Bank Annual Meetings, taking place October 14-20, 2019.
The team is grateful to the authorities for their frank and open discussions on economic policy options. The mission met with H.E. President E. Mnangagwa, Finance Minister M. Ncube, RBZ Governor J.P. Mangudya, other senior officials, members of Parliament, representatives of the private sector, civil society, and development partners.
The team wishes to thank the authorities and the staff of the MoFED and the RBZ for their warm hospitality and collaboration.
Mugabe Funeral Service at the National Sports Stadium
Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwean government has given the family of the late former president Robert Mugabe a go ahead to bury him in Zvimba communal lands, Mashonaland West, instead of a so-called mausoleum being constructed at the National Heroes Acre.
Insider sources have passed an explanation on the secret Mugabe burial ceremony that took place last week Tuesday. A traditional burial ceremony was conducted in the wee hours of Tuesday morning at a hill cave on the outskirts of Zvimba.
The burial truly took place “but they buried some of Mugabe’s clothes and an animal hide (skin) according to the chiefs’ tradition,” a source told ZimEye.
The development comes against the backdrop of Mugabe nephew, Leo saying that there will be two different burials one of the real corpse and the other which is of “something else which is not the body,” as he stated.
Another paradox involving (two different coffins and) counterfeit corpses added to the confusion.
The Mugabe burial has caused a lot of confusion as the family demands that he be privately buried in his rural area, Zvimba.
The latest development has resulted in the government partially giving up to the demands. On Thursday afternoon the state issued a statement saying they were now handing over everything to the family’s wishes. But at the time of going to print (7pm) the family was still being blocked from carrying the coffin to Zvimba with police and military officers remaining stationed at Mugane’s Blue Roof residence into the night.
The weekend burial comes after very reliable Mugabe family sources early this week revealed to ZimEye.com that Mugabe was actually buried in Zvimba couple of days ago.
Details for the coming weekend burial coincide exactly with the details provided to ZimEye.com for last week’s burial. The sources even provided ZimEye.com with confidential video and picture evidence of where Mugabe was “buried” and is incidentally the same spot suggested for this weekend’s burial.
In a statement signed by Information Secretary, Nick Mangwana, the government said the family has a right to designate the burial place of the former Zimbabwean strongman, who died of cancer on September 6th in Singapore.
“The family of the later 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.
Paul Nyathi|Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate soared to nearly 300 percent in August spurred mainly by a collapsing currency, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said Thursday after a mission to the crisis-weary country.
In a statement, the IMF said year-on-year inflation “reached almost 300 percent in August”.
The local currency has fallen from parity against the American dollar to 16.5 Zimbabwean dollars (ZWL) per US dollar following currency reforms introduced in February in a bid to solve a chronic monetary crisis.
In June, inflation had stood at 176 percent.
The latest estimates are stoking fears of a return of the kind of hyperinflation that wiped out savings 10 years ago when the economy collapsed and prices of goods and services skyrocketed every week.
Early last month Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the government would stop publishing inflation figures until February next year to allow the statistics agency to collect fresh data using the new currency since prices were no longer pegged in US dollars.
Some fear a return of the bad old hyperinflation days
The US dollar had been the national currency since 2009 when the country trashed its own currency following hyperinflation of as much as 500 billion percent.
But in June, Zimbabwe ended the use of US dollars and other foreign currencies and replaced them by two local parallel currencies — “bond notes” and electronic RTGS dollars.
After its two-week mission, the IMF team concluded that the southern African country remains in “economic difficulties” which have been “exacerbated by severe weather shocks”.
“GDP growth in 2019 is expected to be steeply negative, as the effects of drought on agricultural production and electricity generation, impact of cyclone Idai, and the significant fiscal consolidation to correct past excesses serve to drag on growth,” it said in a statement.
It said that social conditions had “deteriorated sharply”, with more than half of the country’s population unlikely to be able to feed itself adequately between now and the next harvest season in the first half of 2020.
“Weakening confidence, policy uncertainty, a continuation of FX market distortions, and a recent expansionary monetary stance” had increased pressure on the exchange rate, it said.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa, on taking over from Robert Mugabe, promised to revive the economy and declared Zimbabwe “open for business”.
But nearly two years later, the economy is floundering and many Zimbabweans say they are worse off than they were under Mugabe.
Paul Nyathi|Reports just in indicate that Former First Lady Grace Mugabe had clashes with government officials as she was trying to ‘smuggle’ a coffin supposedly carrying the body of the late former president Robert Mugabe to Zvimba for “burial” while president Emmerson Mnangagwa is away.
Grace was met by an army of Zimbabwe Republic Police officers and other officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs who have the task of running the heroes’ funerals, a publication Zim Morning Post reported.
The Doves and Nyaradzo crews which were making way to leave the capital for Zvimba at Grace and the family’s instructions were met by police officers who stopped them in their tracks.
Government has since issued a statement clearing the family to go ahead with the burial which has left the nation extremely confused on the burial processes of the late dictator.
Close sources indicate that the funeral entourage has since left Harare for Zvimba.
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.
Norton Member of Parliament Temba Mliswa says the freezing of bank accounts belonging to Sakunda, Croco motors, Spartan and other related companies will not stop the Zim dollar from weakening against the US dollar.
Said Mliswa, “Whether you like it or not, there’s only forex trading going on. Even if it’s stopped, where does money to pay suppliers come from? We don’t have an industry to speak of that’s manufacturing. This is where Smith was strong in having a productive industry supplying the local market.”
Mliswa added that the freezing of accounts will fuel the rise of black market and sabotage Command Agriculture.
“The only bank of note as being witnessed is the black market! Therefore, freezing accounts won’t stop the situation but more likely to exacerbate it. The rate will continue to climb so long as there’s forex scarcity. Production, production, production!!
“The rate seems to have returned to last Friday’s 23-25. The accounts of Sakunda, Croco, Access and Spartan Security remain frozen. What does this mean? It clearly means Mnangagwa was misled. It seems there’s an ulterior motive, a force behind sabotaging government programmes.
“You have a situation where suppliers are owed money, debtors have RTGS but no USD despite banking it. There’s no interbank forex available so they just accept the RTGS but go onto the market. Is it legal, no but it’s reality and for business continuance. Should it be a crime?
“We need to be honest and get to the bottom of this Mthuli Ncube or there’s no stop. We want to avoid those going to the street to buy basics. If prices are pegged in USD and sold at the rate of the day prices will increase. The scarcer the forex, the higher the rate.”
During his career, Chirac had flirted with Communism and ultra-nationalism before settling on mainstream right-of-center politics
Former French President Jacques Chirac arrives to attend the award ceremony for the Prix de la Fondation Chirac at the Quai Branly Museum in Paris November 21, 2014.
Paul Nyathi |Former President Jacques Chirac, a political chameleon who dominated French politics for decades in roles ranging from mayor of Paris to the second-longest serving leader of the nation, died on Thursday at the age of 86.
“He passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his loved ones,” his son-in-law Frederic Salat-Baroux told Reuters.
The lower house of the French parliament interrupted a sitting to hold a minute’s silence. President Emmanuel Macron canceled a public engagement and planned to make a televised address later on Thursday.
Chirac was president from 1995 to 2007. Following in the footsteps of Charles de Gaulle, Chirac tried to elevate France’s status as a player on the world stage. He stirred national pride with his opposition to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.
After stepping down from office, he was convicted for misuse of public funds in December 2012, which made him the first head of state convicted since Nazi collaborator Marshal Philippe Petain in 1945. But he served no jail time.
Figures from French political life, including some who had locked horns with Chirac in the past, paid tribute to him on Thursday.
Richard Ferrand, speaker of the National Assembly, said: “Jacques Chirac is now a part of the history of France. A France in his image: full of energy, complex, sometimes full of contradictions, always motivated by a tireless passion for the Republic.”
Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, said despite political differences with Chirac “he was able to oppose the madness of the war in Iraq”.
Chirac was born in 1932 in Paris. He studied at the elite Sciences Po university and ENA civil service academy, and served as an army officer.
By 1967, he had become a junior minister and was just 41 when he became prime minister in 1974.
He left the government and by 1977 was elected as Paris’s first mayor, a job he would keep for 18 years, until his election as president in 1995. He won a second term in 2002, after a fraught battle with far-right challenger Jean-Marie Le Pen, father of Marine Le Pen.
During his career, Chirac had flirted with Communism and ultra-nationalism before settling on mainstream right-of-center politics, earning him the nickname “Chameleon Bonaparte.”
Another of his nicknames was “Houdini”, a reference to his knack for managing to escape serious punishment, despite the allegations of misuse of funds.
In the last years of his life, he suffered from neurological problems and was rarely seen in public. He lived quietly with his wife, Bernadette, in an apartment on Paris’s Quai Voltaire, and worked on his memoirs. – Reuters
A second coffin has been lying in state at the house where only Mugabe’s latest number one blue eyed boy Julius Malema was allowed to take pictures standing next to.
Grief … A mourner shows his emotions during a public body viewing for President Mugabe at Rufaro Stadium on September 13
Paul Nyathi|Following a highly disputed ZimEye.com exposè that Former President Robert Mugabe was buried at his rural Zvimba home last week, the Mugabe family has finally come out open on the matter but claiming that the former ZANU PF hardman will only be buried this weekend at the precise place mentioned by ZimEye.com.
Somewhat to conceal the exposè the fault revealed that Mugabe will only be buried this weekend with a private ceremony which certainly no-one will be able to confirm taking place.
According to the latest revelation, Mugabe’s body was expected to leave his Borrowdale Blue Roof home on Thursday for a Saturday burial.
A second coffin has been lying in state at the house where only Mugabe’s latest number one blue eyed boy Julius Malema was allowed to take pictures standing next to.
The surprise development comes as the government had drawn up plans to construct a mausoleum for Mugabe at the National Heroes Acre.
Sources claim that the Mugabe family which is seeking mercy from the Zimbabwean public considered the cost of the mausoleum on the taxpayer; the time it would take to complete and shock new revelations that government engineers had been instructed to construct a single ‘Presidential Mausoleum’ which would contain graves of former presidents, not just Mugabe’s.
“President Mugabe did not want to be buried at the Heroes Acre to stop those who tormented him in his final days from pontificating over his dead body,” a relative said. “It would be unconscionable to have him buried next to the man whom he held most responsible.”
Mugabe, who ruled Zimbabwe for 37 years before he was ousted in a military coup in 2017, died in a Singapore hospital at the age of 95 on September 6.
Mugabe’s widow, Grace, and children Bona and Robert Junior together with some of the former president’s nephews, among them Patrick Zhuwao and Walter Chidakwa changed heart on the Heroes Acre burial insisting that the former president had expressly communicated his wish to be buried in Kutama.
But the family had finally yielded, with some reluctance, to the government pressure which reportedly included threats to repossess some properties belonging to Mugabe but registered in Zanu PF’s name.
Signs that the family was again shifting its stance came on Monday when South African opposition leader Julius Malema travelled to Harare and met Mugabe’s widow.
“If the current dispensation here believes in President Mugabe, they should protect his legacy. Part of protecting his legacy is first and foremost to respect his last wishes and to respect the wishes of his family,” Malema said.
The Economic Freedom Fighters leader added: “It’s an absolute nonsense that you think declaring a person a national hero takes away the right of the family over the deceased. The family, especially the surviving spouse, has got the last word.
“It doesn’t matter whether you have declared a person a national hero or whether you are doing a state funeral. Every little detail of what you want to do around a dead body should be consulted with the family, particularly when we are Africans.
“There’s a very strong surviving spouse here who’s not easily shaken by arrivalists, so they ought really to respect her and respect the family’s wishes.”
Farai Dziva|Three MDC members have been convicted and sentenced for killing a Zanu PF supporter.
According to Chronicle, the three members of the opposition MDC were sentenced to a combined 10-year jail term for killing a ZANU PF member who was celebrating presidential election victory in 2008.
Former president, the late Robert Mugabe had won the run-off election which was instituted after all candidates failed to attain 50+1% of the votes cast.
Former Prime Minister, the late Morgan Tsvangirayi (MDC) had won the first round of the election.
The trio, Cleopas Ngwenya (70), Owen Ngwenya (37) and Gilbert Nkomo (65), all of Jamu village under Chief Chireya in Gokwe North, appeared before Bulawayo High Court Judge, Justice Maxwell Takuva, sitting in Gweru and pleaded guilty to culpable homicide.
In passing the sentence, Justice Takuva said that the court had considered a number of issues including the ages of the accused.
“In passing the sentence, the court considered that the accused persons are first offenders and they pleaded guilty. The accused persons also have families to look after. The first accused person is 70-years-old while the second accused person is now 65. Both are in the twilight of their lives.
We also considered that there was a delay in the prosecution of the matter. We also want people in the rural areas to learn to be able to live with their neighbours who also support other political parties,” said the judge.
Ngwenya and Nkomo were sentenced to four years each that were wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour while Owen was sentenced to two years in jail of which one year was also suspended on condition of good behaviour.
It’s unfortunate and an absurdity of the highest level of pigheadedness that you, Julius Malema has turned himself into a paid and willing implement of the fallen and discredited G40 clique whose majority of members are in self-imposed exile, dreading “arrest” for crimes, only themselves know.
Contrary to what you say and want us to believe, the wishes of former president Robert Mugabe’s family is highly esteemed and respected by the current Government led by President Mnangagwa.
The actions and evidence of how the Government reveres the former president and his family are there for all and sundry to see.
Admittedly, you are a documented motor-mouth, but even a fool must know his time and place.
We thought you had come for a funeral, but we were shocked that you became the proverbial outsider mourning more than the bereaved.
We all know that it was the Mugabe family that suggested the idea of a mausoleum and their wish was granted by President Mnangagwa.
The respect for the wishes of the family is indeed a new development, considering that the former president, without judging him, did not respect the wishes of some of the families who did not want their relatives interred at the national shrine.
The following heroes come to mind; Cephas Msipa and Edgar Tekere just to mention two.
For you, Malema, this should be highly important information that your G40 handlers hid from you. Indeed, Mugabe was our leader, who led our struggle, and whom we voted for, several terms and the ideology which he nurtured was not his own individual ideology per se, but that of the party which shepherded him into office, and that is the gigantic ZANU-PF.
You might know, Julius, if you are now dull, that Zanu-PF is a product of a protracted liberation struggle whose accomplishment cannot be credited to an individual, but rather the imperturbable collective effort of the slogging sons and daughters of the land some fallen and some still living.
President Mnangagwa and many others are some of these living Cdes who are marshalling the legacy of the liberation struggle forward.
The struggle transcends individuals. We are cognisant of a cabal that iniquitously attempted to skyjack the revolution by exploiting the advanced age of the former president, during his last days in office which led to the party restructuring itself.
Surprisingly, it is the same characters that wanted to steal the revolution from its vanguard, that you speak on behalf. On more critical analysis, Julius, we forgive you because you sold out revolutionary ANC and formed your own party.
You are now a liability to the struggle waged by Zanu-PF and ANC and what you say, confirms it.
Zanu-PF regenerated itself legally and that cannot certainly be called tormenting as you allege, but putting the party’s legacy on track and righting the wrongs.
Even after his resignation, the Government ensured that the former president is well looked after. His security was intact, and medical bills were paid for by the State (refer to statements by his children). Even his extended relatives were taken care of (refer to Grace’s mother assistance).
During your days in the ANC and your new out-of-sorts party EFF, you recalled Thabo Mbeki and none said that it was tormenting since you were bringing normalcy.
If it was a necessary thing to be done then your assertions which paint a gory picture of torment are uncalled for at a time when we are supposed to building our nation.
You will do yourself a lot of favour Julius, by maturing as a politician and an African and stop grandstanding.
Tendai Chirau is the National Secretary for Administration ZANU (PF) Youth League.
Farai Dziva|Real Madrid are back at the top of the LaLiga table after a comfortable 2-0 victory Osasuna at the Santiago Bernabeu last night.
Goals in each half from Brazilian youngsters Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo were enough for Zinedine Zidane’s men, who also kept a second consecutive clean sheet for the first time this season in the process.
With the weekend’s derby against Atletico in mind, Zidane rested Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez and opted for youthful attack.
Los Blancos now have 14 points from 6 matches, one ahead of Atletico, and are one of the two sides yet to taste defeat in this LaLiga campaign.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe Warriors star Marshall Munetsi provided an assist as Stade De Reims beat PSG 2-0 in a Ligue 1 match.
Munetsi was named in the starting line up and did not disappoint despite coming up against a talent rich PSG side that includes Neymar, Ander Herera and Angel Di Maria.
He provided an assist with a delightful cross for Hassane Kamara to head in the 29th minute. Reims held onto their precious lead for most of the game with Munetsi impressing in the middle of the park.
Boulaye Dia then added the second and made victory sure with a 95th minute bicycle kick.
Farai Dziva|Ngezi Platinum Stars have named a new coach to replace Erol Akbay.
Akbay left the club last week along with his assistant Tendai Chikuni, just nine months after assuming the coaching role.
According to Soccer24, The club has now appointed Rodwell Dhlakama on an interim basis until the end of the season. He joins Ngezi after getting sacked at Chapungu over the weekend.
Dhlakama’s first assignment will be against Mushowani Stars on Saturday in the first round of the Chibuku Super Cup.
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. “
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF youth league official Tendai Chirau has accused EFF leader Julius Malema of using Robert Mugabe’s funeral to score political goals.
“It’s unfortunate and an absurdity of the highest level of pigheadedness that you, Julius Malema has turned himself into a paid and willing implement of the fallen and discredited G40 clique whose majority of members are in self-imposed exile, dreading “arrest” for crimes, only themselves know.
Contrary to what you say and want us to believe, the wishes of former president Robert Mugabe’s family is highly esteemed and respected by the current Government led by President Mnangagwa.
The actions and evidence of how the Government reveres the former president and his family are there for all and sundry to see.
Admittedly, you are a documented motor-mouth, but even a fool must know his time and place.
We thought you had come for a funeral, but we were shocked that you became the proverbial outsider mourning more than the bereaved,” said Chirau.
The Zanu-PF led Government should look in its introspection particularly when we are talking about economic crisis in our country.
Zanu-PF is filled with spineless cowards, corrupt clueless failed self-proclaimed politicians who continue to support Mr Mnangagwa for their personal gains and the collapsing of economy as they continue with the looting of the Government purses. President Mnangagwa and his ruthless cronies will never be accountable and will forever blame Opposition Political Parties and Sanctions for their failures.
Why sanctions can’t stop Zanu-PF led Government the procurement of more than 200 Isuzu for its own campaigning Parliamentarians but can stop the President Mnangagwa’s led D4Dovernment from buying ambulances for hospitals.
I just wonder why these so called sanctions can’t stop Zanu-PF led Government from importing Mercedes Benz Maybach S600 from Germany but can stop the same Government from importing water treatment chemical from abroad for our Cities and Towns. Why these sanctions can’t stop President Mnangagwa from chartering the State of the art plane for VP to be treated in China/India but can stop the his led Government from refurbishing ZISCO STEEL/CSC.
As Zimbabwe citizens, we just want to know why sanctions can’t stop Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube from using USD but can stop the same ministry from paying civil servants’ salaries in USDs. If sanctions are there in Government Institutions, why these sanctions can’t stop Namibia from using 2 units at Hwange Power Station but can stop the our Government from refurbishing the same at Hwange Power Supply.
President Mnangagwa accepted that, Zanu-Pf is a corrupt Party as he says that, ” Corruption must Stop. Zimbabwe National Resources must now be channelled into National Development.”
Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC-T Vice President Obert Gutu has dashed to the defence of President Emmerson Mnangagwa over his address at the United Nations General Assembly which was delivered in an almost auditorium.
Posting on Twitter today, Gutu said African leaders are never made to deliver their speeches during prime slots which are a preserve of powerful states including the United States of America.
Gutu added that UNGA sessions need to be re-organized.
“United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sessions need to be urgently re-organized. I’m in the United States right now & I noticed that African leaders are never given prime time slots for their presentations. US President Donald Trump made his presentation early morning, Tuesday.”
Mnangagwa’s UNGA address became a subject of debate in the country with some mocking him for delivering his speech in an almost empty auditorium.
Zanu PF aligned people fired back with pictures of other African leaders including Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Edgar Lungu of Zambia and many others who also addressed empty seats.
Farai Dziva| Contrary to claims by the government that Auxillia Mnangagwa was appointed as an ambassador at Havard University, the institution has said it has not appointed the Zanu PF leader’s wife to any post.
Harvard Media said in a statement: “Harvard-affiliated researchers working at one of our hospitals recently had an informal conversation with the First Lady of Zimbabwe about cancer screening in Africa.
The First Lady has not been named an ambassador at Harvard University.”
Government yesterday claimed Auxillia Mnangagwa had been given a special task by the university.
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.
By Dr Tapiwa Mashakada, MDC Secretary for Policy and Research
“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.
The IMF has privately warned Zimbabwe that state payouts to a company linked to global commodities trader Trafigura were pushing the shortages-plagued economy to the brink, reviving fears of corruption at the highest level of government. Payouts to Sakunda Holdings, a fuel company owned by an ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, were in effect met by the central bank’s printing money.
The transactions severely undermined the country’s currency — the Zimbabwe dollar — only months after it was introduced, the Washington-based institution told Harare this month, according to two people with knowledge of the discussions.
The payments have shed light on the financial links between the state and Sakunda’s chief executive, Kudakwashe Tagwirei, a businessman close to the ruling Zanu-PF party. Sakunda also owns a stake in Trafigura Zimbabwe, a joint venture with Trafigura, one of the world’s largest oil traders.
Sakunda received $366m in government bonds as payments for supplying “Command Agriculture”, a state farm subsidy scheme that Mr Mnangagwa has championed.
However, when Sakunda redeemed some of the bonds, the payouts were made in Zimbabwe dollars at an exchange rate that translated into massive money printing. The redemptions led to a 80 per cent surge in Zimbabwe’s monetary base — money in circulation including bank reserves.
The IMF’s programme with Harare has set a target of 8 to 10 per cent for this year.
Mnangagwa has welcomed the account freeze, saying it would stop people from trying to undermine the currency Following the IMF warning, Zimbabwe’s regulators last week froze the bank accounts of Sakunda and other companies. The move temporarily halted a sharp decline in the Zimbabwe dollar, also known as the RTGS dollar.
However, the consequences of the payments to Sakunda have added to disquiet in Zimbabwe over allegations of “state capture” — the exploitation of public institutions and funds for private interests. Opposition politicians have accused Mr Tagwirei of using his connections to the ruling party and the central bank to build his business.
Tendai Biti, a former finance minister and lawmaker with the opposition, said: “If ever there was state capture, it is Sakunda.” Since replacing the late dictator Robert Mugabe following a 2017 coup, Mr Mnangagwa has vowed to make Zimbabwe “open for business”. In February, he reintroduced the Zimbabwe dollar, a decade after its abolition in the aftermath of hyperinflation. But the currency has since fallen more than 60 per cent against the US dollar, fuelling triple-digit inflation and dire shortages.
The $366m bonds were issued in US dollars in January — the latest of hundreds of millions of US dollars in government bonds issued to Sakunda in recent years. When the new currency was created a month later, Zimbabwean contracts in US dollars were generally converted one-to-one into the new currency.
Recommended David Pilling Zimbabwe’s economic crisis has reached a breaking point But in July, Sakunda was paid by the central bank on the basis of eight to nine RTGS dollars per dollar of original face value, people with knowledge of the financial transactions said.
Mr Mnangagwa has welcomed the account freeze, saying it would stop people from trying to undermine the currency. The government has denied any wrongdoing. Zimbabwe’s finance ministry, the country’s central bank and Mr Tagwirei and Sakunda did not respond to many requests for comment. The IMF declined to comment. Trafigura also declined to comment on the allegations against Mr Tagwirei.
A spokesperson for Trafigura said: “Trafigura Zimbabwe is only involved with petroleum distribution and has no involvement with the activities of Sakunda Holdings in Zimbabwe.” The IMF has been monitoring economic reforms in Zimbabwe since May, part of a cautious testing of the waters by western nations on future financial support for Mr Mnangagwa’s government. Abuses by Mr Mnangagwa’s security forces have made international investors and leaders warier of Mugabe’s successor.
Government will continue to monitor the architecture of the country’s financial system to close all loopholes that unscrupulous dealers could use to manipulate the exchange rate, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube revealed on Monday.
This comes in the wake of last week’s sharp devaluation of the local currency, the Zimbabwe Dollar, which authorities said had been driven by feverish speculation on the black market.
The devaluation saw the escalation of prices of most goods and services when using the local unit.
The exchange rate dropped from an average of Z$14 to the greenback within a space of a few days to Z$25 to the USD$, the lowest point the currency had devalued to since the Government re-introduced it as the country’s sole trading currency early this year.
Before that, the country used a basket of currencies, particularly the United States dollar, following the collapse of the Zimbabwe dollar in 2008.
Last week’s unprecedented devaluation of the local currency prompted the Government to freeze the bank accounts of a number of companies and individuals – suspected to be linked to the currency manipulation – action which immediately arrested the Zimbabwe dollar’s fall.
Prof Ncube said the local currency had re-gained much of its lost value, and had now stabilised at around Z$14/15 to the greenback, its previous level before last week’s sharp devaluation.
“It’s very clear that we needed to close those loopholes that some have taken advantage of and manipulate the exchange rate of the currency,” he said.
He said there will, henceforth, be close monitoring of developments in the market by the Government and monetary authorities, and action will be taken immediately if something suspicious is detected.
“There is stability now at Z$14/15, and we will closely monitor developments,” he said.
Currency speculators suffered huge losses after Government interventions of freezing the accounts suspected moving money to the unofficial market immediately started paying dividends.
Prof Ncube is in New York accompanying President Mnangagwa to the United Nations General Assembly, where he is also expected to hold meetings with captains of global capital to woo them to invest in Zimbabwe.
Own Correspondent| Musician cum author Luckson Chikutu popularly known as Manluckerz is going to celebrate his 45th birthday in style as he is going to launch his much awaited book Flashback Identity on the day of his birthday.
The book is scheduled to be launched in Sweden on October 6.
“The hardcopy and e-book are already there, thanks to my publishers Vulkan Media,” said the ecstatic Manluckerz adding that “Plans are at an advanced stage to engage a Zimbabwean publisher so that the book can be distributed locally”.
Manluckerz have been working tirelessly to make the launch a success.
“The day is a bit special for me because it is going to be my birthday. I will be turning 45 on the day,” said Manluckerz.
The book which has been translated into English following its success in Swedish has been described by cultural enthusiasts as rich in preserving the Zimbabwean culture.
Chikutu who is known in entertainment circles as Manluckerz said his wish is for the book to be used in schools.
“I really want to share it with the new generation and adults about how best we can document our Zimbabwean culture and history. I will be happy to see the book being used in schools.
“I want to inspire my fellow country men about how one could achieve his or her goals through determination, dedication and discipline. This book is about how to preserve our identity and culture,” he said.
The musician- cum-author said writing his debut book has been an experience.
“The writing of the book has been a long journey with positive feedback. It was motivated by the need to document the cultural history I received when I was growing up,” he said.
“The writing of the book has been a long journey with positive insights I received and a high ambition to write about my family’s history, the cultural heritage I learnt when I was growing up. The book also captures how music and dance are used to influence humanity in Zimbabwe,” said Manlukerz.
By A Correspondent- Four family members allegedly ganged-up and fatally assaulted their son in law over a domestic dispute with his wife.
Reason Maseko met his untimely death after paying a visit at his inlaws homestead in a bid to resolve a domestic dispute with his wife Rejoice Sibanda who had vacated their matrimonial home.
Upon arrival, the deceased was brutally assaulted by his mother in law Judith Sibanda and her three children, Talent, Yolanda and Rejoice.
Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Joel Goko confirmed the incident.
”The deceased, Reason Maseko had a misunderstanding with his wife Rejoice Sibanda and she had to leave their homestead to her people. The deceased followed her to her family homestead. When he got there, he met his brother-in-law Talent who was coming out of the hut.
”He alerted his mother Judith and Reason’s wife about the visitor. Reason was rescued by his father later on. The father had followed to join in the discussion to solve the domestic dispute that arose at the deceased’s homestead.
A report was made to Zhombe Police Station and officers attended the scene. The deceased was taken to Kwekwe General Hospital, but was pronounced dead on admission,” said Goko.
By A Correspondent- Member of Parliament (MP) for Chivi South, Killer Zivhu has pulled a shocker after he continued to defy his party Zanu PF and embarked on a project to build three schools and a clinic in his constituency.
Zivhu says the project is aimed at bringing education and health services closer to the people he represents.
“We raised funds to build the schools in order to bring relief to local children many of whom are walking long distances when going to school. Clinics are also very few yet people need to be medically attended to in a more convenient manner,” said Zivhu.
Residents in the constituency managed to work together to raise funds to build the schools and the clinic with the help of the Community Development Fund (CDF).
On September 9, Zivhu visited wards 27 and 28 to address the community on the progress they have made in purchasing cement and other building materials.
Zivhu said the project was also informed by the promises he made during the 2018 elections.
“I want to fulfill the promises that I made to you during the elections that I was going to build schools for your children,” said Zivhu.
Chief Nemauzhe was present at the ground breaking of a new secondary school that will be built in Ward 27.
Meanwhile, Zivhu has come under fire for continuing to defy the Zanu-PF Masvingo provincial executive’s directive stopping him from carrying out party and parliamentary business in the area pending the finalisation of his disciplinary hearing.
It is understood the party wrote to the Politburo recommending that he be expelled for violating party rules after turning to social media platforms such as WhatsApp and Twitter, and allegedly pushed for dialogue between President Mnangagwa and MDC-Alliance President Mr Nelson Chamisa.
Further, Zivhu is said to have initiated the process of collecting signatures from people so that they support his dialogue initiative.
The state media reported that the Zanu-PF Masvingo executive recently read the riot act to Zivhu and ordered him to stop carrying out meetings until his matter was finalised.
Zanu-PF vice chairman for Masvingo Ailes Baloyi said yesterday that it was disturbing to note Zivhu was defying party directives.
“We are aware of Zivhu’s defiance and the reports are being taken to the national executive. Every move that he is making is known and we are only waiting for the results of the national disciplinary committee,” said Cde Baloyi.
He said it was public knowledge that Zivhu should not in any way disregard party directives through engaging in any developmental activities in his constituency.
“What he is doing is tantamount to defiance and we are not happy as an executive. One should just follow what he or she is advised by the party.”
In response to the authorities’ failure to allow Dr. Peter
Magombeyi to travel to seek medical attention following his abduction and the
deterioration of his health, Muleya Mwananyanda, Amnesty International’s Deputy
Regional Director for Southern Africa said:
“Not allowing Dr. Magombeyi to travel to seek medical treatment
outside Zimbabwe is a cruel denial that puts his health at risk.
“That anyone can be treated this way by the state is
unbelievable – and is made worse by the fact that he’s already faced a terrible
ordeal and abduction. This ill-treatment at the hands of the authorities is now
endangering his health.
“Dr. Magombeyi needs urgent medical treatment. The longer he
stays in Zimbabwe, the more his health deteriorates. Zimbabwean authorities
must immediately allow him to travel wherever he wants to seek medical
treatment.”
Background
Dr. Peter Magombeyi is the acting president of the Zimbabwe
Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA). He was abducted on the night of 14 September from his house by
three armed men suspected to be state agents and released after five days. He
has been instrumental in fighting for the human rights and improved working
conditions of Zimbabwean doctors, including leading recent wage increase talks
which collapsed, leading to an imminent strike.
Riot police were deployed in Harare on 24
September to prevent Dr. Magombeyi from leaving the country in defiance of a
High Court order that allowed him to go and seek medical assistance out of the
country. Police blocked him from leaving the hospital, preventing him from
travelling abroad after his health deteriorated following his abduction.
By A Correspondent- Zuva Pretroleum has increased the prices of cooking gas from ZW$15 per Kg to ZW$18 per Kg. Although it is not known when the prices were changed, the changes were made recently as gas was ZW$15 last week.
The development could have been influenced by a combination of factors including the local currency’s shedding of value on the market and the scarcity of foreign currency since gas is imported from beyond the country’s borders.
Cooking gas has become an alternative for many Zimbabweans as the country is grounded by a huge power deficit which saw the local power utility, ZESA, rolling out a crippling 18-hour power cuts schedule.
By A Correspondent- A report by Financial Times claims that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) privately warned the Zimbabwean government that payouts to Sakunda Holdings were exacerbating shortages in the economy and signified high-level corruption.
Sakunda Holdings is owned by businessman Kudakwashe Tagwirei who is a close ally of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and linked to the ruling ZANU PF party.
The payouts that were given to Sakunda were met by the Central Bank printing money, leading to the devaluation of the Zimbabwean dollar.
Sakunda, which owns a stake in commodities trader Trafigura Zimbabwe, received $366m in government bonds as payments for supplying Command Agriculture.
Sakunda redeemed some of the bonds, with the payout being made in Zimbabwe dollars leading to an 80 per cent surge in Zimbabwe’s monetary base — money in circulation including bank reserves.
The Central Bank’s decision last week to freeze the accounts of Sakunda and other companies was a result of the IMF’s warning to the Zimbabwean government, the report claims.
Paul Nyathi|WFP executive director Mr David Beasley says that he told President Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe has the capacity not only to feed itself but the whole world.
Mr Beasley said this to a Zimbabwean journalist on Tuesday after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly currently underway here.
“Zimbabwe cannot only feed itself but it can feed the whole world. It is a great nation and has many opportunities,” he said expressing disappointment at how the once bread basket of Southern Africa is now a basket case.
“We will be put together major financial operations to help people throughout Zimbabwe to make sure we have food security with smallholder farmers and help those that have been impacted by the drought. We look forward to a lot of good things happening to Zimbabwe,” said Mr Beasley.
Watch video of him speak courtesy of government spokesman, Nick Mangwana:
President Emmerson Mnangagwa addressing the UN General Assembly
Emmerson Mnangagwa|In my address to the UN General Assembly, I outlined the comprehensive reforms we are undertaking for the benefit, protection and prosperity of our people. The impact of these changes takes time but we are going in the right direction. Our people deserve better and we are committed to delivering.
We are engaging with the international community as we return Zimbabwe to its rightful place in the family of nations. Our arms remain outstretched with a genuine heart of friendship and cooperation to all those willing to join us in our journey of national rebirth.
These efforts are spite of the sanctions we continue to face. Sanctions are slowing down our progress, inhibiting our economic recovery and punishing the most vulnerable. Zimbabwe deserves a new start. Sanctions are a lose-lose game. Co-operation is a win-win!
I urge the world to be patient with us, support us and join us on this new and exciting journey. Together we will realise our common vision of a future free of poverty, hunger and conflict, on a safe planet, for the benefit of all our people!
A video featuring a suspected member of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation who mistakenly discharged a firearm which was in his pocket and shot himself has gone viral on social media.
Watch video courtesy of @LynneM Twitter pushed downloading below:
So this guy some are calling him member of the 3rd force who is likely to be a Member of CIO had his gun triggered while in his pocket? Then he will need same doctors that they're abducting, torturing & tormenting for asking for better salaries to treat him? The irony! pic.twitter.com/aP0c2HGhOd
President Mnangagwa with World Food Programme executive director Mr David Beasley meeting on the sidelines of the 74th United Nations General Assembly in New York on Tuesday.
Paul Nyathi|A World Food Programme (WFP), official has assured President Emmerson Mnangagwa that his organisation with help from the Chinese government, has escalated efforts to provide emergency food aid to feed thousands of starving Zimbabweans due to the effects of the poor rain season last year.
The World Food Programme (WFP) and the Government of China recently signed agreements to provide emergency food assistance to Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe to respond to food insecurity.
The agreements were signed by high-level management of WFP and China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).
Under the framework of the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund, China’s support will enable WFP to procure food including rice, maize, pulses, fortified cereals, vegetable oil for more than 477,000 of the most vulnerable people in these three countries, mainly women and children.
Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe face serious food insecurity challenges especially due to climate-related disasters such as droughts and floods.
WFP executive director Mr David Beasley told Mnangagwa that the United Nations (UN) food relief agency was mobilising resources to feed affected people, particularly those in rural areas.
Mr Beasley said this on the sidelines of the ongoing UN General Assembly on Tuesday when he made a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa.
“Zimbabwe cannot only feed itself but it can feed the whole world. It is a great nation and has many opportunities. We will be put together major financial operations to help people throughout Zimbabwe to make sure we have food security with smallholder farmers and help those that have been impacted by the drought. We look forward to a lot of good things happening to Zimbabwe,” said Mr Beasley.
The meeting was also attended by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube and his Foreign Affairs and International Trade counterpart Dr Sibusiso Moyo.
According to its estimate, over US$331 million is required to feed more than 5,7 million people countrywide between now and April next year.
Mr Beasley has always affirmed WFP’s support on Zimbabwe saying they would do all they could to help Harare.
President Mnangagwa has since declared the El-Nino induced drought as a national disaster so as to activate local and international agencies to mobilise resources.
Concerns have however always been raised over President Mnangagwa’s ZANU PF party partisan distribution of such food aid when it reaches the country.
The ZANU PF systems on the ground hijack the food and use it as campaigning material distributing it only to those perceived to be loyal to the party.
The government has tightened its monitoring mechanisms on subsidised bread-making flour to millers and bakers to avoid unjustified bread price increases.
This comes after several reports of some “bakers” abusing the subsidised commodity to make biscuits, cakes, and other confectionaries at the expense of bread.
The Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, an apex body for local millers which is charged with milling wheat and maize grain confirmed that government was closely monitoring the use of subsidized wheat meant for bread flour.
“We (millers) are currently enjoying a subsidy of $2 300 per tonne of wheat to be exclusively dedicated for bread flour only,” GMAZ spokesperson Garikai Chaunza confirmed.
“This is meant to stabilise and contain bread prices for the benefit of the consumers who are the financiers of the subsidy and it is our obligation that the flour must go to all bakeries, big and small who are into genuine bread baking and as an association we have always been on guard.”
Chaunza said flour for biscuits and other non-bread products is available at a non-subsidised price.
There are reports that there are known confectionary baking bakeries who are accessing subsidised bread-making flour, creating an artificial shortage of bread and at the same time resulting in the price hikes of the commodity.Bread prices have gone up from $6 to $9.
But National Bakers Association of Zimbabwe president Dennis Wallah denied the allegations that they were creating artificial shortages so that they can be justified to hike bread prices.
“There are still challenges in terms of accessing bread flour. Find out with millers if they have flour enough for everyone. Kindly come and check our silos and see if we have enough flour stocks,” he said.
Wallah said even if the government would monitor the subsidised wheat flour, bread prices were still going up as it was being necessitated by other factors as the economy is struggling.
“Of course, there are other factors necessitating bread price hikes. Look at fuel; it is going up almost on a weekly basis. We have electricity challenges so if bakers are running for 14 hours on generators do you think bread prices will remain low? Right now we also have water crises. Also we have raw materials that we import and getting foreign currency is now very difficult,” he said
NewsDay|INTERNAL strife is threatening the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC ahead of its 20th anniversary celebrations amid reports of sharp divisions emerging over the strategy the opposition party should employ to face off against the well-oiled Zanu PF and government machinery.
Insiders told NewsDay that the party was worried over its recent poor showing in by-elections, the thwarted demonstrations and disharmony in the party, particularly by loyal party members who felt hard-done after failing to secure appointment into the party’s national executive.
“There are concerns over how the party is being run. More concern was on how we are failing to run the party at a time when the economy is collapsing. We should be using the public sentiment to our advantage; the party keeps losing to Zanu PF,” a highly-placed source said.
The tensions have seen party leadership turning against each other with knives going out to former secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, who faces disciplinary action for travelling with Zanu PF MPs to Sweden for re-engagement meetings.
Sources said the party has appointed vice-chairman Job Sikhala to conduct a disciplinary hearing against Mwonzora, who is now accused of fronting a Zanu PF agenda and nudging the MDC towards dialogue whipping sentiments against demonstrations.
Sikhala said he was not aware of the charges against Mwonzora.
“Nothing that I know at the moment. If there is anything that will come we will cross the bridge when we get there,” he said.
Mwonzora, who is MDC deputy secretary of international relations, travelled to Sweden with Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda, Kindness Paradza, Joshua Sacco of Zanu PF and Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga of MDC-T for a re-engagement diplomatic mission, which has angered some of his peers in the party.
On return, he presented a report to the party, detailing the outcomes of the meetings in which the parliamentary team met officials from Sweden’s Foreign Affairs ministry, the Speaker of the Swedish Parliament, officials from the ruling Social Democratic Party, the secretary-general of the Olof Palme Centre as well as the representatives of the Swedish Trade Union Confederation.
He is accused of having joined Zanu PF in pushing for the removal of sanctions during the meetings, an allegation Mwonzora has since denied.
In his report, Mwonzora said the Swedish government told Mudenda’s delegation that they would only support Zimbabwe if President Emmerson Mnangagwa held talks with Nelson Chamisa and genuine reforms are put on the table.
Mwonzora has since denied any wrongdoing, saying he will wait to hear from his party, but remained loyal to the cause, the leadership and the constitution of the MDC.
“I have not committed any offence at all. I have followed all the procedures to the book and I have submitted my report to the party. The European Union lifted sanctions against Zimbabwe a long time ago and as far as February 19 they indicated that they were not going to re-impose the sanctions. As far as I know only the late (former President) Robert Mugabe and his wife and the Zimbabwe Defence Industries are still on EU active sanctions, the former army personnel Constantino Chiwenga and Perrance Shiri, including army general Phillip Valerio Sibanda are on the inactive list,” he said.
MDC deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka denied the reports that the party was in turmoil, saying it remained united and would continue with demonstrations to ensure that political pressure piles on Mnangagwa.
“We have caused a seismic shift in the politics of this country. We came up with our Reload policy document as a leadership and that document has caused a seismic shift in the politics of this country and Mr Mnangagwa is panicking,” he said.
“We actually launched our demonstrations in major cities which were proscribed. Zanu PF is fearful because on the ground we have massive support. So we have a thought leadership and I can tell you we achieved a lot of things through those demonstrations even though they were banned. But I tell you we showed that we have a lot of traction in the country.”
Tamborinyoka said the national executive was working in common purpose.
“We are very united at the cockpit level, very, very united. We are a cohesive unit. President Chamisa is out of the country on a diplomatic offensive. That is just smoke without fire, teargas is smoke, but there is no fire,” he said.
Charles Mabika|WHEN another Battle of Zimbabwe explodes on Sunday in a Chibuku Super Cup first round tie, the country’s two biggest clubs will be playing for more than just the silverware.
Two of their greats — Hamid “Muzukuru” Dhana and Madinda “Kathazile” Ndlovu — are under the weather.
Dhana is recovering at home in Arcadia from colon cancer while Madinda is in hospital in Gaborone after collapsing at his team’s training base two weeks ago.
The two fought many battles at Rufaro and Barbourfields in the Golden Era of the ‘80s as they featured for their clubs.
While Dhana left DeMbare for Black Rhinos at the end of the 1982 season, Kathazile stuck with his beloved Bosso.
He also had stints in England and Germany in-between his long association with the Bulawayo giants.
This Sunday’s Chibuku Super Cup encounter will feature an array of emerging players like Dynamos’ Simba Chinani, Emmanual Jalai, Jarrison Selemani, Tawanda Chisi, Tinotenda Muringai and Nigel Katawa.
Bosso will have the likes of Prince Dube, Peter Muduwa, Nqobizitha Masuku, Bukhosi Sibanda, Ray Lunga (Jnr) and Maclive Phiri.
All these players dream of one day becoming household names like Dhana and Madinda.
Dhana will forever be remembered for his unique and mesmerising swivel, with the ball firmly under control, followed by a defence-splitting pass to set up the likes of Gift Mpariwa or Oliver Kateya.
Madinda used to accelerate down the right wing, leaving his markers sprawling before he floated a perfect cross for the likes of Tobias Mudyambanje to prod home.
Mandigora, who played alongside Dhana in midfield at both Dynamos and the Warriors, recalls that golden era.
“Hamid is, undoubtedly, one of the most skilful players I have ever played alongside,’’ said Mandigora.
“I was more of a defensive shield at both sides while Dhana would be given the licence to roam around the field and create openings for the strikers . . . and boy, he do it so diligently.
“Then, of course, there is that inimitable back body swerve where he would be facing his own goal and, all of a sudden, his marker would stumble following that miraculous swivel.
“And, he would glide up-field as he looked for an opening to cause more havoc.
“I truly wish him all the best as he recovers from his ailment. He was a creative genius on the pitch from whom the current youngsters could learn a lot.
“And, ooh, by the way Dhana was always the life of the party as he was a master narrator of many humorous jokes . . . even today, he is never short of churning out a couple of rib-chucklers.’’
Former Bosso defence stalwart, Douglas Mloyi, revealed that during their era, every player looked up to Madinda to engineer the team’s victory.
“This guy (Madinda Ndlovu) was a phenomenon, whenever he put on a Highlanders or Warriors jersey,’’ he said.
“All he wanted to do was dash towards his opponents and weave past them and create goals or, better still, score them himself.
“I was not surprised when he took up coaching after he hung up his boots.
“He was so intent on passing on his skills and knowledge to the future generation.
“He is a great fighter and I know that he will come out of this unlucky phase and bounce back into his beloved coaching job at Gaborone United.’’
Another former Bosso player, Collsen “Cossy’’ Mabeza, who also had a stint with Dynamos, said Madinda used to rise to the occasion, especially when the chips were down.
“Every time this tearaway winger dashed down the right flank, you would have to be prepared for a perfect cross because that was his speciality,” he said.
As the flutters of recovery continue to nestle in both Dhana’s and Madinda’s limbs, the small voices, in their hearts and minds, will no doubt be rooting for each of their side’s victory on Sunday.
One thing is for certain, though.
When it comes to creativity, and pace in domestic football, the two names of Hamid Dhana and Madinda Ndlovu will always be emblazoned on the first pages of that script.
Paul Nyathi|High Court Judge President Justice George Chiweshe on Wednesday ordered Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) officers to immediately release Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) leader Dr Peter Magombeyi and allow him to travel to South Africa to seek and access specialist medical services.
Some ZRP officers had effectively “imprisoned” Dr Magombeyi after they camped at the Avenues Clinic in Harare after preventing him from leaving Zimbabwe to access medical services in South Africa.
The ZRP’s actions were in contempt of a lawful court order granted by consent on Tuesday 24 September 2019 by High Court Judge Justice Happias Zhou, who interdicted ZRP from preventing Dr Magombeyi from leaving Zimbabwe for South Africa.
But on Wednesday Justice Chiweshe ordered ZRP or anyone acting through them or on their behalf to immediately release Dr Magombeyi. During the court hearing, the Judge President questioned ZRP if there is a law which entitles police officers to hold and detain people who are not suspects.
Justice Chiweshe also dismissed an application filed on Tuesday by ZRP Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Michael Chibaya, the Officer-In-Charge of Criminal Investigations Department (Law and Order Section) at Harare Central Police Station purportedly seeking to “correct” the consent order granted by Justice Zhou.
In court, Dr Magombeyi’s lawyers Alec Muchadehama, Beatrice Mtetwa, Roselyn Hanzi and Jeremiah Bamu argued that the ZRP officers’ actions in preventing the ZHDA leader were in defiance of the recommendation by his doctors, who noted that he had suffered possible physical harm and psychological trauma which warranted that further functional brain imaging and further toxicological evaluation, which is not available in Zimbabwe, be conducted on him.
Speaking on the case, the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights castigated the state for wasting the court’s time and risking Dr Peter Magombeyi’s health.
“It is very unfortunate that the State chose to waste the court’s precious time and resources and to jeopradise the health of Dr Magombeyi.”
Paul Nyathi|A fraction of Boko Haram terrorist, the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP), killed a worker with the Action Against Hunger organisation.
Nigerian Journalist, Ahmad Salkida, through his twitter page, disclosed that one of the six workers of Action Against Hunger, an International Humanitarian Organization, who were abducted by Boko Haram two months ago, has been beheaded.
According to him, he saw the video which showed how the said aid worker was executed at a close range.
Salkida added that ISWAP said it took the action because ‘the government deceived them’ following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.
See Tweets below:
Just In: #ISWAP has executed one of the six aid workers, working with the Action Against Hunger that were abducted two months ago in Borno. One of the male aid workers was executed at close range in a short video clip seen by this reporter. pic.twitter.com/JM6DjMTxx2
The group, in a horrific video of the execution, said it took the action because "the government deceived them" following months of what is now known as secret negotiations between a team of intermediaries and unnamed officials.
ISWAP has also threatened to execute the other remaining staff of the International Non Governmental organization (ACF/AAH). Recall, the INGO was declared persona non grata last week by the @HQNigerianArmy for aiding terrorism in the region, an allegation the INGO denied.
