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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.

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Paul Nyathi|The High Courrt has granted $5000 bail to former Tourism Minister Prisca Mupfumira, who is facing corruption charges involving $95 million.

Mupfumira got her bail after four attempts that were all turned down. The bail comes a day after President Emmerson Mnangagwa told the United Nations General Assembly that his government is fighting very hard to fight corruption.

As part of the conditions, Mupfumira will report to the police twice a week, and surrender title deeds to her Mt Pleasant home.

Mupfumira faces seven counts of criminal abuse of office for alleged impropriety during her previous tenure as Labour Minister.

By A Correspondent- The director of the Harare-based Zimbabwe Democracy Institute (ZDI), Pedzisai Ruhanya, has said that both the late founding leader of the country, Robert Mugabe and the incumbent President, Emmerson Mnangagwa rose to power through military coups.

Ruhanya said that the family of the former president should, therefore, stop acting as if Mugabe was sacred.

Posting on Twitter, Ruhanya said:

“Mugabe rose to power after the Mgagao declaration of October 1975 before the 1977 Chimoio Congress. Mnangagwa rose to power after the Nov 2017 military coup then the ZANU PF Congress of Dec 2017. Both leaders are products of military factor. But Mugabe family thinks Bob is holy!

His remarks come at a time when the tensions between the Mnangagwa led administration and Mugabe’s family seem to be unending.

Tensions grew when the former first family allegedly tried in vain to assassinate the then vice president, Mnangagwa, through accidents, cyanide and ice-cream poison.

The military-assisted transition of November 2017 which resulted in Mugabe’s demise did less to save the situation.

Some members of the Mugabe family blame Mnangagwa for the death of the former veteran leader saying that the coup worsened his health condition.

The tension has resulted in the family rejecting the government’s offer to burry Mugabe at the National Heroes Acre.

Mugabe who died on the 6th of September in Singapore where he was receiving medical attention is expected to be buried on Saturday 27 September in Zvimba, his rural home.

Paul Nyathi|On Saturday, the MDC celebrates its 20th anniversary at Rufaro Stadium in Harare under the theme “MDC@20: Celebrating Courage, Growth and the People’s Victories”.

Indeed, the past two decades have seen the audacious people’s party exhibiting nothing but unmitigated courage, phenomenal growth and unbridled victory.

Since the MDC’s formation at Rufaro Stadium in Harare in 1999, the party has grown in leaps and bounds. In the past 20 years, the people have displayed unmatched gallantry and courage in the face of oppression and repression.

Victory has been the watchword as shown by the millions who continue to repose their faith and trust in this mammoth people’s movement—the political behemoth called the MDC.

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State Media|The Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation’s request for the civil trial proceedings between it and its former board chairman Cuthbert Dube and four ex-senior executives referred to the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Zimbabwe for inquiry and report has failed after the High Court threw out the application.

Former senior executives Happison Muchechetere, Elliot Kasu, Allan Chiweshe and Ralph Nyambudzi are accused of allegedly enriching themselves using the parastatal’s funds.

The national broadcaster alleges that the five illegally benefited themselves from $6 million obtained as loans.

ZBC last week filed an urgent chamber application asking the High Court to invoke Section 19A of the High Court Act (Chapter 7: 06) and refer the proceedings under case number HC 2770/2015 to ICAZ chief executive officer Ms Gloria Zvaravanhu, as a referee in the matter.

But in his ruling Justice Owen Tagu upheld submissions by the five’s lawyers led by Proffessor Lovemore Madhuku, who argued that the request was premature at this stage of the matter.

“I agree with counsel for the respondents that even if we are to assume that Section 19A applies or is likely to apply in the trial cause in case HC 2770/2015, it is premature at this stage to invoke the provisions of Section 19A of the High Court Act,” he said.

“The plaintiff had not led evidence from any witness. The court has not yet considered examination of documents.”

Prof Madhuku argued that when read properly Section 19A of the Act could not arise at this stage of the proceedings.

He said an inquiry only arises if it is an issue brought out of evidence that the court considers relevant to the ultimate determination of the dispute between the parties.

“The application is, therefore, premature and improper since there is nothing in the application demonstrating the inconvenience contemplated in Section 19A,” said Prof Madhuku calling for dismissal of the application.

Harare lawyer Mr Peter Kawonde appearing for Chiweshe and Nyambudzi said the appointment of a referee at this stage would be tantamount to an ouster of the court’s jurisdiction on the matter.

ZBC accused its ex-bosses of recklessly performing their duties, leading to the financial prejudice.

Allegations are that on January 19 2010, the former ZBC managers together with Dube secured a US$618 000 loan facility from CBZ Bank for the purchase of top executives’ vehicles after misrepresenting that the loan application had been approved by the board.

It is further alleged that the top executives on May 5 2010, approved a housing loan scheme agreement with a local bank for the benefit of the top management, again without the board’s approval.

The ex-bosses also allegedly prejudiced the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) after they allegedly under-declared their tax obligations.

Paul Nyathi|Annual inflation in Zimbabwe was 300 percent in August, according to new data released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At that level, the inflation rate is the highest in the world.

Annualised inflation in Zimbabwe was measured at 175.66 percent in June, up from 97.85 percent in May. In a statement released on Thursday, IMF head of delegation probing Zimbabwe’s economic policies, Gene Leon said Zimbabwe was experiencing what he described as severe economic difficulties.

Leon was a part of an IMF delegation that was recently in the country to assess progress on the implementation of a Staff Monitored Program (SMP) that measures economic performance and Zimbabwe’s commitment to reforms. The programme is a key step towards unlocking IMF funding.

“Since the February currency reform, the exchange rate has depreciated ,” Leon said. The currency went from one-to-one with the US unit to 1 to 16.5 as of September 23, “fostering high inflation, which reached almost 300 percent (year-over-year) in August.”

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube banned the publication of annual inflation numbers in July to allow the country’s statistical agency, Zimstat, to compile new price data, which will only be published in February 2020, Ncube said.

This is not the first time Zimbabwe has experienced high inflation. Government figures show Zimbabwe’s peak inflation rate was 79.6 billion percent month-on-month and 89.7 sextillion percent year-on-year in mid-November 2009.

Hyperinflation only ended the following year with the adoption of the US dollar.

Leon said economic difficulties in the country have been exacerbated by severe weather shocks. He foresees a steep drop in the value of all the goods and services produced within Zimbabwe in 2019.

“Social conditions have deteriorated sharply, with more than half of Zimbabwe’s population [8.5 million people] estimated by the UN to be food insecure in 2019/2020. Weakening confidence, policy uncertainty, a continuation of FX market distortions, and a recent expansionary monetary stance has increased pressure on the exchange rate,” Leon added.

Worse than Venezuela
Like Zimbabwe, the Venezuelan government in 2018 once suspended inflation readings.

This year, annual inflation in Venezuela – the country with the world’s second-highest inflation – was measured at 135.3 percent in August. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices in Venezuela rose 65.2 percent in the same month, according to the opposition-controlled Congress.

While inflation in Venezuela has decelerated in recent months because of strict reserve requirements on banks, which reduced the credit available to businesses, Zimbabwe’s rate hike has not slowed down inflation.

Independent|PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa took a bloated entourage of 90 people to this week’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, including Zanu PF youths who took part in an anti-sanctions demonstration there on Monday, the Zimbabwe Independent has learnt.

The inclusion of the youths raised the eyebrows of the United States embassy in Harare.This also comes as it emerged that Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxilia, flew to the US separately with her own sizable delegation, which included her security team, officials from her Angels of Hope charity organisation and a crew of journalists from the state media.

Both teams are reported to be enjoying hefty allowances funded by Treasury, at a time the government has been asking the citizenry to endure the pain induced by its austerity measures, which have severely eroded incomes and impoverished the majority of the population.

Government sources this week said the US embassy granted visas to a total of 90 individuals travelling to New York on a “state-sponsored visit”.

The sources said the embassy however expressed concern over the inclusion of dozens of party youths on the presidential entourage, but later granted them visas after government insisted on travelling with them, arguing they were part of President’s Mnangagwa’s security.

“A total of 90 visas were granted to these people. There were initial concerns about some of the members of the entourage but they were later granted visas,” a US embassy official said.

A government official who saw some of the travellers’ cabinet authority documents said the least-paid members of the entourage was entitled to a daily allowance of US$1 500 each, paid in hard currency.

This means Mnangagwa’s team is spending a total of US$1 350 000 for the 10 days on allowances only for 10 days in the world’s economic capital city, excluding air tickets.

Sources said the First Lady and her crew travelled to the US in two days in advance using a commercial flight.The cheapest ticket for a return flight to New York from Harare was pegged at US$1 260 as of Wednesday last week.

Other members of the entourage were booked on different commercial flights while Mnangagwa travelled in his favoured chartered Swiss luxury jet with a few members of his inner security and aides. Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and his Health counterpart Obadiah Moyo were also aboard the high-priced aircraft, chartered from Swiss aviation firm Comlux for US$30 000 per hour.

The total cost of hiring the jet for the expedition exceeds US$1,5 million.“Mnangagwa’s entourage will be away for a total of 10 days and government gives each member of the delegation US$1 500 per day, which is paid to all the members of the delegation as per diems. This means each delegate will receive at least US$15 000 for the 10-day trip,” a government source said.

“This money excludes airfares and the cost of hiring a private jet for the President. You saw those people who joined the December 12 Movement to demonstrate against sanctions, dozens of them were flown from here specifically for that purpose. This is the same as what happened earlier this month when party youths were bussed to demonstrate in favour of Mnangagwa during the World Economic Forum in Cape Town (South Africa),” the source added.

The New York junket comes in the middle of a crisis in the country’s health sector with doctors on strike demanding an increase in their salaries and better conditions of service.

It also comes as ballooning inflation, which has decimated earnings and pushed prices of basic goods and services beyond the affordability of many.

By the time Mnangagwa jetted out, the capital Harare was reeling from an acute water crisis after the city council declared it had lost capacity to purify the water it pumps into homes, citing shortage of foreign currency to buy the water treatment chemicals.

Despite evidence of economic implosion, Mnangagwa’s administration, which assumed power following a military coup in November 2017 before claiming a razor-thin controversial victory in the July 30, 2018 general election, argues that it is devising measures to steady the turbulent economic ship through its extremely unpopular and ruinous belt-tightening measures.

But despite government’s persistent pleas, tempers are flaring in the country as the austerity measures continue to bite deeper. In response, government has had to resort to brute force to quell the protests.

Mnangagwa is following in the footsteps of his late predecessor, Robert Mugabe, who repeatedly courted controversy by transporting massive hangers-on to the annual jamboree.

In the sunset years of his controversial rule, Mugabe’s entourages would flaunt their penchant for merry-making and luxury shopping by buying expensive designer clothes in New York, one of the world’s most expensive cities, angering poverty-stricken Zimbabweans who would take to social media to express outrage.

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.

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.”

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

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 27, 2019

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.

A LIVE program is loading below:

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.

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.

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’s Address at UNGA 74

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

President Mnangagwa has said reforming the United Nations system is now overdue to ensure it becomes wholly representative.

He said this in his address to the 74th Ordinary Session of the United Nations General Assembly here.

President Mnangagwa said there was need to reform the UN system, consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus that was agreed upon by the AU in 2005.

The Ezulwini Consensus’ major thrust was to ensure equal representation in all structures of the world body.

“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 African position as enunciated by the Ezulwini Consensus,” said President Mnangagwa.State media

VIDEO LOADING BELOW. ..

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa met former Sierra Leone President Ernest Bai Koroma and the two exchanged notes on governance issues.

“Just had an enriching discussion with His Excellency Ernest Bai Koroma, the former President of Sierra Leone.

Africa has rich wells of talent and special calabashes of wisdom. So grateful to be learning from great African Statesmen,” said Chamisa.

Watch video below. ..

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|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 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

Watch video downloading above

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.

Thank you.
Statement issued by Nick Mangwana

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.

-HMetro

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.”

-TheSun

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.”

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.

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 6^th 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|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.

More details to follow…

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.

Thank you.
Statement issued by Nick Mangwana

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.”

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.

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.”

Additional reporting ZimLive

Watch video below…