HARARE -Fuel prices, which continue to rise in Zimbabwe every week, have failed to deter motorists from maintaining long queues at service stations where the commodity remains elusive.

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) on Monday announced yet another fuel price increase, pushing diesel to 12.42 Zimbabwe dollars per liter, up from 12.08 dollars per liter, and petrol to 11.76 dollars from 11.55 per liter.

The prices are based on an exchange rate of 9.5 Zimbabwe dollars to the US dollar and also take into account free on board price movements and the current duty regime, ZERA said on its Twitter handle.

Zimbabweans have experienced huge fuel price increases since mid-January when President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced a general increase of more than 150 percent from 1.36 dollars to 3.11 dollars per liter for petrol and 1.36 dollars to 3.11 dollars per liter for diesel.

After another 50 percent price increase in May, prices have generally been increasing marginally every week. Authorities had anticipated that price increases would reduce the appetite for fuel among motorists, but lately these are largely being implemented to keep in tandem with losses of the local currency against the US dollar.

When the first massive fuel price increase was effected, the rate of the local currency to the Us dollar was 1: 1. Although the prices are generally rising every week, they remain among the cheapest in the Southern African Development Community.

However, some observers say that the increases remain the major drivers of inflation as producers and retailers factor them in when determining prices of commodities.

By A Correspondent| Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said it is not possible for the police to guard every home to stop nocturnal abductions.

Responding to senators who had asked what the government is doing to stop the kidnappings, Ziyambi suggested that people involved in the abductions, both the alleged victims and assailants of bent on tarnishing the country’s image.

He said:

… these people who are claiming to have been abducted are not giving relevant information to assist the police so that the issues are resolved.

We are asking these terrorists and abductors if they could assist the country move forward by stopping what they are doing so that the image of the country is not tarnished. That way the country’s image may be rated better.

Reports indicate that dozens of people have been abducted since the turn of the year, with some of the high profile abductions being civic leader Tatenda Mombeyarara, satirist Samantha Kureya, trade unionist Obert Masaraure and Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) acting president Peter Magombeyi.

-StateMedia

ZIMBABWE’s doctors will Wednesday stage a demonstration in Harare over bad working conditions and meagre salaries.

The health workers, who downed tools a month ago, vowed they would not return to work unless their grievances were addressed by the government and have since pressed on with the industrial action.

In a statement released Monday, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) said health workers want to return to their jobs but their employer has made it impossible for them to do so.

ZHDA remains committed to fighting for fair wages and better working conditions for all Zimbabwean doctors.

“We would like to make it very clear that as doctors we are not striking but we are incapacitated. The will is there but the means to execute them doesn’t exist,” the statement said.

“We remain hopeful that a sustainable solution will be found in the quickest way possible to resolve the impasse. Solidarity march from Parirenyatwa Doctors Bar on Wednesday 02 October 2019.”

The situation in public hospitals has worsened with patients losing lives daily as there is no medical doctor to attend to them.

Prison officers, police and army doctors moved into hospitals to help improve the imbalanced doctor patient ratio but this has barely helped the situation as the uniformed forces medical personnel constitute a very insignificant number.

Meanwhile, ZHDA acting president, Peter Magombeyi is currently receiving medical treatment in South Africa following his alleged abduction in which he was held captive in a basement, electrocuted and injected with poisonous substances.

Standard|Former first lady Grace Mugabe and ex-Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono reportedly had a massive fallout over the decision to bury the late president Robert Mugabe in Zvimba, it has emerged.

Mugabe, who died in Singapore on September 6, was finally buried at his rural home yesterday after weeks of haggling between his family and the government.

The 95-year-old former ruler’s family insisted that his dying wish was to be buried in Zvimba instead of the Heroes Acre, where the remains of most of his liberation war comrades were interred.

After an initial standoff, the government and Mugabe’s family agreed that he would be buried at the Heroes Acre where a mausoleum was already under construction.

The arrangement, however, changed dramatically last Thursday when Mugabe’s body was taken to Zvimba for burial.

It has since emerged that Grace accused Gono of trying to bribe chiefs from Zvimba to support the government’s plans to bury Mugabe at the Heroes Acre.

At some point, Grace threw out the traditional leaders from Mugabe’s Blue Roof mansion in Harare where his body was kept until his burial.

She allegedly accused them of taking bribes from Gono and a tycoon with close links to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Gono refused to comment on the matter, saying he did not want to be involved in the Mugabe family disputes

“How do I get involved in those issues? Please keep me out of it,” he said. “I don’t want to be part of that, leave me out.”

Leo Mugabe, the former president’s family spokesperson, played down the rift, saying the perception that Grace was fighting with the chiefs was due to “miscommunication”.

“It’s an issue of communication,” he said. “The chiefs had not been told of the alternative burial arrangments otherwise they would not have opposed it.

“Speaking to the chiefs, they said their decision was made without knowledge of the alternative.”

Former Mines minister Walter Chidhakwa, who is also Mugabe’s relative, admonished the chiefs for meddling in the family’s affairs.

Gono was instrumental in negotiations between the government and Mugabe’s family that yielded the mausoleum option.

He was also one of the people that negotiated Mugabe’s exit when he was toppled by the army in November 2017.

Meanwhile, Harare mayor Herbert Gomba has revealed that the government at some point feared Mugabe would be buried at the Blue Roof.

Gomba said although they never got a request from Mugabe’s family to carry out the burial, state security agents made several enquiries about the alleged plan.

“We did not have direct communication from the former first lady or the family, but I can tell you we continually had to deal with state agents and government officials who kept asking if we had issued a burial order to allow Mugabe to be buried at Blue Roof,” he said.

“That is a residential area and not a cemetery and town planning is very clear as to where we keep our dead. It was not going to happen at least not under our watch.”

A source said there were some members of the Mugabe family that toyed with the idea of a Blue Roof burial.

“The idea was to then have a museum at the property,” a source said.

“This would allow tourists a chance to visit the home of the former president while allowing the family to make money and fund a trust that they want to set up.”

Mugabe’s family say he died a bitter man because of the way he was removed from power by his lieutenants.

NewsDay|Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) is set to undergo a major facelift with its chairperson Justice Priscilla Chigumba and fellow commissioners expected to be forced out by 2021 just in time for a neutral team to run the 2023 general elections, if the on-going Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) members get their way.

National Constitutional Assembly (NCA) leader Lovemore Madhuku, who is part of Polad, told NewsDay that Chigumba will not run the 2023 general elections, saying the entire commission will pack its bags by 2021.

“She (Justice Chigumba) will not be there in 2023, you can get it from us, she was appointed, she will have to resign or somewhat compensated, but 2023 elections will not be run by a chairperson who was appointed by the President. In the 2023 elections, the whole commission will be appointed by a body of politicians who are players. That is the reform that we want. We actually want the Constitution to be amended. To have a conference of political actors to endorse the commission,” Madhuku said.

The Nelson Chamisa-led MDC, among other civic organisations, has accused Zec of being partisan and aiding Zanu PF in elections, especially its handling of the designing and printing of ballot papers, allocation of polling stations and management of the voters roll.

Madhuku said Polad was concerned about Zec and was, therefore, moving to flush out problematic areas in the electoral management body.

“The second thing to change is to ensure that Zec is not only independent, but has to be seen to be independent so we are going to be changing the appointment process, the chairperson of the Zec must not be appointed by the President or the President in consultation with so and so; no, no, no,” Madhuku said.

“That person must be approved by a platform of political actors, so Polad is going to appoint the chairperson of the electoral commission of the 2023 elections; that will be a massive change. For you to be chairperson of Zec, you must get the buy-in of Polad and that is one of the reforms that we are going to put. The President can appoint all the other things, but not the people who run elections, that was the mistake of 2018.”

Inside Zec is the all-powerful logistics committee and a number of alleged former securocrats accused of pulling the strings in favour of Zanu PF, a party with strong military links. Madhuku said that committee will also be flushed out.

“We are not worried about the security actors in Zec, they will all be removed, that is what Polad is all about. There are people who think Polad is a play field and it has no teeth, they will see that Polad has teeth. We are going to remove the entire thing, for the 2023 elections you must enjoy the confidence of Polad, including those who will come in wanting to contest the 2023 elections and this must be in place by 2021. We must actually have in place a new Zec,” he said.

While opposition parties have been blamed for sitting on their laurels and failing to push for electoral reforms only to raise their heads on the eve of the polls, Madhuku said between now and the next election, there must be work to ensure that the next election is free and peaceful.

Zimbabwe Elections Support Network (Zesn), which has since petitioned Parliament for electoral reforms, has also developed a tracker which will note all reforms, particularly those raised in line with recommendations made by electoral observer missions who observed the 2018 general elections.

Key among the recommendations captured by Zesn in a compendium of 100 recommendations is the transmission of results, fair media coverage and electoral malpractices.

Madhuku said all this will be dealt with as Polad moves to reform State-controlled media and public broadcasters.

“We want to have an environment where everyone has access to the public media, access to radio, access to ZTV because they are the most widespread, that must be done. In the last election, if you were not a Zanu PF candidate you got a maximum of a stage-managed interview where the ZBC interviewers would try to downgrade you as a politician, whereas the other player who is the President ED would be on television every day, that is the first thing to change.”

Chamisa’s MDC is pushing for demonstrations and diplomatic pressure on Zanu PF and government with the hope of ousting Mnangagwa before 2023 and replacing him with a transitional government that can wring in real reforms, but Polad is opposed to this move, saying only elections matter.

“Look, they (Zanu PF) have no clue, but we have no legal standing ourselves to remove them because people are put in place by the electorate, all we can do is facilitate the holding of the next election under different conditions. You cannot use the streets to remove the government of the day, in the same way you cannot use the military to remove the government of the day. The government of the day will have to be removed through a free, fair and legitimate election,” he said.

Zanu PF representative at Polad and politburo member Munyaradzi Paul Mangwana said his party was unaware of any push to fire Zec commissioners or reform the commission.

“I am not aware of any meeting that such an item was on the agenda. I have lots of respect for Professor Madhuku, but we have never had that issue on the agenda. If Zanu PF wants to reform Zec, it will certainly not discuss that with the media,” Mangwana said.

Newzwire|The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has banned cash-in and cash-out transactions on mobile money. But, by announcing the ban without bringing a solution to the cash crunch, central bank officials are reminding us of what they are; firefighters that miss the real problem for the symptoms.

On Tuesday, RBZ announced that it was banning the withdrawal and deposit of cash on mobile money platforms, as well as cash-backs by retailers, a response to high charges levied by agents taking advantage of the shortage of cash.

“Notable activities include the buying and selling of cash through mobile money agents at high rates above the approved charges for cash-in and cash-out with some economic agents not banking cash sales under the disguise of cash-back services,” the central bank said in a statement.

RBZ says these platforms are “distorting the pricing of goods and services”. However, while it is true that agents have been taking advantage of the cash crisis, it is also true that this is a symptom of central bank’s own failure to manage money supply.

EcoCash, the country’s largest mobile platform, was set up on September 29, 2011, partly as a response to the cash crisis.

“With critical shortage of US dollar notes, the Econet system will completely eliminate the need for any notes for purchases below US$20,” Econet said at the time.

Eight years later, and because RBZ has still not found a solution to the cash crisis, authorities have now ripped out one of the key functionalities of mobile money that made it a success.

It is true that many EcoCash agents were taking advantage of the crisis, charging big fees for cash. EcoCash recently had to cancel the licences of 4,000 agents. Now, with this latest measure, all 50,000 agents are out of business. It is true, EcoCash itself could have been more proactive. Still, these things happen because greedy people will always take advantage of a crisis left to fester.

As Econet founder Strive Masiyiwa said recently, solve that crisis, and they have no loophole to exploit.

In his monetary policy statement earlier September, RBZ governor John Mangudya admitted as such. He said the “failure to get cash is undermining the confidence in the local currency, as well as forcing economic agents to resort to the illegal transactions in foreign currency and to selling cash at a premium”.

And what did he plan to do about it? He promised to “inject additional notes and coins on a gradual basis, to support productive (sectors) and lessen the inconvenience caused by physical cash shortages to the transacting public”.

He said he wants to keep the level of cash in circulation at between 10% to 15% of broad money supply, in line with what regional economies do.

So, what’s stopping him?

The story of RBZ’s failure to sort itself out is told in its own numbers. In June – and these are the latest numbers available from our data-allergic RBZ – broad money supply stood at $14.78 billion. Of this figure, just 3.19% is in cash and coins. In total, there was $510 million in bond notes and $87.6 million in bond coins.

Total deposits stood at $14.3 billion; the $600 million odd stock of cash is just a fraction of the money available.

RBZ would like to tell us that this small amount of cash in circulation is part of a deliberate plan to contain money supply. In truth, they have done nothing of the sort, as the IMF pointed out recently. In fact, by RBZ’s own stats, between June last year and June 2019, broad money grew 70%.

There are other numbers that show how far behind the curve the RBZ is; the total value of mobile and internet based transactions was $9.67 billion in June 2019. Compare this to cash-based transactions, which were valued at $724.76 million in the same month.

EcoCash has handled over $78 billion since launch, and accounts for 98% of all mobile money in the country. It takes up the bulk of electronic transactions; by volume, mobile money currently makes up 82% of all payments. Moves to shift how it works will have some impact on the economy.

The premiums charged by mobile money agents hurt the poor the most, and had to be dealt with. However, they are symptom of a broader crisis; the cash crisis, rising inflation and the government’s failure to deal with these problems decisively. That is where the solution lies, and not in rash regulations, bans and orders that do little to solve the underlying problem.   

– This was first published here by the Newzwire

Paul Nyathi|The Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on Monday confirmed the arrest of former National Employment Council for Engineering Council secretary-general Pumulani Musagwiza.

Musagwiza was nabbed on fraud charges after he allegedly seized the organisation’s car and a pharmacy. ZACC spokesperson, Commissioner John Makamure said:

We have arrested Musagwiza Pumulani the former secretary-general for National Employment Council for Engineering on four counts of fraud.

He fraudulently transferred two vehicles of the organisation to himself and one vehicle to the former chairperson. He also transferred the organisation’s pharmacy to himself.

He will appear in court tomorrow. Vehicles are all valued at $247 000. He is detained at Mabelreign Police Station.

The arrest comes among revelations by ZACC chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo that she and her team of commissioners have acquired firearms for personal security amid reports that they have been receiving death threats from unknown people over high profile graft cases under investigation.

On Friday, Justice Matanda-Moyo and the commissioners underwent a firearms training at the Zimbabwe Republic Police shooting range at Morris Depot in Harare before being issued with arms.

In an interview, Justice Matanda-Moyo said she personally received incessant phone calls from members of the corruption cartels involving cases of high profile political figures under investigation and a firearm becomes a necessary self-defence weapon.

“I have received a number of calls from people instructing me to drop certain cases involving political figures and other prominent people.

“I still receive the calls with others threatening my life. Others were trying to influence me on how ZACC should operate, particularly telling me who should and should not be investigated,” she said.

The callers, Justice Matanda-Moyo said, complain about the investigation of certain individuals.

Despite the threats, Justice Matanda-Moyo said, she will soldier on and fight corruption to the end.

“As ZACC, we investigate all cases without fear or favour. The fight against corruption is a sacrifice and there is no going back,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said Zimbabweans were peace-loving people but a firearm was a necessary defence tool against the violent characters.

“If someone decides to be violent he or she must be met with self-defence that is equivalent. “Firearms become necessary for ZACC commissioners,” she said.

The arrest of Musagwiza by ZACC follows those of high profile individuals, among them former Tourism Minister Priscah Mupfumira and former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko.

Paul Nyathi|CHIEF Zvimba has apologised to President Mnangagwa over inconsistencies in the burial arrangements of the country’s late founding father former President Mugabe, who was laid to rest at his rural home in Zvimba on Saturday.

In an interview, Chief Zvimba’s spokesperson Gibson Jenami said the new arrangement came as a shock to them since it was made by the family.

“Since the death of the late former President Mugabe, chiefs were at the forefront of working with the bereaved family and the Government on burial arrangements,” he said.

“It was traditional leaders and the family who requested the Government to prepare the place where he was supposed to be buried. After we had agreed, we went to the national shrine to identify the burial place, together with Chatunga and Tino. Everyone was satisfied with the burial place.

“Let me make it clear that President Mnangagwa never forced anyone to bury the former President’s body at the National Heroes’ Acre. He urged them to find a place of their choice to bury him. Zvimba chiefs, Chatunga and Tino Mugabe were at the forefront and settled for the hill top at the national shrine.

He added: “The problem emanated last Friday when we 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.

“I want President Mnangagwa to know that in any family there are disputes and he must find it in his heart to forgive them.

“We are ashamed and we are deeply sorry for the loss that the Government incurred. Sorry for the inconveniences caused by the family. There were rumours that President Mnangagwa even bribed Zvimba chiefs but nothing of that sort ever happened. I am pleading with the President to continue being the good man he has always been.”

He said the national shrine was the most appropriate place for the burial of the former President.

“The chiefs had settled for the National Heroes’ Acre, since the former President spent most of his life as a nationalist,” he said.

The apology comes after Mnangagwa was rumoured to have met with the traditional leaders from Zvimba in the discussions around the burial of Mugabe and allegedly bribed them with ten thousand dollars each to have them agree to get Mugabe buried at the National Heroes Acre.

The revelation was made by former ZANU PF heavyweight Jonathan Moyo.

Said Moyo, “Instead of going to mourn with them, he’s summoning the chiefs of the bereaved to his office to bribe them with $10K cash bundles and promises of cars for the corrupt purpose of getting them to defy Gushungo’s now known declaration to rest next to his mother at his ancestral home!”

Reports said the delegation pledged full support to Government arrangements and programmes.

The meeting which is said to have lasted for under an hour took place at the Mnangagwa’s Munhumutapa Offices.

1/2 In a sad development, a 11/2 year old toddler died in Gwelutshena after he crawled and fell into a tin of boiling water. The toddler’s mother had removed the tin from the fire and disaster struck while she was outside the kitchen hut performing other household chores.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) September 30, 2019

2/2 In Byo a 3 year boy fell from a bed onto burning charcoal (mbaura) which was on the floor & sustained facial burns. He later had difficulties in breathing & died a few hrs after the incident. We urge parents to take all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of children.

— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) September 30, 2019

Harare judge Justice Owen Tagu has postponed to Thursday the matter in which water rights advocacy organisation the Community Water Alliance Trust (CWAT seeking an order to compel President Emmerson Mnangagwa to declare the water crisis in Harare a state of disaster.

At High Court, Justice Tagu is presiding over the hearing of an urgent application filed by @ZLHRLawyers on behalf of Community Water Alliance Trust seeking to compel central Govt& @cohsunshinecity to make provisions to supply water to residents in Harare.

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) September 30, 2019

The judge said the postponement was to allow lawyers from Attorney General’s Office to seek further instructions on representing President Mnangagwa.

CWAT which is being represented by Denford Halimani of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said despite the calamity of the water crisis, President Mnangagwa had inexplicably not exercised his powers to declare a state of disaster, which would allow for the intervention of central government and donor support to avert a foreseeable imminent disaster.

Justice Owen Tagu has postponed to Thursday the matter in which water rights campaigners are seeking an order to compel President Mnangagwa to declare the water crisis in Harare a state of disaster to allow lawyers from AG's Office to seek further instructions on representing him

— ZLHR (@ZLHRLawyers) September 30, 2019

State Media|ZIMBABWE Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo and her team of commissioners have acquired firearms for personal security amid reports that they have been receiving death threats from unknown people over high profile graft cases under investigation.

On Friday, Justice Matanda-Moyo and the commissioners underwent a firearms training at the Zimbabwe Republic Police shooting range at Morris Depot in Harare before being issued with arms.

In an interview, Justice Matanda-Moyo said she personally received incessant phone calls from members of the corruption cartels involving cases of high profile political figures under investigation and a firearm becomes a necessary self-defence  weapon.

“I have received a number of calls from people instructing me to drop certain cases involving political figures and other prominent people.

“I still receive the calls with others threatening my life. Others were trying to influence me on how ZACC should operate, particularly telling me who should and should not be investigated,” she said.

The callers, Justice Matanda-Moyo said, complain about the investigation of certain individuals.

Despite the threats, Justice Matanda-Moyo said, she will soldier on and fight corruption to the end. 

“As ZACC, we investigate all cases without fear or favour. The fight against corruption is a sacrifice and there is no going back,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said Zimbabweans were peace-loving people but a firearm was a necessary defence tool against the violent characters.

“If someone decides to be violent he or she must be met with self-defence that is equivalent. “Firearms become necessary for ZACC commissioners,” she said.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said all the other commissioners were now armed after taking up the firearms training on Friday.

“Corruption is a complex issue and the moment you try to fight cartels, they will be having their own people on the ground to harm you.

“The other commissioners have also acquired firearms for security,” she said. 

This comes at a time ZACC had fired warning shots and arrested a number of high profile figures since the appointment of a team of new commissioners.

ZACC revealed that it was investigating more than 200 cases of corruption-related crimes emanating from a varied spectrum of the economy and arrests will be effected soon.

Justice Matanda-Moyo said her Commission was out on a mission to aggressively fight corruption and was different from other previous bodies given that it was now headed by a judicial officer.

Speaking after her swearing in at State house in Harare recently, Justice Matanda-Moyo vowed to thoroughly investigate all cases without fear or  favour. 

State Media|Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube told journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet briefing that the decision to ban cash-in, cash-out and cash-back transactions was motivated by the desire to reduce the burden on citizens who were needlessly losing value for their money.

“The feeling here was that on the cash-in, cash-out transactions, there was an implicit exchange rate that was applying because of the discounts that these agents were applying; discounts as high as 55 percent or 60 percent on RTGS balances.

“That’s what (brought) that directive from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe. That is what it is trying to deal with, to make sure that it (discounts for cash) does not become yet another rate,” said Prof Ncube.

He said the country was going back to multiple exchange rates and the RBZ ban seeks to try “to close that gap”.

“Then over time, obviously cash in circulation will be increased; so we should expect that to happen,” said Prof Ncube.

Economist Mr Persistence Gwanyanya said the reaction by RBZ on the cash-in, and cash-out transactions “was ostensibly driven by the need to restore sanity in the financial services sector”.

“Given the RBZ’s primary duty to ensure price and financial services sector stability, the intervention of RBZ is unsurprising as our enterprising population was increasingly abusing the cash-in, cash-out facility by selling cash at exorbitant rates of up to 60 percent.

“However, what is more important is to understand the drivers of these unscrupulous behaviours for more effective policy intervention.

“We expected RBZ to concurrently increase the cash in the economy to recommended levels of 10 percent to 15 percent of money supply, which is also the desired level RBZ indicated in the recently announced Mid-Term Monetary Policy Review,” he said.

With the current money supply level of around $15 billion, cash in circulation should be between $1,5 and $2,25billion.

Presently, there is about $600 million cash in circulation, which Mr Gwanyanya said was “way lower than the required amounts”.

“Whilst it may appear obvious that RBZ should simply increase cash in circulation, the issue is a bit complicated as the leadership has already indicated that the bond notes and coins are on their way out, with new currency coming.

“So it’s illogical to increase the amount of money that is being phased out, which speaks to the need to expedite the new currency that was spoken about by the President himself,” said Mr Gwanyanya.

Paul Nyathi|GOVERNMENT has withdrawn orders issued three months ago banning the private transportation of grain within the country.

The flip flopping government gave the greenlight to individuals and corporates with free funds to import any quantities of grain into the country to complement Treasury efforts in ensuring adequate food reserves.

Minister Shiri revealed the new guidelines while responding to questions during a Senate sitting session in Harare last week.

This was after MDC Senator Elias Mudzuri had sought clarity on Government policy regarding sustainability of small stock industries such as piggery and poultry.

Just three months ago, government announced new regulations banning private sales and requiring all maize to be sold to the Grain Marketing Board (GMB), in a move that was designed to try and control prices of mealie-meal.

The regulations, published under Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019, also banned the transportation of more than five bags of maize except when making deliveries to the GMB.

According to the SI, the export of maize was to be the preserve of the GMB and the police were empowered to seize maize where breaches occurred, with individuals falling foul of the new legal requirements facing up to two years in prison.

The SI gave the GMB the power to reject any maize delivered by a person other than a producer or a contractor.

“No person or statutory body or company or entity shall sell or otherwise acquire any maize from any farmer or producer other than through the GMB,” the regulations read.

“A person who acquires any maize for use as seed shall not use or dispose of that maize for any other purpose unless with written permission of the GMB.”

The SI also said only five bags of maize with a weight of 50kg or less each could be transported from one province to another, except when making a delivery to the GMB.

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister, Retired Air Chief Marshall Perrance Shiri, announced dumping of these regulations saying that those intending to import grain can obtain the required licensing from relevant authorities.

“All those who want to import grain are free to do so, be it for domestic consumption or resale. It is up to the individual. Import licences can be secured from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. There is no limit to the amount of grain you can import into the country,” he said.

“One will actually be complementing Government efforts by importing grain. If there is anyone who intends to import, they are most welcome to do so and they can approach AMA for the necessary licences.

“Licences can easily be availed so that those with free funds can actually import grain into the country.”

The country needs an estimated 800 000 tonnes of maize imports to cover the gap up to the next harvesting season.

The country, whose national grain requirements stand at 1,8 million tonnes, will be importing the bulk of the maize from Southern African countries. The National Railways of Zimbabwe has already started bringing in part of the grain consignment imported from Tanzania.

The Minister explained that all Government efforts regarding grain imports were informed by the fact that the country did not get enough cereals or grain last season due to drought, hence the need to prioritise allocations.

“As a result, Government has had to put into place arrangements for the importation of grain. The grain that is being imported shall be for human, livestock consumption and other industrial uses.

“Government is one such buyer and supplier of cereals, there is nothing which stops all other players in the industry from importing their own cereal requirements,” Minister Shiri said.

He noted that while Government was seized with grain allocations to those in critical need for human consumption, farmers could access some spoilt grain from GMB, which may not necessarily be suitable for human consumption but could be used as livestock feed.

Sen Mudzuri had argued that farmers were unable to access grain for purposes of animal feed at the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) depots.

The Upper House discussed the urgent need to also prioritise stockfeed and noted in particular concerns over livestock death mainly in the southern parts of the country. Members suggested that Government sets aside a portion of grain reserves to assist the livestock sector, which is a critical arm of the economy.

Farmers were also urged to embark on an exercise of harvesting hay and using it to supplement the requirements of cattle feed.

Paul Nyathi|Opposition MDC is set to pull another stunt on President Emmerson Mnangagwa as he goes to parliament for the State of the Nation Address (SONA) and official opening of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament today.

The SONA will be the third by President Mnangagwa in his capacity as the Head of State and Government.

In previous occasions the MDC legislators have refused to recognise him as the legitimate President of the country.

The first time he came to parliament, the MDC legislators refused to stand up when he made his way into parliament resulting in them being kicked out of the house by the Speaker of Parliament.

On the second occasion, the legislators walked out on the President as he started presenting his State of The Nation Address.

The MDC claims Mnangagwa is not the rightful President of the country as they accuse him of rigging the last elections. The party claims that their leader, Nelson Chamisa won the elections and is the legitimate President of Zimbabwe.

Both the official opening and the SONA will be done during a joint sitting of the National Assembly and Senate at Parliament Building in Harare.

Clerk of Parliament, Kennedy Chokuda, said all was now set for the SONA by Mnangagwa.

“Preparations for the SONA and official opening (of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament) are at an advanced stage. We look forward to a flawless event as we have activated our systems to ensure everything goes well,” said Chokuda.

“The SONA and official opening mark the beginning of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament. We expect His Excellency, the President to review the state of the nation over the last 12 months and to outline the legislative agenda of Government for the next 12 months,” he said.

The SONA and opening of the Second Session of the Ninth Parliament is expected to be attended by members of the judiciary, service chiefs, diplomats accredited to Zimbabwe, civic society members, and captains of industry, among other dignitaries.

In his address, the President is expected to outline policy direction and the legislative agenda of the Second Session.

President Mnangagwa is expected to spell out the legislative agenda by outlining the Bills set to be presented in the coming Session.

The opening of the Second Session marks the end of the First Session of the Ninth Parliament, which saw at least 15 Bills out of 30 being presented.

At least 30 Bills were expected to be tabled in the First Session of the Ninth Parliament.

Movers of the Bills will have to seek Parliament to reinstate outstanding Bills at the stage they were by the end of the First Session.

Five Bills were passed by Parliament and two of them were signed into law while the other three are awaiting Presidential assent.

Laws that were assented to are; the Shop Licence Amendment Act and the Tripartite Negotiating Forum Act; while the Consumer Protection Bill, Microfinance Amendment Bill and the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill, are awaiting assent.

The TNF Act establishes the Tripartite Negotiating Forum that brings together Government, business and labour in a formal setting to discuss pertinent issues affecting the economy with the aim of preventing clashes that characterised relations of the three in the past.

The Shop Licence Act reduces bureaucracy in the establishment of businesses including creation of electronic platforms for application for business licences while the Consumer Protection Bill seeks to protect consumer rights from unscrupulous businesses bent on profiteering at their expense and provides them mechanisms to seek recourse.

Paul Nyathi|President Mnangagwa yesterday rushed in to dispel Zanu PF Secretary for Administration Dr Obert Mpofu’ s obvious untimely declaration that the party will repossess properties registered under the party but belonged to the late former President Robert Mugabe including the magnificent Blue-roof Mansion.

Mpofu prematurely announced that the properties would be turned into museums to fund raise for the party certainly without Mnangagwa’s authorisation.

Sensing a nationwide furore on the move, Mnangagwa immediately issued a statement dispelling Mpofu’s threats. Mnangagwa said Zanu-PF, was determined to transfer the title deeds of the imposing Blue Roof mansion in Borrowdale and a Mount Pleasant property to the late former President Robert Mugabe’s family.

President Mnangagwa set the record straight.

“I was in a meeting with President Mnangagwa today (yesterday), who advised me that the party will transfer title deeds of the two properties to the family as promised.

“Nothing has changed on party’s commitment to transfer the two properties,” said Dr Mpofu.

Mugabe, who died on September 6 in Singapore, was declared a national hero by Zanu-PF but his family indicated that he wished to be buried in Kutama, Zvimba, in Mashonaland West Province. He was buried on Saturday.

Recently, the Mugabe family spokesperson Leo Mugabe confirmed that Zimbabwe’s late founding father did not own both the Blue Roof mansion and the Mount Pleasant house occupied by Mrs Bona Mugabe-Chikore.

“The issue of properties is being handled by the President. He is handling the issue to ensure the family is safe. I was told by President Mnangagwa that the party will help to transfer the title deeds of the properties to the former President’s family,” he said.

Mr Mugabe said Zanu-PF owned the land on which the two houses were constructed.

“It’s so funny (that) the party (Zanu-PF) is the one that bought the first house in Mt Pleasant and the land for the Blue Roof property. It leaves the former President Mugabe without a house in Harare,” he said.

Dr Mpofu said they were doing the paperwork to transfer the properties to the Mugabe family.

Government has stipulated a $6 000 fine for anyone found pricing goods and services in foreign currency, with a view to stopping the price madness on the market where some traders continue to wilfully violate national regulations to price in local currency.

This follows the promulgation of Statutory Instrument (SI) 212 of 2019 Exchange Control (Exclusive Use of Zimbabwe Dollar for Domestic Transactions) Regulations 2019. The SI was published last Friday in terms of Section 2 of the Exchange Control Act [Chapter 22:05].

According to the regulations, failure to pay the prescribed fine will attract an extra $100 daily for each day of default.

The extra charge will run for 90 days before the accused is committed to civil imprisonment.

However, for crimes regarded more serious, defaulters will be fined a cumulative fee of $1 200 per day over 90 days, over and above the $6000 fixed fine in the event they fail to comply with the law.

The new regulations regulations make it illegal for one to pay or to receive payment in foreign currency in any domestic transaction.
It means that it has become a civil offence to pay or receive payment in foreign currency.

The SI further expands the circumstances where such receiving or paying in foreign currency is unlawful.
It also says quoting, displaying, charging, soliciting for payment or receiving payment for goods, services, fees or commission in any other foreign currency is an offence.State media

GOVERNMENT has lifted the ban on private grain sales and granted the nod to individuals and corporates with free funds to import quantities of their choice to complement Treasury’s efforts in ensuring adequate national grain reserves.

Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri, briefing journalists after yesterday’s Cabinet meeting, said those intending to do so can obtain required licensing from relevant authorities.

“All those who want to import grain are free to do so, be it for domestic consumption or resale. It is up to the individual. Import licences can be secured from the Ministry of Lands and Agriculture. There is no limit to the amount of grain you can import into the country,” he said.

“One will actually be complementing Government efforts by importing grain.

“If there is any who intends to import, they are most welcome to do so and they can approach AMA (Agricultural Marketing Authority) for the necessary licences. Licences can easily be availed so that those with free funds can actually import grain into the country.”

The intervention comes at a time when Zimbabwe has suffered reduced yields as a result of drought experienced last season. The country needs an estimated 800 000 tonnes of maize imports to cover the gap up to the next harvest and Government has assured the nation that no one will starve.

The country, whose national grain requirement stands at 1,8 million tonnes, will be importing the bulk of the maize from Southern African countries.State media

Farai Dziva|
The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has received briefings from a lot of diplomats on the need for an inclusive national dialogue, it has emerged.

“He is well aware that in the absence of Chamisa and Mnangagwa smoking a peace pipe, things will get worse and could lead to instability in the country,” a government source said.

Watch video below. ..

Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli’s bookish policies are disastrous, Masvingo based political analyst Jeffryson Chitando has said.

“Prof Mutuvi Ncube doesn’t know that banning Ecocash will never solve Zimbabwean economic crisis.

This will force goods in the streets to official be sold in foreign currency. Rentals will by November be charged in foreign currency if he maintains this policy.Ecocash was the best available money transaction.

Banning Ecocash will mean most people will not have any alternative besides charging goods and services in foreign currency.Ncube should apply for free lectures on Casino Economy from Moneychangers.

The Moneychangers are far more advanced than his bookish policies ,they survived 2008-9 economic crisis while he was in European countries.

Farai Dziva|
The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has received briefings from a lot of diplomats on the need for an inclusive national dialogue, it has emerged.

“He is well aware that in the absence of Chamisa and Mnangagwa smoking a peace pipe, things will get worse and could lead to instability in the country,” a government source said.

By A Correspondent| Addressing the media following a cabinet meeting today )Monday), Information and Publicity minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the decision by the city fathers to shut down Morton Jaffray Water Works without consulting central government was

“…..Cabinet received a report on the decision by the Harare City Council to completely shut down Morton Jaffray water works citing lack of treatment chemicals. Of greater concern to government is that such a far reaching decision was taken without consulting government.”

Watch the video loading below for this and more…..

By A Correspondent| The Ministry of Information has said contrary to reports suggesting that the ruling party was planning on turning the Blue Roof Mansion into a museum, president Emmerson Mnangagwa was committed to transferring it to the family of the late former president of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe.

The Blue Roof is the current residence of the Mugabe family.

Reports had suggested that ZANU PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu had said that the ruling party was contemplating converting the mansion into anything that would benefit the party.

This was contradictory to the party’s pledge to transfer the mansion’s title deeds to Mugabe family. 

Posting on Twitter, the Ministry of Information said:

“Both ZANU PF and the Govt are led by one Principal, President @edmnangagwa. His position regarding properties which are due to be transferred to the family of the late Cde RG Mugabe is that he will honour the commitments he made. Those properties will be transferred as planned.”

By A Correspondent| Chicken Inn, a fast-food brand in Zimbabwe that is operated by Simbisa Brands group has reportedly announced that it will be accepting foreign currency as payment for its services.

A notice circulating on social media suggests that the food outlet has taken the move since it is classified under tourist facilities under the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20).

The notice read:

Notice to our valued customers

This is a registered tourist facility in terms of Section 2 of the Tourism Act (Chapter 14:20)

We therefore accept settlement in foreign currency from tourists and visitors.

Please enquire from the cashier/waiter for futher details.

The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has reportedly issued a directive instructing EcoCash and other mobile money providers to stop facilitating cash-in and cash-out transactions.

Here’s the full RBZ directive:

1. It has come to the attention of the
Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe that some
economic agents are engaging in
illegal activities abusing the cash-in,
cash-out and cash-back facilities
thereby compromising the public
interest objectives of national
payment systems in the economy.

2. Notable activities include the buying
and selling of cash through mobile
money agents at high rates above the approved charges for cash-in and
cash-out with some economic agents
not banking cash sales under the
disguise of cash-back services.

3. The charging of commissions outside the approved framework adversely affects the smooth operation of payment systems and have the negative effect of distorting pricing of goods and services.

4. In view of the above, all mobile
payment system providers and
merchants are hereby directed to
discontinue cash-in and cash-out
with immediate effect.

5. Furthermore, all economic agents
are, with immediate effect. directed
to discontinue cash-back facilities.

6. Banks, mobile payment system
providers and other economic agents
are reminded of the need to ensure
that the entire ecosystem operate
within the confines of law and
enforce compliance.
7. Please be guided accordingly.

The ruling ZANU PF is reportedly contemplating turning the Blue Roof Mansion into a museum while the family of the late former founding leader of Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe is still residing there.

ZBC News reports that ZANU PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu, revealed the development.

A few weeks ago, the party said that it was in the process of transferring title deeds of the mansion to the Mugabe family.

Analysts argued back then that the move was meant to bribe the Mugabe family into accepting to bury Mugabe at the National Heroes Acre and not Kutama his rural home where he was buried last Saturday.

The development could be viewed as retaliation to the embarrassment that was brought to the government when the family decided to take the former veteran leader to his rural home.

More: ZBC News

Information deputy minister Energy Mutodi is skating on a thin ice after the youth league in his home province came out against his recent labelling party youths as dunderheads. Provincial youth league chairperson Kelvin Mutsvairo called on Mutodi to publicly withdraw his comments as well as apologize to the youth league leadership.

Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi made the comments on Twitter, before flying into a spat with the Zanu-PF Youth League whose leaders he said were “full of crap”.

The controversy started after Mutodi tweeted: “After former president Robert Mugabe decided to be buried in a mausoleum, we anticipate the bourgeoisie will soon prefer the same burial as a sign of wealth and class. And the rural folks will call the grave ‘musoromiya’ of course failing in their endeavours to pronounce the term.”

Tazorora Musarurwa, an advocate, responded to Mutodi saying he “I feel sorry for my friends from the University of Cape Town that are so proud of their alma mater.” He added: “Was considering applying for a PhD there as well but I am certainly having second thoughts.”

Mutodi, who graduated with a PhD from the University of Cape Town (UCT) last year, replied: “UCT is Africa’s best university. You can apply but you certainly don’t qualify judging by your IQ. Try MSU instead.”

Hundreds of Twitter users, including former and current MSU students, criticised Mutodi’s comments. He eventually took down his original tweet about Mugabe’s mausoleum, although the subsequent comment about UCT and MSU was still accessible on Wednesday.

“Minister Mutodi must apologise to the Chancellor of MSU President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the nation for the comments he made. This is shocking to say the least,” tweeted Raymond Majongwe, the leader of the Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe.

“The fact that he is a government minister and is speaking against an institution of the same state he’s an official of is totally lost on him. If there was an IQ test result we needed to assess this court jester’s eligibility for public office, I’m glad that we now have it!” said journalist Chofamba Sithole.

Mutodi’s comments also attracted a response from Tendai Chirau, the Zanu-PF Youth League’s secretary for administration who tweeted: “I repeat once again, Energy Mutodi is not only a liability to government but a liability to his own country. It’s unfortunate that the supposed to be energetic minister has energy to diss his own institutions.”

This did not go down well with Mutodi, who fired back: “For Tendai Chirau, ranking an institution and giving it its proper position is unpatriotic. I don’t know why the ruling party continues to rely on these dunderheads. Probably explains why we have failed in urban constituencies. The youth league is full of crap.”

Chirau would have the final word, saying in response: “On the contrary, the court of public opinion knows that there is a legendary dunderhead occupying the office of Deputy Minister who has misplaced energy.”

Mutodi is not new to controversy. In the past, he has suggested that Ndebeles are foreigners. When a female opposition official was savagely attacked by Zanu-PF youths in Kwekwe, Mutodi commented: “No matter how democratic our government can be, we can never guarantee that drunkards and prostitutes stop fighting.”

In other news – Acie Lumumba apologises to Kasukuwere

Self-styled communications strategist William Gerald Mutumanje has apologized for joining the Lacoste faction and ditching the then G40 faction at the height of the battle to succeed late Zimbabwe’s strongman Robert Gabriel Mugabe.

Posting on micro-blogging site Twitter Mutumanje said, “Dear Hon. Kasukuwere you have taught me most of what I know about politics and I forever regard you. I am sorry we took different sides politically. I also regret it. Ndakatadza paya. U will be back, I know. G40 is very much alive! Once RGM gives you the signal, motiwudzawo.” continue reading

On Friday, 27 September 2019, Botswana’s non-governmental organisations called for peace ahead of what promises to be tightly contested polls scheduled for Wednesday, 23 October 2019.

The Universal Periodic Review – Non-Governmental Organisation (UPR NGO) Working Group (Botswana Chapter) has compiled a document in which it details what should happen before and after the elections.

The document stated that the principles of botho (humanity) and democracy continue to be the basis that allows Botswana to thrive despite trials and changing times.

“The positive role which Botswana has played and continues to play in the forging of peace and of democratic space in the SADC (Southern African Development Community) region is testimony to its culture of peaceful engagement,” read the document in part.

The NGOs said it is important that all candidates contesting the October poll should be role models for the nation by showing respect for one another, respecting the dignity of all and engaging in fair competition practices.

“An attack on the dignity of others is an attack on the dignity of all of us, as Batswana. This is the basis of mutual respect and botho,” the NGOs said.

They added: “Politics does not need to be a ‘game of insults’ – we unfortunately are making the choice for it to be so. Let us return to a respected and living botho in our nation.”

The UPR NGO Working Group also called on the authorities to ensure that the polls are safe, transparent, free, fair and peaceful.

“We further call upon all contesting parties to ensure that, upon winning elections, they uphold their human rights commitments and obligations,” the group said.

It further called upon political parties to ensure that the observance of the rule of law constitutes the core basis of their plan of action.

“This means that all should respect fundamental rights and freedoms, guarantee non-discrimination and effective access to justice,” the NGOs stated.

The ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) is expected to face stiff competition from an opposition coalition called Umbrella for Democratic Change and the newly formed Botswana Patriotic Front, a splinter group formed by disgruntled BDP members.

BDP is also facing a mammoth task following a fallout between incumbent president Mokgweetsi Masisi and his predecessor former president Ian Khama.

Khama and his brother, Tshekedi Khama, have since joined the newly formed BPF.

The UDC, on the other hand, is leaving no stone unturned as it has managed to source sponsors who have donated helicopters to help traverse the sparsely populated country.

Only the BDP used to reach far flung settlements as it benefited from state resources and international financers.

Farai Dziva|Finance Minister Mthuli’s bookish policies are disastrous, Masvingo based political analyst Jeffryson Chitando has said.

“Prof Mutuvi Ncube doesn’t know that banning Ecocash will never solve Zimbabwean economic crisis.

This will force goods in the streets to official be sold in foreign currency. Rentals will by November be charged in foreign currency if he maintains this policy.Ecocash was the best available money transaction.

Banning Ecocash will mean most people will not have any alternative besides charging goods and services in foreign currency.Ncube should apply for free lectures on Casino Economy from Moneychangers.

The Moneychangers are far more advanced than his bookish policies ,they survived 2008-9 economic crisis while he was in European countries.

Farai Dziva|
The Speaker of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has received briefings from a lot of diplomats who have emphasized the need for an inclusive national dialogue, it has emerged.

“He is well aware that in the absence of Chamisa and Mnangagwa smoking a peace pipe, things will get worse and could lead to instability in the country,” a government source said.

DID CHAMISA MESS UP? VIDEO: Chamisa’s wife was laughing when Nero was being handed the microphone also realising she had made a mistake to mention Susan instead of Elizabeth (something set to offend other women). WAS CHAMISA WRONG?

DID CHAMISA MESS UP? VIDEO: Chamisa's wife was laughing when Nero was waking away the microphone also realising she had made a mistake to mention Susan instead of Elizabeth (something that set to offend other women). WAS CHAMISA WRONG? pic.twitter.com/61by8vMj7s

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 30, 2019

By A Correspondent- Parliament is attempting to broker a deal to end the political stand-off between President Emmerson Mnangagwa and opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the face of renewed international pressure for dialogue.

Zimbabwe is suffering its worst economic crisis in a decade and talks between the two main political players are seen as key to reviving a country that was once dubbed the “breadbasket of Africa”.

Chamisa, who leads the opposition MDC and lost a disputed presidential election last year, maintains that Mnangagwa stole the vote with the help of the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, but has noticeably stopped describing his rival as “illegitimate” recently.

Sources familiar with the matter told a new publication that the Speaker of the National Assembly, Jacob Mudenda, has set up a team of negotiators who are shuttling between Munhumutapa government offices and MDC headquarters in an effort to bring the two political protagonists to the negotiating table.

“Mudenda has received briefings from a lot of diplomats who have
impressed on him the need for an inclusive national dialogue. He is well aware that in the absence of Chamisa and Mnangagwa smoking a peace pipe, things will get worse and could lead to instability in the country,” one source said.

Another source in the MDC said in an effort to lure the opposition, Mudenda is pushing to ensure Parliament fast-tracks critical electoral reforms and has engaged the Zimbabwe Electoral Support Network (Zesn) to help craft a comprehensive draft Bill which captures recommendations made in the observer mission reports on the 2018 general elections.

“At the core of the dispute is how elections have been run in this country, the laws, how the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has failed and all these things are captured in a compendium of recommendations by election observer missions, which were compiled by Zesn,” the source said.

“The same organisation has also petitioned Parliament on these reforms and the Speaker’s people assured the MDC that he will be pushing for these reforms.”

MDC deputy secretary for international affairs Douglas Mwonzora outlined key issues which emerged from a recent parliamentary committee visit to Sweden.

Mwonzora, who was part of the team that went on a diplomatic trip to the Scandinavian nation led by Mudenda, said the Speaker advised the Swedish authorities of his efforts to get the talks going.

“It is not factually correct that the Speaker and his delegation faced hostility from the Swedish authorities. The Speaker and his delegation were well received and all discussions were frank and cordial. Further, the Speaker advised the authorities that he had initiated a process to ensure dialogue between President Mnangagwa and the MDC president, Nelson Chamisa. He specifically indicated that there were overtures to the MDC Alliance party to have an inclusive national political dialogue,” Mwonzora wrote in a report about the trip to his party.

Mudenda reportedly also told the Swedish authorities that his legislative agenda involved getting help from Zesn to align the Electoral Act to the country’s Constitution.

“The Speaker also advised that he had tasked Zesn, (which is) composed of 30 civil society organisations, to revise the Electoral Act so that the same would be in line with the Constitution and international best practice. This follows Zesn’s petition to Parliament,” Mwonzora wrote.

Mnangagwa has already opened meetings with other fringe political parties and independents who contested in the 2018 presidential elections, but Chamisa and his party have refused to be involved because the talks were not curated by a neutral convenor.

Mudenda said he would not comment on the matter in the Press or public.

“We do not comment on these issues in the Press, it will be jumping the gun. Why don’t you allow the people who are doing what they are doing to finish what they are doing and then you can write. The media should play a developmental and nation-building role,” he said.

MDC spokesperson Daniel Molokele said he was not aware of any overtures by Mudenda to bring Chamisa to the negotiating table with Mnangagwa.

“You are actually breaking news for me, I am not aware of that. I am actually clueless,” he said.

Zanu PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo was not immediately available for comment as he was not answering his phone.

Meanwhile, Chamisa, together with his deputy Tendai Biti, returned from his diplomatic offensive tour of West Africa, where they met political party leaders, former heads of State and government and other officials to ramp up pressure for political talks back home.

The trip, which ended in Sierra Leone, started in Nigeria, where Chamisa and Biti were joined by former President Olusegun Obasanjo. The team combined the diplomatic offensive with promoting a book co-written by Biti and Obasanjo.

MDC deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka said the trip was an important diplomatic offensive, which had yielded many positive results all in an effort to ensure that Mnangagwa buckles to a political settlement over the crisis in Zimbabwe.

“The diplomatic offensive is going on well. President Chamisa … is tapping on the wisdom of those elders and its going on well … I can’t tell you the whole trajectory, but we are going to mount political and diplomatic pressure and we are well on course,” he said.

-Newsday

Paul Nyathi|Former Minister and Zanu-PF politburo member Professor Jonathan Moyo has called for the exhumation of Joshua Nkomo from the National Heroes Acre and his remains to be buried at the Matopos.

This follows a move by the Mugabe family to snub the National Heroes Acre and buried former President Robert Mugabe at his Zvimba rural home at the weekend.

Prof Moyo said it was only proper for Nkomo to be buried close to King Mzilikazi in Matopos.

With the "National Heroes Acre" soiled and confirmed as just a ZanuPF cemetery and thus permanently discredited, arguably, it stands to reason that #Matopos, where #KingMzilikazi rests, is the befitting resting place for #FatherZimbabwe. Something only a new Zimbabwe can correct! pic.twitter.com/N5Yt2KyGjd

— Prof Jonathan Moyo (@ProfJNMoyo) September 30, 2019

Nkomo died on 1 July 1999 and was buried at the Heroes Acre amid reports that his family wanted him to be buried next to his parents in Kezi.

Paul Nyathi|The family of the late former Zimbabwe president, Robert Mugabe, said the national hero was afraid that some top politicians would harvest his body parts for rituals if buried at the National Heroes Acre, is this a suggestion that Mugabe was aware that body parts go missing at the National Shrine?

Speaking from the Mugabe homestead at Kutama Village in Zvimba, Mugabe family spokesperson, Leo Mugabe said:

“You know some people have an inclination for rituals. We are afraid that some people are after his body parts or even his whole body and they want to use that for rituals.

Mugabe Family went further to assemble a very high security tamper proof coffin for him as if they knew something.

… the casket is tamper-proof and there is nothing unusual about that because we are trying to follow his last wishes which he confided to his wife before he passed on; he intimated that there were people who wanted to use his body for rituals.”

The family’s fears struck a final stroke when government revealed that it was building a mausoleum at the National Heroes Acre that would not be for Mugabe only forcing the family to immediately revoke the Heroes Acre burial.

“Someone within the family told Grace that the mausoleum would not be for Mugabe only but would house graves of other Zimbabwean presidents.

She was expressly against this and that was what pushed her to opt for the courtyard burial. She had also clashed with chiefs and elders from Mugabe’s home about where his body should be buried.”

Mugabe was finally buried on Saturday in Zvimba after his family rejected a government offer to have the remains buried in a mausoleum at the national shrine.

Pedzisai Ruhanya, of the Zimbabwe Democracy Institute, believes that Grace Mugabe may be persecuted for embarrassing the government. He said:

“Let the burial proceed and get done with and observe Zanu-PF vengeance thereafter. We know they won’t take it lying down. They feel disrespected by the Mugabe family.”

By A Correspondent- Teachers have pleaded with the government to extend the biometric registration deadline as they cite that the deadline is too soon and impossible to work with. 

ZIMTA Secretary-General Tapson Sibanda said:

“The deadline is too near and impossible to work with. As a union, we do not understand what the government is trying to do.

We have engaged the government requesting that the deadline be extended beyond Monday (today) but we are not sure if they are going to respond positively to our request.

PTUZ‘s Raymond Majongwe also echoed ZIMTA’s sentiments when he said:

“We also take great offence at the attempt to blackmail our members by threatening to cease their salaries. If any member’s salary is ceased unprocedurally, we will make it expensive for the Commission.

According to the publication, Majongwe viewed the short deadline as set “for no other reason than to terrify our members into reporting for work” even when they are incapacitated to do so due to underpayment.

Public Service Commission in a move to weed out ghost workers urged all civil servants to register biometrically or risk being struck off the government payroll by 30 September 2019.

-DailyNews

By A Correspondent- Buhera Ward 25 councillor John Mangezi (Zanu PF) suffered swollen testi_cles after a village head pulled his manhood and twisted it for allegedly discriminating against MDC Alliance supporters in food aid distribution.

Mangezi reported the matter and village head Liberty Masvingise has since appeared in court charged with assault.

Magistrate Gylmax Kuhudzai was told that on July 10, 2019 Masvingise approached Mangezi who was distributing social welfare food and told him that the allocation for his village was not enough. He accused the councillor of abusing his political power and sidelining people that he perceived to be opposition by either giving them little or no food at all.

The agitated Masvingise then got hold of the complainant’s trousers buckle, sneaked one of his hands beneath the underpants and pulled the contents in front of villagers who had gathered to get their food allocations at Matsetsa DDF Camp under Chief Nyashanu.

The complainant was saved by villagers who ran to his rescue. The court was told that Mangezi suffered a swollen right scrotal. The councillor is said to be in the habit of sidelining villagers who are not ZANU PF supporters.

Masvingise who is under Chief Nyashanu denied the allegations and said instead it was Mangezi who bit his hands. He said Mangezi bit him after he pestered him over food.

The village head told the court that the councillor accused him of being an MDC Alliance supporter before biting his hands.

The two briefly haggled over food distribution books before the situation turned nasty.

Witness Hamudi who represented the State said on July 10 at around 10am the complainant was doing his routine duty of allocating maize to villagers. While he was doing that the village head approached him and complained that his village’s allocation was not enough and the allocations were unfair.

The complainant tried to explain that the allocations had not beenincreased but the accused did not listen. The accused then got hold of the complainant’s trousers buckle and attacked him.

The matter was postponed to September 30, 2019 for continuation of trial.

— Mirror

Victor Bhoroma|The Zimbabwean Dollar was re-introduced on the 24^th of June 2019 through the gazetting of Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019. The law outlawed the use and indexing of multiple currencies for local goods and services in the economy.

The multiple currency regime had been in official existence since 2009 when the local currency first collapsed at the height of hyperinflation. The Zim Dollar was introduced at a rate of 2.5 to 1 United States Dollar in February, but has weakened to more than 15 on the interbank market within the last 6 months.

The need to boost exports through a weaker domestic currency has been touted as the key motivation for re-introducing the local currency. Zimbabwe’s export receipts grew from US$2.84 billion in 2016 to US$4.23 billion in 2018 largely due to the introduction of the export incentive scheme by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) in September 2016.

The central bank introduced the scheme at 5% of gross export receipts in order to boost production of minerals and tobacco. The scheme was later reviewed upwards of 10% and widened to include diaspora remittances, manufacturing sector and all other export based industries in the economy. Buoyed by the general production stability witnessed in 2016, 2017 and 2018 where the country had uninterrupted power and fuel supplies, exports grew significantly.

This was despite the fact that the United States Dollar was the official currency in Zimbabwe in those three years. This year, exports have declined by 7.5% to US$1.9 billion for the first half of 2019 as compared to the same period in 2018.

There are a plethora of reasons why export receipts are declining in 2019 and these include resentment by exporters (especially small-scale Gold producers and tobacco farmers) over the low export retention thresholds, delays in payment by the apex bank and weakening exchange rate for the local currency used to compensate them for retained export receipts. Other reasons include fuel shortages, power cuts and increase in the cost of production on the local market.

It would have been expected (if the assertion was true) that with the loss of value in the Zimbabwean Dollar since February 2019, exports would grow exponentially with the rate or at least gradually with more appetite from Zimbabwe’s key export markets. The lessons from the first half of 2019, the export incentive scheme and the 2006-2009 period when the value of the Zimbabwean Dollar plunged to record lows is that growth in exports has very little to do with an undervalued local currency, but more to do with supply side incentives.

Zimbabwe’s export receipts are heavily biased towards raw commodities from mining and agriculture and these have been the mainstay of the country’s export performance since the turn of the decade.

Mining and agriculture commodities make up 92% of Zimbabwe’s formal export receipts and their prices on the world market are marked in the United States Dollar (not the local currency).

However producers have got a production cost component calculated in the local currency which benefits them more if the local currency depreciates in value against the US Dollar.

It is worth pointing that a very large portion of precious metals and other minerals are smuggled out of the country or under invoiced, hence they are not accurately accounted for on export receipts.

Potentially Zimbabwe’s export revenues from mining could be over US$5.5 billion per year. Manufactured exports (which are largely dependent on the value of the local currency) make up an average of 5% of export receipts in the past 5 years.

Manufactured exports are informed by productivity in Agriculture and their value declined significantly after the Land Reform Programme of 2000 and subsequent decay of production equipment. Therefore the country has to focus on the factors that boost export oriented production utilizing core competences in mining and agriculture. These factors include:

Enhancing production capacity

The most important factor in export growth is optimal production capacity, which is essentially measured using output per hour. Major export oriented economies in the world such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Germany and South Africa closer home; focus on boosting production capacity through supply side incentives, technology development and retooling of production equipment which benefit them through economies of scale, better than smaller economies.

The quality of merchandise is directly related to the price to be paid by the importer. Zimbabwe needs to focus on boosting production capacity in mining, agriculture and manufacturing industries first before the value of the local currency can be touted as a boost.

There is no benefit in having a weaker currency in an economy which fails to grow its production capacity. Supply side incentives range from tax cuts, production subsidies, government sponsored export development and export finance among others.

Zimbabwe focused on production subsidies in the past 4 years, only that the subsidies could not be sustained as they did not benefit genuine exporters in the economy and were funded through excessive money printing which was not backed by GDP growth. Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector requires retooling while agriculture requires finality to land tenure issues that hinder investment.

Competitive export retention thresholds

The drop in production of Gold from 17.3 tonnes in H1 2018 to 12.3 tonnes in H1 2019 and Tobacco among other key export earners is largely attributed to resentment over low export retention thresholds. The central bank needs to increase export retention thresholds while creating a conducive environment for exporters to liquidate their proceeds on the interbank market.

The liquidation aspect is correlated to the level of confidence that the exporters have in the economy and the value of the local currency. However, higher retention thresholds boost confidence, improve production capacity and allow free movement of capital in and out of the country.  They also reduce the levels of smuggling for precious minerals and under invoicing of exports in general.

Value addition and beneficiation

Zimbabwe has not been able to significantly grow its export revenues due to limited value addition and beneficiation on the local market. The country misses billions of potential foreign currency earnings through exports of raw or semi processed commodities such as tobacco, chrome, precious metals and other mineral ores.

These exports are value added in China, United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa earning those countries billions in export revenues. It is not surprising that China is the biggest producer of Ferro-chrome yet they do not mine the mineral and UAE exports over US$4.5 billion of cigarettes yet they barely grow tobacco. Value addition on the local market will guarantee Zimbabwe more export revenues which are less susceptible to commodity price movements as well. Value addition has ripple effects to manufacturing and service industries as well.

A weaker currency is a boost to countries that can produce optimally and take advantage of their undervalued currencies to export more units. A weaker Zimbabwean Dollar has limited contribution to the local economy considering the fact that the local economy is extractive in nature and there is little value addition applied to bulk of the country’s exports. Zimbabwe is a net importer from South Africa, Singapore and the United Kingdom despite the fact that their currencies are valued higher than the Zimbabwean Dollar.

Commodities traded on the world market are indexed in US Dollar values and success or failure rests on production capacity, economies of scale and incentives given to exporters to produce more.

Victor Bhoroma is economic analyst. He is a marketer by profession and holds an MBA from the University of Zimbabwe (UZ). For feedback, mail him on [email protected] or alternatively follow him on Twitter @VictorBhoroma1.

Jane Mlambo| Harare City Mayor Herbert Gomba has denied that the local authority has been given $42 million by the government adding that the supplies that were said to be stuck at the Beitbridge border only covers until the end of October.

Writing on microblogging site Twitter on Sunday, Gomba said they have received 11 cylinder of chlorine gas to take the city to October with the chemicals purchased by internal resources mobilised by the city fathers.

“To inform my bosses our residents that the truck which was wrongly said to be stuck at the boarder arrived with 11 cylinders of chlorine gas , that should take us thru October, again that was a purchase done by Cl using internal resources as we are waiting for gvnt support funds,” said Gomba.

“We have not received the said money yet from the central government, will inform the public when the money has been transferred into both the municipal and Chemplex account, for now, we are using internal resources for our municipal work, be blessed,” added Gomba.

A report in the Sunday Mail claimed that HCC has received an additional $42 million from the government to enable it to procure water chemicals.

THE number of people at risk of starvation this year has exponentially risen by 900% to 5,5 million, despite government shelling out a staggering US$3 billion since 2016 under the Command Agriculture programme targeted at alleviating starvation.

Recent disclosures by the Auditor-General (AG) show that substantial amounts of money under the programme were looted, mostly by top government officials, derailing the initiative. This has left millions of vulnerable citizens at the mercy of hunger. Government has since announced that it will splash an additional ZW$2,8 billion to finance production of the staple crop, maize, as well as soya bean under a cumulative land area of 240 000 hectares.

The programme, which formed the centrepiece of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s election manifesto last year and is aimed at attaining import substitution in maize, has been marred by massive corruption and reduced to a looting spree.

Statistics from the Food and Nutrition National Council and the Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (Zimvac) seen by the Zimbabwe Independent indicate that the number of people stalked by hunger last year rose sharply from 600 000 to 5,5 million this year, putting relief agencies on high alert.

Government has adopted a new funding model for Command Agriculture during the 2019/20 farming season which will see it providing guarantees with banks and the private sector funding the programme to unlock the required $2,8 billion.

The Government has since invited private partners to fund the programme at an interest rate not exceeding four percent as it seeks to dilute its role as the sole financier.

Speaking during a Question and Answer session in the Senate on Friday, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri said Treasury had committed to issue $968 million worth of guarantees.

“The approach to financing the special maize and soya beans programme which is commonly referred to as Command Agriculture has changed for the forthcoming season. The programme will be funded through the banks and private sector with Government providing guarantees. Treasury has committed to issue a guarantee worth RTGS$968 million to unlock the required funding of RTGS$ 2,8 billion for the programme,” he said.

Minister Shiri said the Government guarantee is a vital fall-back position for banks and private sector players participating in the programme. He said the Government has already come up with requirements for the coming farming season.

“We have approached various stakeholders to play their respective roles and we are in the process of receiving and distributing inputs to the farmers. So, funding has been availed for the coming 2019/2020 season though the approach this year is slightly varied from what we used to do. However, funding has already been put in place and acquisition of various inputs like fertilisers, chemicals and seed is already taking place and has taken place in some cases and farmers have started receiving inputs,” said the Minister.

Minister Shiri said Command Agriculture was a transitional arrangement which was not meant to replace the role of market forces and the role of financial institutions in financing agriculture.

“Once the private sector comes on board and starts financing agriculture, Government’s involvement shall only be limited to a regulatory role and capacity building.

To ensure that the programme is fully funded, the financing mechanism is highly dependent on strong Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). In this kind of arrangement, Government invites private partners to fund the programme at a rate not exceeding four percent,” he said.

Presenting his Mid-Term Fiscal Policy Review and Supplementary Budget Statement last month, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Government has earmarked $2,8 billion for Command Agriculture.

He said Government would extend the facility by another year earmarking 210 000 hectares of maize and 30 000 hectares of soya beans during the 2019/20 summer cropping season.

The Finance Minister said the programme would only benefit farmers with good track records of repaying loans and producing high yields.

Prof Ncube said Government was this year targeting to support 640 000 hectares of grain crops that include maize, sorghum and pearl millet under the Vulnerable Households Inputs Support Scheme.

The Office of the President and Cabinet oversees Command Agriculture, while the private sector focuses on financing.

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube has been warned of how the scheme is being used to loot funds but he continues to pump funds into it.

Watch video downloading below:

Paul Nyathi|Top Zimbabwean journalist Zimbabwe Independent editor Dumisani Muleya has revealed that the family of the late former president, Robert Mugabe who was buried in his rural village of Kutama on Saturday outrightly did not want incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa to preside over the burial of the long serving leader of the country.

Mnangagwa came into power through a military coup against Mugabe in November 2017 and Mugabe was bitter on the issue until his death at the beginning of this month.

Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital at age 95.

Muleya made the revelations on Monday morning speaking to South African Talk Radio 702’s Bongani Bingwa in a broad interview on Mugabe’s burial.

According to Muleya, the Mugabe family had been battling with the government as an extension of the coup that removed Mugabe in November 2017.

The family specifically didn’t want Emmerson Mnangagwa to preside over the funeral and they said that was Mugabe’s wish,” Muleya said.

Listen below to the full interview:

RETWEET! – Mnangagwa in Mwenezi clearly threatened brutality against doctors and lawyers also threatening to shorten the lives of people who make noise. pic.twitter.com/fJx5dOemL5

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 17, 2019

ARE BUSINESS INVESTMENTS SECURE IN ZIMBABWE UNDER CHIEF JUSTICE LUKE MALABA AND EMMERSON MNANGAGWA? (SECURE/RISKY?)

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) September 30, 2019

This man (Mnangagwa) is simply not fit for purpose, not fit & proper. He even said he is everything !!! It’s clear these abductions are coordinates from his office and his home. pic.twitter.com/NhDd2InycC

— VaChihera DemiZiwewera (@DemiZiwewera) September 18, 2019

State Media|THE courts never denied the opposition MDC-Alliance the right to demonstrate as wrongly presented to the United Nations but that should be read as a deliberate attempt to malign the judiciary and to score political points, Chief Justice Luke Malaba has said.

Briefing the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association Mr Clement Voule last week, the judiciary boss said the MDC-A lawyers approached the wrong court with an appeal against the decision of the police to ban their planned demonstrations last month, citing security concerns.

Mr Voule met the head of the judiciary with a view to seek an explanation on a number of allegations including claims that the judiciary had denied people the right to demonstrate.

He also sought to hear the judiciary’s comments on allegations that it was not independent and that it was pro-Executive.

Last month, the police exercised their powers in terms of the law and issued a prohibition order against the planned MDC-A demonstration citing security concerns.

Instead of appealing the decision at the magistrates’ courts in terms of a valid law, the lawyers approached the High Court.

The High Court refused to hear the case citing jurisdictional reasons.

Chief Justice Malaba said politics was at play and that the manner in which the decision of the High Court was packaged for the media was meant to create the wrong perceptions about the court and the nation at large.

“If a police officer makes an order prohibiting a party to demonstrate in terms of a valid law and that law says you appeal to the magistrates’ court, that is the right provided by the law.

“An appeal is voluntary. We do not bind people to appeal. If you are not happy with the order restricting you when you want to march, you can sinply go to the magistrates’ court,” he said.

Govt, WHO assess cholera preparedness
“You know what they did? They went to the High Court. Surely, you can see that someone could have deliberately done that to create the basis for this kind of opinionated perception.

“If the High Court says it does not have jurisdiction because there is no law which allows one to appeal to it, the applicant would have done harm to his or her own case,” said Chief Justice Malaba.

The Chief Justice said media reports were then packaged in a manner that maligned the court and created a perception that the court did not respect freedom of expression and assembly.

“If the High Court makes such a ruling, it has no control over the media or other channels used to now malign it.

“Now the picture is created that the courts are denying people the right to demonstrate. No one accepts the fault of their own lawyers or themselves because it is deliberate.

“We have no means of defending ourselves and setting the record straight that the argument is all political.

“It is a political argument. It is not judicial. Publicity of that and how it is packaged, is all political. We don’t get involved in politics because we are not politicians, “said Chief Justice Malaba.

Such wrong perceptions, the Chief Justice said, are then turned into facts.

“Expressions of disquiet by some individual politicians are turned into facts because of the very environment in which we live.

“We have a situation whereby the first one to present an opinion to whoever he presents it to, influences the approach or perception. In this respect, because the judiciary is the least vocal, it is just attacked without any defence,” he said.

Chief Justice Malaba said the police also act in terms of the law, which is valid.

“When you look at the current law, whether that law is unconstitutional or constitutional, it is a matter which needs to be looked at against the Constitution.

“But that law exists for now. It’s a matter which the judiciary at a higher level like Constitutional Court, can only review, provided the cases are brought before it,” he said.

He added that people made noises about the alleged unconstitutionality of the law empowering police to issue prohibition orders but they never challenged it in court.

“People take that disagreement and saying the law violates the rights but they don’t come to the Constitutional Court.

“Most of these cases have not come to the Constitutional Court. They have ended at implementation level. Lawyers decide to challenge the proceedure only, and not the constitutionality of the law. The court cannot interfere with the exercise of the Executive’s mandate,” he said.

End of Mission Statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, on his visit to Zimbabwe (17-27 September 2019).

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End of Mission Statement of the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mr. Clément Nyaletsossi Voule, on his visit to Zimbabwe (17-27 September 2019)
27 September 2019, Harare:

Members of the press,

Ladies and gentlemen,

In my capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, I conclude today the first official visit carried by a United Nations Special Procedures mandate holder in the country, which took place from 17 to 27 September 2019.

As a Special Rapporteur, my views are independent. I present reports to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly. The overarching purpose of my visit to Zimbabwe is to contribute to the efforts it has undertaken in its path towards democratization and to offer recommendations as to how Zimbabwe can better respect, promote, protect and implement international human rights law and standards as they apply to the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

I would like to begin by expressing my appreciation to the Government of Zimbabwe for having extended an invitation to my mandate to visit the country with the aim of assessing, in a spirit of dialogue and cooperation, the level of enjoyment of these two civil and political rights. I would also like to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for the cooperation extended to me prior to and throughout the visit. I hope that after my departure we will continue working jointly towards a better enjoyment of these rights by all.

I would also like to particularly thank representatives of independent institutions who also engaged in this dialogue as well as a wide-range of civil society representatives from around the country, including chiefs and community based organizations, trade union leaders and women human rights defenders.

I also take this opportunity to sincerely thank the UN Resident Coordinator ad interim and his Human Rights Advisor, the UNDP Representative and their Offices as well as the World Food Programme for the support provided to me.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to travel outside the capital to Bulawayo, Hwange in the Matabeleland North Province and Mutare, Arda Transau and Marange, in the Manicaland Province.

In Harare, I met with senior Government authorities, including the Acting Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, the Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, the Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage and authorities from the Zimbabwe National Police, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans, the Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, accompanied by representatives of the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company, the Speaker of Parliament and heads of relevant parliamentary Committees, the Attorney General, the Prosecutor General and the Chief Justice. I also held meetings with representatives of the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission and the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission as well as with the members of the United Nations Country Team, the diplomatic community, representatives of civil society and representative of the main opposition political party, at their request.

Although the majority of my requests for meetings and visits to places of interest to my mandate were facilitated, I regret that my requests to meet with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare; the Minister of Finance and Economic Development; and the Mayor of Harare could not be accommodated despite the length of my ten-day visit.

In addition, outside Harare, I also met local authorities such as the Minister of State of Bulawayo, the Mayor of Bulawayo, the Minister of State of Manicaland and the Mayor of Mutare as well as with relevant law enforcement authorities and development programme officers in both provinces.

I will now present some of the preliminary findings and recommendations in the spirit of holding a constructive dialogue and based on information received before and throughout my visit. I will elaborate on these preliminary findings in a more detailed manner in a report that will be presented at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020. These preliminary findings neither reflect all the issues presented to me, nor all the initiatives undertaken by the Government of the Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe has ratified a number of international and regional human rights instruments and committed itself to observe them. I would like to encourage it to ratify the remaining key international human rights treaties such as the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and the optional protocols to which it is not yet a State party, in particular those of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. In addition, during the Universal Periodic Review in 2016, Zimbabwe accepted recommendations pertaining to the freedoms I am mandated to monitor. My assessment is guided by these principles.

Democratic transition

Zimbabwe has gone through different political transitions in the course of its recent history since independence in 1980. More recently, as a result of a National Unity Government, a Constitution was adopted in 2013 which includes an expansive bill of rights with specific provisions promoting and protecting the rights on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association.

With the new constitutional framework that includes the establishment of a number of independent institutions, the recent change of leadership, prospects of legal and judicial reform, effective economic recovery measures and changes in the governance structures,, arose as a natural expectation for many Zimbabweans who are desperately awaiting to improve the quality of their lives.

I have repeatedly heard from different segments of society that the “new dispensation” brings the hope of more freedoms. The Government has committed to have a more open and democratic space, that enables a multi-party democratic political system. They have also promised to erect a transparent, just, accountable and responsive way of governance based on the rule of law, respecting the principles of separation of powers.

The transition has also brought along reassurances of strategic reengagement with representatives of the international community as well as with financial institutions. The Government has said it will take a strong stance in relation to the fight against corruption and impunity and has recommitted to its obligations contained in regional and international human rights instruments.

Albeit the common belief that a transformation will come, I believe that the long-awaited hopes are fading. The population is now questioning the Government’s capacity to bring about such changes. They feel they have not experienced concrete and tangible results. On the contrary, I have perceived from my different meetings around the country, that there is a serious deterioration of the political, economic and social environment since August 2018 resulting in fear, frustration and anxiety among a large number of Zimbabweans.

Freedom of Peaceful Assembly

Zimbabwe is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which it acceded to on 13 May 1991, and which provides for the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association under articles 21 and 22.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of peaceful assembly. Various pieces of legislation give effect to Sections 58 and 59 of the Constitution that provides for this fundamental right such as the Public Order and Security Act (POSA), the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act and the Electoral Act.

I was informed that the POSA will soon be repealed and replaced by the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPO) which “will provide mechanisms to ensure that the police in maintaining law, order and suppression of civil commotion or disturbances in any police district do so in a manner that does not compromise human rights”.

While I acknowledge that there is a need to enact a new law in accordance with international human rights norms and standards, the MOPO bill has worrying similarities to the POSA revealing a common scope in which the exercise of the right to peaceful assembly is not fully guaranteed. Instead the MOPO bill continues to give law enforcement agencies broad regulatory discretion and powers.

The MOPO bill does not propose significant substantive amendments targeted to address the main problems prevailing in the POSA. One important improvement is the deletion of Section 27 of the POSA related to the temporary prohibition of holding processions or public demonstrations within particular police districts, however this change is made based on the declaration of unconstitutionality made by the Constitutional Court in 2018. Another improvement is the provision mandating the President, instead of the Minister of Defence (as provided by POSA), to authorize the deployment of military forces to assist the police in exercising their functions, and report promptly to Parliament bringing it in line with the Constitution.

I have emphasized in my different meetings with government authorities that assemblies should be presumed lawful and peaceful. Permissible limitations to this right are set out in international law and require the Government to explicitly justify any limitation, to explain the necessity of any limitation, its legality and proportionality in the interests of national security or public safety, public order, the protection of public health or morals, or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others. Citizens should be able to challenge such limitations in the courts. Under international law it is not enough for a Government to say demonstrations pose a national security threat, a Government has the obligation to identify the specific risks it is concerned about, the measures it will implement to mitigate such risks and the limited number of restrictions it will order to manage the risks. Blanket prohibitions are rarely lawful. The role of the Government is to mitigate risks to enable the enjoyment of the fundamental right to peaceful protest.

From my discussions on recent events, I have perceived that the use of military forces has a profound negative impact, including in the minds of the population, who fear these forces are not adequately trained to handle demonstrations. On this point, I would like to stress that the involvement of the military in the managing of assemblies contradicts the Guidelines for the Policing of Assemblies by Law Enforcement Officials in Africa, as they provide that military forces must only be used in exceptional circumstances and only if absolutely necessary. This same criteria has been used by the CCPR that has recommended “to ensure that public order is, to the maximum extent possible, upheld by civilian rather than military authorities” (CCPR/C/VEN/CO/4).

I am also concerned that the MOPO bill contains notification requirements for certain gatherings, including cumbersome administrative processes – that amount to an authorization, not a notification regime. It is also of concern that spontaneous assemblies are not protected in the bill, which does not recognize the right of individuals to engage in spontaneous public gatherings.

I have requested to be briefed on how the notification procedure is implemented in practice in different provinces and found that it is extremely burdensome in terms of administrative requirements but also very intrusive in its demands, undermining the exercise of this fundamental freedom for public gatherings and private meetings.

I firmly believe that the exercise of the right to freedom of peaceful assembly should not be subjected to authorization. At most, a prior notification procedure is sufficient, in order to facilitate peaceful assemblies and to take measures to protect public safety and order and the rights and freedoms of others. Moreover, spontaneous assemblies should be recognized in law and exempted from prior notification in conformity with the jurisprudence of the CCPR that reaffirms that article 21 contains an obligation to facilitate spontaneous assemblies without interference.

I am also concerned by the provisions of the MOPO Bill regarding the administrative liability of organizers as well as the criminal liability of organizers and participants of gatherings. Such legal consequences undermine the exercise of the right to freedom of assembly especially as the law does not clearly define the administrative or criminal offenses and the language could provide for a very extensive interpretation of the liability of individuals entitled to exercise this right.

Finally I would like to express my concern in relation to the provisions that allow the police broad discretion to disperse public gatherings as well as the broad search and seizure powers given to law enforcement agencies. The United Nations Basic Guidelines on the Use of Force by law enforcement officers, provide important guidance on these matters in line with international human rights standards.

I trust that as a result of this visit and the good level of cooperation that I have experienced with the Government and seek to maintain, it will be possible for the government to examine the concerns that have been raised in order to revise the MOPO bill according to international human rights standards.

Furthermore, throughout my visit, I have noted that restrictive practices also limit the enjoyment of this freedom.

The restrictions described to me range from very subtle forms of interference, to threats issued by public authorities to suppress protests and dissent, to the use of the judicial system to impose unlawful charges and/or the use of disproportionate and excessive force resulting in massive violations against protestors. I have also heard of numerous cases of arbitrary detentions, cases of injury, torture and even the loss of innocent lives.

Recurrently during meetings with civil society actors, trade union leaders or representatives of dissenting political parties, I have learnt of several number of occasions in which there has been unjustified denials of authorization to demonstrate, some even with extremely short notice, making it virtually impossible to call off the protests at the very last minute and resulting into unwarranted liability.

In response to this seemingly common practice, it was drawn to my attention that the organisers of assemblies are compelled to recurrently challenge these decisions in the courts in order to be able to exercise this fundamental right though the support of court orders.

Another, worrying example is the use of Section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act provision on “subverting a constitutional government” to prosecute human rights defenders, civil society and opposition leaders suspected of having played important roles in protests. The crime is similar to treason and could attract up to 20 years of imprisonment. From my meetings, it transpired that leaders calling for protests, supporting protests through public statements or social media, and participating in protests have been charged with this crime and I have been informed that in this year alone, 22 individuals are facing this criminal charge.

I have also heard extremely disturbing reports of excessive, disproportionate and lethal use of force against protestors, through the use of tear gas, batons and live ammunition.

In particular, I would like to refer to the authority’s response to the protests of January 2019 calling for a national ‘stay-away’ in response to massive fuel price increases. The order to disperse protestors participating in the demonstrations led to the use of lethal and excessive use of force, mass arbitrary arrests and torture. Unlawful restrictions on access to internet were also put in place.

On this occasion, I was informed that the military was deployed to the streets in different parts of the country, including in Bulawayo, Harare city centre, Chitungwiza Township and high-density suburbs of Epworth, Mabvuku and Kuwadzana. While I was informed that there was looting and destruction of private property, the disproportionate response by the security forces to the turmoil resulted, according to different sources, in at least 17 killings, including 14 men and 3 women, with more than 300 people treated for serious injuries including 70 for gunshot wounds. I was informed that one police officer in Bulawayo died as a result of these events.

From the conversations held with government authorities in and outside the capital on the facts related to these very unfortunate events, it is clear that, in line with the existing legislation, law enforcement officials view their role in managing assemblies as a public order function, rather than a protection function.

I would like to reiterate my call to the Government to adopt a human rights based approach that facilitates assemblies as an integral human right of every person. An approach that allows for specific, targeted, legal and measured responses to prevent, contain and respond to specific incidents of violence in the context of protests. An approach that leads to the establishment of a well-trained force and professional democratic policing.

From my meetings with different stakeholders, I also heard the testimonies of individuals who lost valuables and property and who until now have not received compensation in respect of these violent acts.

I was shocked by the testimonies of victims who alleged they had been raped and sexually assaulted by military and police elements in the context of the protests. The victims of these crimes explained they were assaulted in their homes, in many cases at night, and felt this was being used as a tactic to cause pain and fear among those linked to leaders of protests or to cause general fear among the population. I also heard of massive arbitrary arrests, and cases of abduction and torture of protestors. During these events children who were caught in the middle of the protests or who wanted to actively participate in them were prevented from doing so.

I was also informed of cases of internet shutdown that took place during the crackdown of protests further limiting the right to peacefully assembly. I strongly believe that network disruptions are in clear violation of international law and cannot be justified under any circumstances. Network shutdown orders often lack a legal basis and these events in Zimbabwe were no exception. In this sense, I applaud the High Court’s decision ruling that the Minister of State responsible for national security in the President’s Office did not have the authority to issue any directives in terms of the Interception of Communications Act.

Although, the events of January 2019 affected most of the country, I would like to recognize efforts made in Bulawayo to address this situation, among other issues, when the President met with a large and diverse representation of the Matabeleland Collective. A set of follow up action points was reached with the Matebeleland Collective and I call on the Government to closely monitor the implementation of all items discussed, in particular, action point 14.

In another instance, in Hwange, I met with spouses of workers of the Hwange Colliery, who initiated protests on behalf of their husbands due to unpaid salaries of almost 5 years. Since the workers feared victimisation from the employer which could result in dismissal from work, a group of women decided to make the situation visible by protesting peacefully and camping at the company’s premises to demand their husbands’ due payments. The women indicated that they have endured very difficult moments, not only as a result of the hardships that they were confronted with in their homes but also because of pressure and threats from anonymous sources possibly linked to the company. The company took the women to court on civil and criminal charges for trespassing on the company’s premises. Although the cases were dismissed from the courts, the women decided to put an end to the protests as they felt were not being listened to, while they had suffered too much hardship. The role that non-State actors also play in creating an environment of fear, to silence the voice of the most desperate, is a matter of concern, which warrants attention by state authorities in order to prevent and respond to such acts.

Although there are areas of concern I am encouraged that the Government took steps to investigate the crackdown of the protests of 1 August 2018, which took place after the harmonised national elections, when demonstrators took to the streets of Harare demanding the immediate release of the election results. On this occasion, what started out as a peaceful protest turned into chaos and included violent indiscriminate acts. As a result of these protests at least six persons were killed and many others tortured and injured.

In order to investigate these events, through Statutory Instrument 181 of 2018, a Commission of Inquiry, now known as the Motlanthe Commission, was appointed and a final report has been presented with recommendations. These include recommendations such as the need to compensate the losses and damages caused, including support and school fees for the children of the deceased; the need to promote political tolerance, as well as responsible and accountable leadership and citizenry; the need to adopt electoral reforms to enhance the transparent and expeditious announcement of election results; the need to build the capacity of law enforcement authorities; the need for accountability in respect of the alleged perpetrators and the need for nation building and reconciliation including an initiative for multi-party dialogue and cooperation.

During my meeting with the Minister of Justice, I was informed that as a response to the recommendations of the Montlanthe Commission, authorities have continued to undertake legislative and administrative measures to ensure that recommendations are implemented. For example, in March 2019, an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce was established to lead political, electoral and legislative reforms. I hope to get additional information on the work of the taskforce and the implementation of the recommendations.

I commend the Government for these efforts and encourage it to follow this good practice in relation to other such incidents which have occurred.

To conclude, I would like to reiterate that the right to peacefully assemble is a basic pillar in any democracy and should not be negated and feared. On the contrary, it should be allowed and encouraged as its intrinsic value is to allow individuals and groups to express aspirations and concerns publicly. It is in the interests of the State to allow public and peaceful assemblies as a “release valve” in order to avoid recourse to other means of dissent and disagreement that are not desirable and can be harmful to society as a whole. It is a right and one that the State has the obligation to enable and protect.

Freedom of Association

The right to freedom of association is guaranteed in Constitution and is currently regulated through legislation such as the Private Voluntary Organisations Act (PVOA) and the Deeds Registries Act.

Registration of associations, including NGOs, is required by the PVOA and is done through the Department of Social Welfare under the Ministry of Public Service Labour and Social Welfare. I am informed that the registration procedure can be onerous, lengthy and complex in nature requiring, through the PVO registration form, a significant amount of detailed information of the association, and additional documents can be requested at the discretion of the Registrar of PVOs.

Applicant associations are required to provide a proof of public notice in national papers in order to call for objections, which should be lodged with the Registrar. If an applying association has been denied registration due to their political stance and support or under vague circumstances such as “appears unable to abide by the objectives”, no system for challenging the decision is in place.

Foreign funding is strictly regulated and when allowed is met with hostile government rhetoric. International non-governmental organisations intending to operate in the country are required to conclude a memorandum of understanding or cooperation with Government. The PVOA stipulates severe penalties for any unregistered organisations that continue to operate in the country.

In addition to the limitations in setting up an association, the PVOA grants wide discretionary powers to the Minister who can interfere in the internal governance of the association, if she or he believes that a PVO has failed to comply with its objectives or constitution, has been subject to maladministration, or has engaged in illegal activities, or that “it is necessary or desirable to do so in the public interest” or any other ground in terms of Section 21 of the PVOA. Another barrier to the activities of associations relates to the authority of the Minister to inspect “any aspect of the affairs or activities” of any an association.

Considering the registration limitations and challenges provided in the PVOA, many NGOs have resorted to registering themselves as Trusts under the Deeds Registries Act.

Regardless of the law that governs their activities, I have been informed that NGOs are under surveillance in law and in practice. On the latter, I have heard repeatedly accounts of NGOs who need to submit letters of notification to the police informing of their intent to hold meetings in public or even privately.

In particular, I have been able to perceive this toxic environment during my meetings with community based organizations from the Marange region and in Arda Transau whose activities are related to advocacy for transparent, accountable and fair distribution of benefits within the communities in the context of natural resource exploitation.

In both places, I could feel the level of pressure that communities feel because of their activities related to their own well-being and development. The level of isolation in which these communities attempt to operate, which in the case of the Marange communities is even physical, confirms a strong policy of control and intimidation.

In order to reverse this situation, I believe that one of the first steps that the government should take is to carry out genuine consultations with all affected communities, particularly with those that have been relocated. Through the practical guidelines for “Civil society participation in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (A/HRC/41/41/Add.2) and by aligning to the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, a more constructive dialogue can be instituted within the Marange communities and with others in similar situations.

I was also able to understand how activism is immediately related to a political stand even when advocating for the achievement of economic, social and cultural rights. A training abroad can result in arrests upon return to the country, as it occurred earlier this year when activists were detained at the Harare airport and charged with subversion because of their participation in a workshop on peaceful resistance.

I have also been made to understand from my discussions that NGOs working on development and humanitarian issues have been accused of being partisan and based on those perceptions required to sign MOUs with local authorities or they would not be able to implement their projects or activities in a particular province. In the same vein, I received allegations of partisan distribution of food aid.

Finally, I would like to mention that I regret not having being able to meet with the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare since there were a number of issues of particular concern of this mandate, such as the current audit exercise planned to be completed by October and through which more than 700 private voluntary organisations registered in the country will be scrutinized.

Freedom of Association of trade unions

Trade union activities are guaranteed by the Constitution and regulated mainly by the Labour Act and the Public Service Act. In addition, Zimbabwe ratified, in 1998, the ILO Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention (No. 98) and, in 2003, the ILO Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise Convention (No. 87).

I understand that comprehensive labour law reform and harmonization predates the 2013 Constitution; however, no concrete results have been achieved from this process.

Of particular concern to me are sections 102 and 104 of the Labour Act. Section 102 refers to “essential services” and provides a very wide and open discretion to the Minister of Labour to declare what constitutes an essential service from which workers are denied the right to strike. In turn, Section 104 provides that workers embarking on strike should give a 14 day written notice to the regulating authority. Failure to do so renders the strike illegal, and such workers will not enjoy the right to protest. For instance I learnt that in 2016, 1357 workers of the National Railways of Zimbabwe were dismissed after the Labour Court ruled that they did not comply with the set procedures ignoring the fact that the same workers were owed a significant amount of dollars’ worth in unpaid salaries.

Sections 107, 109 and 112 of the Labour Act in relation to Collective Job Action, which provides for excessive penalties in case of an unlawful collective industrial action, also raise concerns.

The application of POSA to trade union marches, demonstrations and protests actions, has also resulted in the restriction of the right to peaceful assembly and of association despite several court orders against law enforcement forces prohibiting them from interfering in these peaceful protests.

During my visit, I have received a considerable number of allegations related to arrests, detentions and even abductions of a high number of trade union leaders and members that have taken place in connection with their activities. In particular, I would like to refer to the alleged abduction of Dr. Peter Magombeyi, acting president of the Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association (ZHDA), who led a series of strikes over working conditions and poor pay in the health sector. Although Dr. Magombeyi was later found and the matter is currently under investigation by the authorities, I would like to mention that this is not an isolated case and that union leaders that requested to meet with me expressed that they were living in a toxic environment of constant retaliation and fear.

Due to the current economic situation the country is facing, mass striking appears to be taking place regularly in the country. However, reactions by authorities do not appear to be in line with their Constitution and international commitments.

For instance, in April 2018, there was a nationwide nurses’ strike. The Vice President dismissed all nurses participating in the strikes and ordered the recruitment of new nurses to cover the gaps. As a result, the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) went to court to reverse the order, saying that the Vice President did not have the authority to issue such an order and claiming that members had been threatened when negotiations with the government had taken place. The order was later reversed, and the nurses returned to work, but the incident reflected the government’s stance on striking.

Another worrying example is that of the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), whose fourteen members were arrested and charged with “disorderly conduct” after organising protests concerning the economic crisis in Zimbabwe as well as low wages in December 2018. On this case, the Harare Court dismissed it stating that trade unions are exempt from the application of POSA.

Key Recommendations and Conclusions

Zimbabwe’s openness to receive my mission and the visits of other United Nations Special Procedures is an important step in its efforts to create a more enabling environment for human rights. I hope that my visit and the conclusions and recommendations of my visit will assist the authorities in improving the environment for and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

In particular, I would like to urge the Government, in line with Section 210 of the Constitution, to establish an effective and independent mechanism for receiving and investigating complaints from members of the public in respect of misconduct by security services and remedy any harm caused by such misconduct. Furthermore, it is critical that in establishing such an oversight mechanism, its independence is ensured in line with international law principles and best practices.

The Government’s stated commitment to improve human rights and widen democratic space is welcome. The 2013 Constitution provides a sound and robust basis for the protection of human rights and it is important to acknowledge progress in the setting up of several independent commissions.

I lament the loss of lives due to excessive use of force against protestors and urge the Government to ensure a thorough and independent investigation of these events and the prosecution of those responsible. The repression of protestors, the attempt to ban protests, the excessive use of force and the restrictive application of legislation regulating the rights of freedom of peaceful assembly and association gravely overshadow efforts to democratically transform Zimbabwe.

I urge the Government to amend laws that are not in line with the Constitution and make use of the independent institutions which are designed to facilitate the exercise of human rights and the courts, in order to ensure that all human rights are enjoyed by all those under its jurisdiction. I recommend that the Government takes steps to identify gaps in legislation which may allow for its discriminatory use, and makes concerted efforts to close these gaps. In these processes, I strongly call for a close consultation with civil society organizations and encourage them to actively engage and participate.

The Government has the momentous task of redressing and solving the long and grave economic crisis afflicting Zimbabwe. In order to be able to find durable solutions that protect the most vulnerable, the Government of Zimbabwe is going to need the support and assistance of the international community. It is important for all actors to join forces to assist in this effort.

In such a context, the Government must protect its citizens’ rights to organize and to assemble. The Government’s role is to enable the free expression different views. The Government must strengthen good practices that enhance dialogue, that allow for democratic expression and organization and respond to the grievances of the people. Such an approach will help enable a solution to the crisis, with the participation of the citizens of Zimbabwe.

It is furthermore important that the Government acts to address the root causes of protests, dealing head on with the issues raised by the populace in the course of their demonstrations.

In a similar vein, following the testimonies that I have received while travelling throughout the country, I am of the opinion that reform of the security sector and strengthening the capacity of reformed structures will go a long way in preventing unnecessary disproportionate use of force, intimidation, surveillance, of civil society, social movement leaders and building trust among communities.

With regards to the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill (MOPO Bill), which will replace the POSA, I encourage the government to ensure that this new bill is brought in line with the international standards to effectively guarantee the enjoyment of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly. In that regard, my full end of mission statement and the report I will produce of my visit, will contain detailed recommendations regarding specific provisions of the MOPO Bill law that I believe should be amended, to bring them into conformity with Zimbabwe’s international human rights obligations.

Regarding the trade unions, I urge the government to implement the recommendations of the ILO Committee on the Application of Standards (CAS) adopted by the International Labour Conference of June 2019 and accept a direct contact mission to assess progress in this regard.

In order to build trust between the government and civil society actors and create an enabling environment for civil society work, it is important to withdraw all criminal charges against workers’ representatives and civil society leaders who were arrested for exercising their right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

I would also like to encourage the government to follow up and deliver on the recommendations issued by the Montlanthe Commission as well as with other instances such as the action points from the meeting with the Matabeland Collective.

The effective combat of corruption and impunity is key in delivering on the promises under the “new dispensation” and concrete and tangible result need to be achieved in this regard.

I encourage the government to seek the support of the Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights through the establishment of an Office to support the government’s efforts to promote and protect human rights in this critical transition.

I equally encourage the government to continue to open up the country for the visit of the United Nations Special Procedures in order to benefit from the expertise of these mechanisms.

I urge the Government to ensure that no acts of reprisals, threats or intimidation occur against those under its jurisdiction who have interacted with me or cooperated with the United Nations.

All in all, I urge the Government to take the issues raised in my preliminary observations into consideration, and I underline that, in this regard, my mandate remains available to the Government for any advice regarding the implementation of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, technical or otherwise. Furthermore, at the Government’s invitation, I would be happy to conduct a follow up country visit should the opportunity arise.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to visit Zimbabwe during this critical period, I strongly believe that Zimbabweans are peaceful loving people and that the Government should capitalize on this value and facilitate an unfettered exercise of democratic fundamental freedoms.

I look forward to continuing our dialogue, including through pending replies to communication from my mandate, and discussing my full report when I present it in June 2020 at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council.

I thank you for your attention.

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The Telegraph|THE bizarre burial of Robert Mugabe saw the former Zimbabwean leader interred in a steel-lined coffin under a layer of concrete on Saturday, following a bitter dispute over his resting place between government officials, traditional leaders and family members.

Twenty-two days after he died, the body of the strongman was finally buried next to his home with second wife Grace Mugabe in Kutama, Zvimba, the village of his birth, 55 miles north west of Harare.

His eldest nephew, Leo Mugabe, who played a central role in the prolonged burial drama, said the coffin which brought his embalmed body to Harare from Singapore had to be changed for security reasons.

“People really are after his body or his body parts, so we wanted something that is tamper-proof. That is why the casket was changed,” he told a local radio station.

After the coffin was lowered into the ground in a private ceremony close to the home which Grace Mugabe had built after their marriage, concrete was laid down around it.

Mugabe’s family claimed that this was the burial place he had ultimately wanted and had spoken of in the last six months of his life in Singapore, angry that he had been ousted from power two years ago by his long-time ally, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Mrs Mugabe, 54, draped in heavy black lace for more than three weeks, had made it clear to all who would listen that Mr Mnangagwa and his loyalists were not welcome at the burial. Had he been buried at Heroes Acre, the burial ground commissioned by her late husband and the resting place preferred by the government, she would not have been able to prevent their attendance. Crucially, it would also have meant him being buried next to his first wife, Sally Mugabe, still regarded by many as the “mother” of the Zimbabwean nation.

Amid various conflicting claims over his wishes, Mugabe, who died of cancer aged 95, had reportedly also said that he wanted to be buried next to his mother elsewhere in Zvimba. Leo Mugabe asserted that this was not possible due to a lack of space – although The Telegraph ascertained that there was in fact plenty of available ground within a few yards of his mother’s ornate grave.

Last week, Mrs Mugabe had come up with another proposal, saying she wanted her late husband buried in the grounds of their Harare mansion, informally known by locals as the Blue Roof.

But the Harare City Council said that was not possible as the land was not a cemetery. Mrs Mugabe then also discovered that the title deeds of the multi-million pound home, with massive landscaped grounds, lake and wildlife, was in the name of a company owned by the ruling Zanu PF party.

In a late twist in the saga, the Mugabe family had finally agreed, after negotiations with traditional leaders and the government, that the former president could after all be buried at Heroes Acre. But this was on the condition that a mausoleum would be built for him on the crest of the hill overlooking hundreds of graves of his former colleagues, mainly from the war against Rhodesian minority white rule.

Mugabe’s sons, Robert Jnr and Chatunga, agreed the site of the mausoleum, and building began – only for the plan to be changed again. The costs of the abandoned preparations are not known.

The official funeral service for Mugabe, attended by 11 African heads of state, was held two weeks ago in a half empty stadium in Harare.

Paul Nyathi|GOVERNMENT claims that it has come to an agreement with the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association.

Mr Clement Voule last week said that Zimbabwe will get an opportunity to respond to his findings before compilation of a final report scheduled for December 15 this year.

On Friday Mr Voule issued a press statement to journalists on the progress made on his official tour of Zimbabwe.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi yesterday said the preliminary document was not the one that will be handed over to the United Nations Human Rights Council.

In an interview, Minister Ziyambi said the final report was yet to be produced after December 15 when Zimbabwe is expected to officially give its input.

“When we met Mr Voule, we agreed that he will give us the final draft of his findings by the 15th of December to enable us to officially respond ahead of the production of the final report to be handed over to UNHRC.

“What was released this weekend is not the final report to be handed over to UNHRC. He is still to compile a detailed report and we will be given an opportunity to respond to it first.

“Whatever is being circulated is not the final report,” said Minister Ziyambi.

The Special Rapporteur’s final conclusions and recommendations will be presented in a report to the Human Rights Council in June next year.

In his statement, Mr Voule said his preliminary document did not reflect all the issues presented to him.

“I will elaborate on these preliminary findings in a more detailed manner in a report that will be presented at the 44th session of the UN Human Rights Council in June 2020.

“The preliminary findings neither reflect all the issues presented to me, nor all the initiatives undertaken by the Government of Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Voule hailed Zimbabwe for ratifying a number of international human rights instruments and urged the country to ratify the other outstanding instruments.

“Zimbabwe has ratified a number of international and regional human rights instruments and committed itself to observe them.

“I would like to encourage it to ratify the remaining key international human rights treaties such as the Convention Against Torture and other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment; the Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances and the optional protocols to which it is not yet a state party, in particular, those of the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights,” he said.

Mr Voule concluded a 10-day official visit to Zimbabwe on Friday, the first such mission to the country by an independent expert appointed by the Human Rights Council.

He came to Zimbabwe at the invitation of the Government.

The expert expressed his support for the Government’s stated commitment to democratisation, urging the authorities to go further in translating their vision into action.

“The change in leadership in Zimbabwe two years ago and its promised ‘new dispensation’ — which reaffirms the aspiration to bring the country forward in terms of democratic processes, civic space and the realisation of human rights for all — must be put into action now,” Mr Voule said in a statement.

“The Government has the unenviable challenge to resolve a profound and complex economic, political and social crisis in the country. To succeed it will need the support of the international community,” Mr Voule said.

“My role is to encourage the authorities that genuine dialogue with the political class and the population, including protest movements, is the only way forward to resolve such a crisis.”

The expert applauded the setting up of the Motlanthe Commission which was tasked to bring truth and accountability for alleged human rights violations which occurred in the midst of electoral violence last year.

Source: State Media