On the 12th August 2019, a story was published appearing to suggest that the late Brigadier-General (Retired) Temba Kanganga was involved (or was in the army) during the 1 August shootings. We have received information which shows this is not true. We unreservedly apologise to the family for any hurt caused. – Editorial Moderators
Farai Dziva|Former Vice President Joice and MDC leader Nelson Chamisa have secured seats in the VIP tent at former President Robert Mugabe’s funeral programme.
The programme will be held at the giant National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
According to the sitting arrangements revealed by the government, Chamisa and Mujuru will be in the VIP tent tomorrow.
Below is a statement released by the Information Ministry :
The funeral service for the late former President Robert Mugabe will be held tomorrow at the NSS.
The sitting arrangements for the event are as follows and attendees are advised to stick to their designated areas:
The VVIP Tent
• HE President Emmerson
• the First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa
• Visiting Heads of State
• Former Heads of State
• Heads of Delegation, VPs & spouses
• AU Representatives
• SADC Representatives.
VIP Tent
• National Chairman of the Ruling Party
• Speaker of the House of Assembly
• President of Senate
• Chief Justice
• President of Chiefs Council
• Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet
• Foreign Ministers
• Bereaved Family
• Mr N Chamisa
• Mrs J Mujuru
• Mrs T Khupe
• Mr L Madhuku
• Mr J Malema
• POLAD members
Uniformed Forces Tent
• Service Chiefs
• Chiefs of Protocol
• Liaison Officers
• ADCs
• Foreign Security
Bay 15
• All senior uniformed Forces
Bay 16
• Honourable Ministers
• Politburo Members
• Central Committee Members
• Members of Parliament
• Diplomats
• Deputy Ministers
• Public Service Commissioners
• Deputy Chief Secretaries
• RBZ Governor
• Mayor of the City of Harare
Bay 17
• Judges of the High Court/Supreme
• Court Permanent Secretaries
• CEOs of Parastatals
• Senior Government Officials
• Traditional Chiefs
• War Veterans
Billiat was ruled out of the first leg after he sustained an injury before the international break during a league game against Cape Town City. The 29-year-old made a surprise return to the Warriors starting XI in the second leg.
Chiefs coach Ernst Middendorp questioned how Billiat was able to play for Zimbabwe after he told Chiefs he was injured at the start of the international break.
“I wish to thank the club for acceding to the call-up,” Billiat told reporters in Zimbabwe.
“As you know I was nursing an injury, but the club and the national team management agreed to my release. We thought the match would provide a good platform to test my recovery.
“After all, it was a team effort and I am glad I contributed. Nothing comes close to representing the nation, especially if you consider the situation we found ourselves in.
“I feel great,” he said. “I just did my regeneration this morning, and I am ready to play a role against City. I am looking forward to it,” said Billiat when asked about Chiefs’ next game against Polokwane City.
EDITOR — The church must rise up to it’s former position.
Following the death of former president Robert Mugabe, the country has since experienced high levels of unforgiveness towards one another. It is said, at your funeral people will do what you did during your lifetime. Maybe the former president did not forgive others.
Many close allies of Mugabe are not willing to forgive President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his current government following Mugabe’s ouster in November 2017. Many people are not willing to forgive even the deceased. They are bitter at what the former president directly or indirectly caused and/ or did to them during his 37-year rule.
Zimbabwe’s demography shows that 80 percent of the population are Christians or we can safely say that they subscribe to the Christian faith. It means eight out of 10 of the population sit before a religious leader at least once every week. That is a minimum of 52 hours per year and that’s a lot of influence.
Nevertheless, these are the same people who subscribe to the Christian faith where they are taught to forgive one another 77 times seven times per each fault. Some are even going to the extent of praising death, though Christians must work hard to safeguard honesty, purity, respect and integrity identified with the church.
Pardon Makunike
Zimre Park, Harare.
Through daily news
The Vice President, Kembo Mohadi’s messy divorce case has exposed how government officials and their families live lavishly as ex-wife, Tambudzanai claims US$13 000 is what she requires monthly to maintain a luxurious life she was used to while still married to the VP.
The duo’s marriage collapsed last year and just after the nullification of the pair’s holy matrimony, Tambudzani petitioned the court seeking post-divorce maintenance.
It is her argument that the couple purchased various businesses which were now being controlled by Mohadi.
Mohadi is believed to be one of the richest people in Beitbridge and previously ran a storage company called Malindi which has a contract with the government owned Zimra to process the storage and clearance of imported vehicles in the border town.
Tambudzani claimed that she is now surviving from a minimal allowance from her position as a Senator.
In her application Tambudzani insisted that it was just and equitable for her to be awarded the sum of $13 394 as maintenance, an amount which would enable her to enjoy and maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to the standard of living she used to enjoy while living with Mohadi.
The VP said he could not support Tambudzani on the basis of the marriage vows that he made.
Tambudzani said it was just and equitable for her to be awarded the sum of $13 394 per month as maintenance, which would enable her to enjoy and maintain a standard of living reasonably comparable to the standard of living she used to enjoy while living with Mohadi.
By Gideon Gono| Sunday’s National Heroes event is not a PRIVATE EVENT! It’s a national event. You can quote me. If there is going to be any private event, it will take place after the public send-off that will take place at the national shrine.
The family would like the send off to be attended by all who can and so desire, without limitation or invitation cards as has been played out in some social media outlets.
RG was not, and can not be a private affair. He was not a village-boy. The funeral is not and cannot be a Zvimba affair alone, cannot be a Gushungo event alone, cannot and should not be a ZANU (PF) of Government affairs alone; is not and cannot be a Mugabe family event alone, is not even a Zimbabwean event alone.
It is an inclusive, National and international event of sorrow, farewell and celebration.
Former Prez RGM was bigger than any box we may want to confine him to and so going to the National Shrine, the Heroes Acre is not an option: it is something agreed upon by all parties to the matter comprising of the former First Lady Mrs Grace Mugabe and immediate family and relatives, the Mugabe extended family, the Zvimba Chiefs and their families, the Gushungo Clan, the Marufu clan, the Sekuru’s from both sides, friends and relatives.
All are very grateful to H.E. President ED Mnangagwa, ZANU (PF) and all other political parties, Government and all people of Zimbabwe and beyond for honouring the Legend in the manner unfolding.
Any talk of disagreements or friction between families or between the late heroes’ immediate or extended family and President ED Mnangagwa and/or Government of Zimbabwe is FAKE NEWS.
The proceedings will go on in a United and well-coordinated manner, with each party to the arrangements playing their role as defined by the understandings reached by the Government and the family.
I’m speaking as someone who has been involved with the family side of issues from last Saturday to this morning and authorised to say what I’m saying.
Dr Gideon Gono
Family Friend
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) has warned businesses and long-suffering Zimbabweans that power supplies are only likely to improve from April next year – as it is struggling with rickety plants and acute shortages of foreign currency.
In fact, so dire is the power situation in the country that Zesa also said yesterday that even if Zimbabwe receives normal rainfall this year – which will allow normal power generation at Kariba to resume – it would still require US$15 million per month to import additional electricity.
More to follow….
Former President Robert Mugabe’s family allowed his wife not to be beside his body as it lied in state for a second day at Rufaro Stadium.
They had always earlier said the late stateman’s wishes had included that Grace Mugabe be beside his coffin until his burial.
Thousands of people continued on Friday to pay their last respects to Mugabe who died in a Singapore hospital last week now with questions if they were being given a real deal since Grace wasn’t there as was the promise and commitment.
Mugabe’s family statement was clear on Thursday: wherever his remains were taken, his wife Grace would have to be there.
But she was given a break on Friday and was not present at the Rufaro Stadium where the remains lay in state.
Family spokesperson Leo Mugabe said the former president’s death has taken a toll on his wife.
“She’s only human and the toll that this has taken, the pressure, the stress and those sorts of things. We are asking her, as a family, to take rest.”
This development comes after the family confirmed earlier on Friday that Mugabe will be “buried” at the National Hero’s Acre in the capital.
Watch video downloading below and give us your views in the comments section.
Jane Mlambo| Mugabe family spokesperson Leo Mugabe has announced that the body of the late former President Robert Mugabe will be taken to Zvimba on Sunday for the people from there to have an opportunity to pay their last respects.
Leo Mugabe told a media briefing at the Blue Roof that the Zvimba chiefs have inspected the late iconic leader’s grave at the National Heroes Acre and concluded that it will take at least 30 days to prepare.
Mugabe’s burial place has been a subject of dispute between government and the family.
Mugabe is believed to have intimated his desire to be buried at his Zvimba home next to his mother saying he does not want his funeral programme to be presided over by his successor, President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Spokesman for the Mugabe Family says former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe will be buried at the national Heroes’ Acre site but it is not yet clear when.
Leo Mugabe, the former leader’s nephew, told ZimEye.com on Friday that the decision was made after consulting with traditional chiefs.
Leo said it will be a private family burial and that details including the day are still being worked out.
Robert Mugabe’s body was today on view at a local stadium for a second day. A stampede on Thursday injured several people trying to view it.
Mugabe died last week in Singapore at the age of 95. He led the southern African nation for 37 years before being forced to resign in late 2017.
Watch video downloading below:
Dear Editor|Since the passing of former President Robert Mugabe, there have been many superlatives used to describe him or his legacy.
Some have hailed him as a true African liberation icon, Pan Africanist, freedom fighter, while others have called him a dictator, murderer and a selfish leader.
Indeed Mugabe has proven to be many things to different people.
The Zimbabwean government announced that 11 current sitting African Presidents will be attending his funeral on Saturday.
Former Presidents will also join the rest of the continental and world leaders in bidding farewell to the man dubbed the founding father of an independent Zimbabwe.
While everyone has a right to have their opinion about Mugabe and his legacy, it is very wrong to force other people to share the same view about the man.
There has been some sort of a drive on social media against those who decide to celebrate Mugabe’s legacy in a positive manner to look like they are out of touch with reality.
Granted, Zimbabwe is a country facing a number of challenges and Mugabe can be blamed for his part in those challenges.
However, Mugabe played a leading role together with the late Joshua Nkomo in the fight against the British colonial rule and delivering the country’s independence in 1980.
He is also credited for his land distribution programme and also how he transformed the Zimbabwean education system to be ranked amongst the top in the continent.
Those who are celebrating him in a positive manner are using those above-mentioned achievements to substantiate their stance in honouring his legacy.
As such, in a democratic world we live in, they should be allowed to celebrate the man for his contribution.
Those who believe that Mugabe was a dictator, having spent 37 years as the leader of Zimbabwe, murderer and all other things are also entitled to their opinions.
We should never force each other on how to remember our different heroes and heroines.
Mugabe might be a celebrated hero to his Zimbabwean people, as seen with the number of people who came to view his body and pay their last respect to him at the Rufaro stadium.
But to many people outside of his country, he might be a dictator who ruled Zimbabwe with an iron fist.
Let’s allow each other to remember the man the best way we want to remember him.
Reader
THE official announcement of the date for general elections in Botswana has paved way for way for what points to the most grueling contest for power in a country widely lauded as Africa’s model of democracy.
Polls have been confirmed for October 23.
Sharp divisions within the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) after a fallout between the incumbent, President Mokgweetsi Masisi, and his predecessor, Ian Khama, have dominated the run-up to the poll.
After surviving what many even in the party had feared would be a split-which would have been the second in nine years- the governing party is still projected to retain power it has held since independence from Britain in 1996.
Never in the history of polls has the BDP, founded five years prior to independence, been so vulnerable, especially after Khama infamously walked out of the party his father and first Botswana President, Seretse Khama (now late), co-founded in Lobatse, 70 kilometres south of the capital Lobatse.
He has thrown his weight behind the recently-formed Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), which alongside opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC), of which another BDP splinter, Botswana Movement for Democracy (BMD), is a part, will seek to challenge Masisi’s party.
“The election is too close to call. For the first time since 1965, despite having a slight edge, BDP has no guarantee of electoral victory,” the think-tank, Africa Report stated.
Some analysts have predicted the upcoming elections could result in a coalition government for the former Bechuanaland that is accustomed to a single government since the advent of democracy.
Eric Mosweu however argued that would not be the case but the BDP’s share of votes could be diminished.
BDP secured 46,5 percent of the vote in 2014. At the first polls at independence, it had 80,4 percent.
The 2014 outcome was attributed to the formation of the BMD in 2010.
“The ructions within the ruling party will further erode its share. Having Khama on the other side of the contest will without doubt sway some voters towards the BFF, at the expense of the ruling party.
However, the ruling party is widely tipped to retain power with a reduced majority, Mosweu stated.
The ruling party’s manifesto is premised on advancing an inclusive economy in one of the world’s leading diamond producers.
Slumber Tsogwane, BDP chairman, pledged the government’s commitment to diversify the economy from an over-reliance on diamonds.
Over 800 000 Batswana are expected to vote.
While the waves of xenophobic attacks reverberated through South Africa and the death of former President Robert Mugabe rocks Zimbabwe over the past few week, business continued as usual in South Africa’s northern-most border town, Musina.
Thousands of Zimbabweans cross the border daily to Messina to buy all sorts of goods from foodstuffs to even cars and trucks. Busiest areas are normally wholesalers of foodstuffs as prices for basic commodities in Zimbabwe go up everyday.
Minibus taxis ferry people across the border every day and bakkies towing heavy trailers, fully loaded with groceries and other goods, headed north across the bridge like nothing is happening in the two countries.
Foreigners living in cities such as Pretoria and Johannesburg have been subjected to xenophobic attacks from locals over the past month. The attacks were seemingly in protest against crime, but the locals also complained about foreigners’ taking their jobs and running drug cartels in the local neighbourhoods.
The attacks on foreigners were condemned by politicians and caused counter-reactions in countries such as Nigeria and Kenya. Many local commentators described it as nothing more than thuggery driven by criminals, intent on looting the businesses of foreigners.
In the northern parts of Limpopo, the scourge of xenophobic attacks was fortunately a distant threat, at least for now. shop owners in Musina are trading as usual, with hundreds of Zimbabwean buyers filling up their trolleys.
“My main customers come from Zimbabwe. If anything happens in Zimbabwe that stops them from crossing into South Africa, then I am in trouble. Business will be extremely slow. At times we are forced to close as early as 12:00, should we not get the Zimbabweans,” said a business owner trading in blankets, school shoes and school bags. He preferred to remain unnamed.
A security guard at another shop, SA Cash & Carry in Emery road, confirmed this. “Our customers are mainly from Zimbabwe. A few are from South Africa, but locals do not buy in bulk like Zimbabweans. Get inside and see for yourself how many Zimbabweans you will come across shopping,” he said.
SA Cash and Carry sells assorted groceries. At every shelf Zimbabweans were pushing big, fully laden trolleys. To get to the checkout tills, customers had to queue for between 40 and 60 minutes.
“I strongly believe that this would have been a dormant town if we were not buying from the stores. I make three trips from Gweru to Musina per week,” said one of the drivers while loading goods on a trailer.
From Musina Lodge, in an easterly direction, Zimbabwean taxi drivers park their vehicles in an open space, waiting to take their passengers back. Minibus taxis from places such as Masvingo, Chiredzi, Mutare, Harare, Rusape, Gweru and Bulawayo gather here.
“South Africans, before they engage in these ruthless exercises of killing foreigners, should think otherwise. We encourage them to really engage with foreign nationals,” said one of the minibus taxi drivers from Rusape.
ZIMBABWEAN authorities have arraigned in court three people on charges of insulting President Emmerson Mnangagwa as the country’s economic crisis worsens.
Human rights groups said the arrest of the suspects, who allegedly blamed Mnangagwa for the problems, was part of authorities’ clampdown on dissent.
Evermore Kakurira (aged 46) and Saymore Mashorokoto (45) have been summoned to appear at the Bindura Magistrates Court in Mashonaland Central province for allegedly insulting the president when they reportedly told a fellow resident that Mnangagwa failed to revive the country’s political and economic fortunes.
Prosecutors allege the pair said Mnangagwa should hand over power to opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) leader, Nelson Chamisa.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police charged Kakurira and Mashorokoto had acted in a disorderly conduct and used threatening, abusive or insulting words intending to provoke a breach peace.
Brian Kembo, another Bindura resident, is to appear on a similar charge at the same court.
Police and the prosecution allege he stated that Zimbabweans were stressed owing to Mnangagwa’s failure to fix the country’s economic crisis after winning the 2018 presidential election.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights is representing the accused trio.
The lawyers group previously disclosed that more than 200 people have been charged in court on allegations of insulting the president.
Most arrests were made during the presidency of Robert Mugabe, who died in Singapore last week.
Mnangagwa succeeded him after a coup, and was later elected, pledging to uphold human rights.
One of the country’s fast upcoming fast food outlet, Chicken Hut, known for its hilarious chicken adverts has attracted the ire of Zimbabweans after running an advert that sort of mocked late former President Robert Mugabe for dying before turning 100 as he had sometimes hinted.
The fast food chain has since apologised over their advert.
Below is the controversial advert.
Following the backlash, they released the below statement.
In the spirit of ubuntu and unity that binds us as a nation; Chicken Hut Portuguese BBQ Shop would like to apologize for unintentionally provoking sentiment of bad taste from our most recent advert.
We did not intend to make light of any serious issue. Cognisant of the assumed perception due to timing; we have pulled down the content and retracted the messaging. Our goaI is to bring people together as one whilst enjoying our meals.
Farai Dziva|Harare Giants Dynamos have confirmed that some of their key players will miss the weekend’s the trip to ZPC Kariba due to various injuries.
Captain Edward Sadomba is yet to recover from a concussion he suffered in July while another attacking duo of Simba Nhivi and Tawanda Macheke is out injured.
Ghanaian Robert Sackey, Tanaka Chinengeta and Panashe Siziba complete the list of players not able to play on Saturday.
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POLICE in Bulawayo are hunting for an unidentified Honda Fit pirate taxi driver who allegedly kidnapped and tied a woman to a car seat before he sexually assaulted her twice and infected her with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The woman suffered a double ordeal as her attacker dumped her at — of all places — West Park Cemetery around midnight.
A police source close to investigations said the woman boarded a Honda Fit car at a garage at the corner of Jason Moyo Street and 5th Avenue at around 11pm last week on Saturday.
The source said the Honda Fit had four men excluding the driver inside and was heading to North End suburb.
The police source said the four passengers disembarked along the way.
The unsuspecting woman remained with the driver as she had not reached her destination.
But she never knew that a dark cloud was hanging over her head. The source went on to reveal that the driver stopped at West Park Cemetery.
“The driver of the Honda Fit parked at West Park Cemetery and switched off the lights. He quickly tied the woman with a rope to a car seat while threatening to stab her if she screamed. He raped her twice,” said the source.
The police source said after the sexual ordeal, the driver dumped her at the cemetery and sped off.
She made a report at a police station.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.
“We are investigating a case of a woman who was raped by a Honda Fit driver who is on the run.
We are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspect by contacting any nearest police station. We would like to discourage women from boarding vehicles where there are males only. We encourage members of the public to use registered vehicles.”State media
VIEW PICTURES BELOW…
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Dear Editor -To see Chamisa being proud to be at Mugabe’s funeral was disturbing.
Is he one of zanu’s secret agents or what?
30% of his voters are victims of Mugabe’s brutality. Some lost their loved ones, How does he think we feel?
I’m beggining to doubt him. Is he really against Zanu PF or he is just undercover?
When Zanu PF rigged the election he told the people to be patient . We waited thinking that he was going to do something.
Then nothing happened. Is he just sitting there ? I don’t think he is doing anything.
Almost everyone else around him has been arrested except him. Why not him? Concerned MDC cadre
The MDC strongly condemns the on-going political persecution of our national Organising Secretary Amos Chibaya and his Deputy Sibusisiwe Bhuda Masara.
The two people’s movement leaders appeared at the Harare Magistrates courts on Thursday morning. They were further remanded to the 8th October 2019. The duo are already out on bail.
They were both arrested on the clearly politically motivated charges of failing to comply with a police prohibition order banning our Free Zimbabwe March on 16th August 2019.
The mere fact that the police prohibition order was issued late after midnight is enough reason to explain that the charges set up against them are frivolous and vexatious in nature.
The MDC therefore calls upon the courts of law to do the right thing and withdraw the trumped up charges against our two leaders.
Further, the MDC would like to thank all our leaders and members who joined our two leaders in active solidarity at the courts on Thursday morning.
MDC: Celebrating 20 Years of Courage, Growth and the People’s Victories
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
Farai Dziva|
Argentine star Lionel Messi has broken his silence concerning reports that he is free to walk out of Barcelona after the 2019/20 season.
The Catalan giants’ president reportedly suggested that Messi is free to leave after this seaon pends but the 5 time player of the year insisits Barcelona is “his home.”
“I want to stay at Barça for as long as I can. I want to play at Barça for my whole career because this is my home.” Messi told the club’s webite.
“But I don’t want to have a long-term contract and be able to stay here as long as I want. I want to stay here because I am physically able to, playing, being important and part of a winning project. I want to keep winning things at the club, achieving big things. Clauses and money mean nothing to me.
The most important thing is being part of a winning project.” he added.
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Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has for the first time since the disputed 2018 elections been accorded a VIP treatment at a government function and it had to take the death of former President Robert Mugabe for that to happen.
At tomorrow’s funeral service for the late national hero, Chamisa will sit in the VIP tent together with other political party leaders, Speaker of Parliament, President of Senate, Chief Justice and the bereaved family members, according to Ministry of Information and Publicity.
*VIP Tent
— Ministry of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting (@InfoMinZW) September 13, 2019
National Chairman of the Ruling Party
Speaker of the House of Assembly
President of Senate
Chief Justice
President of Chiefs Council
Chief Secretary to the President &Cabinet
Foreign Ministers
Bereaved Family
Mr N Chamisa
Mrs J Mujuru
Mrs T Khupe
Mr L Madhuku
…
Watch video below. ..
POLICE in Bulawayo are hunting for an unidentified Honda Fit pirate taxi driver who allegedly kidnapped and tied a woman to a car seat before he sexually assaulted her twice and infected her with a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
The woman suffered a double ordeal as her attacker dumped her at — of all places — West Park Cemetery around midnight.
A police source close to investigations said the woman boarded a Honda Fit car at a garage at the corner of Jason Moyo Street and 5th Avenue at around 11pm last week on Saturday.
The source said the Honda Fit had four men excluding the driver inside and was heading to North End suburb.
The police source said the four passengers disembarked along the way.
The unsuspecting woman remained with the driver as she had not reached her destination.
But she never knew that a dark cloud was hanging over her head. The source went on to reveal that the driver stopped at West Park Cemetery.
“The driver of the Honda Fit parked at West Park Cemetery and switched off the lights. He quickly tied the woman with a rope to a car seat while threatening to stab her if she screamed. He raped her twice,” said the source.
The police source said after the sexual ordeal, the driver dumped her at the cemetery and sped off.
She made a report at a police station.
Acting Bulawayo police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele confirmed the incident.
“We are investigating a case of a woman who was raped by a Honda Fit driver who is on the run. We are appealing to anyone with information that may assist in the arrest of the suspect by contacting any nearest police station. We would like to discourage women from boarding vehicles where there are males only. We encourage members of the public to use registered vehicles.”State media
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Former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr Gideon Gono who has enjoyed a largely private life since leaving the central bank has resurfaced at the funeral of the late Robert Mugabe.
Gono was filmed while standing next to Mugabe family spokesperson Leo Mugabe who was making an announcement on latest burial arrangements of the late iconic leader.
Dr Gideon Gono and Mr Leo Mugabe speak on the Mugabe Burial pic.twitter.com/BgULBRaiod
— Nick Mangwana (@nickmangwana) September 13, 2019
The former president Robert Mugabe is now going to be buried at the national heroes acre his nephew Leo has announced. This is a developing story refresh this page for more.
Leo Mugabe says there will be 2 burials – when they are burying the person, they will pretend they are burying someone, but they are burying something else, he says https://t.co/QIkfMO4prS
— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) September 13, 2019
The former president Robert Mugabe is now going to be buried at the national heroes acre his nephew Leo has announced. This is a developing story refresh this page for more.
Leo says there will be 2 burials – when they are burying the person, they will pretend they are burying someone, but they are burying something else, he says pic.twitter.com/ErTDSsM6TC
— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) September 13, 2019
Elizabeth Tsvangirai the widow of MDC founding President Morgan Tsvangirai this morning visited the Mugabe residence (Blue Roof) to pay condolences to the Mugabe family following the passing on of the former President Robert Mugabe.
Tsvangirai was spotted emotional consoling former First Lady Grace Mugabe with the two women in tears.
See Pictures below:
THREE heads of state and six former presidents are expected in Harare today as the world mourns Zimbabwe’s first Prime Minister and later President Robert Mugabe.
Thousands of people are expected to fill up Rufaro Stadium again today, as ordinary Zimbabweans continue to be accorded a chance to say farewell to their late president.
Yesterday’s event at Rufaro was chaotic and officials expect another bumper turn out today.
As thousands gather at Rufaro, the road carpet will be rolled at the RG Mugabe International Airport, for the anticipated arrivals of Ghanaian President Nana Akufo Addo, Saharawi leader Brahim Ghali and Namibia’s Hage Geingob.
Equatorial Guinea President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi, Malawian President Arthur Peter Mutharika, Angola’s João Lourenço, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, President Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, President Edgar Lungu of Zambia and Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta are expected tomorrow.
A State Funeral Service is set for the National Sports Stadium tomorrow.
The former president Robert Mugabe is now going to be buried at the national heroes acre his nephew Leo has announced. This is a developing story refresh this page for more.
By A Correspondent- Bakers on Wednesday hiked the price of bread for the fifth time this year by 28,57% from $7 to $9 for a standard loaf, adding pressure on citizens grappling with poor earnings.
The price of bread has been continuously going up since last year, owing to the challenging economic conditions which have been characterised by shortages of foreign currency, wheat, fuel and rising inflation. This has increased the cost of production.
Asked to comment on the increase, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) spokesperson Garikai Chaunza referred questions to the National Bakers’ Association of Zimbabwe (NBAZ).
NBAZ president Ngoni Mazango could not be drawn into commenting, saying he was in a meeting for the better part of the day.
Consumer Council of Zimbabwe chairperson Philip Bvumbe said the continuous increase in bread prices was disheartening. He called on government to intervene in order to come up with a solution to contain the increases.
“It is very disheartening that bread prices are continuously going up. I think what needs to be done is for government to intervene, they need to sit down with bakers, millers and importers of wheat in order to find ways to contain these bread price increases, especially on the importation of wheat,” Bvumbe said.
“The importers of wheat are using their own money to purchase wheat and they push the cost to millers who also push the cost to bakers and finally bakers push the cost to consumers. Most of the bakers are using diesel to run their bakeries. With the non-availability of diesel and increases in diesel prices, the use of diesel is proving to be costly.”
He said there was need for a holistic approach to ensure that both consumers and bakers are sustained.
“There is need for a holistic approach because if we say that bakers need to reduce bread prices, while they are incurring costs that need to be covered, they will just withdraw and there won’t be any bread available in the market. Now that children have opened schools, bread is the easiest staple food for them to eat as soon as they get home from school,” Bvumbe said.
“We say bakers have to reduce the prices and they will say if we do that we won’t be able to survive the business, hence, bread will then be available only in the parallel market. So there is need for a holistic approach so that both consumers and manufacturers are catered for.”
Last year, bread prices went up thrice from 90 cents to $1,10 before shooting to $1,40.
This year, in February, bread prices escalated again with a standard loaf selling for $2,60 ,as bakers cited the rising cost of production after government failed to provide support to maintain the price of $1,40 at the time.
Since then, bread prices have gone from $2,60 to $3,50 before reaching $7 a few weeks back.
— NewsDay
By Own Correspondent- South Africa’s Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoenghas said that the recent violence and attacks on foreign African nationals in South Africa is not because South Africans are xenophobic but is being fueled by hunger.
He said:
“South Africans are not xenophobic. If I was xenophobic, I would be attacking the vice chancellor (a foreign national) now.
We must ask, why is it that the large-scale attack of that nature is happening again in 2019. We tend to prefer naming and labelling things. In 2008, we had an economic meltdown all over the world. People were hungry and retrenched on a massive scale.
There may well be xenophobic elements but it is not where the problem ends. If you think teaching people to love one another, that will be the end of it, you are joking.”
At least 12 people died in the recent attacks. 2 of the Zimbabweans.
Following the attacks about 96 Zimbabweans have been repartreated back to Zimbabwe. Almost 200 Nigerians have been repatriated back to their home country.-News24
By A Correspondent- At least 22 people were injured yesterday when a commuter omnibus collided with a Nissan X-trail at the intersection of Luveve and Masiyephambili roads in Emakhandeni, Bulawayo.
Council acting chief fire officer Edward Mpofu confirmed the accident which occurred during the morning rush hour.
“The accident happened due to the malfunctioning robots, but most importantly the commuter omnibus driver was supposed to have given way for the private vehicle. Instead, he failed resulting in the crash. Twenty-two people were injured in the accident,” Mpofu
said.
According to eyewitnesses who spoke to a local publication, the kombi was carrying mostly school children and on approaching the intersection, the driver did not give way to other vehicles, and collided with the Nissan X-Trail.
Contacted for comment, Bulawayo acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Nomalanga Msebele could not comment on the matter revealing that she had no details of the accident.
However, malfunctioning robots have caused accidents before in the city.
—NewsDay
Independent|FORMER president Robert Mugabe, who died in Singapore last Friday, offered Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga to take over from him at the height of the coup, the Zimbabwe Independent can reveal.
In an interview with the Independent at his house in March 2018, Mugabe revealed that 48 hours after the military had taken over key institutions, he offered Chiwenga to take over power, as he believed he was the power broker behind President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
However, Chiwenga refused, fearing for his security, as he thought accepting the offer would put him in the crosshairs of military commanders who would view
the act as betrayal. Mugabe said he knew Chiwenga was the kingmaker, while Mnangagwa was the political front.
However, prior to the coup, Mugabe had preferred the Sydney Sekeramayi, who was then Defence minister.
In the interview with the Independent, Mugabe revealed that he sent former Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe governor Gideon Gono to speak to the army on November 17,
2017.
Initially, Roman Catholic priest father Fidelis Mukonori had been the emissary between the army and the Mugabe family, but on this specific mission he sent
Gono.
Gono’s mission was to understand the military’s issues and grievances.
The reason why Mugabe was offering power is that he had been made to understand that there was a planned march on his Blue Roof residence, which was to be on
November 18, where a mob would be allowed to lynch him Gadaffi-style.
Even at the 11th hour, Mugabe was totally opposed to Mnangagwa taking over from him, and this is despite their long history together. During negotiations
between Mugabe and the military at State House, Mugabe kept on flagging to Chiwenga to take over from him. That softened Chiwenga, resulting in the former
commander of defence forces (CDF) being convinced (around the time of the “Asante Sana” speech), that Mugabe should at least stay on until Zanu PF’s December
congress or, better still, until the end of his five-year term.
Mugabe had tried to use the same strategy to lure Mnangagwa back from short exile in South Africa so that they could have a discussion on the coup and
succession. Mukonori said in one of the interviews that the two leaders had spoken on the phone for about 10 to 15 minutes during the negotiations between the
military and Mugabe.
Mugabe, after having established contact with the army, some long hours after it had launched its operation, entertained the thought that the situation could
still be managed, particularly after the intervention of South Africa, which sent a delegation that included then State Security minister Bongani Bongo and
Defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
He thought the tide could be reversed.
However, sources close to him say that after Mugabe attended the Zimbabwe Open University graduation ceremony, he came back to his home completely changed
after realising that the army had virtually taken over. This was because during the graduation ceremony, he had an opportunity, for the first time after the
military takeover, to be briefed by senior members of the Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), who told him that, clearly, the coup was complete and that,
after all, some intelligence officers had been killed.
“After the graduation ceremony, they gave him a list with nine names of people whom they alleged had been killed. That shocked him and, when he got home, he
started thinking differently from the path of negotiation,” a source said.
“He then reached out to several heads of state in the region to intervene, but they refused.”
The South Africans, who were key to the process — not least because of their economic and regional power, but also because the then president Jacob Zuma was
the Sadc chairperson — refused to intervene, but made it clear that if the army had invaded Mugabe’s house, as they were threatening repeatedly in the background, South African troops were going to be in Harare within minutes.
“Mugabe also tried to reach Vladimir Putin, through former vice-president Phelekezela Mphoko. He asked Mphoko to call Putin to come and quash the coup. That
did not work because African leaders did not prefer that route,” another source said.
After the May 2017 “Mexico Declaration”, which heightened Mugabe’s succession war within the splintered Zanu PF, the G40 faction hastily formed a special
committee led by the then party’s political commissar Saviour Kasukuwere to introduce Sekeramayi across the country’s 10 provinces as the veteran leader’s
preferred heir apparent.
Mugabe’s project to install Sekeramayi as his successor failed due to an array of reasons: his lack of gravitas, weak support from the deposed veteran leader,
as well as from the Zanu PF commissariat and critical party structures. Insiders told the Independent in May 2018 that Sekeramayi proved to be a reluctant and
weak candidate, as he appeared rather too timid to provide leadership to the G40 faction which had coalesced around Mugabe and his wife Grace at the zenith of
the Zanu PF succession battle.
Prior to Sekeramayi, Mugabe had wanted his former Vice-President Joice Mujuru to take over from him after the 2004 Zanu PF congress.
By A Correspondent- A 63 year old Chivhu woman attempted to kill herself after she was allegedly rap_ed by a pastor belonging to convicted rap_ist Robert Martin Gumbura’s RMG Independent End Time Message Church.
Wallas Pangenyama of Mt Pleasant appeared before magistrate Morgan Nemadire facing rap_e charges.
The woman told the court that she threw herself into a well in an attempt to end her life since she was being troubled by the rap_e.
She explained how she went into the restroom before Pangenyama allegedly barged in and gagged her mouth with his right hand. The accused allegedly overpowered the woman and rap_ed her.
The complainant said after the rap_e she went to Chivhu where she reported the case, but police did nothing.
She then came to Harare and again reported the matter to the police, leading to Pangenyama’s arrest.
According to the State, sometime in March last year, Pangenyama together with other members of the church visited Chivhu rural area preaching and the complainant was converted to the church before being baptised together with others.
After the baptism, Pangenyama allegedly invited the complainant to his plot through someone only identified as Hezvo, but she refused.
It is alleged that in April last year, the complainant together with other women were invited and driven to Pangenyama’s house in Mt Pleasant, Harare for Easter Friday and when they arrived they were offered a room to sleep.
It is reported that in the morning, the complainant woke up and went to the restroom where Pangenyama forced his way into the room before he allegedly rap_ed her. The State alleged that she went back to Chivhu and told her husband who then advised her to report the matter to the police.-Newsday
The office of the president, on Thursday said President Cyril Ramaphosa has cancelled his plan to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting because he has to `concentrate on critical issues’ at home.
The presidency said the president has instructed Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Naledi Pandor to lead the South African delegation to attend the meeting, scheduled for Sept. 23-26 in New York.
Presidential spokesperson, Khusela Diko said Ramaphosa has decided to remain in South Africa to attend to the implementation of the government’s urgent measures on gender-based violence.
Diko added that the president wanted to witness the restoration of order and stability in areas affected by public violence and to oversee initiatives to turn around the economy.
Ramaphosa said in a statement issued by the Presidency that this is a time for leadership from across society to mobilise their respective constituencies in support of economic progress and rebuilding the social and moral fabric of society.
He said his government is stepping up its own contribution to this collective effort.
Ramaphosa would be meeting communities, civil society and structures of government on concrete actions to address public concerns and challenges, according to Diko.
Diko said together with cabinet colleagues, the president and his deputy David Mabuza will be focused on the implementation of plans to fight crime, create jobs and develop the economy.
South Africa’s president has rarely been absent from annual UN General Assembly meetings in previous years. South Africa currently is serving as a non-permanent member in the UN Security Council.
South Africa has seen rising gender-based violence and clashes between locals and foreigners that have led to at least 12 people killed in recent days. (NAN)
Independent|We all know that working at the state media one has to sing for their supper. But ZBC’s Robson Mhandu went above and beyond the call of duty.
During the live broadcast of the body viewing ceremony, Mhandu, who strangely called the ceremony an “exercise”, gushed over Mnangagwa’s benevolence.
Mhandu praised Mnangagwa for allowing the body-viewing ceremony of the former president which he said was something never witnessed before in the country.
Muckraker would like to remind the excitable Mhandu that it has never happened before because the country has only had one leader since 1980, which kind of
makes it impossible for there to be a precedent.
It is such naivety that ensures that ZBC remains bottom of the pile when it comes to broadcasting standards.
State Media|ELEVEN years after starting his Manchester City adventure, with a headed winning goal at Old Trafford, Benjani Mwaruwari turned back the hands of time at the Etihad on Wednesday night. His late header against a Premier League All Stars side dominated by former United players, turned him into the toast of the Etihad.
And, just as he did in his debut match for City in a 2-1 win over the Red Devils at Old Trafford on February, 10, 2008, the former Warriors skipper delivered the unique Benjani celebration.
He pointed to the crowd three times before moving his arm across his body in a flashback to his time at the club.
That his late goal came against a Premier League All Stars side which started with eight former Manchester United stars, including many who were booed during the match, to help the Manchester City Legend force a 2-2 draw in Vincent Kompany’s testimonial match, delighted thousands of fans at the Etihad.
And, that he beat Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, to a cross from Dutchman Nigel de Jong, to plant his header beyond the goalkeeper for the equaliser, delighted the fans given the Reds have become City’s biggest threat to silverware in English football today.
With 51 602 fans turning up for the Belgian’s testimonial, and nine former Manchester United stars in the starting line-up of the opposing team – Edwin van der Sar, Gary Neville, Michael Carrick, Andy Cole, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, and Robin van Persie – this contest had more than just a friendly touch to it.
“I’m glad to have the United players here, we can’t do this properly without the red side being involved,” Kompany said. ‘You can’t have a successful project without Manchester United involved, We have our differences – that is clear.
“Even though I am presently playing in a different country, Manchester will always be special for me.’’
Benjani started on the bench with City manager, Pep Guardiola, starting with Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Kolo Toure, Julian Lescott, De Jong, Samir Nasri, David Silva, Stephen Ireland, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Sylvian Petrov and Sergio Aguero in his team of Manchester City Legends.
He was introduced for Wright-Phillips in the 71st minute and, with just a minute left on the clock, he climbed higher than Carragher to meet a ball swung into the area by De Jong and direct it beyond substitute goalkeeper Shay Given, sending the Etihad into delirium.
Petrov had given the City Legends the lead in the second minute but goals from Keane, and a trademark strike by Van Persie, before half time, turned the match on its head to give the Premier League Legends the lead which they held on to until a minute before the end.
Then, Dutchman De Jong, swung in a ball into the area from a free-kick and Benjani timed his run and jump to perfection, directing the ball into the bottom corner, to the delight of the fans, Guardiola and Kompany who didn’t play in his testimonial because of injury.
Then, the moment the City fans were probably waiting for all night, came – with Benjani racing to the stands to deliver his trademark celebration while his teammates, led by Micah Richards, raced in to mob him in the celebrations that followed.
‘‘Man City’s Benjani hailed by fans for celebration in Vincent Kompany testimonial,’’ screamed British tabloid, Daily Star, in its headline yesterday.
‘‘The former City man scored a late equaliser and used his famous move, leaving fans in tears.’’
The newspaper also captured comments from the City fans and noted that the video of the 41-year-old’s celebration was viewed by more than 50 000 people within minutes of being put on line.
“That was a throwback,” one said, “If you’re a real fan, you know,” another commented while a third said, ‘’tears in my eyes. Premier League legend.’’
Another fan could only say, ‘‘that Benjani celebration brought back serious feelings.’’
The official Manchester City Twitter page screamed, ‘‘GOAL! HE DID THE CELEBRATION!’’
And, Britain’s biggest selling daily newspaper, The Sun, described him as the hero of the night. ‘‘Zimbabwe striker Benjani was the hero for Kompany and City, the veteran outjumping ex-Liverpool defender and now Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher to head a late equaliser,’’ The Sun said in their report.
Benjani spent three seasons at Manchester City, after arriving from Portsmouth on February 5, 2008, on a £3.87 million two-and-a-half-year deal, worth £50,000 a week.
The transfer fee was set to rise to £7.6 million in the event he made 75 senior starts for the Citizens. However, injuries limited him to 31 appearances and seven goals for City.
He became an immediate favourite with the City fans, after scoring what proved to be the winner in the 2-1 victory over United at Old Trafford, in his debut match for the Citizens.
State Media|Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga said Zimbabweans have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but the right is not absolute in the spirit of maintaining peace and stability.
The police chief’s sentiments follow the recent prohibition of planned MDC nationwide demonstrations after the State found them unsafe and likely to turn violent.
In a speech read on his behalf at the send off ceremony of 21 officers destined for South Sudan for United Nations peacekeeping duties, Comm-Gen Matanga said the police respected people’s right to demonstrate, but lawlessness could not be tolerated.
“By the same measure, I wish to put the record straight,” he said.
“As a law enforcement agency, the ZRP is not against people holding peaceful demonstrations as may be peddled or portrayed by some in our society.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Zimbabwe Republic Police is fully mindful and desirous of the importance of upholding the rights of citizens as enshrined in the Constitution. But we are also not blind to the apparent fact that such rights are not absolute.
“The supreme law of the land clearly states that the enjoyment of rights should not be done by infringing the rights of others.”
Comm-Gen Matanga urged citizens to desist from violence.
“Zimbabwe is our country and we share the same destiny and heritage as a nation,” he said.
“Let us, therefore, safeguard the gains of our independence and live in peace. Remember, it is only in a peaceful environment that together as Zimbabweans we can collectively address the challenges bedevilling us.”
Comm-Gen Matanga said the police service will remain vigilant in safeguarding the existing peace and security.
Some 15 other officers recently returned from United Nations mission in Darfur.
Comm-Gen Matanga said the Zimbabwean police officers were doing well in maintaining peace internationally.
“The ZRP has for over two decades been seconding police officers to various peacekeeping missions across the world under the banner of the United Nations, African Union and Sadc,” he said.
“Essential lessons learnt from our active participation in fostering world peace, especially in war-torn countries has been the need to jealously safeguard the existing peace and tranquillity.
“We have also learnt that conflicts destroy peoples’ lives, social structures, national infrastructure and above all, result in catastrophic economic meltdown. This is the reason why as an organisation, we remain vigilant at all times in selflessly safeguarding the existing peace and security in our country.”
IOL|”They can keep their De Klerk, and we will keep our Mugabe.”
This was the dominant message from EFF leader Julius Malema during a memorial service for the former Zimbabwean leader held by the party in Soweto on Thursday.
Malema said the legacy of Zimbabwe’s founding father was that of an anti-colonialist and an anti-imperialist who refused to bend the knee when faced with harsh consequences – and that his legacy must be celebrated.
“Many want to tell us not to celebrate President Mugabe, that we must speak badly of him, even in his death. There are imperialists and racists today who want their heroes to be our heroes, and their enemies to be our enemies,” Malema said.
These people, Malema said, were the same people who celebrated “murderers like FW De Klerk by giving them Nobel Peace prizes”.
“It is these people who name our streets, our schools after racists like Verwoerd and Malan… it is these racists who own our land and control our economy, who want to dictate to us who we must celebrate,” said Malema.
Mugabe, whose autocratic rule ended in a military coup two years ago, died last week aged 95 in Singapore.
His leadership forced millions of Zimbabweans out of the country which was crippled by hyperinflation and shortages of food, medicine and fuel.
However, Malema put the blame for Zimbabwe’s economic collapse squarely on “imperialists” whom he said orchestrated the country’s downfall through sanctions.
“We challenge imperialism, lift those sanctions and let’s see if black people will never run their own economies successfully.
“Let the black Zimbabweans fail on their own without imperialist sanctions. We want the sanctions in Zimbabwe done away with.”
He said Mugabe represented a hope that one could stand against an oppressor and live to tell a story of liberating one’s own people.
“As young revolutionaries in the continent, it is from Mugabe that we learnt what it means to be defiant and how a young revolutionary must always push their elders, beyond their fears and comfort.”
Malema said Mugabe was “sold out” by his Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) counterparts who refused to heed his call for expropriation of land without compensation and provided safe haven for racist white Zimbabweans, whom he referred to as Rhodesians, the colonial name for Zimbabwe.
“They failed Mugabe by refusing to join his fight for land,” Malema said.
He called on South Africans to stop xenophobic violence against Zimbabweans and other Africans, and immediately cease calling them foreigners.
“You are also foreigners here because you do not own the country. You are visitors because you are marching from hostels beating up people that they must leave South Africa, yet you rent in a hostel where you can also be chased out.
“You are defending a white man’s property, this South Africa is owned by the white man.
“Stop hating your future employers, you are exploiting the people who are going to share the land with you,” Malema said.
The Government has released the list of VVIPs who will be attending the funeral of the late Robert Mugabe.
George Charamba the Official Presidential Spokesperson shared the presser below.
Further to Official Communication by Government on the Funeral Arrangements for the late Founding Father and former President of Zimbabwe, Cde Robert Gabriel Mugabe, please note the attached list of Heads of State and Government, former Heads of State and Government, envoys of foreign Governments, current and former Heads of Sub-regional and International Organisations, and other dignitaries who have so far confirmed attendance of the Official Funeral Event, which is provisionally set for Saturday, 14th September, 2019, in Harare at the National Sports Stadium.
While consultations between Government and the Mugabe Family on the burial arrangements continue, the Media are advised to be particularly wary of false material circulating in the social media on the same, and as far as possible to rely on authentic communication from Government, its designated officials, and from authorized spokesperson(s) of the Mugabe Family.
We emphasize that the attached list could change as more information on attendances is received. Further updates on this and other issues will be done as and when necessary.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) spokesperson, Fullard Gwasira revealed that the power utility is able to supply power to most of its customers during the night. He said:
The electricity supply situation is quite dire. Please use the available power very sparingly. We are able to supply most of our customers with power mostly during the night.
Gwasira added that the power supply situation will stabilize in March/April 2020 if high rainfall is received in the oncoming rainy season. He said:
If we get a good rainfall season, the impact of that will be felt around March/April 2020.
The country is importing electricity from neighboring countries which costs US$15 million per month, a situation that is unsustainable, claimed Gwasira. He said:
Imports currently cost us about 15m USD per month. Raising this figure or expecting to import indefinitely is not sustainable in the environment of the forex crunch. Let alone the security of supply issues.
A two-member delegation from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is in the country to review progress under the Staff Monitored Programme.
The delegation, comprising of Gene Leon Division Chief of the IMF African Department and David Robinson who is the Deputy Director paid a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa Offices yesterday.
Speaking after the meeting, Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube said the SMP was meant to support the country’s reform agenda.
“This is a delegation from the IMF,” he said.
“As you know, Zimbabwe is under the Staff Monitored Programme for the next few months, which is meant to support our reform agenda under the Transitional Stabilisation Programme.
“So, they are here on a routine process of review of the progress under the SMP. They are here also so that they can convey certain messages to His Excellency (President Mnangagwa) and share with him certain thoughts, but it’s too early (to comment on progress), they have just started their work on the review process.”
Zimbabwe adopted the SMP early this year to address structural rigidities in the economy while also taking key steps to address the macroeconomic imbalances.
“The SMP process will run until year end and the next review is in January 2020, but in the interim we will continue receiving reviews from them on how we are progressing,” Minister Ncube said.
“This shows we are committed to the reform agenda for Zimbabwe, both economic and non-economic reforms, so that we make sure we can put the economy back on the path of growth and one expects that major macro-economic decisions are made and we put them behind us and focus on jobs.
“We are focusing on growth and competitiveness and economic development.”
State Media|President Mnangagwa yesterday said no decision will be made on the funeral arrangements of former President Robert Mugabe against the wishes of his family, and assured former First Lady Grace Mugabe that she has the full support of Government.
He said Government will not renege on the recognition of the former leader as the founding President, Commander-in-chief and torch-bearer of the country.
President Mnangagwa said this at Mugabe’s residence in Borrowdale Brooke where he led Zanu-PF Politburo members in conveying their condolences on the passing on of the country’s founding father.
“Amai (former First Lady Grace Mugabe), you have the full support of the Government under me, those who talk will do so, but as Government there is nothing that we will do against your wishes,” he said.
“On where and how he will be buried, we have not made an announcement until we met Amai so that we share with each other. When my mother died, the former President came to my residence and stayed for quite some time.
“We will try to make all the provisions. I want the family to know that the Zanu-PF-led Government will not forget that we have our leader, it is something that we do as a matter of tradition.
“Let us have a spirit of unity and love. As long as Zanu-PF is in power and as long as I am leading, no one will deviate from that; he will remain our icon and commander, we cannot change this.”
President Mnangagwa said since he took over as Head of State and Government, he had striven to fulfil all the requirements that the former First Family wanted.
“From the day that I assumed office, there was no request that I turned down in terms of providing assistance, even the travelling to Singapore by our leader for treatment,” he said.
President Mnangagwa paid tribute to Mugabe, whom he worked with for a long time.
“I worked with him for more than 54 years, from 1962,” he said. “In 1963 when I was imprisoned he helped to make arrangements that I be released. We have never had problems with him, except what happened that which you all know, but when I returned (back in the country) I said let bygones be bygones, that is the spirit that I have.”
The President castigated some sections of the media for exaggerating the number of Heads of State and Government that had confirmed attendance for the funeral service to be held tomorrow at the National Sports Stadium.
Daily News yesterday listed 49 world leaders which it claimed had confirmed attendance.
“That did not come from us,” said President Mnangagwa. “Traditional leaders from Zvimba District also came to see me and we held talks with them but the media said I bribed them, yet no one had even a single drink from me.”
President Mnangagwa later requested a meeting with close family members led by Amai Mugabe, saying he wanted to exchange views with them.
Family representative, Mr Walter Chidhakwa paid tribute to the Government for the support it rendered during the time of bereavement.
“We have been taught by our founding father to remain united and to forgive each other and help each other in times of trouble,” he said. “Our father played a significant role, it is not the kind of history that Your Excellency, President Mnangagwa would want to be told about, you know it better than me.
“You know the work that he carried out, the circumstances in which you worked under, how difficult it was. So, I say this man, who is our father, deserves a heroes’ welcome that you gave us yesterday. We want to provide a big send off, we cannot fail to do it that which he used to do for others.”
Speaking after a briefing with President Mnangagwa, Mr Chidhakwa said it was agreed that yesterday and today, the body would be at Rufaro Stadium where Zimbabweans would be given an opportunity to bid him farewell.
On Saturday, people will gather at the National Sports Stadium where Heads of State and government from other countries will attend.
State Media|Former Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) chief executive Patrick Mavhura was yesterday arrested over a slew of allegations, including abuse of office involving thousands of dollars.
Although it could not be established how much was involved, Mr Mavhura was by late last night still assisting police with investigations.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest to The Herald, but could not shed more light.
“Yes, it’s confirmed,” he said. “We have arrested Patrick Mavhura. It relates to abuse of office. We will give you more specifics tomorrow (today) but one of the cases involves diversion of funds channelled to ZBC.
“They would deposit the funds into private accounts that were administered by their lawyers. Police are widening investigations into the case.”
The arrest comes as Government is descending heavily on corruption, as it seeks to develop a corruption-free country.
Mavhura was recently fired as ZBC chief executive.
Chiefs have mourned the passing on of the former President Robert Mugabe, and proposed that he be buried at the National Heroes Acre alongside his other brave colleagues who fought tirelessly to liberate the country from the yoke of colonialism.
The chiefs, described Mugabe as a true hero who stood by his people against all odds, and wanted peace to prevail in the country.
Mugabe died last Friday in Singapore aged 95.
Speaking at a funeral ceremony held at Rufaro Stadium in Mbare, Harare, yesterday, chiefs said the death of Mugabe had robbed the country of a gallant son, a true revolutionary and leader who championed the rights of his people.
They said they will cherish his contribution towards the upkeep of traditional leaders.
Chief Musarurwa said Mugabe was also a chief and had a close relationship with them.
“He respected chiefs and promoted the welfare of chiefs,” he said. “He saw that chiefs got vehicles, farms and decent housing. I remember well how he worked together with President Mnangagwa in ensuring that chiefs were well provided for.
“Cde Mugabe had an open door policy and chiefs could visit him even without setting an appointment. We are pleading for his burial at the national shrine. Cde Mugabe does not belong to the Gushungo family only, but he is a national figure and should be buried at a safe place, a place for the true and selfless heroes and that is the national shrine.
Chief Beperere of the Gushungo clan said Mugabe walked a revolutionary journey.
“We want him to be buried at the National Heroes Acre since he is a national hero,” he said.State media
Oil prices fell yesterday as a meeting of the OPEC+ alliance yielded no discussion about deepening supply cuts but focused instead on bringing Nigerian and Iraqi output down to their agreed quotas.
Brent crude futures LCOc1 fell 61 cents to $60,20 a barrel by 1026 GMT, heading for a third session of losses. US West Texas Intermediate futures CLc1 were down 37 cents at $55,38.
Saudi Arabia’s new energy minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, said deeper cuts would not be discussed before a meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries planned for December 5 and 6.
Prince Abdulaziz said, however, his country would keep cutting by more than it pledged in a deal that has throttled supply by OPEC and its allies by 1,2 million barrels per day. Nigeria, Iraq and Russia have, at times, produced above their quota.
A statement from OPEC and its allies, a grouping known as OPEC+, said oil stocks in industrial countries remained above the five-year average.State media
A diarrhoea outbreak has hit some Harare suburbs, with hundreds of residents being treated at various clinics after drinking contaminated borehole water, Harare City Council’s Health Services director Dr Prosper Chonzi said yesterday.
Failure by the local authority to give residents clean water is a violation of section 77 of the Constitution which guarantees that every person has a right to safe, clean and potable water.
Dr Chonzi said council has dispatched teams to monitor the situation in affected areas.
“There has been an increase in the number of reported diarrhoea cases in Dzivaresekwa 3 and Dzivaresekwa Extension due to water challenges,” he said.
“The diarrhoea emanated after residents consumed contaminated borehole water. Water levels are also critical and there is need of drilling more boreholes.
“At Warren Park 1 primary school, we are also investigating an outbreak, although authorities have been trying to cover up, but our officers are on the ground.”
Zimbabwe Combined Residents and Ratepayers Association president Mr McStephen Nyabvure said provision of clean water was a basic constitutional right that should be upheld at any cost.
In a statement, Harare Residents Trust said the city should protect school children at Warren Park 1 Primary School.State media
GOVERNMENT will soon rollout a programme to install solar power at all the country’s airports as part of efforts to reduce pressure on the national grid and also to ensure continued power supply in the face of decreased generation.
Zimbabwe is grappling with subdued power generation largely due to decreased water levels in Kariba dam as well as the failure of thermal power stations to perform at optimum level due to their old state.
As a result, Zimbabwe has been importing up to 400MW from South African power utility Eskom since August when Government sealed a deal to pay off Zesa’s Eskom debt.
Hydro Cahora Bassa of Mozambique has also been supplying Zimbabwe with 50MW but Government is negotiating to have this increased to 400MW so as to reduce on the current load-shedding and breath life in local industry which has come worse off due to the power crunch.
In an interview, Energy and Power Development Minister Advocate Fortune Chasi, said airports are a key infrastructure whose power supply should always be guaranteed and this can only be done through solar.
Minister Chasi also said the move was in line with Government strategy to reduce pressure on the national grid and encouraging users to be energy generators as opposed to waiting for the grid and thus minimising foreign currency being used for power imports.
“The basic idea is that airports are a key national installation and we have to have a situation where there is assurance that there won’t be any power outage there,” said Minister Chasi.
President Mnangagwa yesterday said no decision will be made on the funeral arrangements of former President Robert Mugabe against the wishes of his family, and assured former First Lady Grace Mugabe that she has the full support of Government.
He said Government will not renege on the recognition of the former leader as the founding President, Commander-in-chief and torch-bearer of the country.
President Mnangagwa said this at Cde Mugabe’s residence in Borrowdale Brooke where he led Zanu-PF Politburo members in conveying their condolences on the passing on of the country’s founding father.
“Amai (former First Lady Grace Mugabe), you have the full support of the Government under me, those who talk will do so, but as Government there is nothing that we will do against your wishes,” he said.State media
Farai Dziva|FC Platinum head coach Norman Mapeza has left the club.
See the statement below :
FC Platinum Club wishes to announce the departure of Head Coach, Norman Mapeza from the team through a mutual separation agreement.
Norman has been with the team for the past five (5) years and the Club would like to thank him for his professionalism, dedication and commitment to the achievement of the Club objectives.
During his tenure, the Club made history by winning back to back League titles and reaching the group stages of the prestigious CAF Champions League.
The Club Presidium, Fans, Executive, Management, entire Technical and playing staff wish him well in his future endeavours.
In the interim, Lizwe Sweswe will be the acting Head Coach.
Farai Dziva|CAPS United’s Joel Ngodzo and Dynamos striker Evans Katema are leading the race for the golden boot award.
Ngodzo and Katema are tied in second place with nine goals after Match-day 22.
Another CAPS player, John Zhuwawu follows on third position with 8 goals while Black Rhinos’ Moses Demera is in the 4th place with seven.
Clive Augasto Chicken Inn (Former)14 Joel NgodzoCAPS United 9
Evans Katema Dynamos 9 John Zhuwawu
CAPS United 8
Moses Demera Black Rhinos 7. Donald Teguru Ngezi Platinum Stars 6 Ishmael Wadi Harare City 6 Ralph KawonderaTriangle United 6 Gabriel Nyoni CAPS United (Former) 5 Albert Eonde FC Platinum 5 Wellington Taderera Black Rhinos 5 Allen Tavarwisa Chapungu 5 Brighton Mugoni Chapungu 5 Ian Nyoni Chapungu5 Enerst Gwitima Hwange 5 Stanley Ngala Manica Diamonds 4
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has said Constantino Chiwenga has undergone a successful operation but he is still unwell.
Speaking at the Blue Roof, Mnangagwa said:
“I speak to Vice President Chiwenga regularly.He has undergone a successful operation.
He is still unwell but we are glad he is recovering,” said Mnangagwa.
According to Mnangagwa Chiwenga is following Mugabe’s burial programme with keen interest.
Fadzayi Mahere|It’s embarrassing and selfish for political elites to destroy our public hospitals then seek health care abroad, destroy our airlines then hire private jets for themselves, destroy our farms then import grain.
The standoff between Zanu’s G40 and Lacoste factions is a red herring. The real issue is that Zanu PF in whatever form is happy to use public funds to live lavishly while people’s lives deteriorate. Sad to see public funds used for all this largesse while people are hungry and poor.
After 40 years of independence, where is our liberation?
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By Dorrothy Moyo| The late President Robert Mugabe’s G40 faction bounced back into action during a send off ceremony held for the 95 year old.
It was balls upon balls of fire as Zimbabwe’s last standing ZANU PF national commissar into the Nov 2017 coup period, Saviour Kasukuwere exchanged the stage with Mugabe’ nephew Patrick Zhuwao. Both are former cabinet ministers who military bigwigs rolled tanks into Harare to remove them during the ouster of Mugabe in 2017. The function was organised by Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Front party, and was South Africa’s own send off for Mugabe who passed away last week.
Also present was former ZANU PF MP, Shadreck Mashayamombe.
Speaking at the function, Zhuwao said the coalition of young leftists will soon liberate the whole of Africa, inspired by Robert Mugabe’s vision of black empowerment. He also said Malema was kicked out of the ANC party after being inspired on the concept of liberating the whole Africa. He said they were hounded and chased out of the ANC when they came and saw president Mugabe and resonated with what President Mugabe talked about that the next struggle will be the economic liberation of Africa. (VIDEO)
Taking his own turn, Kasukuwere encouraged Malema saying Mugabe never gave up. (VIDEO)
Some Zimbabweans commenting said that the energy in the meeting hall signified a full return of the ZANU PF faction into the matrix of politics in Zimbabwe
Below were the LIVE scenes as all these statements were passed:
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has passionately related how he spent 54 years with the late former President Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa, known as the Crocodile, also revealed Mugabe took him out of prison at the height of the liberation struggle.
“We were together for 54 years.He took me out of prison at the height of the liberation struggle.
Our dear leader is gone but we will remember and cherish his works forever,”said Mnangagwa.
“Let bygones be bygones -that is my message to you all.”
A Mugabe era minister belonging to the late president’s G40 faction, Makhosini Hlongwane is losing property over a vehicle loan.
Hlongwane was in 2017 taken to the High Court in Harare by Stanbic Bank over a $36 801 vehicle and asset finance facility debt, which he failed to repay.
The state owned Chronicle newspaper narrates saying on August 29, 2017, Stanbic Bank filed summons under case number HC7958/17 through its lawyers, Danziger and Partners, citing Hlongwane, his company, Carat Investments (Pvt) Ltd, which has since been placed under liquidation and one Adrian Hastings Kaira, as defendants.
According to court papers, sometime in June 2012, Stanbic Bank entered into an agreement, lent and advanced US$30 000 to Carat Investments under a vehicle and asset finance facility.
As security for the due repayment of the loan, it was stated that Hlongwane and Kaira stood as sureties and co-principal debtors for their company undertaking to pay legal practitioner’s collection commission and costs of suit on the legal practitioner and client scale and also renouncing the benefits of execution and division.
The bank further said under the credit facility signed between the parties, default interest would accrue on overdue payments at the rate of 34 percent per annum from the date of default to the date of full and final payment.
“Carat Investments (Pvt) Ltd breached the credit agreement signed with the plaintiff by failing to repay the facility loan which expired on June 30, 2013.
“In fact, the company has since been placed under liquidation by the High Court owing to its inability to pay its creditors,” Stanbic said.
“Despite demand on July 3, 2017, the first and second defendants (Hlongwane and Kaira) have failed, neglected and/or refused to settle the debt owed by their company, which stood at $36 801,28 as at March 29, 2015,” said the Stanbic Bank lawyers. – READ MORE
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa says he has risen above political differences.
Chamisa was responding to criticism for attending former President Robert Mugabe’s funeral.
“I’ve been to the Mugabe family residence to pay condolences as a gesture of Ubuntu, rising above political differences and personal animosities. The circumstances right now inform us that this is the time for mourning not political point scoring or politicking.
A nation that drinks from the cup of bitterness and hate runs the risk of getting drunk and drowning under a stupor of revenge, vengefulness and perpetual pain,”Chamisa wrote on Twitter.
“As pan africanists, we will do all what is required of us from a position of principle and values, showing leadership & courtesy. All will be revealed in due course. We all have a duty to each other maintaining fidelity to the matters that matter most for all Zimbabweans.
We have very many guests and dignitaries coming into our country from around the world to pay their respects and we must welcome them as one family despite our challenges and differences. So we shall not do or say things except all in the spirit of Ubuntu/hunhu hwedu.”
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By A Correspondent- A daring thief stole a Mercedes Benz at a fuel service station after telling the owner that he would refuel the car at a reserve tank.
After getting behind the wheel, the thief disappeared with the car, only abandoning it four hours later after failing to open the fuel tank at another service station.
ZRP said in a statement:
ZRP Glenview has recovered a Mercedes Benz that had been stolen in Rhodesville, Harare. The complainant went to a service station to refuel his car where he was advised that there was no fuel.
The accused pretended to be an attendant and assured him that he could find some fuel from the reserve tank. Accused was allowed to drive the car and he disappeared.
The accused abandoned the car at a service station in Glenview after he failed to explain why he was failing to open the fuel tank while he was trying to refuel the car 4 hours later. We urge the public not to give their cars to strangers.
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Below is our video collage and coverage on Thursday as about 100 Zimbabweans were evacuated from South Africa. This was made possible after citizens came together to donate and partner with the Zim embassy in South Africa for a descent send off. The Zimbabweans are some of those caught up in the recent xenophobic attacks. Speaking to ZimEye on Wednesday night, Zim ambassador to South Africa, Hon David Hamadziripi thanked citizens for their love for others and for the nation.
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AUDIO INTROS…
NOW PACKING UP AND ENTERING THE 2 BUSES
SHORT FUNERAL SERVICE FOR ISAAC MABANDLA
AUDIO: THIEVES STOLE ISAAC MABANDLA’S WIFE’S CELLPHONE
NOW LEAVING ZIMBABWE AND VISITING THE SPOT WHERE ISAAC MABANDLA WAS MURDERERED
Urologists at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have broken a world record previously held by Japan after successfully removing a kidney tumour weighing 12,3kg from a patient.
Addressing journalists yesterday, hospital principal director Jacob Maunganidze said the operation was extraordinary and they were proud of the surgeons who took part in the operation.
“Parirenyatwa is proud of what happened. We do not ordinarily invite the media on every surgery that we do, so there is something extraordinary about this,” he said.
Maunganidze said the surgery was an important case since it is breaking a world record previously held by Japan where the mass removed was 11,5kg
“The surgery has broken records in terms of publications and journals in the world.”
He also encouraged members of the public to seek medical attention locally rather than travelling outside the country.
Consultant urologist Shingirai Meki said the type of mass was rare in Zimbabwe.
The patient, Milka Gwatiringa (48), a teacher by profession lost about 300ml of blood during the three-hour surgery which is considered risky and complicated. In some cases, it results in severe blood loss and injury to other adjacent organs.
Gwatiringa expressed gratitude to the surgeons for saving her life. Her tummy started growing in 2008 and she was only admitted in July 2019. She said she had decided to go and have the operation done outside the country, but someone assured her that Parirenyatwa Hospital would save her. The mass measured 33cm in length, 30cm in width when it was removed.
MDC Alliance leader Nelson Chamisa has spoken on his visit to the Blue Roof to pay his last respects to the late former president Robert Mugabe.
I’ve been to the Mugabe family residence to pay condolences as a gesture of Ubuntu, rising above political differences and personal animosities. The circumstances right now inform us that this is the time for mourning not political point-scoring or politicking.
We have very many guests and dignitaries coming into our country from around the world to pay their respects and we must welcome them as one family despite our challenges and differences. So we shall not do or say things except all in the spirit of Ubuntu/hunhu hwedu.
As pan Africanists, we will do all that is required of us from a position of principle and values, showing leadership and courtesy. All will be revealed in due course. We all have a duty to each other maintaining fidelity to the matters that matter most for all Zimbabweans.
A nation that drinks from the cup of bitterness and hate runs the risk of getting drunk and drowning under a stupor of revenge, vengefulness and perpetual pain.
September 12, 2019
Police on the field tried to hold them back, but a large group pushed their way past them at the Rufaro stadium trying to get closer to the coffin. Some people were carried away on stretchers. The severity of their injuries wasn’t immediately clear.
Others were able to limp away and were treated by Red Cross medics on the field at the stadium in Harare’s Mbare neighborhood. Riot police later restored order, at times using batons to strike those waiting in a line.
Mugabe’s wife, Grace, sat on podium to the side of the sports field while Mugabe’s casket was under a tent at the center of the field. The event was marked by singing. A military helicopter later landed on the field and took off after the coffin was placed inside. The casket had earlier arrived from Mugabe’s Blue Roof house in the capital.
Controversy over where and when Mugabe will be buried has overshadowed arrangements for Zimbabweans to pay their respects to the deceased leader. Mugabe will not be given a state burial on Sunday at the national Heroes’ Acre site, family spokesman Leo Mugabe announced Thursday. The burial will be a private, family affair, he said to press outside Mugabe’s Blue Roof house.
“There have just been discussions between President Mnangagwa and Mai (Mrs.) Mugabe and it would look like nothing has changed,” said the ex-president’s nephew. “The family … said they are going to have a private burial. We don’t want the public to come. They don’t want you to know where he is going to be buried. We are not witnessing burial on Sunday, no date has been set for the burial.”
The announcement came after President Emmerson Mnangagwa met with Mugabe’s widow, Grace, and other family members to try to resolve the burial dispute. Instead of an interment on Sunday, Mugabe’s body will be on view to the public at a place near Mugabe’s birthplace in Zvimba district, said Leo Mugabe, who added that the family had not decided if he would be buried in Zvimba.
Speaking at the Mugabe house, Mnangagwa said his government would respect the family’s wishes over the burial, saying they have “the full support of the government. Nothing will change.” The ongoing uncertainty of the burial of Mugabe, who died last week in Singapore at the age of 95, has eclipsed the elaborate plans for Zimbabweans to pay their respects to the former guerrilla leader at several historic sites.
The burial dispute has also highlighted the lasting acrimony between Mnangagwa and Mugabe’s wife and other family members. Mugabe was deposed in November 2017 by Zimbabwe’s military and his former ally Mnangagwa. Grace and other family members still resent his ouster, apparently resulting in their refusal to go along with state burial plans.
Shortly after Mugabe’s death, Leo Mugabe said the former strongman died “a very bitter man” because he felt betrayed by Mnangagwa and the army generals who were his allies for close to four decades before they put him under house arrest and forced him to resign.
The government had earlier announced that Mugabe would be buried at the Heroes’ Acre monument, a burial place reserved for top officials of Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party who contributed to ending white colonial rule.
It has long been taken for granted that Mugabe would be buried at Heroes’ Acre. Mugabe had overseen the construction by North Korea of the monument atop a prominent hill and featuring a grandiose towering sculpture of guerrilla fighters. Mugabe gave many speeches at the site and his first wife, Sally, is buried there next to a gravesite long reserved for the ex-leader.
Mugabe’s casket will be displayed to the public at several sites. It will be shown Thursday and Friday at Rufaro Stadium in Harare’s poor Mbare neighborhood. On Saturday a ceremony will be held at the National Sports Stadium, which several African heads of state and other prominent officials are expected to attend. Supporters of the ruling ZANU-PF party are being bused from all over the country to go to the stadium ceremonies.
Grace Mugabe is expected to stay beside the casket the entire time. Earlier Thursday at Blue Roof, Mugabe’s 25-bedroom mansion in Harare’s posh Borrowdale suburb, Zimbabwe’s opposition leader paid his respects to the man who had been his bitter political foe.
“I am here to do the African thing that is expected … to pay honor,” said Nelson Chamisa, leader of the Movement for Democratic Change, the main opposition party. “In politics we have had many differences but we are here to reflect on his contribution. … We are here to pay condolences to the Mugabe family, all Zimbabweans and indeed the whole of Africa. It is only fair and necessary to see that we unite to see that he is given a decent burial and a peaceful send off. Today is a day of mourning.”
Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa
Mrs Mugabe has remained within 2 metres of the coffin throughout the whole program at the family’s Blue Roof residence since arrival from Singapore on Wednesday.
A statement by former President Robert Mugabe’s nephew, Patrick Zhuwao reveals that his widow, Grace is under strict instruction to as it were “protect” her husband’s coffin. She has to literally keep it in her sight all the way through to burial.
This may well explain why Mugabe’s body has not slept at One Commando barracks, since arriving in the country as is expected under military tradition.
Mugabe has been the Commander In Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces since independence, 1980.
Although she was not audibly heard communicating so, mourners who visited her said she is refusing to leave him.
Zhuwao issued the statement on the 12th September 2019 and in it he said (full text):
We note with extreme concern the manner with which the government of Zimbabwe has developed a programme for the funeral of the late RGM without consulting his immediate family who were tasked with communicating his last wishes in regard to his funeral and burial.
As his immediate family, we have also observed with shock that the government of Zimbabwe is attempting to coerce us to accept a programme for the funeral and burial of the late RGM which is contrary to his wishes on how he wished to have his mortal remains interred.
One of the wishes that the late RGM indicated was that his wife, Dr Grace Mugabe, MUST NEVER leave the casket bearing his remains for the duration of the funeral proceedings whilst in Zimbabwe up until his mortal remains have been interred.
To that end, we confirm that Hon Walter Chidakwa may communicate with our position with relevant authorities to ensure that we develop a programme that conforms to the wishes of the late RGM. We have also tasked Hon Patrick Zhuwao to disseminate this statement.”
NewsDay ZIMBABWE’S inflation-ravaged dollar has plunged 79% against the greenback since it was declared the sole legal tender on June 24, amid an acute foreign currency shortage and diminishing market confidence.
When authorities scrapped the multiple-currency regime a decade after it was promulgated, the Zimdollar was trading at US$1:$6,47.
As of Tuesday, the interbank rate was now US$1: ZWL$11,6.
Monetary authorities introduced the official interbank market in February this year to allow companies to trade forex, but business has been struggling to access it.
On the parallel market, local currency was trading at US$1:$15,10 against the greenback, a testament of serious hard currency shortages buffeting the economy.
Monetary authorities insist that the two markets will eventually converge, stressing that there isn’t enough local dollars in circulation to sustain the continued run of the parallel market rate.
Morgan & Co head of research, Batanai Matsika said the devaluing of the Zimdollar was inevitable given its abrupt introduction in the absence of sound macro-economic fundamentals.
“What we have earlier on in our research is that the introduction of the currency was ill-timed. If you follow the currency market, you realised that it is affected by confidence issues; the fact that the fundamental of the broad economy are not conducive for a new currency. If you look at the inflation, GDP [gross domestic product] growth and our international relations,” Matsika said.
Authorities did the undoable by promulgating new currency when the southern African nation’s year-on-year inflation rate for the month of June 2019 rose sharply by 175,66%, the highest post-dollarisation at a time the economy is envisaged to contract by 3% by year end.
“There are lots of questions as to whether the introduction of the Zimdollar was economic or political decision. The expectation was that the introduction of the local currency was backed by an arrangement with South Africa to adopt the rand. So the bottom-line here is that the Zimdollar introduction was ill-timed,” Matsika added.
The parallel market has been rearing its ugly head by way of buying the US$ at inflated rates, forcing authorities to remove administrative limits on bureaux de change to tame black market activities.More in Home
The central bank has so far registered 45 bureaux de change dotted across the country. Since then, they are competing with each other to offer competitive rates in chasing the elusive green back.
Some of the registered bureaux de change are Fredex Financial Services, Getbucks Microfinance Bank, My Cash Financial Services, Access Finance (Pvt) Ltd, FMC Finance (Pvt) Ltd, Transformation Financial Services, Elizabeth Florist (Pvt) Ltd t/a TSD Bureau de Change, Zimbabwe Posts (Private) Limited, among others.
At a memorial service held on Thursday afternoon at Orlando East Communal Hall by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) for founding Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, the EFF leader expressed the view that while Mugabe delivered freedom to his people through the “barrel of a gun”, South Africa’s majority are still not in charge of their country.
“You can say whatever nonsense you want to say about them but their [freedom] through a barrel of the gun. Yours was negotiated and that is why you can’t move from the sunset clauses,” he said, referring to clauses that the ANC accepted from the apartheid government during the Codessa negotiation process that preceded the transition to democracy, which are considered controversial to some.
Malema believes that South Africa, in contrast to Zimbabwe, is “owned by the white man”.
Addressing the issue of the recent xenophobic violence that has plagued SA, the EFF leader expressed the view that South Africans who are lashing out at foreigners cannot truly consider SA their country.
“You are defending the white man’s property,” Malema said.
“You have nothing to show, yet you claim this is your country.
“You are telling people to leave your country, you come from an apartment, you come from a flat, you come from a house, you have no paper. When you get back home, after taking out Zimbabweans, the white man will be at the door showing you the way out.
“You call them foreigners, what is the definition of a foreigner? Someone who comes into your country without papers and doesn’t have anything to show. That includes you, you are foreigners because you have nothing to show.
“You are renting. You are marching from the hostels, beating up people and telling them to leave South Africa, yet you do not own your own land. You are paying rent in that hostel, you can be removed yourself,” he said.
Malema also offered a different perspective to the more controversial aspects of Mugabe’s legacy, expressing the view that he has been incorrectly blamed for problems which were actually caused by sanctions imposed by the West.
“Today you say Zimbabwe is in trouble and the trouble of Zimbabwe is caused by Mugabe. It’s not true,” he said.
“Who caused the problems of Syria? Who caused the problem of Libya? Who is causing the problem of Venezuela? Afghanistan and Iraq? Were all those problems caused by Mugabe? Destabilising those countries, was it caused by Mugabe?” the leader of the red berets asked.
“What is common with all these countries, including Zimbabwe, is the fact that imperialism intervened and we know, that when imperialism intervenes, it destabilises countries and those countries never recover from imperialist intervention.
“That is what Zimbabwe is suffering from; when they took their land, when they took their economy, the imperialists imposed sanctions.
“We challenge imperialism, lift those sanctions and let’s see if black people will never run their own economies successfully.
“They will be owning their mines, they will be owning the retails, they will be owning their banks, they will be owning their land.
“One day, when those sanctions are removed, some of you who are beating up Zimbabweans here, some of you who are hating on Zimbabweans here, are going to work for them,” he predicted.
“Whether they like it or not, we will honour and protect the legacy of President Mugabe,” he said.
He also used the speech to honour Mugabe for his love of education.
“We cannot remember Mugabe and not stress the love of education; comrades must go to school. Young people must love education – we must always make education fashionable as President Mugabe did,” Malema said.
“Above all Mugabe loved education and his love for education was evidenced by the fact that upon being elected as president of Zimbabwe, he transformed Zimbabwe into the most educated nation in the continent,” he added.
HMetro|BONA Mugabe shared with the nation her sorrow and gratitude with their coming in numbers to welcome the body of her father and former President Robert Mugabe at the airport yesterday.
Bona, sitting next to her husband Simba Chikore, opened the window to face the crowd as they cheered with some in tears as the body leaves Robert Mugabe International Airport.
Some of the mourners wept before a moment of silence engulfed the whole nation connecting point as military commanders led proceedings.
Churches from various denominations were singing, interceding and uttering spiritual hymns as they waited for the arrival of the body.
Chimurenga choir made their seductive dances chanting revolutionary songs while some including slay queens were busy posing for selfies celebrating their first time to get close to the runway.
“I came to witness the arriving of our former President Mugabe and I am happy that he made it possible for me to be near an aeroplane,” said one of the young ladies refusing to identify self.
“Tisingoita zvekuona vanhu vatobuda mundege asi nekuda kwavaMugabe nhasi ndapinda panhandare yendege sezvo ndisati ndamboikwira.
“Bona and her husband gave us their faces and I felt humbled, touched and wish them along with Amai Mugabe more grace in this time of sorrow.
“I will be very grateful if I will make it to the Blue Roof as well as Zvimba where the former President used to stay,” she added.
Some of the mourners expressed their deepest love with the former head of State showering praise of making them masters of their destiny.
One of the guests Kingstone Mushunje of Mt Pleasant who had a new t-shirt with the face of the former President Mugabe showered praises to the late.
“VaMugabe vakatipa dzidzo uye vakatikurudzira kuti tivevashandirwi kwete kungoda kutsvaga basa,” said Mushunje.
“I kept my t-shirt with his face until now and I have more photographs of him for my and family history,” said Mushunje.
Airport Road was busy and residents of Hatfield waited along the road dotted with police officers waved in sorrow as the body passes by.
Numerous people have reportedly been injured in a stampede at the viewing event for founding Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe, as those in attendance jostled in an attempt to see the late leader’s body.
There was no way Zimbabwean police officials were going to be able to contain that many people.
The thousands of Zimbabweans caused a stampede as they frantically shoved their way into the Rufaro Stadium.
As the body was welcomed into the stadium, thousands waited outside the gates to get inside and occupy the best seat for an untethered view of the late president.
However, things quickly got out of hand as scores of locals pushed through the gates, causing a stampede. The numbers have not been confirmed but there was a number of people who suffered serious injuries.
Riot police managed to barricade the area and contain the chaos.
Watch video of the service downloading below:
Fadzayi Mahere|It’s embarrassing and selfish for political elites to destroy our public hospitals then seek health care abroad, destroy our airlines then hire private jets for themselves, destroy our farms then import grain.
The standoff between Zanu’s G40 and Lacoste factions is a red herring. The real issue is that Zanu PF in whatever form is happy to use public funds to live lavishly while people’s lives deteriorate. Sad to see public funds used for all this largesse while people are hungry and poor.
After 40 years of independence, where is our liberation?
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Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa has passionately related how he spent 54 years with the late former President Robert Mugabe.
Mnangagwa, known as the Crocodile, also revealed Mugabe took him out of prison at the height of the liberation struggle.
“We were together for 54 years.He took me out of prison at the height of the liberation struggle.
Our dear leader is gone but we will remember and cherish his works forever,”said Mnangagwa.
“Let bygones be bygones -that is my message to you all.”
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