Government is still to disburse funds to political parties under the Political Parties (Finance) Act as it remains seized with availing basic commodities and cushioning citizens from the obtaining economic challenges.

This was said by Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana yesterday.

“Government wishes to advise the public that it is yet to disburse funds to political parties under the Political Parties (Finance) Act Chapter 2:11.

“Treasury is presently seized with the importation of basic goods and prioritising the cushioning of the general public from the current economic challenges. When the funds to finance political parties are available, they will concurrently be disbursed to all eligible political parties. This is expected to happen within the next few weeks,” said Mr Mangwana.

According to the Political Parties (Finance) Act, the State is obliged to provide funding to political parties that get at least 5 percent of the vote in a general election.

MDC-Alliance spokesperson Mr Daniel Molokele has indicated that the party has now turned to its leaders for financial support while treasurer-general Mr David Coltart and Mr Hwende, have been tasked with exploring other avenues for raising money for party activities.

There was a massive turnout at the Zanu-PF community bakery training programme that was held at the party’s provincial offices in Marondera on Friday.

Scores of party supporters, mainly women from all the 23 constituencies in the province, took part in the programme which the party said was targeting to ease bread shortages in the country by establishing community bakeries as the Zanu-PF-led government employs all tactics to address the economic meltdown.

Despite social media rants on the uselessness of the programme, scores of Zanu-PF party supporters, who included women’s league members, the youth league and some war veterans from the rural constituencies spent the better part of the day being trained on baking bread, among other skills like candle and shoe-polish production.

The event was also graced by Mashonaland East Provincial Affairs minister Aplonia Munzverengi, who is also the women’s league national political commissar.

Provincial women’s league secretary for administration Spiwe Mukunyaidze said the turnout was encouraging and participants had a task to impart the acquired skills back in their wards.

“We were happy with the turnout and this shows that the people out there are embracing the programme,” Mukunyadze said.

“We are now encouraging those who participated in the training programme to impart the acquired knowledge and skills to others in their respective wards and constituencies. The implementation of this programme means that the shortage of bread will be a thing of the past. We have made arrangements to ensure that the people secure the needed raw materials such as wheat at affordable prices.”

The country has been facing bread shortages attributed to the shortage of foreign currency to buy wheat and other ingredients.

Wheat shortages have paralysed several bakeries, resulting in massive shortages while the current inflation rate has seen bakeries offloading bread on the black market to source foreign currency to import raw materials, pushing the price of the commodity to around $7.

After the training programme at the Zanu-PF offices, bread was sold at $3.

The makeshift bakeries have been criticised by some sections of society mainly on social media platforms with people saying government is lacking innovation in dealing with the prevailing economic crisis. Some described the mud ovens as Stone Age structures.

But despite the criticism, the community bakery programme has since been rolled out to other provinces with various teams being dispatched across the country to train more community-based bread makers.

ZANU-PF has issued a chilling warning to opposition MDC ahead of its sanctioned demonstration against government economic failures which the ruling party claims are plans to overthrow a constitutionally-elected Government.

The party youth league said the move would be opposed vigorously.

Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Affairs and party chief whip Pupurai Togarepi gave the stern warning to the opposition in through a state media interview yesterday.

“The wise always say do not pick fights you can’t win and the clever ones stick to this time old piece of wisdom, it is free and has been proven by history to be a key ingredient to success and a happy life, but sadly and rather regrettably, our political opponents in the MDC are naive and fail to understand such basics,” said Togarepi.

“Zanu-PF is the ruling party of Zimbabwe, and with a very weak and out-of-sorts opposition such as the MDC, we will rule this country until donkeys grow horns, they can only dream, but then dreams are for free.

“We say Zanu-PF will rule for ages to come, not because we are undemocratic, but purely because we are the people’s preferred party as has been proven since the turn of this year where the party has won by-elections with little effort.”

Zanu-PF has won all council and parliamentary by-elections held so far in Nyanga, Bikita, Nkayi, Bulawayo and Bubi (council) and Lupane East (House of Assembly).

Togarepi said ZANU-PF was winning because President Mnangagwa is leading the country to prosperity.

“However, the noise and mischief makers in the MDC, as myopic as ever, choose to bury their heads in the sand like ostriches, and like the damn warmongers that they are, are now issuing needless ultimatums that are meant to ill-conceivably rattle Zanu-PF into entering into a government of national unity in flagrant disregard to the will of the people that was expressed loud and clear in last year’s harmonised elections.”

Police in Harare yesterday gave the opposition MDC a hussle free go ahead on their planned demonstration set for the 16th of August in Harare.

The demonstration dates clash with a two week ultimatum issued by Job Sikhala national Vice Chairman of the opposition party ordering Mnangagwa to engage with his party leader Nelson Chamisa or be pushed into the engagement.

ZANU PF social media enthusiasts have blasted MDC Secretary for Education, Advocate Fadzayi Mahere for representing “crooked” MetBank which recently lost the court case and ordered to return US$20M worth of Treasury Bills to the National Social Security Agency (NSSA).

Through its highly followed social media platforms, ZANU PF supporters going under the name Zanu PF Patriots accused Mahere of fighting to have public funds squandered while they are engaged in a fight against corruption.

“ZANU PF is busy getting rid of the corrupt among its ranks, MDC Lawyers are busy helping them to skip the country after pushing for bail. In June @advocatemahere decided to help Metbank steal from the public,” said the platform.

Below are some comments from Twitter users criticising Mahere:

This is absolute madness! Therefore why are you chanting, vocal and critical about ill behaviour and wrongdoing and corruption in Zimbabwe? When you know that one day you may have to defend the perpetrators of the atrocious acts that you are against, as you have done before. Ernest Chibayiwa

Why try to defend that and by misleading. This is the reason MDC is losing support even with the urban working class. The few crooks who are prosecuted run to MDC lawyers who gladly accept. You’ll struggle to name MDC lawyers who have never defended blatant corruption and theft. Shingirai Tsikira.

I remember Zanu pf telling Adv Samkange that if he goes ahead and represents
@Hon_Kasukuwere they would have him stripped of his Parliamentary seat because he will be fighting against the Party Policy directive. They asked him to choose between Zanu pf Policies and his Career. Nzekete Againstprof.

If a person kills her mother and approaches her for representation the all is well then. Hakuna mathata! Itso

NATIONAL Social Security Authority (NSSA) has obtained a writ to attach Metbank Limited’s property in a bid to recover US$20 million worth of Treasury Bills. Metbank was last month ordered to pay back US$20 million, but nothing has been paid yet, prompting NSSA lawyers to apply for a writ of execution.

The writ, which was issued out yesterday, directs the Sheriff to attach movable property belonging to the bank.

“You are required and directed to attach and take into execution the movable goods of Metbank Limited of Central House, Number 3 Central Avenue, Harare, and of the same cause to be realised the sum of US$20 000 000 together with interest thereon at the rate of five percent per annum from 18th June, 2018 to date of payment in full and a penalty fee of five percent per annum of $20 000 000 compounded daily from 18th June, 2018 to date of return of Treasury Bills listed in paragraph one of the court order and charges of the plaintiff, which it recovered by judgment of this court dated July 3, 2019, in the above-mentioned suit, and also all other costs and charges of the plaintiff in the said suit to be hearafter duly taxed according to law, besides all your costs thereby incurred,” reads the writ.

The TBs form part of the much-hyped NSSA forensic report which has since caused the arrest of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira on criminal abuse of office charges.

NSSA lend three bills to the bank in an agreement signed in 2017, but the latter refused to pay back arguing that there was no valid agreement between the parties.

According to the judgment, the bills were lend to the bank for use as security for its third party borrowings.

This was done on the basis of a security lending agreement signed on December 18, 2017 which expired after six months.

It was also a term of agreement that the bank would settle the Treasury Bills upon expiry of the agreement, failure of which a penalty fee of five percent per annum would be imposed.

According to NSSA, the agreement expired on June 18, 2018. Metbank was given a notice to remedy the breach on August 7, 2018 but it failed to do so.

That prompted NSSA to approach the High Court for recourse.

Metbank, through its legal representative Advocate Fadzai Mahere, opposed the High Court application arguing that no agreement was ever signed and that the parties only signed a “term sheet” with a view to agreeing on the terms of security lending agreement.

However, Justice Nicholas Mathonsi, who was recently elevated to the Supreme Court, ruled that the agreement surely existed and all steps taken in the transactions point to a valid agreement and that the bank must pay back.

The judge also blasted Metbank for abusing court processes by insisting with a hopeless defence.

“Such behaviour can only be explained as an abuse of the court, typical of engaging in a Sunday morning kick around, except that this is a court of law transacting serious business,” ruled Justice Mathonsi.

Advocate Tawanda Zhuwarara represented NSSA. The judge ordered the bank to pay US$20 million plus interest.

To express the court’s displeasure, Justice Mathonsi slapped the bank with costs of suit on a higher scale.

State Media|Government has concluded negotiations with South Africa’s power utility, Eskom that will see the country receiving 400 MW of electricity while paying US$890 000 weekly to service the country’s legacy debt.

This was said by Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa at a media briefing on the 28th Cabinet Decision Making Matrix yesterday.

“Cabinet was informed by the Minister of Energy and Power Development that an arrangement to unlock the supply of 400 MW has been concluded with Eskom,” she said.

“In terms of this arrangement, Government through Treasury, has commenced the payment of an amount of US$890 000 per week towards the settlement of its debt to Eskom. Furthermore, similar discussions will soon commence with Hydro Cahorra Bassa of Mozambique.”

Zimbabwe owes Eskom and HCB about US$74 million in legacy debts with each utility owed approximately half of the amount.

Minister Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet had also approved the National Renewable Energy Policy that was presented by Industry and Commerce Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu.

“Cabinet considered and approved the National Renewable Energy Policy which was presented by the Minister of Industry and Commerce, as Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Industrialisation and Export Development. The renewable energy sector in Zimbabwe comprises solar, hydro, wind, geothermal and biomass energy sources,” Minister Mutsvangwa said.

She said the Policy seeks to attain the following: “to establish market-oriented measures and regulatory instruments for the development of the renewable energy sector in Zimbabwe; to address the barriers to the uptake of renewable energy in the country; to achieve an installed renewable energy capacity consistent with the country’s projected energy requirements under Vision 2030; to promote investment in the renewable energy sector; to provide the necessary guidelines, incentives, standards, procurement and financing mechanisms for promoting the development of off-grid projects, which have the potential to increase electricity access in rural areas and to promote the manufacturing of renewable energy equipment in the country as well as local skills development in that regard.”

Minister Mutsvangwa added that the Policy was expected to go a long way in resolving current energy problems besetting the country and negative effects on the economy.

Energy and Power Development Minister, Fortune Chasi also said they were reviewing the licences issued to 47 independent power producers most of whom have not done any work towards power generation.

“Government has pronounced itself around speculative holding of licences. We are reviewing each and every licence through the regulator and I understand they have given them time to explain why they are holding on to the licences,” Minister Chasi said.

He added that Kariba Dam was now 23 percent full and its generation capacity in the future was bleak amid indications in some quarters that the country could be affected by another drought.

Meanwhile, Minister Mutsvangwa said Cabinet was also briefed that the fuel situation was expected to improve soon.

“Regarding fuel supply, Cabinet was informed that the situation had slightly improved during the week under review.

“The Minister of Energy and Power Development also advised Cabinet that the fuel supply situation was expected to improve even further within the next few days, on the back of the funding arrangements currently under active consideration,” she said.

In a statement yesterday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa revealed that ailing Vice President Chiwenga’s condition remains “remarkably stable”.

This according to him was because some Chinese medical experts attending to Vice President Constantino Chiwenga have only completed extensive tests and are now beginning treatment.

Just twenty- four hours earlier, Mnangagwa also issued a statement declaring that Former president Robert Mugabe, who has been admitted to a Singaporean hospital since April is also in a remarkably stable condition, but remains hospitalised at the insistence of his physicians.

“Former president and founding father of our nation, Cde R.G Mugabe remains detained at a hospital in Singapore where he is receiving medical attention.

“Unlike in the past when the former president would require just about a month for this, his physicians this time around determined that he be kept under observation for much longer, from early April this year when he left for his latest routine check-up,” President Mnangagwa said.

“From the report the team gave me at the weekend, I am greatly pleased to inform the nation that the former president continues to make steady progress towards eventual recovery and that his condition is remarkably stable for his age,” President Mnangagwa added.

VP Chiwenga last month left South Africa, where he was receiving treatment, for China. The transfer followed a decision by Zimbabwe and China to allow Chinese experts to join fellow experts in Zimbabwe, South Africa and India in attending to the Vice-President.

“Further to my communication last month updating the Nation on the condition of our Vice-President, Dr CGDN Chiwenga, I wish to add that the Vice-President has now completed extensive tests required by the Chinese Medical Team attending to him, thus paving way for the commencement of actual treatment.

“While it is still too early in the treatment process, I am advised that the Vice-President’s condition remains remarkably stable, with the initial strict regimen imposed on him at the time of his admission being gradually eased to allow greater access by close family members. Arrangements are underway already to ensure close family members are within call of the Vice-President,” President Mnangagwa said in the statement.

President Mnangagwa promised to continue keeping the nation posted on VP Chiwenga’s health but said he would do so while observing respect for patient confidentiality.

Incidentally, when Mnangagwa met his party’s Politburo last month, he told them that the country’s economy was also in a remarkably stable condition.

This he said at a time when prices of basic commodities and fuel are shooting up on a daily basis and giving Zimbabweans a hard time.

Judging from what Zimbabweans address experiencing everyday on the economic path, should Mnangagwa be trusted in his assessment of Chiwenga and Mugabe?

ZANU-PF has warned the MDC-Alliance that its plans to overthrow a constitutionally-elected Government would be opposed vigorously by the revolutionary party.

The remarks follow repeated utterances by MDC-Alliance top officials who include president Mr Nelson Chamisa and deputy chairperson Mr Job Sikhala, who have threatened to unleash violence and unseat President Mnangagwa.

Mr Sikhala, who is already facing charges of plotting to unconstitutionally remove President Mnangagwa before 2023, told his party supporters in Chitungwiza on Sunday that he will unleash terror in two weeks’ time if President Mnangagwa does not beg Mr Chamisa to come to the negotiating table.

Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Affairs and party chief whip Pupurai Togarepi yesterday had a stern warning to the opposition.

“The wise always say do not pick fights you can’t win and the clever ones stick to this time old piece of wisdom, it is free and has been proven by history to be a key ingredient to success and a happy life, but sadly and rather regrettably, our political opponents in the MDC are naive and fail to understand such basics,” said Togarepi.

“Zanu-PF is the ruling party of Zimbabwe, and with a very weak and out-of-sorts opposition such as the MDC, we will rule this country until donkeys grow horns, they can only dream, but then dreams are for free.

“We say Zanu-PF will rule for ages to come, not because we are undemocratic, but purely because we are the people’s preferred party as has been proven since the turn of this year where the party has won by-elections with little effort.”State media

ZANU-PF has warned the MDC-Alliance that its plans to “overthrow a constitutionally-elected Government would be opposed vigorously by the revolutionary party.”

Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Affairs and party chief whip Pupurai Togarepi yesterday had a stern warning to the opposition.

“The wise always say do not pick fights you can’t win and the clever ones stick to this time old piece of wisdom, it is free and has been proven by history to be a key ingredient to success and a happy life, but sadly and rather regrettably, our political opponents in the MDC are naive and fail to understand such basics,” said Mr Togarepi.

“Zanu-PF is the ruling party of Zimbabwe, and with a very weak and out-of-sorts opposition such as the MDC, we will rule this country until donkeys grow horns, they can only dream, but then dreams are for free.”

“We say Zanu-PF will rule for ages to come, not because we are undemocratic, but purely because we are the people’s preferred party as has been proven since the turn of this year where the party has won by-elections with little effort.”State media

Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC T vice president, Obert Chaurura Gutu has described MDC leaders as power hungry idiots.

Gutu was commenting on a statement released by the MDC on a demonstration set for August 16.

Gutu wrote: “They’re planning to kick off their violent and unconstitutional uprising on August 16, 2019.

They think that Zimbabweans are stupid. They’re not.

People of Zimbabwe will NEVER be used to satisfy the selfish, crude and destructive agenda of certain power-hungry idiots!”

Farai Dziva| Political analyst Jeffryson Chitando has said Emmerson Mnangagwa must immediately appoint a replacement for Constantino Chiwenga in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

See Chitando’s argument below :
Section 97 of the Constitution states that:

The Senate and the National Assembly,by a joint resolution passed by at least one -half of their total membership,may resolve that the question whether or not the President or a Vice President should be removed from office for

a) serious misconduct

b) failure to obey ,uphold or defend this constitution;

c) wilful violation of this constitution or

d)inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity…

We must not wish one to be sick but when ill one must be given time to rest.In asmuch as we want all our leaders to perform their duties if sickness falls on them we must not push them .

Even if our leaders are sick the citizens will still expect them to be on duty especially if the economy is not performing well.

A leader cannot be out of office for more than 6 months on sick leave. According to the constitution, another able bodied person can be appointed. Our constitution is very clear on that and the President and parliament must defend it.

By A Correspondent- FOUR suspects who allegedly connived to steal an assortment of military guns and training equipment worth over US$60 000 have been arrested and locked up in remand prison.

The stolen weaponry belongs to the Zimbabwe National Army Border Camp Training Principal area in Nyanga.

The four suspects were identified as Beloved Tatenda Kweya (21), Tinashe Joshua Mashingaidze (29), Wellington Million (34) and Happymore Kobwe (32).

The quartet waslast Thursday hauled before Nyanga magistrate Ms Constance Marutya facing theft charges as defined in Section 113 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act Chapter 9:23.

They all pleaded not guilty and were remanded in custody to today.

Mr Cuthbert Bhosha prosecuted.

Mr Bhosha told the court that on July 25, and at Boarder Camp Training area in Nyanga, the four connived to steal military training equipment from the Zimbabwe National Army.

They fully knew that the equipment belonged to the ZNA.

“They stole two military guns, three military tank haul sides, one military tank track and a military break benz. Kweya and Mashingaidze were caught in the act and were arrested immediately as they had also been found in possession of the stolen items. However, Million and Kobwe fled leaving their national identity particulars at the scene,” said Mr Bhosha.

The value of the stolen property is US$60 000 and all was recovered.-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent- Rural teachers have resolved to start picketing at Finance minister Mthuli Ncube’s offices on pay days starting this month, to push for salaries pegged at interbank market rates.

Dubbed Pay Day Funerals, the protests will be led by the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (Artuz).

Artuz president Obert Masaraure told NewsDay that when picketing, teachers will wear black costumes as a sign that they are mourning the erosion of the value of their salaries.

“Teachers will be convening at the offices of the Finance ministry every pay day to mourn the deaths of our salaries. They will be wearing black clothes to send a clear message to Minister Mthuli Ncube that teachers are not happy and demand immediate restoration of the value of our salaries,” he said.

The next pay day for teachers is on August 16.

At the time of the introduction of bond notes that is now the official currency, teachers were earning an average US$500. That means at the current interbank rate, that would amount to an average of $4 500.

“The last time we protested at the ministry offices, we were arrested twice and released without charge. However, we are not scared of such harassment. We are only scared of the hunger, unaffordable healthcare and hopelessness engulfing our families because of the austerity-induced suffering,” Masaraure added.

The Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe has also indicated that it will urge its members to stay away from work at the beginning of the third term if their salaries are not significantly reviewed upwards.

The main labour body, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions is, meanwhile, piling more pressure on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government to address the plight of workers or face crippling countrywide protests.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Government is yet to disburse funds to political parties under the Political Parties (Finances) Act chapter 2:11 as it is seized with addressing bread and better issues, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Permanent Secretary Mr Nick Mangwana has said.

This comes after the MDC Alliance lamented its empty coffers stating that it is too broke to fund its programmes without accessing finances under the Political Parties Finance Act. This, the opposition party alleges, has led to it struggling to challenge the ruling Zanu-PF party during the elections.

Zanu-PF romped to victory in Saturday’s by-elections in Lupane East constituency as well as two wards in Bubi and Nkayi districts. In a statement today, Mr Mangwana said Treasury is presently seized with the importation of basic goods and prioritising the cushioning of the general public from the current economic challenges

“When the funds to finance political parties are available, they will concurrently be disbursed to all eligible political parties. This is expected to happen within the next few weeks,”.

According to the Political Parties (Finance) Act, the State is obliged to provide funding to any party that gets at least 5 percent of the vote in a general election.-StateMedia

By A Correspondent- Michael Robinson (49) was found guilty of three counts of theft when he appeared before magistrate Masimba Chikodzere. A serial thief, who was caught on camera while breaking into a car, which was parked at Avondale Shopping Centre, has been sentenced to four years in prison.

Robinson was arrested earlier on this year after a CCTV recorded video, of him breaking and stealing from a car at Avondale Shopping Centre went viral on social media.

Evidence put forward by the investigating officer, Artwell Chidziva, showed that the state had a strong case against Robinson who is a serial offender.

It is alleged that if the Robinson is let loose he will commit further offences or flee. Shephard Makonde prosecuted the case.

By A Correspondent- Haulage truck drivers from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo recently threatened to disrupt business at Forbes Border Post in protests against inefficiencies by ZIMRA which has seen some of them spending up to four days at the point of entry.

The truckers raised concerns that Zimra did not have enough electronic seals for all the trucks that cross the border on a daily basis and hence they were now being made to pay US$10 per day they spent parked at TOWAZ waiting for sealing.

Victor Kabwe, a driver from DRC said empty trucks and loaded trucks had to follow the same queue for them to be cleared, a move which was causing delays since it took longer to clear loaded goods.

“When we are loaded coming to Zimbabwe, we go to Towaz, where they seal the trucks. There are too many trucks because the seals are few and we spend more than three days there waiting for seals,” he said.

Another trucker, Jeffery Mukarakate, said the delays were causing artificial shortages of fuel in Zambia.

“We need to come up with solutions. If they are having trouble with the seals they should just put a waiver on it because the fuel we are carrying is for the Ministry of Energy in Zambia, so we are now causing artificial shortages in Zambia by our delays here. There are about 300 trucks and each truck carries an average of 40 000 litres. So we are talking of about 700 000 litres that is being delayed. Zambia needs the fuel to move their mines but now it’s taking long,” he said

Provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza said he held a meeting with the drivers and customs officials and most of the issues raised had since been addressed.

“The truckers raised genuine concerns which we felt needed to be addressed urgently. We had a meeting with customs officials and the drivers. We had to make sure that we assist these drivers from our sister countries and facilitate for their smooth passage through Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Seenza said Zimra brought in 200 seals on Sunday and another 500 seals had been delivered by yesterday and the majority of trucks had since left the country.

He said Zimra and the security company manning the gates had also agreed to have two separate queues for loaded and empty trucks to ensure that everyone is served on time.-ManicaPost

By A Correspondent| Varaidzo Chiyanike, the widow of Kelvin Tinashe Choto who was shot dead by the police during the January protests has filed a ZWL$550 000 lawsuit against the police.

Through her lawyer, Fiona Iliff of the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), Chiyanike has filed summons at the High Court demanding payment of $550 000 from ZRP Boss, Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema as compensation for the unlawful killing of the budding footballer.

Choto who was shot dead in January by a named ZRP officer during anti-government protests was on the roster for Chitungwiza Football Club.

Matanga and Mathema are yet to respond

By A Correspondent- THE department of veterinary services on Wednesday shot and burnt  carcases of 14 cattle that had been illegally moved from a foot and mouth (FMD) red zone in a bid to quell the spread of the disease.

The cattle were illegally moved from Gutu to a clean area of Penhalonga in Mutasa, putting livestock in the district at risk.

Veterinarians destroyed the cattle at Plot 3, Pagomo Farm, Toronto, with the backing of the police.

The cattle owner David Matanga was served with a destruction order for violating Statutory Instrument 280  of 1984  Animal Health  (Movement  of Cattle  and Pigs) Regulations of 1984.

The cattle were eliminated on the strength of a cattle destruction and disposal order issued on July 21.

“David Matanga of Plot 3 Pagomo Farm, Toronto, Mutasa District obtained a movement permit number to move 15 herd of cattle from Tapudzai and Makuvise dip tanks, Gutu to Molus abattoir in Chipinge District for direct slaughter.

“Contrary to the provisions  of the permit, on July 23, 2019 the beasts were moved  from Tapudzai and Makuvise dip tanks to Plot 3, Pagomo Farm, Toronto, Mutasa District in violation  of  SI 280  of 1984  Animal Health  (Movement  of cattle  and Pigs) Regulations of 1984.”

Acting Mutasa district veterinary officer Dr Rachel Zengeni confirmed the destruction of the cattle.

“During our routine inspections we noticed that there was an illegal movement of cattle from Gutu, which is under foot and mouth disease quarantine. If an area is under quarantine, livestock is not supposed to be moved from that area to a clean area where there is no FMD.

“In addition, the cattle were supposed to be moved to Chipinge which is another dirty area with FMD. The cattle were destined for Chipinge for direct slaughter, but they ended up in Mutasa for breeding purposes,” said Dr Zengeni.

An official at the farm Bernard Bepe said they ignorantly moved the cattle from Gutu to Mutasa district which is an FMD free zone.

“It is a good thing to follow what the law says, but Matanga moved these cattle unknowingly. However, it is unfortunate that these beasts are being destroyed,” said Bepe.

The provincial veterinary officer Dr Charles Guri made known FMD red zones in Manicaland.

“Vaccination zones in Manicaland start from Middle Sabi on the north to Mahenye on the south, Save in the west and the Mozambican boarder in the east. Any zone outside such area is clear,” said Dr Guri.

He said they would not stop enforcing the law to accommodate infected cattle in the province because the vaccination process was expensive.

“Vaccination is very expensive. One injection for FMD costs US$3, and one cattle needs about four injections. The injection is not available in Zimbabwe,” he said.

Dr Guri urged farmers to report any suspicious livestock movement to their offices.-ManicaPost

By Wilbert Mukori: “One thing for certain, which the opposition should know, is that there is not going to be any transfer of power outside the elections.

Their decision to participate in the elections that brought Mnangagwa to power — whether or not they were free and fair — was a taciturn admission that they believed in the country’s electoral system,” reported Newsday.

“To now call for a transfer of power after participating in those polls, is problematic.”

Actually, it is worse than that; MDC leaders KNEW that with no reforms in place, Zanu PF will rig the elections and yet they still participated out of greed, as David Coltart admitted in his book.

In his Book, The Struggle Continues 50 years of tyranny in Zimbabwe, former MDC – Ncube Senator and Minister of Education in the GNU, David Coltart, gave details of how Zanu PF flouted the electoral rules, it clear the upcoming 2013 elections would not be free and fair. Meanwhile talks of uniting the two MDC factions to fight the elections as one were going nowhere.

“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the (2013) elections,” explained Senator Coltart.

“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account.

But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility.”

Coltart’s explanation as to why MDC participating in the 2013 elections knowing Zanu PF would rig the elections begs the question why MDC had failed to implement the reforms in the five years of the GNU, in the first place.

As for failing to form a coalition, this was just a feeble excuse because four of the main MDC factions did come together to form the MDC Alliance just before the 2018 elections and still they participated in those flawed and illegal elections.

When MDC leaders acknowledge that participating in the flawed and illegal elections would give the “process credibility” that is where they should have got off the bus as a matter of principle!

Whilst all the other individuals, nations, organizations with any democratic sense dismissed last year’s elections as a farce because whole electoral process full of flaws and illegalities.

“The electoral commission lacked full independence and appeared to not always act in an impartial manner,” stated the EU Election Mission final report.

“The final results as announced by the Electoral Commission contained numerous errors and lacked adequate traceability, transparency and verifiability.

Finally, the restrictions on political freedoms, the excessive use of force by security forces and abuses of human rights in the post-election period undermined the corresponding positive aspects during the pre-election campaign. As such, many aspects of the 2018 elections in Zimbabwe failed to meet international standards.”

Having participated in the elections knowing that ZEC had failed to produce even something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, Chamisa and company had to keep up the charade that the election was nothing wrong with the process.

They could not endorse the election as having been free, fair and credible either and so they settled for cherry picking. Chamisa rejected ZEC’s vote count giving Mnangagwa victory in the presidential race although MDC itself, just like ZEC, failed to produce the “verifiable and traceable” documentary evidence to support Chamisa’s vote count.

Under this Zanu PF de facto one-party dictatorship, Zimbabwe has earned a reputation as pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent, vote rigging and murderous thugs. It is impossible to do business in such a state, that is obvious.

The thriving economy Zanu PF inherited from Smith in 1980 has slowly but surely grind to a halt, after 39 years of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption. The country has been starved of new investment as investors have shied away.

By blatantly rigging last year’s election, Mnangagwa confirmed that Zimbabwe was still a pariah state and the dictatorship ruled the roost or be it under a new dictator.

Mark my words; as long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state, adding Chamisa and two or three other MDC leaders to the Zanu PF cabinet will not change the pariah state status, there will be no meaningful economic recovery.

The only way out of this mess is for the nation to accept that last year’s elections were a farce and Zanu PF is illegitimate, hence the pariah state, and must step down.

The country need a new GNU but one in which there are new players who will be tasked to implement the democratic reforms leading to the holding of free, fair and credible elections and ending of the curse of rigged elections and pariah state.

Zanu PF and MDC leaders cannot be appointed into the new GNU because they failed to get even one reform implemented in the five years of the 2008 GNU. It is naïve to expect them to do any better.

“Perhaps what is ironic in this whole thing is that these ill-advised plans (MDC is planning to stage street protest to force Mnangagwa to form a Zanu PF and MDC GNU) are coming after the party claims it had been fasting,” continued the Newsday report.

“One wonders if, in their prayer and fasting, God instructed them to take power by force? Sikhala’s sentiments would have been laughable if there were not a reflection of the kindergarten politics that the party has become synonymous with.”

The Holy Scriptures are full of examples of God approving the use of force to bring about necessary change.

There is no doubt in my mind that the demos MDC are calling for, peaceful or not, are to further Chamisa et al’s selfish agenda to secure gravy train seats so the can “sit, eat and do nothing”. God is certainly not in this!

So the people of Zimbabwe must have nothing to do with these demos in which they will be used to undermine the demand for a competent GNU.

“Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves,” warned Jesus. Matthew 10:16.

As 20 years of following MDC blindly like sheep to the slaughter-house, it is high time people opened their eyes and saw MDC leaders for the corrupt, incompetent and sell-outs they are.

Yes, the nation is desperate for change but the more reason we must be alert and vigilant and not allow ourselves to be taken for a ride yet again as happened all these last 40 years, first by Zanu PF and now MDC!

The Housing Corporation Zimbabwe (HCZ) has dismissed the recently released NSSA report saying that it contains several falsehoods.

According to the audit report, just one week after being registered as a company, HCZ was awarded a $304 million contract by NSSA for an off-take agreement to build 8,000 houses in Caledonia, Zimbabwe.

By the time of the report in 2018, the company had not built a single house. We present the HCZ’s full statement in which it blames NSSA for the failure to construct the purported houses.

The Housing Corporation Zimbabwe (HCZ) has noted the release of the final Report on the Forensic Investigation into the Affairs of the National Social Security Authority (NSSA) conducted by BDO Zimbabwe Chartered Accountants (BDO). The report contains several falsehoods as regards to HCZ.

These untruths are attributable to the incompetent manner in which BDO conducted its forensic investigation and in arriving at its conclusions. The absence of an in-depth probe includes ignoring critical information that would have assisted the investigation with accurate facts.

Therefore, in the interest of transparency, the management of HCZ is considering, inter alia, taking the following actions;

• Instituting legal proceedings to seek relief against areas of the report that are not truthful and are harmful to the reputation of HCZ and its management.
• Providing the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) with a dossier detailing the process leading up to the signing of the housing off-take agreement between NSSA and HCZ.
• Submitting grievance statements to the relevant regulatory and oversight bodies within the Chartered Accounting and Audit profession on the conduct of BDO during the investigation.

In rejecting the untested claims of impropriety in securing the NSSA off-take agreement, HCZ would like to clarify the following;

• All the appropriate governance protocols were followed ahead of signing the off-take agreement as approved by the investment committee and the full board of NSSA.
• At best BDO, failed to comprehend, the NSSA procurement policy provisions that clearly differentiate between off-take agreements, which are investment decisions taken differently from the procurement of services in the ordinary course of organisational operations.
• Contrary to the assertion that no investment appraisal was performed, an extensive investment memorandum was submitted as part of the proposal to NSSA which informed the negotiations and subsequent due diligence processes that were undertaken.
• NSSA did not suffer any price prejudice as claimed in the report. In this regard, NSSA have in their possession an independent expert assessment from ABACUS Construction Cost Consultants (Pty) Ltd, which affirmed the appropriateness of the price charged per unit. BDO failed to appreciate the variance in specifications and project scope that totalled the costs per unit when comparing against other housing projects.
• Due to the restrictive indigenous laws that were applicable at the time, as evidenced by the NSSA Board resolutions, Housing African Corporation (HAC) as a Mauritian entity was required to incorporate a local entity, in this regard, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) through which the project would be managed and delivered.
• Thus, HCZ was set up as an SPV with licensed franchise rights obtained from HAC, as an owner of the intellectual property of systems and methodology for the construction of

large-scale housing projects and having extensive experience in delivering  housing developments across the globe.

• The Caledonia Housing Project was compromised – not because of any action or inaction by HCZ, not because alleged procurement processes were not followed – but because of NSSA’s own failure and inability to manage the project. It was NSSA’s repeated material breaches of the off-take agreement which entitled HCZ, to legally terminate the agreement and claim damages. In arbitration, these repudiatory breaches by NSSA justified an award to HCZ as an entitlement to damages suffered.
• 57 Units had been completed prior to the contract termination, while 53 were at varying levels of completion.

The management of HCZ supports the government’s efforts in fighting corruption. However, anti-corruption measures must not be used as a tool to malign individuals and their business operations. The HCZ is a customer focused company that is driven by its passion and the commitment to integrity and responsibility in the service of communities.

Ends

Released on behalf of the Housing Corporation Zimbabwe

For more information contact: Lenox Mhlanga

By Own Correspondent- A Chipinge man was hauled to court for scalding his wife with hot water during a fight after he brought home a second wife.

Chrispen Gondo (26) of Maumba village allegedly scalded his wife, Theopheras Tidziwani, with hot water after a scuffle broke out when he brought home another woman, Shalom Mugidho.

In mitigation, Gondo said that the incident was a mistake, citing that he was blocking the complainant from scalding Mugidho when the accident occurred.

Chipinge magistrate Joshua Nembaware presided over the case. Gondo was then warned, cautioned and discharged after Tidziwani tendered an affidavit withdrawing the case, saying she had pardoned him.-Newsday

The European Union has availed an extra US$11.15 million to Zimbabwe which is meant to minimise the effects of the projected severe starvation.

This comes at a time when Zimbabwean authorities and United Nations agencies have projected that citizens will face severe starvation due to a number of factors including the El-Nino induced drought, Tropical Cyclone Idai and the economic meltdown.

President Mnangagwa recently announced that the country needs to import 800 000 tonnes of maize to help ease the famine. This came when the UN is saying the Zimbabwean food crisis has degenerated into an emergency.

The European Union’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides, said:

The European Union is stepping up its support to the people of Zimbabwe. Our assistance will support those most in need during the most critical period until their next harvest. We stand in solidarity with them at this time of need, by providing support for essential food needs and helping people get back on their own two feet.

Zimbabwe has since the turn of the millennium, struggled to produce enough grain to feed the whole nation. This is a country that used to feed fellow African economies and others yonder the continent.

Currently, bread is a rare commodity as bakers have reduced volumes of bread produced daily due to the shortage of wheat.

-EEAS Europa EU

The United States Government announced US$45 million in funding to respond to the critical food security situation in the upcoming lean season between October 2019 and March 2020 in Zimbabwe. The contribution, provided through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), will ensure that 360,880 rural Zimbabweans have adequate food supplies before the next harvest.

United States Ambassador Brian A. Nichols announced the contribution in response to the United Nations’ (UN) Flash Appeal for humanitarian assistance during a press briefing on August 6.

“The United States remains the largest bilateral donor to emergency humanitarian assistance in Zimbabwe and we are proud to be part of a coordinated response to the humanitarian situation. We work closely with the UN and other donors to ensure that as many communities as possible are covered during this challenging time,” said Ambassador Brian A. Nichols.

The United States has allocated US$45 million to the World Food Programme (WFP) to provide food rations and cash transfers to purchase food for 360,880 Zimbabweans. These food and cash distributions will help improve the nutrition of vulnerable Zimbabweans and alleviate suffering for those affected by food insecurity.

In addition to this emergency response, USAID’s programs are improving long-term food security for Zimbabwe by building resilience to future shocks. USAID is providing US$164 million over seven years to address the underlying causes of chronic food insecurity and malnutrition and to strengthen agriculture and livelihoods for over a million vulnerable Zimbabweans.

In July, 2019, the United States announced an additional US$4.8 million in assistance to help victims of Cyclone Idai bringing the total contribution to US$8 million. Today’s additional $45 million demonstrates the United States’ continued commitment to assisting the people of Zimbabwe during difficult times.

Poor weather conditions in Zimbabwe, including erratic rainfall and long dry spells, have contributed to increased humanitarian needs across the country. An estimated 5.5 million rural Zimbabweans are facing food insecurity – 59 percent of the rural population.Distributed by APO Group on behalf of U.S. Embassy in Zimbabwe.Media files

By Own Correspondent| Vice President of the splinter MDC T faction led by Thokozani Khupe, Obert Gutu has predicted that the MDC’s planned demonstration slated for August 16 is unconstitutional and will be violent.

He said the organisers of the demonstration are “selfish, crude and power hungry idiots with a destructive agenda” for Zimbabwe.

Gutu said:

“They are planning to kick off their violent and unconstitutional uprising on August 16 2019.

They think that Zimbabweans are stupid. They are not.

The people of Zimbabwe will NEVER be used to satisfy the selfish, crude and destructive agenda of certain power hungry idiots.”

By A Correspondent- Robson Chatikobo (36) and Brezhnev Maposa (38) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Franklin Mkhwananzi facing robbery charges.

The duo were remanded in custody to August 9 for raiding a mine in Shurugwi belonging to a Chinese national at gunpoint.

They allegedly went away with 889 grammes of gold worth US$33 500, US$6 000 cash, eight cellphones and clothes.

The two accused persons, who are alleged to be linked to several pending cases of armed robbery, connived with five other suspects who are still at large to rob Sino non-ferous Metal Resources in Shurugwi in the Midlands province.

Prosecuting, Mr Nkathazo Dlodlo said on July 10, the accused persons ganged up with Thabani Mpofu and three other suspects only identified as Shacks, Shailock and Julius, who are still at large and they allegedly raided Sino non-ferous Metal Resources.

“On arrival, the accused persons, who were armed with a pistol, confronted the owner Mr Xhang Xhinda and robbed him of 889 grammes of gold, eight Huawei cellphones, US$6 000, RTGS$3 200 and clothes at gunpoint,” said Mr Dlodlo.

A report was made to the police officers leading to the arrest of Chatikobo and Maposa. They were arrested at Highlanders Clubhouse in Bulawayo while they were looking for a gold buyer.

The court heard that detectives recovered 889 grammes of gold worth US$33 500 and two cellphones. 

“The two failed to produce mining documentation for the gold they were carrying.

Mr Dlodlo further told the court that on April 13, Maposa, Witness Hlongwane and three other unidentified suspects broke into a house in Tshabalala. 

He said the five-man gang, which was armed with machetes, knives and pistols, demanded money from the family.-StateMedia

The opposition MDC pleaded with the police to sanction their demonstration set for the 16th of August to be held in the streets of Harare.

Police shockingly did not have a hard time clearing the demonstration.

Below is the letter which was submitted by the party.

ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu has called on all Politburo members to attend the party’s Politburo in Harare tomorrow. 

The meeting will be held at the party’s headquarters and all members are expected to attend.

The party’s Secretary for Information and Publicity, Simon Khaya Moyo, confirmed the meeting.

“The Secretary for Administration Cde Dr O.M Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting to be held on Wednesday the 7th of August 2019 at the party headquarters commencing at 12PM,” he said.

The meeting comes at a time when the country’s economic situation is causing severe despondency amongst citizens as prices shoot up everyday.

At the same time the opposition MDC has called for a mass demonstration in Harare on the 16th of August against the deteriorating economic environment.

Police have meanwhile unusually sanctioned the demonstration.

Police in Harare have sanctioned the much awaited yet dreaded opposition MDC demonstration to be held in Harare on the 16th of August, this according to highly placed party sources.

The planned mass demonstration is to push government to act on the deteriorating state of the economy.

“Yes on the 16^th of this month we shall take to the streets as the Movement for Democratic Change and for us as the youths we are deeply concerned with five grievances chief among them shortage of jobs, high costs of tertiary education, shortages of money and the general impoverishment of citizens that’s why we are demonstrating,” said the source.

There are mounting fears the demonstration could turn bloody following threats by Zanu PF that they will unleash soldiers should the opposition seek to over throw the government through protests.

Defence minister Oppah Muchinguri and her deputy Victor Matemadanda are on record saying the army will be readily deployed to quell any political unrest.

The country is on the edge due to the skyrocketing cost of living and the MDC protest could trigger another wave of anti-establishment reminiscent of the November 2017 when former President Robert Mugabe was dethroned.

Energy Minister, Advocate Fortune Chasi has reportedly agreed on a power deal with South Africa power utility ESKOM.

The deal, as reported by NewZ Wire, will see Zimbabwe receiving 400MW of power.
In return, Zimbabwe will pay Eskom US$890,000 per week to settle its long-standing debt with ESKOM.

The publication further reports that Zimbabwe also intends to engage Hydro Cahorra Bassa of Mozambique with a similar arrangement.

Te deal comes at a time when the country has a huge power deficit that has resulted in the local power utility, ZESA, rolling out a crippling power cut schedule that has seen most parts of the country going without power between 0400 hours and 2200 hours.

It also coincides with ZPC’s announcement which revealed that due to an unprecedented shrinking of water levels at Kariba Dam, the source of water for Kariba South Hydropower plant, the power plant will be
completely shut in September.
In anticipation of the agreed deal, the government on Monday announced that it will start to gradually phase out load-shedding .
More: NewZWire

By A Correspondent- Haulage truck drivers from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo recently threatened to disrupt business at Forbes Border Post following ZIMRA inefficiencies which has seen them spending up to four days at the border.

The truckers raised concerns that Zimra did not have enough electronic seals for all the trucks that cross the border on a daily basis and hence they were now being made to pay US$10 per day they spent parked at TOWAZ waiting for sealing.

Victor Kabwe, a driver from DRC said empty trucks and loaded trucks had to follow the same queue for them to be cleared, a move which was causing delays since it took longer to clear loaded goods.

“When we are loaded coming to Zimbabwe, we go to Towaz, where they seal the trucks. There are too many trucks because the seals are few and we spend more than three days there waiting for seals,” he said.

Another trucker, Jeffery Mukarakate, said the delays were causing artificial shortages of fuel in Zambia.

“We need to come up with solutions. If they are having trouble with the seals they should just put a waiver on it because the fuel we are carrying is for the Ministry of Energy in Zambia, so we are now causing artificial shortages in Zambia by our delays here. There are about 300 trucks and each truck carries an average of 40 000 litres. So we are talking of about 700 000 litres that is being delayed. Zambia needs the fuel to move their mines but now it’s taking long,” he said

Provincial administrator Mr Edgars Seenza said he held a meeting with the drivers and customs officials and most of the issues raised had since been addressed.

“The truckers raised genuine concerns which we felt needed to be addressed urgently. We had a meeting with customs officials and the drivers. We had to make sure that we assist these drivers from our sister countries and facilitate for their smooth passage through Zimbabwe,” he said.

Mr Seenza said Zimra brought in 200 seals on Sunday and another 500 seals had been delivered by yesterday and the majority of trucks had since left the country.

He said Zimra and the security company manning the gates had also agreed to have two separate queues for loaded and empty trucks to ensure that everyone is served on time.-ManicaPost

Farai Dziva| Political analyst Jeffryson Chitando has said Emmerson Mnangagwa must immediately appoint a replacement for Constantino Chiwenga in line with the Constitution of Zimbabwe.

See Chitando’s argument below :
Section 97 of the Constitution states that:

The Senate and the National Assembly,by a joint resolution passed by at least one -half of their total membership,may resolve that the question whether or not the President or a Vice President should be removed from office for

a) serious misconduct

b) failure to obey ,uphold or defend this constitution;

c) wilful violation of this constitution or

d)inability to perform the functions of the office because of physical or mental incapacity…

We must not wish one to be sick but when ill one must be given time to rest.In asmuch as we want all our leaders to perform their duties if sickness falls on them we must not push them .

Even if our leaders are sick the citizens will still expect them to be on duty especially if the economy is not performing well.

A leader cannot be out of office for more than 6 months on sick leave. According to the constitution, another able bodied person can be appointed. Our constitution is very clear on that and the President and parliament must defend it.

By A Correspondent- Another Zimbabwe Tourism Authority Board Member, Precious Nyika, has resigned.

Nyika’s resignation comes following the recent resignation of board chair Osbourne Majuru.

Majuru resigned citing interference by the parastatal’s acting CEO Rita Likukuma whom he accused of taking instructions from the minister and not the Board as stipulated by the law..

In his resignation letter addressed to suspended Tourism minister Priscah Mupfumira dated July 12, Majuru said the ministry was failing to recognise the function of the board.

“Honourable Minister my view is that the authority of the ZTA Board has been undermined and significantly eroded to the point of rendering the Board ineffective. The Acting CEO no longer takes instructions from the Board but from your office.

“The main reason for my resignation is that I genuinely feel that the authority of the Board has been materially undermined especially following the appointment of the Acting Chief Executive Mrs Rita Likukuma. Section 17.4 of the Zimbabwe Tourism Act clearly states that the Authority’s Chief Executive is subject to the direction and supervision of the Board,”

“This arrangement worked perfectly when Dr Karikoga Kaseke was in office but unfortunately things changed when he became medically bed ridden,”  

“Honourable Minister my view is that the authority of the ZTA Board has been undermined and significantly eroded to the point of rendering the Board ineffective. The Acting CE0 no longer takes instructions from the Board but from your office.

“The ongoing Skills Audit project is a case in point. Your Board mandated management in its very first interaction at Meikles Hotel (following our appointment) to commission a Skills Audit. We reiterated this position at the inaugural Strategy Retreat and subsequent Board meetings. 

“I was surprised when the Acting CEO gave my Board Members less than 48 hours to give their comments on the Skills Audit report from the Consultants via round robin because she needed to report to the Minister (a Board function).

“The Board had waited for this Skills Audit report for months, and we suddenly had to deliberate and give a verdict on a very critical project involving the retrenchment of a sizeable number of employees some of whom have saved the Authority admirably over their working life.

“As a Board we are responsible for the welfare of ZTA employees and we wanted to ensure that the rationalization plan was done with empathy and kindness. Last night she requested that I rubber stamp a press release on the staff rationalization and yet she has not given me a single update since our last Board meeting with regards to progress on the road map the Board gave management to follow in rolling out the Skills Audit implementation.”

“There were parallel instructions from the Board and your office on the Medical Boarding of Dr. Karikoga Kaseke yet it is very clear in terms of Section 17.1 that the appointing authority for the Chief Executive position (subject to the Minister’s approval) is the Board, not the Minister or Cabinet.”

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.

Farai Dziva|MDC deputy youth assembly chairperson Cecilia Chimbiri has said harassment of opposition members must stop with immediate effect.

Chimbiri was commenting on the alleged attempt by state security agents to abduct MDC Youth Assembly chairperson Obey Sithole.

“Intimidating people, putting them on your hitlist and plotting to kill them will not stop us from pursuing the route of democracy.

Those who have failed to run the affairs of the state should move aside.
This victimisation must stop,” said Chimbiri.

Finance Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube has revealed that the return of ZUPCO buses has seen the Treasury releasing $13 million in subsidies every month.

The ZUPCO programme was introduced to cushion members of the public particularly workers who were no longer affording ever-increasing fares by public transport operators.

Speaking at a post-mid-term budget review meeting hosted by Alpha Media Holdings in conjunction with Zimbabwe Economics Society in Harare on Monday, Ncube said:

“Again, we have the Zupco programme in terms of mass urban transport system, a subsidy that is costing us $13 million per month.

We are committed to subsidise the transport so that the vulnerable can get transport. Of course, we are now figuring out how to accelerate the expansion into rural expansion. When government does this kind of reform, it’s good that you provide social protection.”

Some government critics have always questioned the sustainability of the programme given that fuel prices have been on the rise at least twice a month lately.

ZUPCO charges $0.50 per trip that is now charged about $3.00 by other public transport operators.

They have slammed president Mnangagwa’s populist policies saying that they have brought Zimbabwe to its knees. They noted that former President Robert Mugabe rejected advice from the then president of China, Deng who warned him against pursuing populist policies.

Recently, Mnangagwa concurred with them when he was talking about austerity
measures which he said were unpopular but necessary . News Day

Farai Dziva |A Buhera man bit an apostolic sect leader on the nose following a prophecy indicating his was involved in an adulterous affair.

Chance Materera (39) of Materere Village under Chief Nyashanu could not contain his emotions and attacked the prophet.

Materera appeared at Murambinda Magistrates Court facing assault charges.

“On July 12, 2019 at 5am at Materere Village the accused and the complainant had an argument while they were at a church service.

The accused bitterly complained against the complainant’s prophecy in which he said the former’s wife was adulterous,” the court heard.

Magistrate Dennis Mangosi sentenced Materera to 3 months in jail with an option of a fine.

Farai Dziva|Controversial MDC T vice president, Obert Chaurura Gutu has described MDC leaders as power hungry idiots.

Gutu was commenting on a statement released by the MDC on a demonstration set for August 16.

Gutu wrote: “They’re planning to kick off their violent and unconstitutional uprising on August 16, 2019.

They think that Zimbabweans are stupid. They’re not.

People of Zimbabwe will NEVER be used to satisfy the selfish, crude and destructive agenda of certain power-hungry idiots!”

By Tererayi Rushwaya| We can express our dismay at Zanu’s corruption for days on end, and we can complain about the rises in commodity prices and shortage thereof; we can snigger at Zanu stooges like that Lumumba chap when they find themselves being reprimanded by the Zanu system; we can pour scorn at Patrick Chinamasa for being that bald headed moron who took pride in grand opening a bin; we can ridicule the general’s vanity to use skin lightening cream or the scarf wearer, but all this is idle chatter since the country is continually rotting.

For people who want to see real political and economic progressive change in Zimbabwe there seems to be two ways of turning that into reality: a public revolt or a progressive coup d’état.

Public Revolt?

A civil uprising is labour intensive and is not for the faint hearted as it requires the public to go against the whole entire Zanu system which has a trigger happy army that will not hesitate to let off at the public. It strikes right at the heart of the average Zimbabwean’s weaknesses. A civil uprising requires unity and effective coordination amongst the public. But unity and coordination are two things which are notoriously and historically lacking within the Zimbabwean masses.

For the civil uprising to succeed they would have to be country wide, every major town and city would need to be flooded with protesters demanding this government to bugger off; Harare, Bulawayo, Gweru, Kwekwe, Masvingo, Mutare, Chitungwiza, Marondera, Norton.

The more I list these towns the more I realise just how impossible a civil uprising in Zimbabwe is. Then there is the issue of fear which to be fair is the number one impediment. People are scared, we all are scared of this Zanu juggernaut, we have seen it in action, it is brutal.

Moreover, it is not easy to provide an argument for the benefits of a civil uprising to a highly literate person who probably has one or two degrees under their belt to put everything aside and protest and risk their own life for the good of everyone. Mass educated people tend to be individualistic in their approach to problem solving.

Progressive coup d’état

This therefore leaves us with the option of a progressive coup de tat. The premise of this would be that a younger group (possibly born frees) within the military who have progressive political views and who are fed up with the corruption and cruelty of the old generation would rise up and remove the old dossiers at the top and then do a deal with the MDC (preferably do the deal before the progressive coup).

Some argue that this could result in an all out war, while others believe that so long as the half a dozen old men who control the military and Zanu are arrested, the rest of the turncoats will fall in line.

After all there were Zanu top officials who were publicly heaping opprobrium on the scarf wearer when he was being dressed down by the then first lady only to heap praises on him after the coup.

What about the war veterans?

Well, the war vets too have several turncoats in their membership. Nonetheless, the young coup leaders and the MDC would need to put out a statement to the war vets that they need not worry about their welfare since the new administration will continue recognising their heroic efforts during the liberation war.

What happens after this progressive coup d’état?

I believe a new constitution would need to be drafted which brings serious change to the way Zimbabwe is governed. I believe that for a generation or so, Zimbabwe should not be governed by a single party but by a coalition government. No single political party should be entrusted with a big task of turning around an economy in rigor mortis such as ours. Moreover, Zimbabwe ought to have a prime minister who is leader of government. The position of president should be removed.

What about the military’s role after this coup?

The army would be converted into a civilian army and a recruitment drive for maybe 20 000 young people would need to be carried out. The old army personnel will be given retrenchment packages or take civilian roles such as in infrastructure building and maintenance or other public services. In my upcoming book I will go into a lot more detail about this notion of a progressive coup.