Farai Dziva|MDC councillor, Gilbert Mutubuki has said threats from state security agents will not stop him from fighting for the rights of the majority.

Mutubuki is leading protests against multiple land owners in Chiredzi.

Zanu PF supporters and war veterans are illegally occupying land that should be allocated to Chiredzi residents -for business and residential purposes.

See Mutubuki’s statement:
Greetings to you.We are receiving sad news again that Walter Mangwenzi from section 13 Chitepo Triangle Chiredzi has been arrested by Triangle CID.

They want to arrest the whole Compound.

You can beat us, arrest us, intimidate us and kill us but you will never ever kill the spirit in us.

Land Justice!!

Yours truly!
Cllr G Mutubuki

VICE PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi on Wednesday said the Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ) which had fallen into slumber over the years has been resuscitated, marking the awakening of an economic and social development giant in the country.

VP Mohadi said the revival follows the dissolving of the old board by President Mnangagwa, who subsequently appointed seasoned business people and experienced professionals, carefully selected from the country’s 10 provinces.

“Today marks a major milestone in the resuscitation of the DTZ since His Excellency, President Mnangagwa appointed me as chairperson,” he said.

“The provincial representation (of board members) is meant to ensure that Zimbabweans from all parts of Zimbabwe have a chance to benefit from work and output of DTZ which is a national asset with great economic and social development potential through its business entities whose flagship is Nuanetsi Ranch limited.

“Nuanetsi Ranch and other DTZ entities have suddenly come alive. I can confidentially inform the Zimbabwean nation that, DTZ which had fallen into slumber into over the years has been resuscitated. The economic and social development giant has awakened,” he said.

VP Mohadi also activated the work committees of the trust and ensured that they shared the trust’s objectives.

“DTZ sub-committees are entrusted in carrying out work of the trust in-between meetings of the trust and work towards achieving the objectives of the DTZ. These objectives will be shared among the three committees that we have set using the mandatory of each committee as reflected in the attached documents entitled implementation and achievement of DTZ objectives as articulated in the trust.

“The rational of sharing the objectives was the key functions of each committee which are executive, finance and human resources, and the business collaboration, legal and marketing functions.

“The executive committee will be chaired by Dr Sibonokhule Ndlovu, finance and human resources committee will be chaired by Mr Henry Nhemaire and business collaboration, legal and marketing functions by Advocate Sobuza Gula-Ndebele.

“The new structure of DTZ is now in place and the turnaround of DTZ and its business entities has commenced and it is all systems go and full throttle ahead,” he said.

VP Mohadi said DTZ has lined up vast life transforming projects.

MDC vice-chairman Job Sikhala, who was allegedly abducted from Harare Central Police Station after his arrest on charges of subverting a constitutionally-elected government, is now suing the police for acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally.

Sikhala, through his lawyers Koto and Company, has initiated a $3 million lawsuit against Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Superintendent Daniel Joseph of Harare Law and Order section.

“We write to you at the instance of our client (Sikhala) hereby providing you with notice of intention to institute legal proceedings against yourself, within 60 days from date of this letter as defined in terms of section 5 of the State Liabilities Act,” Sikhala’s lawyers wrote.

The lawyers said after Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi had granted his consent to have Sikhala appear before a Harare court, the police abducted him and locked his lawyers in police cells, thereby blocking them access to him.

“Despite the consent having been obtained, the police officers, including Superintendent Daniel Joseph, locked the team of lawyers who were in the company of our client, Tendai Biti and Innocent Gonese, inside cells of Harare Central (Police Station) and refused to give them access to our client, when Joseph dragged and smuggled our client out of Harare Central Police Station,” the lawyers said.

Sikhala alleged in his letter that he suffered insults, dehumanising treatment and a sense of shock from the actions of the police while he was blindfolded and suffering unbearable pain.

“Our client was tortured and experienced an aggravated and deliberate form of inhuman or degrading treatment. Severe pain, suffering both physically and
mentally, was intentionally inflicted upon him. He was insulted and threatened, which diminished his human dignity and aroused feelings of fear, anguish or inferiority capable of breaking his morale,” the letter read.

-Newsday

Power cuts have negatively affected operations at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital to such an extent that critically ill patients are now losing lives as they cannot be attended to expeditiously.

This was revealed by the hospital’s medical superintendent, Collet Mawire, in his 2019 half-year overview report.

Mawire urged the Health Services Board to find a permanent solution to end the power crisis at the Mashonaland West referral hospital.

He said: Currently, the hospital is facing critical problems in this aspect of electricity and water supply.

Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital operations are being hampered to the extent of losing patients as a result of load-shedding by ZESA.

… Power cuts are causing increased risk to lives of such patients and sometimes even loss of life.

Chinhoyi provincial hospital has 422 beds and relies on two standby generators. However, the generators often break down and require 300 litres of diesel daily to run them.

Mawire also revealed that the hospital is understaffed, having 79 nurses out of an ideal complement of 350, while there are five specialist doctors out of a possible 10.

-Newsday

State Media: Government has criticised the placement on sanctions of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-designate to Tanzania, Anselem Sanyatwe, and his wife Ms Chido Machona, by the United States on allegations that the former violated human rights.

Sanyatwe is a former Commander of the Presidential Guard.

According to Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Nick Mangwana, the establishment of the Motlante Commission showed that there was nothing to hide.

“The Motlanthe Commission worked in full of view of the public and had its hearings televised and run on different live platforms as the State showed it had nothing to hide. No one was made immune to its subpoena,” Mr Nick Mangwana, the Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, noted in a statement last night.

“When the report of the Commission came out, President Mnangagwa made it public and constituted a Cabinet Committee on Reform to see through the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission as well as other reforms such as Election Observers Missions’ reports,” reads the statement.

Government says this was done in the interest of transparency and justice.

The process of the hearings at the Commission had an important role as a truth-telling exercise.

“It is no doubt that President Mnangagwa marshalled the country through this tragic but fleeting phase, with long-term benefits of peace that no one today can deny.

“We, therefore, take serious umbrage at the posturing of some foreign powers who have taken it upon themselves to invoke actions that are clearly out of sync with the spirit and letter of the Commission whose work was public and credible,” Mr Mangwana said in reference to the US.

-State Media

Knives are out against Zanu PF Masvingo youth league boss Brian Munyoro who was last week beaten up by a group of local and Harare-based youths who accused him of corruption, sexual abuse and personalising party property.

Zanu PF national youth league political commissar Godfrey Tsenengamu led a group of Zanu PF youths from Harare for an outreach in Masvingo.

The outreach was met with little success after Munyoro reportedly snubbed the meetings in the wards and failed to mobilise party supporters to attend as a way of sabotaging Tsenengamu’s work.

Sources said during one of the meetings at Roger Howman Training Centre, some youths seized Munyoro’s car keys and cell phones while others beat him up.

TellZim News established that the some members of the Masvingo provincial youth league are unhappy with Munyoro’s leadership but no one had the guts to stand up to him until they formed an alliance with the visiting Harare youths to humiliate him.

When contacted for comment, Munyoro said the youths who demonstrated against him were just jealous and are fabricating stories to try and soil his name.

“It all happened in full glare of our leadership and they are all aware of what happened. I now wait to hear from them on the course of action to be taken against the culprits.

“They are just people who are jealous of my life and will do anything to soil my name. I have not done anything wrong but I have remained focused in supporting and building our party even during the time when we were vilified for being Lacoste members,” said Munyoro.

Youths who spoke to TellZim News accused Munyoro of being a sexual predator who abused women under his ranks.

“We want him to go and we will not rest until he is send packing. We want leadership which is exemplary not what we are seeing in Munyoro.

“He has bedded many women under his rank by abusing his powers and the car which the party gave him. Last week in Chiredzi he tried the same tricks on one of the ladies but he was turned down. He then tried to force himself on the lady but he failed.

“He uses the party vehicle as his bedroom and that must stop. The vehicle he drives belongs to the party yet he personalises it. We heard a lot of reports about him and we decided to act because the youth here are afraid of him,” said one youth from Harare.

The youth league accuses Munyoro of stealing over 3 000 litres of fuel which had been donated for party programmes.

“Masvingo got 4 000 litres of fuel to do party programmes and Munyoro converted 3 000 litres to personal use and declared only 1 000 litres,” claims one youth.

Other sources said Munyoro was dictatorial in his leadership approach, accusing him of stripping other league leaders of their powers.

“He does everything himself. He is now the chairperson, the treasurer, the spokesperson and the commissar of the whole province. He personalises power and all other elected members have been rendered irrelevant. He is also abusing his power to sleep with all the girls,” complained a source.

Another youth league member, however, defended Munyoro saying the fight was simply a manifestation of factionalism in the youth league.

“There are bigger divisions in the league and Munyoro is just a victim. They are jealousy of his success and the big car he is driving?” said the member.

Zanu PF national youth league boss Pupurai Togarepi could not be reached for comment as his mobile went unanswered.

-TellZim

A 73-year-old woman died on the spot on Monday near Birchenough Bridge when a bus she was travelling on was involved in an accident.

At least 19 other passengers were injured and rushed to Murambinda Hospital.

Police have identified the deceased as Esiteri Dzingirai of Chikaka Village.

“Esiteri Dzingirai of Chikaka Village died on the spot after Bernard Murozvi (52), the driver of the bus, lost control of the vehicle,” said Manicaland spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.

The bus belonged to Mashoko Travellers Company and was on its way to Birchenough from Murambinda, Buhera.

Murizvo is alleged to have been speeding. “The other 19 passengers were injured and were taken to Murambinda Hospital for treatment and the body of the deceased was taken to Murambinda Hospital mortuary,” said Insp Kakohwa.

Meanwhile, a 24-year-old commuter omnibus driver lost control of his vehicle and fatally struck a herdsman in Nyanga on Monday.  “Fungai Norest Mateta (24) was driving a commuter omnibus with registration numbers ACL 4417 along Nyarukohwa-Nyarubvure Road with seven passengers,” said Insp Kakohwa. “Upon reaching the 35km peg near Nyarukohwa Bridge in Nyanga, Mateta saw a herd of cattle coming his way. He tried to avoid hitting the cattle and lost control of the vehicle and hit the herdsman instead.”

-State Media

Disgruntled parents of children at Goldridge College, an upmarket private college in Kwekwe, are suing the school for allegedly demanding tuition fees and outstanding balances in United State Dollars (USD) despite Government abolishing the use of the multi-currency regime.

In their application to the High Court, the parents Stanley Makunde, Tichafa Chiwanza and Livious Mukwiri, accused the school and its Board of Governors of defying a Government directive by continuing to demand payment in United States dollars.

The college is allegedly asking parents whose children have been offered Form One places next year to pay US$500 in Development levies.

The parents alleged that the children whose parents were defaulting were being sent home by the school authorities.

-State Media

PRESIDENT Mnangagwa will today head for Ashbrittle Shopping Centre in Mt Pleasant for this month’s clean up exercise, as Government intensifies efforts to build sustainable environmental management and waste disposal systems.

The President last year declared the first Friday of each month as the National Environment Cleaning Day when all citizens are supposed to clean their surroundings between 8am and 10am.

Presidential spokesperson Mr George Charamba confirmed the President’s event for today.

“The President is heading for Ashbrittle Shopping Centre in Mt Pleasant tomorrow (today) for this month’s clean-up exercise which will start in the morning,” he said.

Vice President Kembo Mohadi will be in Beitbridge for the same exercise.

Acting Minister of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Nqobizitha Mangaliso Ndlovu said the clean-up exercise was a noble and brilliant vision by President Mnangagwa.

He called on Zimbabweans from all walks of life to join hands in the initiative.

“I urge the nation to rally behind this brilliant and noble vision by the President of Zimbabwe,” he said.

“We should all embrace it and join hands in this exercise.

“Let us all clean-up our environs wherever we are. A clean environment is a healthy environment for everyone. As you all know, the President launched this brilliant initiative last year in December and this is the 9th month into it and already our country is getting cleaner by each day, this is commendable.”

Launching the campaign on December 5 last year, President Mnangagwa stressed the importance of unity and harmony to keep the environment clean.

“The world we live in is deteriorating rapidly due to the dire consequences of climate change which manifest as floods, heat waves, diseases, water and air pollution, land degradation and desertification, among other challenges,” he  said.

“These developments require us to take bold and decisive action with regards to the management of our environment of ensuring a clean environment. We need to keep our villages, towns and cities clean and hygienic, both for this generation and generations to come.

“We must, therefore, be re-oriented to practice good environmental and waste management through increased advocacy, education, training and awareness. We must do this from a place of pride not just a necessity.”

-State Media

GOVERNMENT has criticised the placement on sanctions of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-designate to Tanzania, Anselem Sanyatwe, and his wife Ms Chido Machona, by the United States on allegations that the former violated human rights.

Ambassador Sanyatwe is a former Commander of the Presidential Guard.

The US seeks to apportion blame on Government security forces for the death of six people during opposition-instigated violence on August 1 last year, which was orchestrated to delegitimise the outcome of the harmonised elections which President Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF party won favourably.

The polls had won lots of praise from observer missions and other stakeholders for their peaceful and orderly conduct before opposition MDC-Alliance supporters unleashed mayhem following threats by the party’s leader, Mr Nelson Chamisa, and others that they would not accept defeat.

However, President Mnangagwa instituted an international panel of experts to inquire into the incident and has since been implementing its recommendations, including reform, retraining and upskilling of the police service, the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Government said while it was pursuing a policy of re-engagement and rapprochement with some members of the international community, this should not be construed as appeasement.

“The Motlanthe Commission worked in full of view of the public and had its hearings televised and run on different live platforms as the State showed it had nothing to hide. No one was made immune to its subpoena,” Mr Nick Mangwana, the Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, noted in a statement last night.

“When the report of the Commission came out, President Mnangagwa made it public and constituted a Cabinet Committee on Reform to see through the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission as well as other reforms such as Election Observers Missions’ reports,” reads the statement.

Government says this was done in the interest of transparency and justice.

The process of the hearings at the Commission had an important role as a truth-telling exercise.

“It is no doubt that President Mnangagwa marshalled the country through this tragic but fleeting phase, with long-term benefits of peace that no one today can deny.

“We, therefore, take serious umbrage at the posturing of some foreign powers who have taken it upon themselves to invoke actions that are clearly out of sync with the spirit and letter of the Commission whose work was public

and credible,” Mr Mangwana said in reference to the US.

“These powers have arrogated themselves power beyond our processes and in this context a Zimbabwean diplomat and his family has been placed under sanctions for ostensibly violating human rights in relation to the events of August 1, 2018,” said Government.

Government says its position is that sanctions imposed on the country are illegal and “any escalation of the same is counterproductive”.

President Mnangagwa has adopted a policy of rapprochement towards countries with whom Zimbabwe has endured bad relations over the past two decades.

However, Government said the rapprochement policy was not “a policy of appeasement”, saying the principles of equality, sovereignty and self-determination in statecraft should be respected.

“We therefore wish to place on record our strong displeasure of actions to undermine Zimbabwe’s sovereignty and condemn posturing meant to fan divisions rather than initiate national healing and understanding,” said Government.

-State Media

JUDGMENT in a case in which MDC Alliance legislators, Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) and Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff), who are accused of public violence and inciting mayhem during the January fuel price hike protests, was on Wednesday deferred to August 9.

The legislators are on ZWL$300 bail each, which was handed by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese after Kwekwe magistrate Story Rushambwa denied them their liberty.

Rushambwa was yesterday expected to deliver judgment after both the State, led by prosecutor Yeukai Mugumba and the defence, led by Wellington Davira, closed
their cases last month.

MDC supporters from both Redcliff and Mbizo constituencies had thronged the courts to hear the much-awaited verdict.

“I still need more time to study the submissions by both the State and defence and so the matter is deferred to August 9, 2019,” the magistrate ruled.

MDC vice-chairman Job Sikhala, who was allegedly abducted from Harare Central Police Station after his arrest on charges of subverting a constitutionally-elected government, is now suing the police for acting unlawfully and unconstitutionally.

Sikhala, through his lawyers Koto and Company, has initiated a $3 million lawsuit against Home Affairs minister Cain Mathema, Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga and Superintendent Daniel Joseph of Harare Law and Order section.

“We write to you at the instance of our client (Sikhala) hereby providing you with notice of intention to institute legal proceedings against yourself, within 60 days from date of this letter as defined in terms of section 5 of the State Liabilities Act,” Sikhala’s lawyers wrote.

The lawyers said after Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi had granted his consent to have Sikhala appear before a Harare court, the police abducted him and locked his lawyers in police cells, thereby blocking them access to him.

“Despite the consent having been obtained, the police officers, including Superintendent Daniel Joseph, locked the team of lawyers who were in the company of our client, Tendai Biti and Innocent Gonese, inside cells of Harare Central (Police Station) and refused to give them access to our client, when Joseph dragged and smuggled our client out of Harare Central Police Station,” the lawyers said.

Sikhala alleged in his letter that he suffered insults, dehumanising treatment and a sense of shock from the actions of the police while he was blindfolded and suffering unbearable pain.

“Our client was tortured and experienced an aggravated and deliberate form of inhuman or degrading treatment. Severe pain, suffering both physically and
mentally, was intentionally inflicted upon him. He was insulted and threatened, which diminished his human dignity and aroused feelings of fear, anguish or inferiority capable of breaking his morale,” the letter read.

-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Former President Robert Mugabe’s last born son Chatunga Bellarmine Mugabe has opened up lamenting that he receives a lot of hate from people, most of whom, he has never met in person.

In an interview with Takawira “Photovet” Dapi of H-Metro, Chatunga said, Even if someone says to me ndakauraya munhu its fine. If you go on the internet, I used to spend a whole day and reading nyaya dzinobuda ipapo.

Pane dzimwe nyaya dzinobuda ipapo but I can’t spend my day going through the stories, you end up depressed, it’s now a thing I am used to.

You can’t tell everyone, one by one to say no this happened and this didn’t happen. If people like me, they like me and if they don’t like me, I can’t force them…I’m not trying to impress.

How sad it is. Today, if you were to be my friend, whatever you do you are scrutinised, your family gets scrutinised because you are my friend, that’s a bit unacceptable.

That’s is why I have a few friends, less than five because no one knows…even if I have a party, they are the only people invited. You can check on the guest list because I don’t have friends.

Those were the only people, I had invited. Some people were relatives, even if I am in South Africa

JUDGMENT in a case in which MDC Alliance legislators, Settlement Chikwinya (Mbizo) and Lloyd Mukapiko (Redcliff), who are accused of public violence and inciting mayhem during the January fuel price hike protests, was on Wednesday deferred to August 9.

The legislators are on ZWL$300 bail each, which was handed by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Martin Makonese after Kwekwe magistrate Story Rushambwa denied them their liberty.

Rushambwa was yesterday expected to deliver judgment after both the State, led by prosecutor Yeukai Mugumba and the defence, led by Wellington Davira, closed

their cases last month.

MDC supporters from both Redcliff and Mbizo constituencies had thronged the courts to hear the much-awaited verdict.

“I still need more time to study the submissions by both the State and defence and so the matter is deferred to August 9, 2019,” the magistrate ruled.

Health minister Obadiah Moyo’s daughter, Ashleigh, was recently assaulted and left unconscious at a popular Harare night club, Pabloz, by her friend and a South African woman believed to be the girlfriend of former President Robert Mugabe’s son, Chatunga.

The friend, Godfrey Utsiwegota (21), appeared before magistrate Learnmore Mapiye yesterday charged with assault.

Utsiwegota’s lawyer, Cathew Manyani, filed a complaint against the court officials and police, saying his client was detained at the holding police cells for
no apparent reason.

Manyani said it appeared as if there was interference in the matter after his client was released by court officials on Monday at Harare Magistrates Court,
only to be called to come to court.

The magistrate released Utsiwegota on free bail and remanded the matter to August 15.

It is the State’s case that on July 26 this year at around 11pm, Ashleigh was at Pabloz Night Club recording her music.

After recording, she left the club and walked towards her car, but was allegedly punched by Ovio Mgijima, a South African national.

Utsiwegota allegedly joined in and assaulted Moyo until she fell unconscious. A medical report was obtained and will be produced in court as exhibit.

Yesterday the President commissioned 42 Zupco buses as part of the government’s plan to “develop an integrated and multi-model urban transport system”. Besides the cheap fares offered by these buses, there are some attractive add-ons that may urge you to habitually use the buses whenever you have journey.

The add-ons come in the form of WiFi and real time information.

With the onboard WiFi , you will obviously be able to ‘Google’/surf the internet in Zupco buses whilst you are on your way to work. We’d have to see when the buses get on the road to see if one has to pay to use the WiFi or it’s free of charge.

With real time information, you will…….. Wait, let’s first define real time information. Real-time information means any information available to transit providers or customers about the current status of vehicles, including approximate locations and predictive arrival times. So it follows that Zupco bus users will be able to access the schedule, stops and estimated arrival times of the buses. This information can be accessed through onboard screens, screens at bus stations, text messages or an app- though in Zupco’s case, I think it will be accessible on onboard screens.

Real time information seems like it’s not a big deal but hey, you can efficiently plan a journey if the information is reasonably accurate.

Combine the onboard WiFi, Real time information and on-board USB ports, using the Zupco bus is more likely to give you a better user experience than the one you get with kombies.

Safe journeys.

Zimbabwe authorities have remained silent about what transpired and how they are going to move forward in rescuing a mining engineer kidnapped by Congolese rebels over a week ago.

Gunmen kidnapped a South African and one Zimbabwean worker at Banro Corp’s gold mine in the east Congolese province of Maniema last week.

Dieudonne Kasereka, army spokesman for South Kivu province, gave few details.

Captain Kasereka, spokesperson of the regional army of Congo confirmed the incident occurred on Friday, “they were ambushed by the armed bandits, their car was also burnt and we are hunting for them.” Kasereka added that “three suspects are already in custody for assisting the kidnappers.”

Amongst the Zimbabwean miner, was a South African and two Congolese miners who were also abducted, all working for Banro Corp, a Canadian mining firm based in Eastern DRC.

East Congolese militias such as the Mai Mai have preyed on the population and exploited mineral resources since the end in 2003 of a regional war that killed millions, most from hunger and disease.

But only in the last three years have such armed groups shown an interest in taking hostages for ransom.

The magistrates’ court for the district of Johannesburg in South Africa has issued a protection order against South African based Zimbabwean business tycoon, Joseph Makamba Busha at the instigation of the politician’s wife.

The court ordered Busha not to abuse his wife, Nomakwhezi Busha after being convinced that the couple is no longer upholding the peace expected of them in a normal marital set up.

According to court papers filed under record number 61/19, Busha ordered not to commit four types of abuses.

“Respondent is ordered not to physically and emotionally abuse the complainant, not to intimidate the complainant and not to economically abuse the complainant,” says the order.

The court also ordered the accused to pay 10 000 rands as emergency monetary relief on top of medical aid expenses.

A source privy to the politician’s family affairs also told NewZimbabwe.com that all has not been well back home.

“While he is concentrating on tackling socio-economic issues all has not been well in his marriage as his wife is not agreeing to endorse her signature on divorce papers served through his lawyers.

“His current marital problems are evident as seen by him not wearing his ring and his spouse never present in all his public appearances,” the source on condition of anonymity said.

The business tycoon’s behaviour is alleged to have dramatically changed and he is alleged to have fired 11 employees who manned one office in a period of eight months.

Busha is also alleged to have been very abusive to his wife of South African origin.

The wife accused him of thoroughly beating her up and more recently, withdrew the vehicle she was using on top of neglecting to support her and their three minor children.

Efforts to get a comment from Joseph Busha on the matter were fruitless as his phone went unanswered while several messages sent to him were not responded.

Busha, leader of the little known FreeZim Congress, contested the July 2018 elections as a presidential hopeful.

Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mthuli Ncube has announced that the government is going to suspend releasing the official figures of year-on-year inflation.

Presenting the Midterm Budget Review on Wednesday, the Minister announced that henceforth Zimstat will no longer be releasing the figures of year-on-year inflation.

Zimstat will suspend the publication of year on year inflation figures while it builds up the data of prices in the mono-currency system for a period of 12 months up to February 2020.

According to the Minister, this will ensure that we compare like for like in terms of currency regimes. The last official inflation figures showed that inflation was at 175 percent

The official inflation figures have often been criticised by some quarters for being watered down in order to not reflect the situation accurately.

Renowned global economist and currency expert Professor Steve Hanke has often dismissed official inflation figures released by the government for being as low as 25 percent of the actual figures.

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Zimbabwe government has introduced new power tariffs aimed at capacitating ZESA to mobilize requisite resources through appropriate and cost recovery tariffs implemented through a differentiated scale.

In the short term, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said the power supply deficit can only be met through power imports.

Presenting his budget mid-term review, said the government approved the following electricity tariff measures for immediate implementation.

“The current electricity supply situation retards all our stabilisation gains and require urgent interventions to improve power supply to our productive sectors,” he said.

The electricity tariff for Non-Exporting businesses will be increased from an average of ZWL9.86c/kWh to an average of ZWL45c/kWh (approximately USc5/kWh). The electricity tariff for domestic consumers be increased from an average of ZWL9.86c/kWh to an average of ZWL27c/kWh (approximately USc3/kWh), which is subsidized.  

The electricity tariff for Agriculture consumers be increased from an average of ZWL9.86c/kWh to an average of ZWL27c/kWh (approximately USc3/kWh), which is subsidized.

Maintain the tariff for ferrochrome smelters and other miners at US$0.067/kWh and US$0.0986/kWh, respectively, and ensure that the resources are ring-fenced in a Special Account solely for purposes of importing electricity; and ZESA be allowed to bill all other exporters and foreign currency earners in foreign currency and ensure that the resources are ring-fenced in a Special Account solely for purposes of importing electricity.

The responsible ministry and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) will give the necessary implementation details.

In addition, other urgent measures for sustainable power supply evolve around management through rapid role out of pre-paid and smart meters and embracing energy saving technology, speeding up ongoing reforms including restructuring of ZESA to improve efficiency and management of the parastatal and implementation of planned medium to long term projects.

He said, drought has reduced hydro-electric generation at Kariba Dam, reducing power supply to unsustainable levels as reflected through severe load shedding.

Key Highlights

Revised fiscal framework
–    Total revenues for 2019 are projected at ZWL$14.06 billion, comprising:-
–    Tax revenue amounting ZWL$12.75 billion;
–    Non-tax revenues of ZWL$1.312 million; 
–    Total expenditures for 2019 are projected at ZWL$18.62 billion comprising: –
–    Employment Cost ZWL$5.56 billion;
–    Capital expenditure ZWL$7.08 billion;
–    The revised 2019 Budget Framework will result in a reduced budget deficit of just 4% of GDP

The 2019 Supplementary Budget proposes additional provisions and reforms mainly related to the following priority areas:

–    Stimulation of production, targeting agriculture, industry and other productive sectors;
–    Food security, including;
–    Grain procurement to mitigate the effect of drought conditions;
–    Funding for the 2019/20 Summer Cropping Programme
–    Welfare of civil servants and pensioners;
–    Social services delivery and social protection;
–    Infrastructure and utilities;
–    Constitutional requirements including transfers to provincial councils and local authorities under Governments devolution thrust and enhanced support for governance institutions;
–    Supporting ongoing structural and governance reforms; and
–    Support for Government operations.

FINANCE Minister Mthuli Ncube has increased Tollgate Fees and vehicle licence fees by 500% effective 1 September 2019

Presenting his 2019 Mid-Term Monetary Policy Review statement on Thursday, Ncube said Government Ministries and Departments should review of fees by 1 September 2019,” said Ncube.

“In order to have legal effect, approved fees, levies and charges fees should be published in the Government Gazette.

“In line with the ongoing review, Government Ministries and Departments should submit to Treasury, proposals for review of fees under their purview by 1 September 2019, guided by the principles that I have already outlined.

“Furthermore, fees, levies and charges will be subject to review in line with economic developments.”
Chaos hit the Zimbabwe National Road Authority (Zinara) licensing offices in Harare yesterday as panicking motorists stampeded to beat the July 31 licensing deadline.

Motorists, responding to social media reports that Zinara was planning a massive hike in licence fees, besieged the road authority offices. But thousands returned home empty handed after the authority’s systems packed up.

At the Harare Main Post Office, the situation was near riotous as desperate motorists refused to leave the banking hall, demanding that they be allowed to pay their licences.

A handful lucky ones managed to license their vehicles.

VICE PRESIDENT Kembo Mohadi on Wednesday said the Development Trust of Zimbabwe (DTZ) which had fallen into slumber over the years has been resuscitated, marking the awakening of an economic and social development giant in the country.

VP Mohadi said the revival follows the dissolving of the old board by President Mnangagwa, who subsequently appointed seasoned business people and experienced professionals, carefully selected from the country’s 10 provinces.

“Today marks a major milestone in the resuscitation of the DTZ since His Excellency, President Mnangagwa appointed me as chairperson,” he said.

“The provincial representation (of board members) is meant to ensure that Zimbabweans from all parts of Zimbabwe have a chance to benefit from work and output of DTZ which is a national asset with great economic and social development potential through its business entities whose flagship is Nuanetsi Ranch limited.

“Nuanetsi Ranch and other DTZ entities have suddenly come alive. I can confidentially inform the Zimbabwean nation that, DTZ which had fallen into slumber into over the years has been resuscitated. The economic and social development giant has awakened,” he said.

VP Mohadi also activated the work committees of the trust and ensured that they shared the trust’s objectives.

“DTZ sub-committees are entrusted in carrying out work of the trust in-between meetings of the trust and work towards achieving the objectives of the DTZ. These objectives will be shared among the three committees that we have set using the mandatory of each committee as reflected in the attached documents entitled implementation and achievement of DTZ objectives as articulated in the trust.

“The rational of sharing the objectives was the key functions of each committee which are executive, finance and human resources, and the business collaboration, legal and marketing functions.

“The executive committee will be chaired by Dr Sibonokhule Ndlovu, finance and human resources committee will be chaired by Mr Henry Nhemaire and business collaboration, legal and marketing functions by Advocate Sobuza Gula-Ndebele.

“The new structure of DTZ is now in place and the turnaround of DTZ and its business entities has commenced and it is all systems go and full throttle ahead,” he said.

VP Mohadi said DTZ has lined up vast life transforming projects.

State Media|Government will repeal the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act as it moves to enhance the attractiveness of the minerals sector to foreign direct investment (FDI).

It will be replaced by a more “business-friendly” Economic Empowerment Act, but in the interim, the Indigenisation Act has been amended to remove the critical diamond and platinum sub-sectors from the reserve list.

It now means local shareholding will depend on agreed terms by investors, while foreign shareholding can reach up to 100 percent.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, announced the developments while presenting the Mid-term Fiscal Policy Review statement and Supplementary Budget in Parliament yesterday.

“Government, through the 2018 Finance Amendment Bill amended the Indigenisation and Empowerment Act and platinum and diamonds are now removed from the reserve list and shareholding will depend on negotiations with investors.

The rest of the minerals have already been removed from the list.

“Subsequently, the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act will be repealed and replaced by the Economic Empowerment Act, which will be consistent with the current thrust “Zimbabwe is Open for Business”.

The Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act worked to discourage and alienate much-needed FDI and investment as the way it was implemented threatened business.

Around 2013, the indigenisation programme threatened a lawfully and morally binding agreement between the country’s largest platinum producer, Zimbabwe Platinum Holdings (Zimplats) and Government.

Such threats had a negative effect on the global investor community on Zimbabwe as breach of contracts is anathema to investors.

The mining sector remains a key driver of Zimbabwe’s economic development, typically contributing circa 10 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) and around 60 percent to exports.

And true to form, during the first half of the year, the sector contributed US$1,3 billion, about 68 percent of the total exports of US$1,9 billion during the period.

The scrapping of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment Act is one of the measures that is expected to provide impetus to the economic contribution of the sector.

The Government has over the past several months secured a number of mining investment deals, with the latest being a joint venture agreement between State-owned diamond miner, the Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company and Russian firm, Alrosa.

The new diamonds agreement will see about US$12 million being invested in exploration of diamond deposits over the next three years.

Minister Ncube yesterday said that Government will put in place a “comprehensive strategy” to see the coming into fruition of these deals.

“These investments will, however, take some time (up to 10 years of production) to give visible net benefits in view of long gestation periods for mining projects.

“Government will, therefore, in the second half of the year unveil a comprehensive strategy and roadmap towards a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023,” he said.

“The attainment of this milestone is not an event, but a process, which is well underway with concrete start-ups and expansion of projects in a number of minerals, which include platinum, gold, ferrochrome, coal and hydrocarbons, lithium, diamonds, iron ore, among others.” — Business Weekly.

TABLING OF NSSA FORENSIC AUDIT REPORT
          THE MINISTER OF PUBLIC SERVICE, LABOUR AND SOCIAL WELFARE (HON. DR. KANHUTU-NZENZA):  Mr. Speaker Sir, thank you for the opportunity to be able to present to you today the NSSA forensic report.
          Mr. Speaker Sir, the National Social Security Authority is the statutory body governed by the NSSA Act.  It operates social security schemes for the benefit of employees, current or retired on a compulsory basis for the purpose of providing social protection and security upon retirement. The role of the minister, my role and that of the Board and management is to safeguard the interests of the contributors to the Pension Fund.  They have a responsibility as provided by the Act to be accountable, transparent and above all, to ensure good corporate governance of NSSA.
The NSSA forensic audit report was commissioned by the Auditor General, Mrs. Chiri.  It covers the period of 1stJanuary, 2015 and the 208thFebruary, 2018. The final report, Mr. Speaker Sir, was presented to me and the newly constituted board in February, 2019.  Thereafter, Mr. Speaker Sir, the board identified key issues emerging from the NSSA forensic audit.
These issues, Mr. Speaker Sir, relate to corporate governance, investments, properties, ICT and human resources.  In all these key issues that I have mentioned there are some significant irregularities.  In view of that, as Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare in the spirit of maintaining transparency, I proceeded to engage a team of legal experts whose role was to provide council on each of the emerging issues from the forensic report.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the engagement of lawyers required a procurement process and due diligence.  This process of engaging lawyers took two months, hence the delay in tabling this report.  However, the findings of the legal experts will be absolutely material in assisting my Ministry and the board in ensuring that the issues raised in this forensic report are attended to in pursuit of good corporate governance, accountability and transparency.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the findings in this report and the annexure here presented will guide us in determining which issues are seen by the legal experts as criminal.  What is presented here would also help NSSA to determine issues that are purely management and may require disciplinary action.
Mr. Speaker Sir, the Ministry is working closely with the Anti-Corruption Unit.  They have the report.  Internally I shall ensure that we follow best practices within the labour legislative framework.  The Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare remains absolutely committed to maintaining transparency in protecting the interests of the contributors to the pension fund.  The forensic audit report therefore provides us with a framework to review the operations of NSSA so that we remain accountable and transparent to the people who have entrusted us with the money.
Mr. Speaker Sir, I hereby table the NSSA forensic report as promised.  The report is being printed and members will be able to get the copies and the annexures that are bound here in three copies.  This report, Mr. Speaker Sir, is presented to you in full as requested.  Thank you.
HON. CHINOTIMBA:  Kubhadharwa $25 ini ndakacontributa 10 years.
THE HON. SPEAKER:  Hon. Chinotimba can you allow the Chair to speak.
HON. CHINOTIMBA:  Thank you Chair.
THE HON. SPEAKER:  Thank you, Hon. Minister for your exhaustive summary.  I want to believe that Members of Parliament will apply their minds to the report and contribute constructively on the way forward.  Thank you.

ALL is set for the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) Golf Day at the Harry Allen Golf Club tomorrow.

The amateur tournament, dubbed “Let’s Trade Guns for Golf Clubs in the City of Kings” is expected to draw a variety of golfers from across the country.

The tournament presents an opportunity for war veterans to interact with captains of industry, politicians and golfers.

Tournament public relations officer, Charles Chiponda, said everything was in place ahead of the tournament.

“The fairway is at its best at the moment and we expect good scores. Captains of industry, security top brass, both active and retired and politicians from different political parties are set to trade their ties for golf clubs,” said Chiponda.

He said the winner of the tournament will get a two return tickets to Johannesburg, South Africa, while the runner-up will get two return tickets to Harare. The third place prize is dinner for two at a top Bulawayo hotel.State media

ZANU-PF National Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda, said yesterday the revolutionary party is certain that it will retain the Lupane East seat as its opponents are without vision.

The party launched its campaign drive last month and has been holding rallies and also doing door-to-door campaigns ahead of the by-election set for tomorrow.

Matemadanda, who was accompanied by his deputy Omega Hungwe and the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Professor, Paul Mavhima, held two other rallies at St Paul’s and Mhlangamlambo School on Wednesday.

Addressing scores of party supporters at a campaign rally at Daluka in Lupane yesterday, Matemadanda said voting Zanu-PF is a fulfilment of Matabeleland region’s vision pioneered by King Lobengula and Dr Joshua Nkomo.

He challenged party supporters to advance the same vision which he said is rooted in development and denial of colonial rule.

“Other candidates contesting in this election are like bulls without trackers. You can’t even locate them. So, you must be careful when you vote as people of Lupane and Matabeleland North.

“This vote is for King Lobengula who strongly opposed white rule. He passed through this place and died here, but today 100 years later you get someone including some Chiefs saying they cannot vote for this party.

If we were talking about Chaminuka or Nehanda we would understand because they were from Mashonaland, but this is your own King.

“So when you vote Zanu-PF you are fulfilling King Lobengula’s vision because besides him, only PF-Zapu and Zanu-PF resisted white rule which is why the two united unlike other parties. You should have partnership with Zanu-PF which is King Lobengula and the late Vice President Nkomo’s party,” said Matemadanda.State media

By A Correspondent| Zanu Pf Secretary for legal affairs Muntaradzi Paul Mangwana turned pale blue after being quizzed by NPF Spokesperson Jealousy Mawarire over why his party had been taken over by the army in a development which had seen Zimbabwe become a military state.

Mawarire said this at a discussion hosted by the Zimbabwe Council of Churches, ZimPapers TV Network and the Voice of America dubbed The Chase on Tuesday.

Said Mawarire:

“,,,, we need inclusive dialogue where the army must be present..to tell the nation why they took over power.

We need VP Chiwenga in his full military combat, forget the VP status, he is military, Sibusiso Moyo in his full army combat.

Zanu Pf must tell us why they let the army take control of government, of the party and imposed their candidate.

Zimbabwe is another Sudan, the only difference is its people are not in the streets but in their homes.”

Watch the video below for this and more…

GOVERNMENT has urged the police to intensify deployments and patrols to ensure prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the country.

Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema said the police should redouble its efforts in fighting crime.

Minister Mathema made the remarks while presenting a Sports Award to the reigning police Sportsperson of the Year and Kobudo World Champion Assistant Inspector Wilfred Mashaya in Harare on Wednesday.

“Notwithstanding the importance of sport, it can only be enjoyed in a peaceful and tranquil society. Policing should promptly respond and adapt to changes in society as well as the ever-increasing public expectations.

“As police, you should redouble your efforts in rooting out the malady of crime and the fear of crime itself. I note with satisfaction that incidences of violent clashes between soccer fans after matches have significantly reduced.

“As a matter of fact, I have it on good authority that the year 2018 has been very peaceful in the sporting arena,” Minister Mathema said.State media

GOVERNMENT has criticised the placement on sanctions of Zimbabwe’s Ambassador-designate to Tanzania, Anselem Sanyatwe, and his wife Ms Chido Machona, by the United States on allegations that the former violated human rights.

Ambassador Sanyatwe is a former Commander of the Presidential Guard.
The US seeks to apportion blame on Government security forces for the death of six people during opposition-instigated violence on August 1 last year, which was orchestrated to delegitimise the outcome of the harmonised elections which President Mnangagwa and the ruling Zanu-PF party won favourably.

The polls had won lots of praise from observer missions and other stakeholders for their peaceful and orderly conduct before opposition MDC-Alliance supporters unleashed mayhem following threats by the party’s leader, Mr Nelson Chamisa, and others that they would not accept defeat.

However, President Mnangagwa instituted an international panel of experts to inquire into the incident and has since been implementing its recommendations, including reform, retraining and upskilling of the police service, the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Government said while it was pursuing a policy of re-engagement and rapprochement with some members of the international community, this should not be construed as appeasement.

“The Motlanthe Commission worked in full of view of the public and had its hearings televised and run on different live platforms as the State showed it had nothing to hide. No one was made immune to its subpoena,” Mr Nick Mangwana, the Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, noted in a statement last night.

“When the report of the Commission came out, President Mnangagwa made it public and constituted a Cabinet Committee on Reform to see through the implementation of the recommendations of the Commission as well as other reforms such as Election Observers Missions’ reports,” reads the statement.

Government says this was done in the interest of transparency and justice.
The process of the hearings at the Commission had an important role as a truth-telling exercise.

“It is no doubt that President Mnangagwa marshalled the country through this tragic but fleeting phase, with long-term benefits of peace that no one today can deny.

“We, therefore, take serious umbrage at the posturing of some foreign powers who have taken it upon themselves to invoke actions that are clearly out of sync with the spirit and letter of the Commission whose work was public
and credible,” Mr Mangwana said in reference to the US.

“These powers have arrogated themselves power beyond our processes and in this context a Zimbabwean diplomat and his family has been placed under sanctions for ostensibly violating human rights in relation to the events of August 1, 2018,” said Government.State media

Farai Dziva|Jealousy Mawarire has castigated Lands Minister Perence Shiri for describing MDC MPs as “monkeys.”

There was chaos in Parliament yesterday following Shiri’s remarks.

Commenting on Shiri’s remarks, Mawarire said :
“Characters like Perence Shiri should never have been made ministers.

They need proper rehabilitation from a sordid past before anyone puts them near public office. For the avoidance of sounding exactly like him, I will not ask who is closer to a monkey, the accuser or his targets?”

Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said guns and live ammunition should never again be used on innocent civilians.

Chamisa paid tribute to civilians who were shot dead during the August 1, 2018 protests in Harare.

See Chamisa’ s full statement:

1 August 2018: NEVER AGAIN!

Today marks yet another very important day in the recent history of the Zimbabwean people’s struggle against dictatorship, oppression, tyranny and theft of elections.

This day we remember fellow citizens who lost their lives at the hands of the State on 1/8/2018. They had names & families behind them:‬

Silvia Maphosa 53 years
Ishmael Kumire 43 years
Gavin Dean Charles 45 years
James Chikandira 21 years
Brian Zhuwao 26 years
Challenge Tauro 20 years

We can’t forget & we will never forget.

On this day in August 2018, we saw the brutal, merciless, senseless and heinous murder of unarmed and innocent civilians in the Harare central business district.

The event of 1 August 2018, in itself demonstrated to the whole world the crisis of governance that has defined the character and nature of the problem in Zimbabwe.  
The violence witnessed in the Harare CBD brought untold suffering, not only to the families, relatives and friends of the deceased but to the nation as a whole.

It is indeed unpardonable that in the 21st century, those entrusted with the protection of the constitution and the people would conjure up schemes to maim and eliminate the same in order to protect their ill-gotten comforts and privileges, and satisfy their insatiable thirst for power.

After the departure of Mr Mugabe, nothing has changed in Zimbabwe. The old cannot renew. The past cannot be the future. The past cannot be renovated. In short, it is now clear for all to see that, concerning the style of leadership, those in the state have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing.

‪The August 1 fallen citizens were victims of a system which devours it’s own children. The brutality is fuelled by a longstanding culture of impunity.If the nation had punished perpetrators, there would be no incentive to commit violence in the name of power and politics .

But the Incumbent since 1980 always protects and rewards the callous perpetrators of violence.‬

‪It is common knowledge that the state reacted with excessive force in the circumstances of the demonstrations. Even the Motlanthe Commission, with all its limitations, found that ‬the conduct of the State was “unjustified and disproportionate”. However, those responsible have not been held to account.

We must enforce measures to redress this grave injustice. What is disheartening is the plight of the victims who have received no reparation.Victims of orchestrated brutality must be compensated. Justice must be done.

Over and above this,we have witnessed an increase in abductions, harassment and intimidation of democracy activists, civil society and leaders of the opposition including members of parliament.

The attempted abduction on MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole by unknown men with unmarked vehicles, armed with AK47 guns is both a reminder and a confirmation that Zimbabwe, being unsafe for its citizens and visitors, is a country under extreme terrorism and severe violence.  

The path to progress begins with honest acknowledgement of failings. The cost of power is responsibility. A genuine people’s government has a duty to protect, repudiated on August 1 & again 5 months later. That’s why it’s gross irresponsibility for ministers to threaten to unleash the military upon the people.

We believe in giving peace a chance. We must make peace happen in Zimbabwe.

On that score, we have offered a credible and sign posted dialogue to resolve the deep problems Zimbabwe is facing.

Today, as we remember those who lost their lives on 1 August, let us remember that peace is a collective responsibility and a universal duty. It is incumbent upon every citizen to play a part in building a great and stable Zimbabwe.

Never again should citizens be subjected to brutality at the hands of the state.
Never again should citizens be harassed for demonstrating.
Never again should there be loss of life on account of power, politics and political differences.
Never again should live ammunition and guns be used against civilians.
Never again should citizens live in fear of the state.
Never again should elections be rigged in Zimbabwe.
Never again should we hold elections in Zimbabwe without fundamental reforms.
Never again should we undermine the sanctity of the vote and the security of the voter and the vote.
Never again should Zimbabwe attract the eye of the whole world on account of human rights abuses and violations.
Never again should dictatorship prevail over democracy.

‪I commend fellow citizens for your love of peace and non-violence. Whatever we do in pursuit of our rights we hold steadfastly to the values of peace and non-violence. We are not enemies of the State. We cannot be enemies to something that derives its authority from us. We pray for the souls we lost.

Peace in Zimbabwe!
Today we build a better tomorrow!
 
Change that delivers!
Thank you and God Bless You
 
Adv Nelson Chamisa
MDC President

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has sent expressed his condolences to the Masuku family following the death of Zibusiso Masuku, son to ZANU PF National Women’s League Deputy Secretary, Angeline Masuku.

Zibusiso passed in In Britain last week. In his condolence message, President Mnangagwa said:

I learnt with deep sadness and pain of the death last week of Zibusiso Masuku, son to Cde Angeline Masuku following a short illness in the United Kingdom.

His passing on so soon is not only a great blow to his family which has lost a breadwinner, but to the Nation as a whole that is also poorer for the loss of his vital contribution to our health sector from the critical skills he had acquired abroad.

On behalf of the Party ZANU PF, Government, my family, and on my behalf, | wish to convey my deepest condolences to the Masuku family, especially to his wife Lindani and the children, who have lost a beloved husband, doting father and a Pillar to lean on in times of need.

May they draw comfort from the knowledge that the entire Nation joins them during this their darkest hour of grief and pain.

By Own Correspondent- The Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ), has demanded that the government pays its members salaries equivalent to the US$550.00 monthly salaries they earned before the return of hyperinflation.

The teachers have also demanded that the Apex Council, the board which represents civil servants, be dissolved forthwith.

PTUZ president, Takavafira Zhou, said that if the government fails to address the teachers’ concerns during the holidays, they will embark on industrial action in September.

Said Zhou:

Failure to make inroads on these issues will see industrial action by teachers with effect from the beginning of the third term.

This is a message that the government must take seriously if it dreams of bringing stability in schools in particular and the country at large.

We have also been tasked with negotiating a reasonable rescue package over the holidays, provision of land for accommodation purposes, effecting a non-payment of tuition fees for at least three children of every teacher and dissolving the Apex Council and replacing it with a robust negotiation chamber in line with section 65 of the Constitution and ILO conventions 87 and 98, which Zimbabwe has ratified.

… Our members have been insisting on industrial action even this term, but after serious deliberations, we have been tasked with ensuring that government reviews the current salary in line with maintaining the purchasing value of the pre-inflationary US$550 monthly salary.

By Own Correspondent- The MDC says that it is finalising the details of its programme to put pressure on the ruling ZANU PF party to come to the negotiating table.

The MDC is pushing for an inclusive dialogue that will result in the formation of a Transitional Authority.

Addressing reporters in Harare on Wednesday, MDC spokesperson, Daniel Molekele said:

There can be a debate on whether protests will be successful or not. That is conjecture. We are going to apply pressure and as on how you wait and see the details.

We are going to use our constitutional rights to protests. We are going ahead and, at the moment, we are finalising on the details of our programme. People claim that we are divided on protests. Let me reiterate that we are not divided.

We are a party guided by a decision made at congress and party of the resolutions was to apply pressure to force Zanu PF to inclusive dialogue that will result in a transitional government.

Molokele dismissed the ongoing anti-corruption crusade led by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC). He said that the crusade is a charade wherein ZANU PF is involved in internal factional wars.

He added that the MDC will support a genuine anti-corruption probe led by an independent commission and not the compromised ZACC.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent| The government is drafting a law that will legalise paying compensation packages to war collaborators.

This was revealed by the Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Oppah Muchinguri during a ZANU PF rally held in Gweru last weekend.

She said:

We are in the process of putting together a Bill that will legalise compensation of the war collaborators.

Cabinet has already approved the idea and asked us to come up with a Bill.

At the moment, we have put together the principles of the Bill and are now working on the other issues that should be in the Bill.

Once we are done drafting the Bill, we will take it to the Cabinet Committee on legislation, which will work on it and that can take about two weeks.

The committee will then send it back to Cabinet for approval, then we take it to Parliament.

So, all in all, we must be having the Bill in a month’s time.

Meanwhile, the MDC has warned Muchinguri that the country is in an economic spiral which makes it difficult to make the huge payouts.

MDC spokesperson, Daniel Molekele said:

“We need to be careful in having such large expenditures. So, the issue is about how practical it is in these circumstances. That is something the minister needs to be careful of and give serious consideration.”-Newsday

By A Correspondent- ZIMBABWE recorded a decrease in new HIV infections from 44 000 to 38 000 cases annually, a development which the UNAIDS 2019 report projects may lead to a decline in prevalence.

According to a report released last week, 28 percent of prisoners in Zimbabwe are HIV positive though the country does not have data on how many of the prisoners are accessing anti-retroviral therapy or HIV prevention methods like condoms and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP).

Prisoners, transgenders and those who inject drugs remain the top three most marginalised key populations in Zimbabwe whose access to treatment and prevention is not accounted for.

The UNAIDS report also stressed the need for countries to prioritise investing in key populations who now account for 54 percent of all new infections world over.

“The number of new HIV infections in Zimbabwe has gone down to 38 000 from 45 000 in 2015. Just like in many HIV heavily-burdened countries, Zimbabwe had also managed to halve the number of Aids-related deaths from 54 000 in 2010 to 22 000 in 2018,” read the UNAIDS report.

“About 28 percent of prisoners in Zimbabwe are HIV positive, but there is no data on how many are on ART or if they have access to HIV testing and counselling within the institutions. Zimbabwe also does not have statistics on transgender and people who inject drugs who are on ART or who are accessing condoms.”

Zimbabwe has the fifth highest HIV prevalence in the region.

“Key populations and their sexual partners now account for 54 percent of new HIV infections globally. In 2018, key populations-including people who inject drugs, gay men and other men who have sex with men, transgender people, sex workers and prisoners-accounted for around 95 percent of new HIV infections in eastern Europe and central Asia and in the Middle East and North Africa,” read the report.

UNAIDS has since called on Governments to work towards ensuring that key populations are catered for in all HIV prevention and treatment programmes.-StateMedia

Zimbabwe dollar to remain the sole legal tender.

Presenting his Midterm Budget Review in Harare on Thursday afternoon, Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube reiterated his stance that the Zimbabwe Dollar remains the only legal tender in Zimbabwe.

However, fees on services provided to foreign registered businesses will be collected in foreign currency. He said:

For the avoidance of doubt, the only legal tender in the country is the Zimbabwean Dollar as pronounced through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019, unless exemptions were specified therein.

Fees and charges on services provided to foreign registered businesses such as airlines flying into Zimbabwe and haulage trucks transiting through Zimbabwe and services that include passports provided by the country’s foreign missions will also be collected in foreign currency.

Zimbabwe will repeal its indigenisation and economic empowerment legislation dealing with ownership of foreign-controlled companies and replace it with a new empowerment law, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.

Addressing parliament, Ncube also said foreign investors can now take majority stakes in the platinum and diamond sectors.

The empowerment law adopted in 2008 under Robert Mugabe forced foreign-owned businesses including mines to cede at least 51% shares of their local operations to black Zimbabweans.

In a bid to attract investment, President Emmerson Mnangagwa last year removed these requirements for other minerals except diamonds and platinum, which his government said were strategically important.

The Zimbabwe Anti-corruption Commission (ZACC) has warned the ZANU PF Youth League to desist from accusing some individuals of being engaged in corruption without providing evidence.

ZACC Chairperson, Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo, who was appointed to lead the reconfigured anti-graft body, is quoted as saying:

“It is not about tarnishing people’s names. If you don’t have evidence against anyone there is no reason for a press statement and then list people as corrupt.”

“As Zacc, we do not support that. We actually call upon everyone who has allegations to report the matter for proper investigation and not to do so at a press conference.”

“We have called those people to come forward with the evidence they have but they have not come forward with the evidence and if they continue we will be forced to take action as Zacc.”

Meanwhile, Zanu PF youth league deputy secretary Lewis Matutu, who has been the face of the ruling party’s anti-corruption crusade, said:

“We don’t have a problem with her (Matanda-Moyo). We understand what she is saying; she is saying that there should be due process and we accept that.”

“We appreciate what she is saying and we are going to comply with what she said, we are not going to name and shame anymore because we don’t want to jeopardise their job.”

“We are going to sit down with them and share notes, the reason why we didn’t go with evidence to Zacc was that we didn’t want to jump the gun and given the situation it is now inevitable that we approach Zacc and give them what we have, we are willing to support them.”

President Emmerson Mnangagwa will soon enjoy unbridled powers similar to those exercised by former president Robert Mugabe as Zanu PF has put in motion plans for sweeping constitutional changes that are likely to make the incumbent leader a political demigod.

It has also been learnt that the new constitutional changes will see term limits being imposed on the party’s Members of Parliament (MPs) in order to avoid careerism and give more members a chance to serve in that capacity.

Zanu PF secretary for legal affairs Paul Mangwana told TellZim News in an interview that the party had already set up a committee to come up with the roadmap for public consultations on the issue.
Mangwana refused to shed more light on why they want the constitution amended and what is expected in the new amendment but said the people will decide on the new provisions.
“We have set up committee to come up with the road map on how we are going to do the consultation processes.
“We want to realign the old constitution with the new dispensation and it is the people who will have an input on the changes not the leadership. What the people want is what will be put in the constitution.
“I am not the people so I cannot tell you what changes will be effected. We will simply give people the current constitution and tell them to bring forward the changes they want to see for the better of the party,” said Mangwana.

The issue first came out in the open a few weeks ago when Mangwana addressed a Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC).

At the meeting, Mangwana hinted on the proposed changes among them the two term limits to all parliamentarians and the composition of an advisory council.

“We are coming to you soon for consultations on the proposed amendment of the party’s constitution and we would like your input. Should we have term limits on parliamentarians or should we retire some of our old guards and put them into the advisory team?

“It is all up to you so make sure when the process starts you will be ready,” said Mangwana then.

Other party sources said the proposed amendment to the party’s constitution is aimed at giving President Mnangagwa too much power and carte blanche to make some of the most important decisions on behalf of the party.

“People are going to give power to President Mnangagwa. The one centre of power is going to be the biggest change we are going to see in the proposed amendment.

“President Mnangagwa wants to be in control total control of the party and by giving him all the power, he will be able to deal with anyone who wants to stand in his way,” said the source.

Asked if the new amended constitution will address the succession issues within the ruling party, the source said Zanu PF does not have a succession and if anyone raise that they will be seen as the enemy.
“Succession will be left open because no one will ever raise the issue. It will be suicidal to suggest that,” said the source.

tellzim

HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir.  I am not protecting anyone.  I am stating facts as they are.  I seem not to appreciate the need to come and issue a ministerial statement given that I am able to give the required facts here.  I have highlighted that the money in question was used for the cotton input scheme, for the Presidential Input Scheme and for the importation of grain – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

Hon. Members having stood up.

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  No more points of order.  May you resume your seats Hon. Members. – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –  -[HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Ndakumbovatuka mbijana.]-

HON. SEN. RTD. AIR CHIEF MARSHALL SHIRI:  Mr. Speaker Sir, I am not addressing baboons and monkeys.  I am addressing people who are supposed to listen when I am responding.  If they want me to respond and they want an answer, they have to give me a chance to respond.  Thank you Mr. Speaker Sir – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

THE TEMPORARY SPEAKER:  No more points of order.  Hon. Members, may you resume your seats. – [HON. MEMBERS:  No, no.] – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –

HON. MAMOMBE:  Mr. Speaker, I am the one who asked the question.  The Hon. Minister cannot refer to us as baboons and monkeys.  We need sufficient answers Mr. Speaker.  Mr. Speaker, you need to protect us Sir. – [HON. MEMBERS:  Inaudible interjections.] –  [HON. MEMBERS:  Mr. Speaker, there are no monkeys] –.  We are not going to allow that kind of language in this House.  He has to withdraw.

MDC Hon. Members sang a song – Intho oyenzayo siyayizonda, whilst ZANU PF Hon. Members chanted – E. D. pfeee, E. D. pfeee.

MDC Hon. Members shouted – Chamisa, Chamisa and sang a song Ndezve change, Nero, ndezve change Nero.

Hon. Members having continuously behaved disorderly, the Temporary Speaker abruptly adjourned the House at Twenty-Six Minutes past Four o’clock p.m.

By A Correspondent- Public service minister Sekai Nzenza has told parliament that following the expose of the rot at NSSA by the Auditor General Mildred Chiri over management malpractices, those found on the want side face disciplinary action.

She said this Thursday, while presenting the NSSA audit report before parliament adding that the delay in presenting the document was a result of internal legal processes which were necessary before tabling the report before the August House.

Watch the video below for this and more.

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Jane Mlambo| Former Commander of the Presidential Guard, Anselem Sanyatwe has been slapped with United States sanctions effectively barring him and his wife from entering the US.

Sanyatwe was banned over his role in the August 1 shootings and the failure by the President Emmerson Mnangagwa regime from punishing all those implicated in the open murder of civilians by the army.

Below is the full text from the US Secretary of State;

The Secretary of State is publicly designating Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, former Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade and current Ambassador Designate of Zimbabwe to Tanzania, under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (Div. F, P.L. 116-6), due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.  Section 7031(c) provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.  The Department has credible information that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe was involved in the violent crackdown against unarmed Zimbabweans during post-election protests on August 1, 2018 that resulted in six civilian deaths.
The law also requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and immediate family members.  In addition to the designation of Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the Department is also publicly designating his spouse, Chido Machona.
To date, the Government of Zimbabwe has held no member of the security forces accountable for the acts of violence committed against Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018.  Furthermore, there has been no accountability for the excessive use of force by Zimbabwean security forces on civilians in January and February this year, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests.  We again call on Zimbabwean authorities to hold accountable those officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe.
For more information, please contact [email protected].

By A Correspondent- The United States of America has slapped the soldier who told the August 1 Commission of Inquiry led by former South African President Kgalema Motlanthe that soldiers who were captured live on video fired into the air at 45 degrees angle hence were not responsible for the deaths of unarmed civilians which occurred on the day.

Former Commander of the Presidential Guard, Anselem Sanyatwe and his wife has been slapped with United States sanctions effectively barring the duo from entering the US.

Below is the full text from the US Secretary of State;

The Secretary of State is publicly designating Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, former Commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard Brigade and current Ambassador Designate of Zimbabwe to Tanzania, under Section 7031(c) of the FY 2019 Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act (Div. F, P.L. 116-6), due to his involvement in gross violations of human rights.  Section 7031(c) provides that, in cases where the Secretary of State has credible information that foreign officials have been involved in significant corruption or a gross violation of human rights, those individuals and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the United States.  The Department has credible information that Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe was involved in the violent crackdown against unarmed Zimbabweans during post-election protests on August 1, 2018 that resulted in six civilian deaths.

The law also requires the Secretary of State to publicly or privately designate such officials and immediate family members.  In addition to the designation of Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe, the Department is also publicly designating his spouse, Chido Machona.

To date, the Government of Zimbabwe has held no member of the security forces accountable for the acts of violence committed against Zimbabweans on August 1, 2018.  Furthermore, there has been no accountability for the excessive use of force by Zimbabwean security forces on civilians in January and February this year, which reportedly resulted in at least 13 deaths, 600 victims of violence, torture or rape, and more than 1,000 arrests.  We again call on Zimbabwean authorities to hold accountable those officials responsible for human rights violations and abuses in Zimbabwe.

For more information, please contact [email protected].

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By A Correspondent- Public Service minister Sekai Nzenza has finally presented the NSSA Forensic Audit before parliament.

“The process of engaging lawyers needed due diligence and we had to follow due process of procurement, which took us two months hence the delay.”

Watch the video below for this and more…

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