HIV patients go without treatment as government fails to raise $6m for drugs

More than 1,3-million Zimbabweans living with HIV/Aids are at risk as the cash-strapped government battles to raise $6m needed to unlock $400m in donor funding for antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

The nation is facing critical shortages of medicines and patients are being asked to pay for their prescriptions in hard currency, sometimes US Dollars. The elite and top government officials are seeking medical treatment abroad to avoid the country’s dire health services. 

Most people on ARVs rely on drugs supplied by public hospitals through a facility funded by the Global Fund.

To access the $400m for ARVs from the organisation Zimbabwe must pay $6m as a compulsory contribution.

Harare’s failure to raise the funds has prompted fears that Aids-related deaths will rise.

People living with HIV and activists last week petitioned parliament to compel government to urgently secure the funds. They also complained of receiving expired drugs and that their advance supplies had been reduced from three months to two weeks.

Zimbabwe’s justice minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, said in response to the petition that only $2.9m had been raised.

He said minister of health Obadiah Moyo and the finance ministry had confirmed $2.9m was paid but that $6m was needed.

“What is required is to pay the $6m so that we can access the benefits. If we do not pay it means that we will not be able to get the ARVs. I will follow up and advise accordingly,” Ziyambi said.

Parliamentary portfolio committee on health chair Ruth Labode implored the government to act urgently, saying the situation was desperate.

In the petition HIV activists accused President Emmerson Mnangagwa of spending state funds lavishly while ignoring the plight of ordinary citizens.

Mnangagwa has continually hired a jet from Dubai for his frequent international trips and to fly even to local destinations.

Harare City Council’s decision to hike clamping and tow-away fines to $700 with effect from August 1 has been widely condemned, with motorists describing it as outrageous and irrational.

Some said the hefty fines will fuel corruption as motorists will be tempted to pay a lesser amount to a marshal for release of their cars.

Wheel-clamping fines for light motor vehicles have sky-rocketed from $57 to $500, while the tow-away penalty was reviewed from $60 to $700. The development comes at a time many workers are getting low salaries, some equivalent to or less than the clamping fines.State media

Farai Dziva|A Zanu PF youth leader has claimed that Emmerson Mnangagwa is the right person to lead the economic recovery process.

ZANU PF Youth League national commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu told party supporters at the weekend Mnangagwa was doing his best to better people’s lives.

“We have to be very patient with President Mnangagwa’s policies because they are taking the country in the right direction.”

“He will not get in shops to control prices but he is doing all his best to make sure everything is in its rightful place.”

Farai Dziva|A government spokesperson has castigated the MDC for disrupting the prevailing peace in the country.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana claimed the MDC was posing a serious threat to the peace prevailing in the country.

“The SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.

It is mandated to steer and provide member states with the direction regarding matters that threaten peace, security and stability in the region.

His Excellency, President Mnangagwa is its incoming chair (designated).

Zimbabwe is one of the most stable countries in the region with its only threat coming from the opposition which first threatens to overthrow a legitimate administration (recognised to be so by the whole world) then run to Sadc crying that there is a security situation in Zimbabwe.

Whilst those self-serving dramatics may find currency within juvenile corridors, SADC is composed of mature statesmen and stateswomen who are not swayed by overemotional histrionics,” said Mangwana.

Farai Dziva|The International Cricket Council has barred four Zimbabwean cricketers from travelling to England to take part in a series of T20 games against Kia Super League teams at the end of July as a result of political interference.

The cricketers, Zimbabwe women’s captain Mary-Anne Musonda and squad members, Anesu Mushangwe, Tasmeen Granger, and Sharne Mayers had been selected for the Women’s Global Development Squad.

The ICC has also barred Zimbabwe Women Cricket coach, Adam Chifo, who was supposed to accompany the team to gain vital experience.

In an email written to Chifo, ICC Women’s Cricket Manager, Holly Colvin, said:

“As I’m sure you are aware, the ICC Board has taken the decision to suspend Zimbabwe Cricket with immediate effect and place a restriction on the Zimbabwe national team participating in ICC events.

Unfortunately this also extends to their participation in the Women’s Global Development Squad program, and so it is with great regret that I write to inform you that Adam as Head Coach and the four Zimbabwe players will no longer be able to take part in the UK edition of the tour next week.”

The ICC suspended Zimbabwe over alleged government interference with the sport.

The Minister of Sports, Kirsty Coventry, has denied allegations of political interference .

By Own Correspondent| MDC Deputy National Chairperson Job Sikhala had the wheels to his car stabbed by unknown assailants on his way home to Chitungwiza from Harare.

Sikhala, who was in the company of his friend and colleague Tafadzwa Musekiwa told ZimEye how he struggled to control his car as it dragged to the right and almost landed in the bush about 5 kilometers from take off.

This was after the tyres had been stabbed while the duo decided to eat some food at Paramount in Hatfield.

Said Sikhala:

Ladies and gentlemen I wanted this to pass as I am not a coward but later decided to share it with you.

My vehicle the Mercedes had its two brand new tyres one on the back left side and another one the right front stabbed by a knife.

The back tyre took about two kilometers to go flat. I bought another brand new straight away, only for the vehicle to pull heavily to the right after 5 kilometers. A clear knife stab is so glaring on the two tyres.

This happened (Tuesday) after we decided to have food at Paramount Signature along Seke Road in Hatfield with my friend Hon Tafadzwa Musekiwa.

Unfortunately, it was reckless of us to leave the car unattended. I wonder how this could have happened had we been more alert.

We were supposed to just have our food with our car attended. Also it was naive on our part not to question and realize that a number of motor vehicles that were parked around our vehicles were not present when we initially parked ours.

When we parked ours, it was the only one and by the time we left, our car was now surrounded by more than 10 motor vehicles.

Anyone who did it is a coward and must know that when someone is carrying God’s mission it will backfire to you. The authors of cowardice shall reap their results. This I swear. My God and my ancestors will fight my battles.

The People’s mission to witness their freedom will never ever be stopped or terminated by the wickedness of the men of flesh.

Such wicked antics will never scare some of us.

Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC National Vice Chairman

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Said Wedza North legislator David Musabayana:

“I want to thank the Government of Zimbabwe for coming up with a Monetary Policy Statement that is pro-poor – [HON. MEMBERS: Aaah, Aaah!] – because we know there are very few people in this nation who were accessing the US$.  The US$ was only accessible to those people who were doing direct exports and to those who had connections to certain sectors of the economy.  The decision by the Government to de-dollarise the economy came at the correct time

we also propose that we have a currency board to restore confidence in the financial sector.  The currency board will make sure that there is proper allocation of currency to the needy sectors of the economy, mining, agriculture and other capital projects.  We also want to ensure that the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) is independent in its operations.  The independence of the RBZ will also inspire confidence with our monetary sector. 

          If we do not have a properly constituted board that manages currency in our economy, we will also end up with issues to do with corruption where certain people are given preference or jump queues when they approach the bank.  So, we want a situation where there is proper allocation of the available foreign currency to the needy sectors of the economy.  To underpin why I think the Government took a correct and bold stance in going back to the Zimbabwean dollar; we have many other nations in the world which have taken the same route; Sierra Leone’s Government in 2015 expressed the desire to de-dollarise the economy and the Central Bank Governor of that country, Dr. Kaifala Marah took bold steps to de-dollarise the economy.  There was a presidential appeal where they chose to de-dollarise the economy.  Mexico and Pakistan also implemented a more rapid and forced de-dollarisation and it was sustainable. However, this comes at a cost because of macro-economic imbalances that happened and there was huge capital flight and less financial intermediation.

By A Correspondent- MDC MP for Kambuzuma, Willus Madzimure has lamented the dire consequences of power shortages in the country saying the frequent power cuts was resulting in deaths due to gas leakages.

Madzimure said this during parliament. He said:

The issue of electricity has gone to a situation where it is no longer bearable.  Madam Speaker, we have now experienced deaths being caused by the gas leakages because every house is now depending on gas.  The price of gas is continuously going up.  

The industry is being switched off from 0700 hrs in the morning to 2200 hrs in the evening.  Madam Speaker, this as a result diminishes any chances of economic revival.

Madam Speaker, the biggest tragedy is that there is no good reason being advanced, if it is because we cannot purchase more electricity then let it be known that we cannot.  The issue of the water levels in Kariba – it is known that until our worst we have rains falling in Angola, DRC and Zambia there will not be any in-flows into the lake.  So, with that in mind and it is a fact, can the Hon. Minister, I was actually going to ask for the Vice President to come and address this august House – [HON. MEMBERS: Hear, hear.] – and inform the whole nation whether the Government has completely failed to deal with the issue of electricity.

 Madam Speaker, the Auditor-General’s reports are revealing shocking corruption to the extent that $120 000.00 that is required to pay off our electricity debt can easily be paid off by the Government if the Government could look after the money that flows into Government.  The situation is dire and people are being mugged when going to join shifts at 2200 hrs in the evening because no industry has electricity.  

So Madam Speaker, I ask for a high-powered Ministerial Statement because the Hon. Minister of Energy and Power Development has failed to give an understandable reason as to why we do not have electricity.  It seems he is completely in the dark – he knows nothing about what is happening.  So either he resigns or a high-powered Government representative comes here to explain to the nation.”

Said Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa:

“Good afternoon Madam Speaker.  I rise on a point of privilege.  I continue arming you with more information in terms of the welfare of the Members of Parliament.  The first issue is, whilst some had gone to pick a $50 000 car others have been given an allowance of $55 000 and these are members of the Speaker’s Panel, Standing Rules and Orders members and Chairpersons.  

The question that I bring to you Madam Speaker is, if that is the correct position, I would like to know where they got the extra $5 000 from because $50 000 is what was said was the cap.  Are we today not the same, are we different today? 

So Madam Speaker, it is important that you also look into it.  I saw a letter myself which gave others $55 000 and the majority had $50 000. – [AN HON. MEMBER:  We are all Members of Parliament.] – Madam Speaker, regardless of the number of votes that you got, as long as you won you are entitled. 

The second issue is – can the Administration of Parliament furnish the nation of Zimbabwe with our remuneration because people think we are getting a salary of $5 000 or $10 000.  It is important that Parliament of Zimbabwe puts in the Herald what we are being given, that is $2 000 and allowances because each time we come to this House and we push for our welfare they think we are being selfish.  Ministers are still being given Land Cruisers and Mercedes Benz.  

So, how can the austerity measures be targeted to Parliamentarians only and not the Executive yet we know for a very long time, it is the Executive that has been spending a lot of money. 

Madam Speaker, I am also told there are people who had a choice to buy Isuzu vehicles from Paza Buster.  I am told again that ugly head of corruption has visited our august House where people are now being told where to buy vehicles and are being told not to go to Paza Buster.  Madam Speaker, can you also look into that and find out why Paza Buster is not part of the list because other people prefer Toyota and others prefer Isuzu.  It means that even those who want to marry must be given a wife at the end of the day yet you have a choice of a wife.  

I think it is important that we are treated like adults, we are not young children and we are constantly being treated like young children.  That must stop.  We have a choice of association.  The Constitution itself talks about freedom of association, so whether I go and buy a vehicle from Croco Motors or Paza Buster, it is my choice.  I thought Madam Speaker, I should raise these issues.

 Finally, let me talk about the diplomatic passport.  The President approved for every Member of Parliament to have a diplomatic passport. Who is working against the President in not taking the order from the President? – [AN HON. MEMBER: Seva ipapo.] – The President, the Head of State has said all Members of Parliament must be given diplomatic passports.  We do not have them.  So, who is stopping that from happening?  There are people working against the President and soon they shall be exposed. 

 Madam Speaker, let me move on to our welfare. We shall stop debating any other issues in Parliament until our welfare is taken care of.  We are tired of passing Bills, we are tired of passing laws yet we are nothing at the end of the day.  So, Madam Speaker, I thank you very much and I know Madam Speaker, as a mother you feel for us your children. I know your heart is aching, we are your children, please advance this for us.  Thank you.

THE HON. DEPUTY SPEAKER (TSITSI GEZI): Order Hon. Mliswa, I have noted all your concerns, I am going to look into them and will give a ruling later.  I want you to give me the letter which you referred to.

HON. T. MLISWA:  Madam Speaker, the Administration of Parliament is the one that sent that letter.  I managed to see it in one of the companies; unless they say they did not write the letter, I will bring the letter.  They have the letter that they wrote for $55 000.  Madam Speaker, I just managed to bump into the letter when I went to one of these car sales companies.  The $55 000 was for Chairpersons, SRC, Speakers Panel and I think Hon. Mutomba’s name was not on the list, I do not know why because he is on the Speaker’s Panel.  That letter did not have Parliament letterhead.  So, I do not know where it came from, if they cannot give you that letter by today, tomorrow I will produce it.  I will go and ask the letter from the company that I saw it from.

By A Correspondent| Four suspected armed robbers allegedly pounced on three men who were parked in the Avenues area in Harare while counting their cash in a car and went away with more than US$70 000, $1 600 bond and other valuables.

The robbers, the Harare Magistrates’ Court heard, went on a shopping spree and bought vehicles using the money.

Elisha Munhanga (53), Conwell Kasambarare (26), Liberty (27) and Musafare Mupamhanga (45) denied the charges when their trial commenced.

The gang applied for discharge at the close of the State case and ruling has been set for July 30.

Prosecutor Mr Ephraim Zinyandu alleged that on September 28, last year, Fabiola Gonye, Livemore Mavula and Valentine Unganai were seated in Gonye’s motor vehicle at corner Ninth Avenue and Selous Street, Harare, counting Gonye’s money.

Two unregistered vehicles suddenly appeared and blocked the complainant’s vehicle before four men wearing masks came out of the vehicles.

The gang threatened to shoot the complainants before ordering them to lie down and they complied.

The gang stole US$71 402, $1 600 bond and mobile phones and sped from the scene.

On October 1, police detectives received information that Manhanga had given his nephew large sums of money for safe keeping on the same day the crime was committed.

A follow-up was made and Manhanga was arrested.

On October 8, detectives received information and arrested Kasambarare in Highfield after a high-speed chase.

It is the State case that Kasambarare used part of the proceeds to buy a Toyota Runx.

Liberty and Musafare, who had also bought a vehicle with the stolen money, were arrested on October 30.

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By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Aids Network has petitioned parliament over failure by government to settle a US$6 million debt in order to unlock US$400 million from the International Health Fund to buy Anti-retro viral drugs.

Said the deputy speaker of parliament Tsitsi Gezi:

“I have to advise the House that on the 25^th of June 2019, Parliament of Zimbabwe received a Petition from the Zimbabwe Aids Network on the failure by Government to contribute US$6 million to the Global Fund in order to access US$400 million from the International Health Fund to buy Anti-retro viral drugs.  The petition has been referred to the Joint Thematic and Portfolio Committees on HIV and AIDS and Health and Child Care respectively.”

Chairperson of the portfolio committee on Health and Child Care Dr Ruth Labode is on record pleading with Finance minister Professor Mthuli Ncube to settle the debt arguing that the health and welfare of people living with HIV was hanging in the balance if Zimbabwe failed to access the Health Fund whose deadline was fast approaching.

Said Labode:

This issue has been raised here twice and the minister (of Finance Mthuli Ncube) gave a response last time that he will respond and pay. Those were his words. He said he will pay and right now, we are about to lose almost US$400 million because we cannot pay US$6 million.

Madam Speaker, twice I have raised on a point of privilege that Zimbabwe committed itself to be part of the Global Fund. Right now, we are lobbying to get $20 billion to control HIV, Malaria and TB from that US$20 billion. Our share as Zimbabwe has been US$400 million. One of the things we committed ourselves to do is that we will meet our own counterpart in order for us to be able to get that US$400 million. We will produce our own share as a nation to show political commitment towards the fund, which was US$6 million.

Here we are now, we are desperate. I know there is a letter which has been written to the Speaker from the National Aids Council requesting something to be done as a matter of urgency. We have over two million people on HIV drugs and we do not spend not even one cent as a nation on HIV drugs, tinongomapiwa (we just get them for free). We desperately need to do something, US$6 million ngaitsvagiwe (it must be sourced).”

By A Correspondent- Villagers in Chivi Rural District Council (RDC) Ward 20 are not happy with Murowa Diamonds’ operations which they say are extending to school grounds and other unsuitable places thereby creating a big hazard in the community.

Villagers accused the company is violating their rights through its ‘grossly irresponsible’ diamond prospecting and mining work.

Many people in the area claim that when the company arrived in March 2018, villagers were told that only feasibility studies to determine whether or not mining was sustainable were being done.

“When they came, Murowa’s people never engaged the community in an honest manner and there is a lot that they are hiding. We were told they will only be taking samples for six months or so but now they have been mining for over a year. The reality is they are already mining and the community is not benefiting in any way.

As a matter of fact, their mining activities disrupted our way of life and now we have to live with many health hazards. As a community, we want a meeting with the company so that they clearly explain their operations and how they intend to involve us and deal with the risks they have created for the community,” said Tinashe Mkandi, a villager in the area.

The Zimbabwe Environment Lawyers Association (ZELA) held a meeting with villagers and advised them to desist from signing any papers they did not understand as they could be tricked into signing agreement forms with the mine.

During the meeting, villagers stated that Murowa Diamonds’ main operations were situated barely 50 metres from St Simon’s Zhara Primary School classrooms.

They said they were not happy with this because the mining activities were noisy and distracting school pupils’ learning.

“The mine is barely 50 meters away from our primary school. How will our children concentrate in all that noise from the drilling?” said one villager who refused to be identified.

Residents also lamented that the company was now mining in school grounds and was using the school’s boreholes.

Some villagers said they suspected that the school head, Lazarus Ivhurinosara could be working in cahoots with the diamond mine in return for favours known only to him.

Ivhurinosara was given a letter from the residents’ lawyers stating that parents wanted to know if he had any agreement with Murowa.

“Our clients told us that Murowa Diamonds is mining on school grounds (and is) making a lot of noise to pupils thereby making their learning difficult. Our clients instructed us to demand to know from you what type of arrangement you have with Murowa Diamonds,” read part of the letter from Matutu and Mureri Legal Practitioners.

Villagers also claim that some of their domestic animals (turkeys and cattle) died after they  drank waste water from the mining operations.

Ward 20 Councillor Alec Nhundu said that the community had engaged lawyers and was now waiting to be advised on the way forward.

The community was supposed to have a meeting with mine officials on July 17 but mine officials later called the community’s lawyers asking for a postponement.

They, however, did not give any reason why they wanted a postponement and neither did they suggest a date more convenient to them.

The villagers say they are ready to demonstrate if that is what it will take to force the company to the negotiation table.-TellZim

By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwean government has projected that the desperate situation will persist for up to about three years.

This was revealed by Foreign Affairs and International Trade minister, S. B. Moyo when he appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs Monday.

Moyo said:

We need appropriate fiscal policies and so far government has done well and has squeezed money supply because there was too much government expenditure and it means that things are going to be tighter to a maximum of three years, and by then we should have done all painful activities and then go to a stage when things are going to normalise.

Zimbabwe is submerged in socio-economic and political crises which analysts say are interlinked. The country has an acute shortage of power which has seen most parts of the country going without electricity for the good part of the day.

The Southern African country is also facing severe starvation due to the El-Nino induced drought and Tropical Cyclone Idai that wrecked the eastern parts of the country. The failure of the government led Command Agriculture Programme to produce expected results due to corruption and climate change worsened the already dire situation.

Other issues bedevilling the country include the soaring inflation which has eroded salaries of workers who have for the past few months been threatening to protest against their employers.

The country also does not have adequate fuel and medicines in medical institutions.-Newsday

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By Own Correspondent| An MDC MP is building a sub-police station in his rural constituency.

Livingstone Chimina, who represents Chiwundura in the National Assembly, said that he was permitted by relevant police authorities to build the structure.

He said:

The first step we made was to liaise with relevant police authorities and they gave us a go-ahead to build the police post, after which we will hand it over to them.

We then approached Vungu Rural District council and acquired the land on which the project is being developed. So far, work is in progress and must be completed in two months.

The development was welcomed by Vungu RDC Ward 16 councillor Parirenyatwa Nyika who expressed hope that once the police are stationed in the area, there will be less crime.

He said:

We are very happy with the assistance we got from the MP. As Woodlands residents, in conjunction with the ward development committee, we are also assisting in terms of providing labour.

We are currently facing a spate of criminal activities like robberies, housebreakings, violence and juvenile delinquencies because police are based far from us.

So, when the police base becomes closer to us, we hope there will be less crime here.-Newsday

By A Correspondent- Retailers have warned consumers of an imminent increase in commodity prices as a result of a recent change in fuel prices.

Fuel prices were recently reviewed up to ZWL$7.19 and ZWL$7.47 for diesel and petrol respectively.

Confederation of Retailers Association president, Denford Mutashu, said that an increase in fuel prices had a trickle-down effect on businesses.

He said:

The increase in fuel prices will push business to pass on the additional costs to the consumers by adjusting prices upwards by same margin averages, fuel used to add the cost of commodities by an average of 4% to 10% in the retail sector before the sapping load-shedding which has forced players to run solely on generators adding another huge cost.

The unrelenting inflation has already eroded salaries of workers who have since through their representative, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), announced that they will confront the government over the matter. 

ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said:

The latest move will break the camel’s back. Everything is going up except the value of the workers’ earnings which in real terms are going down. The price of fuel means life has just gotten worse for the worker and if government does not have a solution to our problems it’s time we force them to come up with the solution.

Fuel prices will have an impact on businesses considering that they have embraced the use of generators as a panacea to the crippling power cuts.-Newsday

Indisposed Vice President, Constantino Chiwenga, reportedly solemnised his marriage to Mary Chiwenga (nee Mubaiwa) early this month at a highly secretive function in Borrowdale, Harare.

A local publication reports that Chiwenga, who is in China for further medical tests, and former model, Marry, were married under customary law in 2011 but had not formalised the marriage under Marriage Act Chapter 5:11.

The marriage was reportedly presided over by acting provincial magistrate, Munamato Mutevedzi.

A source said:

“The couple married on July 3 in Borrowdale Brook at a highly secretive event.

Munamato Mutevedzi was the marriage officer and there were murmurs that the marriage was rushed to ensure that there are no complications in the distribution of the VP’s estate basing on his complicated health condition.

It is nothing new in our Shona culture to plan for the future that is why you see some relatives are relocated to the rural home if their health conditions worsen.

It’s not a death prediction but its cultural.”

Chiwenga has for the past months been in and outside the hospitals. Recently, President Emmerson Mnangagwa reported that his deputy was recovering in South Africa.

This report was followed by revelation which indicated that Chiwenga had been flown to China where doctors from Zimbabwe, China, India and South Africa are attending him.-ZimMorningPost

By A Correspondent- Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in the Midlands province Larry Mavhima is strongly set on a collision course with Minister of State Security in charge of the dreaded Central Intelligence Organisation Owen Mudha Ncube over a gang formally known as Al Shabaab and now known as “vakomana ve mabhemba” or simply mabhuru.

Mavhima is reportedly accusing Ncube of using the Amakorokoza militia to run the province in a mafia style that undermines the elected and appointed structures on ZANU PF and of the government.

The majority of these panga wielding gangsters and artisanal miners claim allegiance and loyalty to Owen Mudha Ncube aka Touch Bhomba.

The minister of provincial affairs has written to the President seeking his intervention to no avail the source has said.

The Central Intelligence Organisation (CIO), which Ncube now takes charge of, was known in the past for abductions, extrajudicial killings and causing the disappearence of political opponents of former President Robert Mugabe. Mnangagwa, who deposed Mugabe in a military coup last November before winning a disputed election in July, had promised to change.

Movement for Democratic Change Deputy Chairperson and Zengeza West legislator Job Sikhala has dared President Emmerson Mnangagwa to come out and kill him than subject him to undue persecution.

Sikhala addressed a rally on Sunday afternoon at Hopely, Harare after being released on ZW$5 000 bail in Masvingo, for treason.

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Sikhala was arrested on the 16^th of July 2019 in Harare for allegedly subverting a constitutionally elected government. He was then appeared before Bikita magistrate few days ago.

His trial will commence on July 24 at Bikita Magistrate court.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa on Tuesday congratulated the newly elected British Prime Minister Mr Boris Johnson who defeated rival Jeremy Hunt in the contest to replace Theresa May as Conservative party leader and as Britain’s premier.

Mr Johnson won the election by 66 percent.

Before being elected as British Prime Minister, Mr Johnson served as the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

Mr Boris Johnson was declared the winner of the bruising battle against Jeremy Hunt as the two sat side-by-side in a dramatic ceremony at the Queen Elizabeth II centre in Westminster on Tuesday.

Posting on his twitter account, President Mnangagwa said: “Congratulations @BorisJohnson on your election as leader of the Conservative Party and on becoming Prime Minister of the UK. I wish you good luck for the journey ahead, and look forward to building ever closer ties between our two nations under your leadership”.

Details to follow

Local renewable energy firm, Harava Solar, has expended an investment of $25 million for the design and construction of a solar power plant in the Seke District, Zimbabwe.

The 20 megawatts (MW) plant is expected to save the country up to $4 million per year when the firm starts to supply the national grid.

The project is valued at $27.9 million and spans 20 hectares of land. It is projected to start generating power from January 2020 while the commissioning should be around December this year, Harava Solar Co-Founder and Chief Executive, Ainos Ngadya, told The Herald.

“Harava Solar is an independent power producer licensed to develop, design and construct an initial 20MW solar array at Bwoni Village in Seke,” said Ngadya, who is also CEO and founder of Invest Solar Africa giant.

According to the executive, the firm was licensed in 2018 by the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) and approximately $25 million has been invested to bring the project to commissioning around December 2019. “All energy generated will be fed into the national grid, thereby saving the country at least US$4 million per year in power imports,” the CEO revealed.

The investment in the Harava Solar project comes at a time Zimbabwe is suffering from massive power shortages, which have forced the government to resort to long hours of power cuts to manage demand.

This shortage of power does not only affect individual and homes but has had negative implications on companies especially those whose output is centred on electricity. Miners, manufacturing companies, cable providers, local organizations are among those affected by the load shedding as overall industrial activity slows.

In response, the government has switched attention to solar sources of power generation. On Tuesday, the country’s Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, announced the removal of import duties on solar-energy-related products including batteries and cables. The government has also mandated that all new construction in the country include solar systems to deal with the power shortages, as repeated droughts impede hydropower generation.

The country will now “promote the importation (and) local production of solar equipment and the use of solar power as an alternative energy source,” Mutsvangwa said. The government also has a target to get at least 1,575 megawatts of power from solar by 2030. This, according to Reuters is about the same amount of electricity the country produces today from a range of sources.

Furthermore, focusing on solar energy development would help save the government huge amounts of money in power imports. Presently, the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) owes South Africa’s Eskom and Hidroelectrica de Cahora Bassa (HCB) a combined $74 million for power imports. The government recently released $10 million to the country’s national power utility to pay part of its debt obligations to both regional power utilities.

The move by the government to waive duty on solar equipment is “a positive improvement and will certainly unleash further investments in the clean energy sector,” Ngadya said while commending the Zimbabwean government.

AFFAIRS of the City of Bulawayo might soon be run by an administrative commission if a government probe rolled out last week finds councillors and officials guilty and complicit in corruption activities, it has emerged.

A team of investigators dispatched by Local Government minister July Moyo arrived in Bulawayo last week to probe corruption and mismanagement allegations in the country’s second-largest city.

Mayor Solomon Mguni yesterday confirmed that the probe had already been completed.

“The investigators did conclude their mission and have gone back to Harare. I cannot comment further. For more information, you can contact the minister,” Mguni said.

Moyo could not be reached for comment at the time of going to print.

Sources close to the developments revealed yesterday that government could be forced to “fire” councillors whose fingers would be caught in the cookie jar.

A list of 22 names to constitute the potential commission have reportedly been forwarded to Moyo to choose from. The list includes names such as Moffat Ndlovu, who is the city’s former town clerk and proposed commission chairman, Ntombizakhe Mlilo, a board member at the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) and Ingwebu Breweries, one of the council’s subsidiaries, Gilbert Mlilo (Gwanda town clerk), as well as other representatives from the church and civic society.

It would not be the first time for government to appoint a commission to run the affairs of a city in the event its elected council was suspended.

In the former President Robert Mugabe-era, then Local Government minister Ignatius Chombo appointed several commissions to run local authorities that were said to be under distress.

“Those investigators simply came to confirm what is now known; that there has been too much corruption in Bulawayo. This is corruption that dates back to the old council which people have been sitting on and trying to suppress.

“Now that it is in the public domain, we are likely to see drastic action being taken by the government on the City of Bulawayo, for the first time. This (appointing of a commission for Bulawayo) has been something that government has been eager to do, but did not have a way through which they could realise their wish,” a source said.

BCC, lauded as a doyen of urban local authority management, has been on smouldering fire since last year following an exposé in which the city fathers were accused of soliciting for bribes from potential service providers and tender bidders. At the time, it appeared the scandals were limited to housing stands only, with many hoping the matter would be solved amicably.

However, there appeared to be more than meets the eye in Bulawayo as more evidence of corruption continued to emerge at City Hall.

Allegations of impropriety on the part of councillors have also emerged, with some of them being accused of soliciting for bribes from companies bidding to run a carpark management programme in the city.

Last year, four Bulawayo councillors were fingered in an alleged carpark scam, in which it is said they were pampered with hotel accommodation and other goodies in a move by potential bidders to help influence the outcome of the tender process.

By A Correspondent| Four more councillors have been sucked into the Bulawayo City parking tender storm after it emerged that they were hosted at a Harare hotel for 8 days by City Parking.

Councillors Sikhululekile Moyo of Ward 17, Mlandu Ncube of ward 1, Frank Javangwe of Ward 13 and Sinikiwe Mutanda of Ward 10 were hosted by City Parking at Monomotapa hotel from the 9th to the 17th of May 2019 where they were allegedly discussing the modalities of the tender.

According to receipts in our possession, the four checked in on 9 May and stayed 8 days.

Said the source:

“Councilor Solomon Mguni who is also Bulawayo Mayor joined them the following day.”

Another Harare source confirmed that Mguni was flown into Harare to attend this meeting on 10 May.

Bulawayo residents are up in arms with their city fathers and blaming the Deputy Mayor Tinashe Kambarami for the City Parking debacle.

Said the source

“The ones that are behind this deal want to look clean and implicate Kambarami and several others and yet they are the ones behind the negotiations with the Harare based company.

“The stories published are a smear campaign against Kambarami. Javangwe and team are pushing a tribal card to make it look like they are not also involved. But the Mayor is also involved in all this because he was with this team from 09 July to 17 July discussing the modalities of their deal.”

Farai Dziva|The International Cricket Council has barred four Zimbabwean cricketers from travelling to England to take part in a series of T20 games against Kia Super League teams at the end of July as a result of political interference.

The cricketers, Zimbabwe women’s captain Mary-Anne Musonda and squad members, Anesu Mushangwe, Tasmeen Granger, and Sharne Mayers had been selected for the Women’s Global Development Squad.

The ICC has also barred Zimbabwe Women Cricket coach, Adam Chifo, who was supposed to accompany the team to gain vital experience.

In an email written to Chifo, ICC Women’s Cricket Manager, Holly Colvin, said:

“As I’m sure you are aware, the ICC Board has taken the decision to suspend Zimbabwe Cricket with immediate effect and place a restriction on the Zimbabwe national team participating in ICC events.

Unfortunately this also extends to their participation in the Women’s Global Development Squad program, and so it is with great regret that I write to inform you that Adam as Head Coach and the four Zimbabwe players will no longer be able to take part in the UK edition of the tour next week.”

The ICC suspended Zimbabwe over alleged government interference with the sport.

The Minister of Sports, Kirsty Coventry, has denied allegations of political interference .

Farai Dziva|A tweet by one Ncube Mxolisi on the need to pray for Constantino Chiwenga has sparked debate on various social media platforms.

“Zimbabweans: Let us pray for Vice President Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga…”Mxolisi Ncube tweeted.

However, Ncube has been widely criticized for calling on the nation to pray for Chiwenga.

Yesterday the government released a statement on Chiwenga’s health.

Angry Zimbabweans have lashed out at Ncube saying he should not sympathize with Chiwenga but is there anything wrong with the call to pray for the former army commander?

Farai Dziva|A government spokesperson has castigated the MDC for disrupting the prevailing peace in the country.

Government spokesperson Nick Mangwana claimed the MDC was posing a serious threat to the peace prevailing in the country.

“The SADC Organ on Politics Defence and Security is responsible for promoting peace and security in the SADC region.

It is mandated to steer and provide member states with the direction regarding matters that threaten peace, security and stability in the region.

His Excellency, President Mnangagwa is its incoming chair (designated).

Zimbabwe is one of the most stable countries in the region with its only threat coming from the opposition which first threatens to overthrow a legitimate administration (recognised to be so by the whole world) then run to Sadc crying that there is a security situation in Zimbabwe.

Whilst those self-serving dramatics may find currency within juvenile corridors, SADC is composed of mature statesmen and stateswomen who are not swayed by overemotional histrionics,” said Mangwana.

Congratulations @BorisJohnson on your election as leader of the Conservative Party and on becoming Prime Minister of the UK. I wish you good luck for the journey ahead, and look forward to building ever closer ties between our two nations under your leadership

— President of Zimbabwe (@edmnangagwa) July 23, 2019

Farai Dziva|A Zanu PF youth leader has claimed that Emmerson Mnangagwa is the right person to lead the economic recovery process.

ZANU PF Youth League national commissar, Godfrey Tsenengamu told party supporters at the weekend Mnangagwa was doing his best to better people’s lives.

“We have to be very patient with President Mnangagwa’s policies because they are taking the country in the right direction.”

“He will not get in shops to control prices but he is doing all his best to make sure everything is in its rightful place.”

By A Correspondent- MDC Mashonaland East provincial women assembly chairperson Brightness Mangora at the weekend brought smiles to three widows of the 2008 political violence victims through donation of various foodstuffs.

A number of MDC activists were reportedly abducted and killed by suspected State security agents and Zanu PF militia in Marondera at the height of 2008 political violence that saw a number of women becoming widows with some of the activists yet to be found.

Mangora, who is also a legislator (proportional representation), honoured three of the late MDC activists’ widows, as more victims are set to be assisted in kind every month.

“As a woman, I understand the plight of these women (widows). And if we look at the current economic situation, it means they are suffering because their husband died due to political violence. They lost breadwinners and I was there when it happened, I understand what they went through. I forked out the little from my allowances to buy groceries for them and their children. I want this programme to be a monthly thing so that more political violence victims will be assisted,” she said.

Those who were assisted include the widow of the late chairperson Kainos Betera who was reportedly abducted in 2008 by unknown people and is still missing.

Another beneficiary was the wife of the late Stephen Nakomo, who was the first MDC driver in the province before he died after he was beaten by suspected Zanu PF thugs. The last to be honoured was the wife of one Ruchaka who was an MDC ward chairperson in Marondera before his abduction and torture that led to his death.

“We are still looking for more resources so that we assist these widows and other victims. If those who are working fails to buy a bar of soap what more to these widows?” Mangora said.

The MDC claims that more than 400 of its party supporters were killed during the 2008 political violence by suspected State apparatus and Zanu PF militia during the then former President Robert Mugabe’s rule.-Newsday

The team of the moment, #ZimGems arrive in Harare at 5.30pm on Wed 24 July 2019. Over to you guys back home, we did our part this end. Its your turn to welcome them the best way they deserve. @bustoptv @kubatana @263Chat @NewsDayZimbabwe @iMisred @HeraldZimbabwe @TeeKayZim pic.twitter.com/ZM6QsMIEHQ

— Hillary Musarurwa (@HillaryMusarurw) July 23, 2019

By Blessing Ivan Vava| The leaked audio featuring a conversation between Mnangagwa’s wife Auxillia and an army commander named as one Murombo has exposed the power struggles in the “New Dispensation” administration.

In the audio, Auxillia Mnangagwa claims that the army is trying to ‘get Mnangagwa ‘ through’ her, clearly asserting that all is not well in the cockpit and that the army is out to remove Mnangagwa.

These revelations thus vindicate my postulations in my previous blog article, where I warned that Zimbabwe was on the brink of another military takeover based on Mnangagwa’s dismal failure to handle and manage the transition, and failing to cure the coup. I posited that the ghost of November 2017 continues to hunt us, and this is a call to the progressive forces to layout and undertake a political programme of action to remove ZANU PF from power.

 It is now crystal clear that the system that replaced Mugabe is not new at all, despite trying to decorate it with funky terms like the “2nd Republic, New Dispensation etc.” It is as old as it was during Mugabe, with the only new thing being the voodoo scarf which he awfully dons even in the hot Savanna temperatures and has also become Mnangagwa’s symbol of failure.

As a leader who took over from Mugabe, Mnangagwa has so far done badly, because after securing political power, he failed to utilize it to transform society, and most importantly the economy. To think that this is a man who for decades wanted to be president is utterly shocking as it has emerged that he only wanted to wear a scarf, have those endless foreign trips and debauchery.

The Mnangagwa administration sold a dummy to the people of Zimbabwe, it failed on its promises to transform and reform the systems of governance, improve the economy for the upliftment of the livelihoods of Zimbabweans. To his credit, what Mnangagwa only did was to remove an unpopular, hated and feared dictator and that change of power were greeted with much hope and satisfaction. 

However, let me hasten to say that the coup was not in any way revolutionary in character and form, though the masses supported it, the revolutionary element was probably only limited to the rhetoric of the military conspirators, that it was indeed a ‘’peoples revolution.’’

Consequently, it is correct to argue that the coup was undue influence in the politics of Zimbabwe, in that it abrogated the country’s supreme law, the constitution and thus compromised the spirit of constitutionalism in Zimbabwe. It was an illegal act that should have never happened and set a wrong precedent for our country. 

Dumisani Muleya, in his article, Coup: Of usurpers and judges in the Zimbabwe Independent of the 20th of July 2018 posited that whenever there is a military coup anywhere in the world, the executive, legislature and judiciary — are usually shaken to their foundations or collapse.

This is largely true, particularly when we take a closer look at the judiciary. On top of it all, since assuming power, the actions of the coup government have equally shown a complete disregard of the constitution based on the many illegalities that we can count since the time of them assuming power. 

On the judiciary, a case in point being the shocking High court ruling of 24 November 2017 which ruled that the military takeover leading to ex-President Robert Mugabe’s resignation was legal, and therefore not a coup d’état.

At the same time, another court ruled that Mugabe’s sacking of his former deputy, current President Emmerson Mnangagwa was illegal and this points to fears over judicial independence. Above all, Zimbabwe is now being governed by decrees, with the amending of some principal legislation being done by Ministers thereby usurping the role of parliament as what happened on S1 142 of 2019 a clear violation of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act. 

However, it can also be argued that the coup was necessary for exposing where the real power lies. Zimbabweans are now dealing with the real power behind Mugabe’s façade, the real enemy and elephant in the room (the military) is now right before us in full glare. There is no longer hiding, Mugabe was just its figurehead. This then calls for revised strategies especially for the progressive social and political forces on how to confront this beast which is now in full glare.

The regime’s propensity for the use of force in response to peaceful protests shows that they are in panic So, their only option is fear and violence. However, they have now been exposed that in the long run if they are continually exposed the resort to brute force will expire.

To date, the coup regime has surpassed Mugabe in his 37 years in power with a high number of activists being charged with treason. The threats on the deployment of the military to quell civil unrest by the minister of defence Oppah Muchinguri shows that brute force is the only language they understand. It is in this light that I argue that brutal power will have to be brought to the table of reform, force is overwhelming but it eventually wields to the people.

In light of the prevailing situation, Zimbabwe’s progressive social and political forces need to quickly re-engage, re-mobilise, re-organise and re-group to build an alternative country through sustained political action. Relying on the crippling economy or some Sarajevo moment will simply not work.

The citizens require decisive leadership, there is no Sarajevo moment waiting to happen unless there is sustained radical political action on the ground. ZANU PF will not budge unless pressure has been mounted, otherwise, a rush into another GNU will only be suicidal and will mark the end of opposition politics in Zimbabwe.  

Subsequently, the progressive forces must work on a massive mobilisation programme of action, that will result in the seizure of political power from ZANU PF.

Capturing the state is as it were the premise upon which Zimbabwe can be protected from corruption, covetousness, mediocrity, directionless and add up to disregard of the economic interests of the people by the current government. Anybody who accepts and considers that ZANU PF will lead society into economic emancipation is living in Cloud cuckoo land. Blessing Vuvuzela Vava is a blogger who is based in Chipinge. He can be contacted on [email protected]

FOREIGN Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo yesterday told Parliament that Zimbabwe is working on normalising relations with the United States and British governments to end decades of isolation.

Moyo appeared before the Kindness Paradza-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs to speak on Zimbabwe’s foreign policy, re-engagement efforts to remove the country from isolation, the Diaspora policy and foreign missions.

Moyo said Zimbabwe has been a pariah State for two decades, with a high country risk for business and impeded availability of lines of credit, but under the new dispensation, government was making efforts in changing the foreign policy towards re-engagement through focusing on foreign direct investment, securing markets, increase tourism into the country, increasing Diaspora remittances that are around $1 billion and ensuring diasporans also invest in the country.

“We realised that our biggest problem to end isolation of Zimbabwe has been the Western countries and we started refocusing our re-engagement process to the Western world; firstly, to normalise relations with the United Kingdom and then develop into Europe and the Americas.”

He said efforts were being made to ensure President Emmerson Mnangagwa meets with United States President Donald Trump to discuss re-engagement efforts, as well as British Prime Minister Theresa May’s successor.

Moyo said it was also imperative to sort out ease of doing business in the country to attract foreign direct investments, adding this would be achieved through crafting of the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency Bill.

The Foreign Affairs minister said government would rationalise foreign missions and close those that are not bringing value, but would open new embassies in Rwanda, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

He said ambassadors’ performance would determine their salary scales, and if an ambassador does not bring any investment, tourists and value to the country, their salary and status would be degraded or they may face recall.

Moyo said his ministry had purchased a new fleet of vehicles for ambassadors who had to hitch-hike, and was planning to purchase some buildings for embassies instead of renting, which was very expensive.

“For example, if you have been renting a chancellery from 1980 to date, you could have bought five chancelleries,” he said.

Moyo said Zimbabwe continued to strengthen bilateral ties and engage Western countries to unlock investments, as well as in Asian and Brics countries, with Mnangagwa having visited countries such as Russia, China twice, the Middle East, Kazakhstan, Belarus and others in Africa.

On the incident in which water was poured on him in London by Zimbabweans in the diaspora, he said “never mind the water pouring as long as we are engaging”.

Asked by Paradza to explain if failure to align problematic laws with the Constitution was not going to hinder the re-engagement process, taking into cognisance complaints that the new Maintenance of Order and Peace (Mopa) Bill and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy replacement Bills were even worse than the original Bills, Moyo refuted the perceptions.

“In fact, Cabinet’s busiest schedule is pre-occupied with legislative reforms. On Mopa, what they are saying is that there is need for clarity on who deploys the military and under whose command. We said what has happened with Mopa is that it has taken the exact words in the country’s Constitution and if soldiers are deployed to support the police, they will always be under the command of the police,” he said.

“The other issues are rules of engagement, but you do not put rules of engagement in the Act. They are going to be subsidiary to the Act, which means issues like at what point are you going to fire live ammunition. You go to the demonstration as a non-military person, but carrying a weapon, but what controls you is the issue of engagement. So, issues in Mopa are actually in conformity with the Constitution.

“We cannot put tactical issues in an Act and you cannot say in an Act that you will use rubber bullets.”

On re-engagement with the Commonwealth, Moyo said the team from the bloc was in the country two weeks ago, but they are yet to release a report on the second phase of their assessments.

Moyo also defended Mnangagwa’s globe-trotting, saying that when a President is elected, the first thing is to meet his counterparts in the region.

“Every new head of State does exactly the same and they travel to Sadc countries because it is the first line of defence and it is not that the President travels because he enjoys travelling, but he is there to maintain close relationships,” he said.-Newsday

Eskom’s Megawatt Park in Sunninghill, Johannesburg was on lock-down on Monday after Soweto residents barricaded all entrances leading to the offices…

Disgruntled residents embarked on the protest action after the power utility cut electricity to some parts of the township over non-payment of bills.

Staff members who were already inside the premises were unable to leave while those who were outside were unable to gain access.

Eskom had warned residents to pay up or the utility would not repair faulty and damaged substations and transformers.

News24 previously reported that the township alone owes Eskom over R17bn in unpaid electricity bills.

Last week Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba, promised to engage with Eskom officials over the power utility’s threats

He said he had received complaints from residents demanding his intervention.

Eskom spokesperson Dikatso Mothae said residents seemed not to be pleased with the utility’s stance of requesting access to audit meters in order to fix the outages experienced in some parts of the area.

“The reason why we are saying this is because we have seen that to just reconnect infrastructure in those areas, without dealing with the root cause of illegal connections, we found we just reconnect then the infrastructure three days later fails or explodes and we have to replace [it] which is quite expensive,” Mothae said.

She said the groups who blocked entrances were from Protea South and Dlamini. No damage to property was reported and employees were safe, Mothae added.

The residents handed over a memorandum and have since dispersed.

Mothae said the memorandum has been received and the power utility would revert to the residents in due course.

“With these issues, we continue to engage with communities as best as we can but what is paramount is that they allow us in to do those meter audits,” she said.

By A Correspondent- Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, is in China to receive an antidote for his poisoning from Chinese military doctors, as a last ditch effort to help him heal, Spotlight Zimbabwe reported.

Chiwenga is being treated at a top and reputable military hospital called, The General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLAGH) in Beijing.

The institution has provided health and medical care to the leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, the PLA’s general headquarters, and to the troops stationed in the Chinese capital.

“China believes they have a cure for the Zimbabwe vice president, and will administer an antidote for his poisoning ailment in a few days at the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army,” said the diplomat whose mission is also situated in the South African capital.

“The whole operation involves China and Zimbabwe’s military intelligence units. After the Indians failed to diagnose him recently, a set of blood and urine tests were done on him by Chinese military doctors when he was back in Zimbabwe from India in June. The doctors actually flew to his private residence in Harare for the tests, and based on the confidential results an antidote has been found.”

Chiwenga was left as Acting President by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in late June, when he left for Mozambique to attend the United States-Africa Business Summit. However Chiwenga, was not seen in public and is said to have perfomed his presidential functions via teleconferencing from his home, owing to poor health.

In February, high level sources in the defence ministry disclosed that the VP had been rushed to India aboard a private plane through the Manyame air base in the capital, for urgent treatment, as military intelligence officials suspected that the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) boss, could have ingested the deadly polonium-210 poison, possibly administered using food by his political enemies.

The government yesterday, through presidential spokesman, George Charamba, took the unusual and rare step to issue a statement on Chiwenga’s health saying that he had left South Africa for China for further medical tests, without revealing that the vice president was actually in China for the cure, as the matter is classified as a state secret.

“Following last week’s Presidential statement on Vice President CGDN Chiwenga’s health and recovery status, the Office of the President and Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the Vice President this week left for the People’s Republic of China where he is set to undergo further medical tests,” Charamba said.

“His relocation to China, which builds on the satisfactory recovery progress he has been making, follows weekend discussions at the highest level between Governments of Zimbabwe and China at which a decision was taken to allow Chinese medical experts to join their counterparts from Zimbabwe, South Africa and India in attending to the Vice President. The Office will keep the nation updated on the progress the Vice President continues to make towards full recovery.”

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Beyond the current energy agonies born out failure to plan & a deficit of leadership, we must dare to dream SMART& BIG. We shall get there and soon.We must act to be that change & make prosperity possible.This tram is in Melbourne, Australia.#makechangehappen #changethatdelivers pic.twitter.com/XwSgyJcdRh

— nelson chamisa (@nelsonchamisa) July 23, 2019

Eskom’s Megawatt Park in Sunninghill, Johannesburg was on lockdown on Monday after Soweto residents barricaded all entrances leading to the offices…

Disgruntled residents embarked on the protest action after the power utility cut electricity to some parts of the township over non-payment of bills.

Staff members who were already inside the premises were unable to leave while those who were outside were unable to gain access.

Eskom had warned residents to pay up or the utility would not repair faulty and damaged substations and transformers.

News24 previously reported that the township alone owes Eskom over R17bn in unpaid electricity bills.

Last week Johannesburg mayor, Herman Mashaba, promised to engage with Eskom officials over the power utility’s threats

He said he had received complaints from residents demanding his intervention.

Eskom spokesperson Dikatso Mothae said residents seemed not to be pleased with the utility’s stance of requesting access to audit meters in order to fix the outages experienced in some parts of the area.

“The reason why we are saying this is because we have seen that to just reconnect infrastructure in those areas, without dealing with the root cause of illegal connections, we found we just reconnect then the infrastructure three days later fails or explodes and we have to replace [it] which is quite expensive,” Mothae said.

She said the groups who blocked entrances were from Protea South and Dlamini. No damage to property was reported and employees were safe, Mothae added.

The residents handed over a memorandum and have since dispersed.

Mothae said the memorandum has been received and the power utility would revert to the residents in due course.

“With these issues, we continue to engage with communities as best as we can but what is paramount is that they allow us in to do those meter audits,” she said.

By Own Correspondent- The ruling party, Zanu-PF, has said it will not turn a blind eye on anarchy following acts of extreme provocation by the Mr Nelson Chamisa-led MDC-Alliance, which has escalated its violence to the international arena.

Addressing journalists at Zanu-PF Headquarters Monday, the party’s secretary for Information and Publicity Simon Khaya Moyo said they had been closely following the behaviour of the MDC-Alliance which is in pursuit of its doomed unconstitutional regime change agenda.

Zanu-PF Politburo member and Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo was “baptised” by protestors in London last week in a development that has been described by Zanu Pf as violence.

“The recent assault on Honourable Moyo and his team in London by MDC hoodlums masquerading as human rights activists while they were on official Government business, firmly demonstrates the aversion of the opposition to the principle of respect for the rule of law and peaceful protests as set out in the national Constitution and international human rights laws,” said Khaya Moyo.

“However, the attack in London on SB Moyo cannot be taken in isolation as it is part of the beleaguered opposition’s grand plan to foment chaos within Zimbabwe and create false impression of a failed State.”

Khaya Moyo said in the last 12 months alone, the MDC penchant for violent protests led to the death and injury of innocent Zimbabweans and destruction of property running into millions of dollars.

“While the Zanu-PF led Government under the stewardship of His Excellency Emmerson Mnangagwa has exceedingly committed to ensuring that the rights of Zimbabweans, including the right to protest, are guaranteed as set out in the supreme law of the land, it has rightfully demonstrated that it cannot take a blind eye to anarchy,” he said.-StateMedia

Grace Ntombizodwa Mugabe (née Marufu; born 23 July 1965) is the second wife of former Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe. She served as the First Lady of Zimbabwe from 1996 until her husband’s resignation in November 2017, a week after he was ousted from power.

Starting as a secretary to President Mugabe, she rose in the ranks of the ruling ZANU–PF party to become the head of its Women’s League and a key figure in the Generation 40 faction. At the same time, she gained a reputation for privilege and extravagance during a period of economic turmoil in the country.

She was expelled from the party, with other G40 members, during the 2017 Zimbabwean coup d’état.

Zimbabweans have this morning been wishing her happy returns on her 54th birthday with some claiming that she is being missed.

By A Correspondent- Home Affairs secretary Melusi Matshiya on Monday warned that security forces, who are deployed to man the country’s border posts without receiving allowances, are prone to corruption and underhand dealings.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Security, chaired by Zanu PF MP for Umzingwane Brigadier-General (Retired) Levi Mayihlome, Matshiya revealed that security details deployed at border posts were living in squalid conditions without proper tools to prevent smuggling of goods and people.

Matshiya told the committee that police officers at the border posts were being deployed without allowances and food in some cases due to budgetary constraints.

“It is something that I am ashamed of, but this is the reality. Yes, we have mechanism in place to discipline them, but they are exposed. I am their boss and I have to tell the truth, we send a police officer for 30 to 40 days away in the bush without money and we expect them to work. They will be tempted,” he said.

Matshiya said at least US$1,5 million was required to buy monitoring equipment for the border posts to curb smuggling.

The permanent secretary who was accompanied by police Deputy Commissioner General Levi Ncube, Immigration principal director Respect Gono and Registrar-General, Clemence Masango, said the issue of subsistence allowances for police officer deployed at border posts should be dealt with urgently to ensure that those tasked to guard the country’s borders are well taken care of.

The committee wanted Matshiya and his crew to explain strategies they were undertaking to deal with smuggling of goods and people at border posts across the country.

The committee was told that the country’s border posts were porous and minerals such as gold and diamonds were being smuggled to South Africa and at times officers deployed there get involved in the illicit trade.

“This is bleeding the economy, at some point we had more than 20kg of gold smuggled through Zambia. We also had diamonds that were taken through South Africa and they found their way to the United Arab Emirates,” Matshiya said.

Beitbridge East MP, Albert Nguluvhe (Zanu PF) took the secretary and the police boss to task on allegations that the police details deployed at border posts were abusive and at times assisting smugglers to conduct their trade.

So far, according to Matshiya, 187 immigration officers have been charged with corruption and 177 of those have been convicted, while in the Registrar-General’s Office 26 officers were accused of graft and 19 of them convicted.-Newsday

The online publication, Spotlight Zimbabwe, which is reported to have links to Zimbabwe’s Military Intelligence Directive (MID) has claimed that ailing Vice President Constantino Chiwenga will be administered with an antidote for poisoning by Chinese medical experts.

This comes after Chiwenga was airlifted to China from South Africa where Chinese medical experts will now join their counterparts from Zimbabwe, South Africa and India in trying to heal the sick former General who is believed to have been poisoned.

The publication has written a series of articles with fantastic claims concerning the presidency and the military. The publication is notable for correctly writing about the November 2017 military coup against former President Robert Mugabe before it occured.

PRETORIA– Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, is in China to receive an antidote for his poisoning from Chinese military doctors, as a last ditch effort to help him heal, Spotlight Zimbabwe, can exclusively reveal.

According to a diplomatic source with close links to a Chinese military attache at their embassy here in Pretoria, Beijing believes it can turn around Chiwenga’s troubling health woes as their medical experts in the military have developed a special antidote to administer to him.

 Spotlight Zimbabwe, has also been told that Chiwenga is being treated at a top and reputable military hospital called, The General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army (PLAGH) in Beijing.

 The institution has provided health and medical care to the leaders of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Central Military Commission, the PLA’s general headquarters, and to the troops stationed in the Chinese capital.

“China believes they have a cure for the Zimbabwe vice president, and will administer an antidote for his poisoning ailment in a few days at the General Hospital of the People’s Liberation Army,” said the diplomat whose mission is also situated in the South African capital. “The whole operation involves China and Zimbabwe’s military intelligence units. After the Indians failed to diagnose him recently, a set of blood and urine tests were done on him by Chinese military doctors when he was back in Zimbabwe from India in June. The doctors actually flew to his private residence in Harare for the tests, and based on the confidential results an antidote has been found.”

 Chiwenga was left as Acting President by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in late June, when he left for Mozambique to attend the United States-Africa Business Summit. However Chiwenga, was not seen in public and is said to have perfomed his presidential functions via teleconferencing from his home, owing to poor health.

 This publication was the first to report about Chiwenga’s poisoning in February, after high level sources in the defence ministry disclosed that the VP had been rushed to India aboard a private plane through the Manyame air base in the capital, for urgent treatment, as military intelligence officials suspected that the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) boss, could have ingested the deadly polonium-210 poison, possibly administered using food by his political enemies.

The government yesterday, through presidential spokesman, George Charamba, took the unusual and rare step to issue a statement on Chiwenga’s health saying that he had left South Africa for China for further medical tests, without revealing that the vice president was actually in China for the cure, as the matter is classified as a state secret.

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“Following last week’s Presidential statement on Vice President CGDN Chiwenga’s health and recovery status, the Office of the President and Cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the Vice President this week left for the People’s Republic of China where he is set to undergo further medical tests,” Charamba said.

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“His relocation to China, which builds on the satisfactory recovery progress he has been making, follows weekend discussions at the highest level between Governments of Zimbabwe and China at which a decision was taken to allow Chinese medical experts to join their counterparts from Zimbabwe, South Africa and India in attending to the Vice President. The Office will keep the nation updated on the progress the Vice President continues to make towards full recovery.”

Last week we also reported that Chiwenga is thought to have been allegedly poisoned, during a private lunch meeting with Mnangagwa at a luxury hotel in Harare last year.

Mnangagwa himself is a victim of ice-cream poisoning, which his supporters claim he suffered at the hands of former first lady, Grace Mugabe, at a ruling party rally in Gwanda, in 2017.

Vincent Tsvangirayi has won the internal MDC election to stand in September’s by-election for Glen View South constituency. The seat fell vacant following the death of Vincent’s sister, Vimbayi Tsvangirai-Java, last month.

Posting on Twitter, the opposition party said:

Vincent Tsvangirai son to our late icon and MDC founding leader, will represent the party in the Glen View South by-election slated for 7 September this year after beating seven other contestants in the primaries held today.

Earlier reports had suggested that there were nine prospective candidates for the MDC primary election.

MDC secretary for Education, Fadzai Mahere, and former representative of the constituency, Paul Madzore, were on the list. Mahere however later refuted the claims.

Glen View National Assembly seat fell vacant following the death of Tsvangirai Java who succumbed to injuries that she sustained following a car accident on her way from Bulawayo.