IT is normally serene on Zimbabwe’s diplomatic scene, but there was high drama last week when government summoned United States Ambassador to Zimbabwe Brian Nichols after Washington imposed sanctions on Ambassador-designate to Tanzania Anselem Sanyatwe, for his role in the August 1, 2018 shootings, which left six dead on the streets of Harare.
Sanyatwe, a former commander of the Zimbabwe National Army’s Presidential Guard — an elite but politically oriented force which protects the head of state and is specially trained to fight in built-up areas — commanded the November 2017 military operation which toppled former president Robert Mugabe. He also commanded soldiers deployed to quash the post-election violence on August 1, which resulted in unarmed civilians being shot.
The killings led to global condemnation, forcing President Emmerson Mnangagwa to set up a commission of inquiry led by former South African president Kgalema Motlanthe. The commission recommended that victims be compensated and that the killer soldiers face justice.
But with government turning a blind eye to the recommendations, Washington imposed sanctions on Sanyatwe and his wife on the anniversary of the shootings, angering government in the process. To add salt to injury, the Donald Trump administration suggested Zimbabweans lived under better conditions during Mugabe’s tenure than they are under the Mnangagwa government.
Nichols was then summoned by government, which expressed its displeasure at Washington’s move through Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Ambassador James Manzou.
But let us separate facts from politics.
The fact is that unarmed civilians were killed on the streets of Harare. The majority were shot in the back, while fleeing from trigger-happy soldiers. It is also a fact that an investigation was done and recommendations were made, but have been ignored to date. A year after the killings, no one has been prosecuted “despite the fact that the alleged perpetrators have been identified through the media and social media videos and pictures” as noted by Amnesty International, suggesting impunity.
No one has been compensated either, indicating insensitivity on government’s part.
This is hardly surprising, though, because such impunity has been part of the Zimbabwean system since Independence.
From the Gukurahundi massacres in the 1980s, which resulted in more than 20 000 civilians being butchered by the military right up the military-led January 2019 killings, perpetrators have not been brought to book. Since Independence many people have been killed, tortured, raped or maimed, while others disappeared without trace, but the perpetrators have not been brought to book, even in cases where the perpetrators are known and evidence abounds.
Even in the so-called new dispensation, the impunity continues unabated as seen by the failure to bring to book those responsible for the August 1 shootings and the January killings.
Former President Robert Mugabe fired embattled ex-Minister of Tourism Prisca Mupfumira for gross abuse of office it has emerged.
Writing of Twitter Professor Jonathan Moyo said, “In October 2017, four weeks BEFORE the coup, Mupfumira WAS FIRED by President Mugabe for exactly the same NSSA allegations over missing tens of MILLIONS of US dollars under COMMAND AGRICULTURE. Mnangagwa and Chinamasa defended her and Mnangagwa got her back to Cabinet AFTER the coup!”
Reports that surfaced this week indicate that in 2017 during a politiburo meeting Mupfumira stood up to protest her firing beginning by protesting that she was being purged because her enemies were labelling her a Lacoste faction member, she went on to say maybe because she was close with the then Minister of Psychomotor Hungwe.
Mugabe is said to have interjected by slamming the table and saying,”shut up with all this nonsense, the reason for been fired is because you are a thief and have been abusing your position for corruption purposes at NSSA.”
The following week Mupfumira who was the then Politburo Secretary for Tourism skipped the country.
After the November 2017 bloody coup Mupfumira bounced back as the Minister of Tourism under the President Emmerson Mnangagwa led Government.
The North America Province of the Movement for Democratic Change stands in solidarity with the masses during the planned demonstration as called by the Movement for Democratic Change.
The right to demonstrate is a constitutional provision as enshrined in Section 59 of the Supreme Law of our country Zimbabwe. Upon fulfilling the legal route of notifying the Zimbabwe Republic Police of the intention to demonstrate the Province therefore do not anticipate any rogue behavior from the security forces as witnessed in the previous demonstrations. The MDC has carried out peaceful demonstrations before and has maintained a tranquil environment even under circumstances where it was the victim.
The Province takes exceptions of utterances by Zanu PF officials especially it’s legislatures Killer Zivhu and Pupurai Togarepi who are giving out threats of violence and bloodshed unto those who will take part. We instead urge the public, our supporters and sympathisers to refrain from violent behaviour and to restrain themselves from retaliation even under provocation.
As a Province we have and still we are in the process of engaging the international community to follow closely the events as the unfold before, on and after the event.
We urge the security forces of the country to uphold human rights and observe the sanctity of life.
We are guaranteed that the 16 August 2019 demonstration is going to attract and be attended by a multitude which is facing economic hardships, social breakdown and political instability, we therefore stand with everyone in solidarity.
Unity and courage for a better Zimbabwe. The Change that Delivers!
Until Victory!
*Tawanda Dzvokora*
*NAP Chairperson*
INTENSE jostling for the vice-presidency has erupted among Zanu PF heavyweights at a time Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga is battling for his life at a top Chinese hospital.
This comes as it emerged that Chiwenga spent a week in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Beijing hospital before he was put on specialist treatment for an undisclosed illness under heavy security.
Although the official government position is that he is stable and on the recovery path, sources said his condition is still critical although he has shown signs of improvement.
Sources said he can now watch television and read.
Chiwenga was flown to the Chinese capital last month in a very serious condition, government officials revealed.
Zanu PF insiders told the Zimbabwe Independent this week that Chiwenga’s health woes have ignited frenzied jostling for his seat, with Zanu PF national chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri emerging as the front-runner.
Muchinguri-Kashiri appears to be the overwhelming favourite for the position as she reportedly enjoys support from President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mnangagwa wanted to appoint Muchinguri-Kashiri as one of his deputies soon after the November 2017 military coup which ended former president Robert Mugabe’s 37-year rule, but the military demanded that the position be given to Chiwenga, who also at the time insisted on being in charge of the influential Defence and War Veterans portfolios.
“She is trusted by ED because of her unwavering loyalty. She has been in cabinet for a long time. She also has impeccable liberation war credentials which make her the ultimate favourite. Her other advantage seems to be that women in the party have been clamouring for a position in the top three and, being in the presidium already, she is very much set for it,” a Zanu PF official said.
However, Muchinguri-Kashiri is facing fierce competition from Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa, who is also thought to be interested in the top job and is being propped up by her belligerent husband, Chris.
Mutsvangwa also boasts of the same liberation war credentials as Muchinguri-Kashiri and fits perfectly into the emerging gender narrative.
Zimbabwe Defence Forces commander Lieutenant-General Valerio Sibanda’s name has also been mentioned, although he is considered a rank outsider.
His biggest challenge is that he has Zapu/Zipra roots along with the other Vice-President Kembo Mohadi.
Sibanda’s other challenge, according to senior Zanu PF officials, is that he comes from Midlands province like Mnangagwa and his appointment would thus upset the delicate ethnic balancing imperative, which is a big factor in Zanu PF politics.
Public service minister Prisca Mupfumira was also in the picture before her arrest, detention and subsequent dismissal over corruption charges yesterday.
According to a senior government official, Chiwenga is receiving treatment at a top hospital in a security zone.
“He was flown to China in a very bad state at the request of the Government of Zimbabwe. He was directly transferred to hospital soon after landing. He is at one of the best and top medical institutions where extensive tests have been done,” the government official said.
“He went there with some of his aides and members of his security team. At the moment the Chinese government is regularly updating the Government of Zimbabwe through direct communication between President Xi Jinping and President Mnangagwa as well as through the Chinese Embassy.
“The Chinese government has told President Mnangagwa that Beijing will do its best, although there are no assurances. He was in ICU for some time and had lost weight, but he has improved. He can now read, watch television, as well as do light exercises.”
The official also said Mnangagwa briefed cabinet about Chiwenga’s health on Tuesday last week.
“President Mnangagwa updated us at the start of the cabinet meeting on Tuesday last week on the status of Vice-President Chiwenga. This followed his telephone conversation with President Xi. The President informed cabinet that Chiwenga was admitted in the ICU for a week before he was discharged on Monday (June 29, 2019),” the official said.
“He also told us that the Vice-President’s condition remains critical at the moment but it was hoped that there could be an improvement once they start the treatment regime.
“He (Mnangagwa) told us that there is tight security at the hospital where Chiwenga is receiving treatment. It is heavily fortified.”
In a statement on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said the Chinese medical experts had completed extensive tests on Chiwenga and are now beginning treatment, describing the condition of the former military strongman who led the coup which toppled former president Robert Mugabe and gave rise to Mnangagwa as “remarkably stable”.
“Further to my communication last month updating the nation on the condition of our Vice President, Dr CGDN Chiwenga, I wish to add that the Vice President has now completed extensive tests required by the Chinese medical team attending to him, thus paving way for the commencement of actual treatment,” Mnangagwa said.
“While it is too early in the treatment process, I am advised that the vice president’s conditions remains remarkably stable, with the initial strict regimen imposed on him at the time of his admission being gradually eased to allow greater access by close family members.”
– The Zimbabwe Independent
Econet recently announced they would be revising the prices of their data bundles and true to their tune, they have done so. The new data bundles are more expensive than before but that what was widely expected from the moment we got word of a price change.
The new daily bundles look like this:
| Duration | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Day | 40MB | $2 |
| 1 Day | 250MB | $5.63 |
| 1 Day | 750MB | $11.5 |
| 1 Day | 2GB | $18 |
Weekly bundles:
| Duration | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Days | 25MB | $1.35 |
| 7 Days | 60MB | $3 |
| 7 Days | 160MB | $7.5 |
| 7 Days | 350MB | $15 |
| 7 Days | 700MB | $30 |
Monthly bundles
| Duration | Data | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Days | 270MB | $15 |
| 30 Days | 700MB | $37.5 |
| 30 Days | 1150MB | $60 |
| 30 Days | 2100MB | $105 |
| 30 Days | 3100MB | $150 |
Considering that POTRAZ approved a tariff increase it was only a matter of time before the mobile networks struck. Netone already introduced new tariffs for their bundles and it seems Telecel is the only player who hasn’t done the same, though they have increased tariffs for voice calls and data might be in the pipeline.
The Deputy Minister of Information and top Mnangagwa protege, Energy Mutodi has threatened protesters (authorised by the police) with death.
Writing on Thursday, Mutodi said the “MDC planned demo has been condemned by South African leaders and the whole SADC. Any sensible Zimbabwean will not risk their life taking part in such a futile event.
“President Mnangagwa is building the country step by step & any attempt to disturb him will be met with a firm hand”
Castle Lager Premier Soccer League Match-day 18 fixtures will be played this weekend
The games involving FC Platinum and Triangle United have been scheduled for Wednesday as the two teams will be featuring in the CAF interclub competitions.
Fixtures:
Saturday, August 10
Highlanders vs Black Rhinos (Barbourfields Stadium)
ZPC Kariba vs Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga Stadium)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs Chapungu (Luveve Stadium)
Yadah vs Hwange (Rufaro Stadium)
Telone vs Herentals (Ascot Stadium)
Sunday, August 11
Manica Diamonds vs Caps United (Vengere Stadium)
Dynamos vs Mushowani Stars (Rufaro Stadium)
Wednesday, August 14
Ngezi Platinum vs Triangle (Baobab Stadium)
Fc Platinum vs Harare City (Mandava Stadium)
All games start at 3 pm.
FC Platinum striker Rodwell Chinyengetere has admitted his stay in South Africa in the last six months wasn’t a rossy one.
The 31-year-old moved to Baroka FC in January but failed to pin a first team berth and returned on loan to the Platinum Boys during the midseason transfer window.
He has been included in the CAF squad for Champions League.
And in an interview with The Herald, Chinyengetere is hoping he will rediscover his form during the campaign.
“I am back in Zimbabwe and it’s a challenge for me from the previous experience I have had in the Champions League.
“Of course, it’s an opportunity, given that my stay in South Africa was not rosy so, in my heart, I feel this the time where I need everyone to see I can still play,” said Chinyengetere.
The Zimbabwe champions will face Nyasa Big Bullets tomorrow in the preliminary round of the 2019/20 Champions League season.
By A Correspondent- Former Minister of State for Mashonaland Central Province, Advocate Martin Dinha is being investigated by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) on allegations of criminal abuse of office during his tenure as Bindura’s executive mayor between 2004 and 2008.
In a letter seen by the State Media date stamped August 5, 2019 to Bindura Municipality signed by ZACC investigations manager Mr Lovemore Findi, the commission said they are “investigating various allegations of criminal abuse of duty as a public officer as defined in Section 174 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act, Chapter 9:23”.
Some of the allegations levelled against Adv Dinha include selling Kingstone Farm to former Cabinet minister Nicholas Goche, who in turn had initially sold the same farm to Bindura Municipality.
Reads the letter in part;
“The then Executive Mayor, Advocate Martin Dinha bought a council house in March 2008 after council had passed a resolution cancelling the sale of council houses in low-density suburbs.
“The said house was sold without going to tender nor advertised in terms of the law. The then mayor converted a grinding mill donated to Bindura Town Council by a Mazowe resident in 2004 to his own use.
“In 2008, Adv Martin Dinha, Japhet Kabanga and the District Administrator, sold Kingstone Farm back to former Minister Goche who had initially sold it to council in 2004. The sale had no council resolution.”
Adv Dinha, who was recently appointed National Railways of Zimbabwe board chairman, confirmed the probe but quickly refuted the allegations.
He said it was the work of his “political enemies” in Mashonaland Central.
More to follow…
Aston Villa are yet to assign Marvelous Nakamba with a squad number with only a day left before the start of their 2019/20 EPL season.
The Zimbabwe international moved to the Birmingham-based club early this month from Belgian giants Club Brugge.
He made his unofficial debut for his new club last weekend, featuring in Villa’s second pre-season friendly game against German side RB Leipzig.
According to information on the club’s official website, Nakamba and Douglas Luiz who was signed from City this week are the only players still without squad numbers.
His favourite jersey number 18 which he used at Brugge and with the Warriors is already taken by defender Matt Targett.
This means he will need to pick a new number ahead of his debut EPL campaign.
CAMEROONIAN midfielder Vincent Mbega left Zimbabwe an unhappy man after he reportedly had an open altercation with his manager which led him to ditch Dynamos.
Mbega was roped in by Dynamos during the pre-season along with compatriot Claude Junior Ngahan but he has since returned home barely six months into the contract.
Reports from the DeMbare camp say the player and his manager were at some point at each other’s throats over unfulfilled contractual obligations.
“This guy was no longer settled. He has been giving excuses every time to the coach that he is injured and it had become a routine every Tuesday he won’t train.
“He looked unhappy, he wasn’t the same guy who had so much zeal when he joined the club,” said a source.
However, Dynamos spokesperson Tinashe Farawo said he could not comment on the private matters between a player and his manager. He said the Glamour Boys had met all their contractual obligations and only agreed to terminate the contract at the player’s request.
“We don’t speak about what happens outside of Dynamos. What we know is we agreed to a mutual consensus to terminate the contract with the said player.
“For the sake of our brand, we are very mindful of the past experiences we had with players such as (Christian) Epoupa.
“It was a regrettable experience and like I said the new leadership is very professional and will not want to be found wanting again as a club.
“I am glad we have a very competent leadership and I tell you that you will never hear of such things again. We respect contracts and we are doing things by the book.
“What we want is to build a strong institution that can compete for honours at home and abroad. “As you know, we just act on the recommendations brought to us by the technical team when it comes to players,” said Farawo.
Mbega is a former Cameroon Under-20 World Cup player who once turned out for Spanish side Mallorca II in the Segunda B, between 2010 and 2013.
By A Correspondent- A RUSAPE man, who did the unthinkable when he allegedly axed his uncle, harvested his private parts and showed them off to his auntie before dumping them at his grandfather’s grave, has been arrested and arraigned before the courts.
Chikomborero Mupoperi (25), of Mupoperi village under Chief Tandi, on the outskirts of Rusape allegedly murdered his uncle Aleck Mupoperi (65) in cold blood before slicing off his private parts, on Monday.
The incident has shocked the usually tranquil Mupoperi village amid revelations that prior to the grisly murder, Chikomborero had stolen the deceased’s chicken, drank its blood and ate the meat raw.
Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident that occurred on August 5, 2019 at around 1am, when the accused person went to Innocent Mupoperi’s homestead where Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is employed as a domestic worker.
He knocked at the cottage and woke up Chipfuya whom he asked to charge his cell phones. The suspect remained in the house charging his cell phones until Chipfuya fell asleep. After charging his cell phones, he went back to his homestead.
At around 5am Chipfuya woke up and started praying. The accused person who stays close came back and requested to join him in prayer. After prayers, the suspect asked Chipfuya to pray for him and he complied.
“Lovemore Chipfuya (21) is alleged to be a prophet in the area. He prayed for the suspect, following which he confessed to stealing Aleck’s chicken. He told the prophet that he had slaughtered the chicken, drank its blood, consumed the meat raw and gave the leftovers to a dog,” he said.
The suspect said he was now feeling guilty and wanted to go and apologise to the now deceased.
He then left Chipfuya’s cottage and went back to his homestead. Chipfuya, who panicked after the weird confession went to the homestead of the deceased’s sister, Agnes Mupoperi, and informed her of it.
When the accused arrived home he knocked at the main door and it was opened.
While inside, he tripped his uncle, took an axe from the spare bedroom and struck him twice on the neck, killing him instantly.
He then took a knife from the kitchen unit in the spare bedroom and used it to cut off the now deceased’s private parts, put them in his trousers pockets and vanished.
“He then rushed to Agnes’ house, showed off the parts to her and told her that he was going with them to the graveyard which was a kilometre away,” he said.
Insp Kakohwa said Chikomborero dumped the private parts on his late grandfather Samuel Mupoperi’s grave and returned home.
“This made Agnes to advise Nelson Mupoperi (42) and Gift Mupoperi (42) to check up on Aleck. Upon arrival they saw Aleck’s body lying in a pool of blood. The two then rushed and reported the incident to the village head Mr Roland Mupoperi.”
The village head reported the incident to Rusape Central Police Station, leading to the arrest of Chikomborero.
The accused confessed to the murder and led to the recovery of the blood stained murder weapon from the spare bedroom where it was hidden behind the kitchen unit.
He also led to recovery of now deceased’s private parts at his grandfather’s grave at the village graveyard. Aleck’s body was taken to Rusape General Hospital for a post mortem.
Chikomborero was hauled before Rusape magistrate Mr Gift Manyika on Wednesday facing murder charges.
Appearing before Mr Manyika, the accused left the court in awe when he said his name was ‘Jesus’ and did not know why the police had arrested him.
Mr Roy Weja appeared for the State.
Chikomborero told the court that he was busy preaching the gospel when the police arrested him.
The magistrate ordered that Chikomborero be examined by two doctors establish his mental state and report back to the court.
The accused was remanded in custody to August 21, 2019.-ManicaPost
Farai Dziva| Controversial Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity & Broadcasting Services, Energy Mutodi, has implored Zimbabweans to ignore the MDC demo scheduled for August 16.
Mutodi has also warned that the firm hand of the government will be used to deal the planned MDC demonstration.
“The planned MDC demo has bn condemned by South African leaders & the whole SADC.
Any sensible Zimbabwean will not risk his or her life taking part in such a futile event.
President Mnangagwa is building the country step by step & any attempt to disturb him will be met with a firm hand…”Mutodi posted on Twitter.
Defence Minister, Oppah Muchinguri Kashiri and her Deputy, Victor Matemadanda, last week threatened to unleash soldiers to thwart opposition led demonstrations.
Farai Dziva|Romelu Lukaku became the third most expensive player bought by a Serie A club after a £73m-move to Inter Milan on Thursday.
The striker left Manchester United after two seasons having fell out of favour since the arrival of coach Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the previous campaign.
The 26-year-old had been linked with a move to another Serie A side – Juventus – earlier in the transfer window but opted to sign a five-year contract with Inter.
In his first interview with the club on Thursday, Lukaku explained why he decided to join the Nerazzurri.
“Inter were the only club I wanted,” Lukaku told their official website. “I’m here to bring the Nerazzurri back to the top.”
Meanwhile, the Belgian left Old Trafford with 42 goals in 96 matches for United after joining from Everton for £75m in July 2017.
Jane Mlambo| Outspoken Norton legislator Temba Mliswa has said former President Robert Mugabe’s refusal to be buried at the Heroes Acre is karma as “he was infamous for leading other heroes into such decisions.”
Posting on Twitter, Mliswa said it was unfortunate that Mugabe denied other worthy people to be buried at the national shrine including opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai who was buried at his home village in Buhera.
It’s a very unfortunate end to a once great man but Gushungo also oversaw the blocking of other worthy man from being buried there. Tsvangirai remains a credible example, a man who did much for Zimbabwe’s democracy but is nowhere there.
— Hon. Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) August 9, 2019
Farai Dziva|Chelsea have confirmed that defender David Luiz has officially joined bitter London rivals Arsenal.
By joining Unai Emery’s side on deadline day, Luiz put to an end a 7-year Chelsea in which he won 6 trophies including the Champions League in 2012.
The Blues released a statement on their website confirming the development.
Tajamuka leader Promise Mkwananzi has been remanded to the 23rd of August after being advised to apply for bail at the High Court. He was taken to Chikurubi maximum prison.
He is being charged with two counts of plotting to subvert a constitutional elected government and one count of inciting public violence.
The former MDC Youth Assembly secretary-general has been on the police wanted list since the fuel riots that engulfed the country in January this year.
Dear Editor
We are in Capetown, South Africa and we are not happy with how we are being treated by personnel from Chihwa bus service that plies the Harare CapeTown route.
The people there are taking money from people saying they can send groceries back home but for your goods to go, you have to bribe someone again or else your goods don’t go even if you would have paid.
Can someone help us please because these people are seriously shortchanging us although we would have paid the required money.
Concerned citizen
Farai Dziva|Aston Villa are yet to process Marvelous Nakamba’s jersey number a day before the commencement of 2019/20 EPL season.
The Zimbabwe international moved to the Birmingham-based club early this month from Belgian giants Club Brugge.
He made his unofficial debut for his new club last weekend, featuring in Villa’s second pre-season friendly game against German side RB Leipzig.
According to information on the club’s official website, Nakamba and Douglas Luiz who was signed from City this week are the only players still without squad numbers.
His favourite jersey number 18 which he used at Brugge and with the Warriors is already taken by defender Matt Targett.
This means he will need to pick a new number ahead of his debut EPL campaign.
Farai Dziva|Zaka East MDC candidate for the coming by-election, Derrick Charamba has successfully filed his nomination papers.
“Advocate Derrick G Charamba has successfully submitted his nomination papers to ZEC officials at Masvingo Magistrate Court number 2, in Masvingo.
Candidates from other political such as Zanu PF are still to submit their papers,” the MDC said in a statement.
MDC is hoping to win the seat for the first time.
Farai Dziva|Emmerson Mnangagwa is desperate to coax his former boss Robert Mugabe following the former strongman’ s announcement that he does not want to be buried at the National Heroes Acre.
According to a weekly publication, Mugabe has chosen to be buried at his rural home in Zvimba- next to his late mother Bona.
Family members who spoke to the Independent newspaper said:
“Mugabe has made it clear to his family that he does not wish to be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre anymore. He does not want to be associated with Mnangagwa and all those he now views as his betrayers and tormentors.”
“He has said he doesn’t want them to sing and pontificate over his dead body. He has informed relatives about his decision and this is known in the family; it’s also now known in government circles.”
Mugabe’s declaration is reported to have shocked Mnangagwa.
The Zanu PF leader is reported to have tried to mend bridges by sending a high powered delegation to Singapore to check on the President’s health.
The delegation includes Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda, Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo and Mugabe’s former personal doctor Professor Jonathan Matenga, according to the paper.
By A Correspondent- Opposition legislator Settlement Chikwinya who was facing charges of inciting public violence during the January 14 fuel protest has been acquitted.
The MDC revealed this in a statement and said:
“Hon. Settlement Chikwinya was today acquitted of trumped up charges of public violence.
However he remains on remand on the yet another set of fabricated charges of subversion.”
Chikwinya was among the many opposition stalwarts who were arrested and charged for inciting public violence in the country following reactions by the citizens to the fuel price increase announcement made by President Emmerson Mnangagwa in January 2019.
The MDC however condemned the arrests of its membership arguing that government was using the state apparatus to weaken the opposition and targeting its membership.
Said the MDC in a statement:
The MDC notes with concern the continuous harassment of party members by the ZANU PF government.
Today more leaders have been arrested on trumped up charges of inciting violence.
Hon Settlement Chikwinya was arrested today while a fast tracked trial has been suspiciously commenced against Hon Amos Chibaya and Hon Chiminya.
This conduct is unconstitutional, every citizen has the right to due process and a fair trial including adequate time to prepare a defense.
We have seen the past few days being dominated by cases of rushed convictions and some strange sentences following the convictions including a five year jail term for a cooked charge of violent conduct.
We urge the government to end persecution of MDC members forthwith, all trumped up charges must be dropped and investigations of killings must be instituted.
Then ploy to use trumped up charges as a tool to weaken the MDC will not work.”
Farai Dziva|MDC MP Settlement Chikwinya has been acquitted of charges of public violence.
This has been announced by the MDC in a brief statement today.
“Hon. Settlement Chikwinya was today of acquitted of trumped up charges of public violence – however he remains on remand on the yet another set of fabricated charges of subversion,” said the party.
Farai Dziva|The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission has rejected an application by the MDC for a vote recount in Luna East Constituency.
See ZEC Chief Elections Office Utoile Silaigwana’s response to the application:
REQUEST FOR A RECOUNT FOR ALL LUPANE EAST CONSTITUENCY BY-ELECTION RESULTS: 3 AUGUST 2019.
The Commission has received a request from the MDC-A candidate as well as secretary-general of the party for a recount of all Lupane East results (see letters attached).
Section 67A of the Electoral Act [Chapter 2:13] provides that:
Farai Dziva|Popular -yet controversial dancer, Beverly Sibanda’s manager reportedly assaulted his wife after being caught with used condoms.
Bev’s manager allegedly bashed his wife for confronting him over his alleged infidelity.
According H-Metro, Bev’ s manager, Hapaguti ‘Harpers’ Mugwara appeared in court facing assault charges.
Mugwara was not asked to plead when he appeared before Magistrate Victoria Mashamba.
The court heard that Mugwara assaulted his wife, Theresa Kabaya after she found used condoms and ladies undergarments, which had been allegedly left by his friends in his car.
Kabaya is reported to have reprimanded Mugwara over the issue and told him that such behaviour would cause problems for their marriage.
The confrontation did not go well, with Harpers who then lashed out at his wife and headbutted her several times on the mouth, causing her to sustain injuries.
Mugwara was released on $70 bail and was ordered to give an alternative address as well as not to interfere with the witness.
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Youth League leader, Pupurai Togarepi has sensationally claimed there is no place for the MDC in central government.
See Togarepi’s full statement below:
The wise always say do not pick fights you can’t win and the clever ones stick to this time old piece of wisdom, but sadly and rather regrettably, our political opponents in the MDC are naive and fail to understand such basics.
Zanu PF is the ruling party of Zimbabwe, and with a very weak and out of sorts opposition such as the MDC, we will rule this country until donkeys grow horns, they can only dream but then dreams are for free.
We say Zanu PF will rule for ages to come, not because we are undemocratic but purely because we are the people’s preferred party as has been proven since the turn of this year where the party has won by-elections with little effort.
Zanu PF is winning elections because President Emmerson Mnangagwa is leading us to the Promised Land and those with vision and who care to see can already witness the transformative progress that is taking place, slowly people’s lives are being transformed, notwithstanding some problems here and there.
However, the noise and mischief makers in the MDC, as myopic as ever, chose to bury their heads in the sand like ostriches, and like the damn warmongers that they are now issuing needless ultimatums that are meant to ill-conceivably rattle Zanu PF into entering into a government of national unity in flagrant disregard to the will of the people that was expressed loud and clear in last year harmonised elections.
There is no place for the MDC in government and certainly no free lunch, democracy is at times very selfish and the so-called democratic party should eat that.
We have said it before, there is no back door entrance into government and the sooner the bellicose yet ill-information democracy midgets like Job Sikhala realise this, the better, democracy is functional in Zimbabwe and no amount of threats or ultimatums will alter that.
But in case they chose the undemocratic path and threaten to unseat a constitutionally elected government through needless demonstrations, those in the opposition should be guided accordingly, we are the ruling party Zanu PF and stand ready to defend the People’s vote and our President.
We are not afraid of clowns and the place for clowns is in circuses and not politics, neither do we fear the bark of toothless dogs, let them bark themselves hoarse isu tichingotonga, delivering on our electoral promises.
The MDC should also remember that we are a revolutionary party, the party that liberated the country from colonialism against all odds.
We have the capacity to thwart any troublesome elements and forewarned must be forearmed, only that our supposed to be opposition brothers are lost souls, clueless and howling for recognition in the pits of darkness.
Farai Dziva|Members of the Movement for Democratic Change in South Africa will join the August 16 demo.
The Communications Secretary for MDC SA Province, Innocent Nsingo, told ZimEye party members in that country were keen to join the demo.
“The leadership and members of the MDC South Africa Province will be in Zimbabwe on the 16th of August,to demonstrate together,in solidarity with the suffering people of Zimbabwe. We will be there,be there,” said Nsingo.
“We are organising transport logistics and everything.We are saying the people of Zimbabwe have suffered for too long and as such we can no longer bear the pain anymore.”
Ailing former President Robert Mugabe has brewed a major shocker after he requested that he be not buried at the National Heroes Acre in Harare when he dies.
Weekly newspaper The Zimbabwe Independent reports that Mugabe told his family members visiting him in Singapore where he is receiving medical attention that he does not want to be buried at Heroes Acre he so much adored in his time as President of the country.
According to the paper, Mugabe is said to have said that he does not want the current ZANU PF government to preside over his funeral.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently gave a state of the nation address indicating that his predecessor was in a stable condition in hospital in Singapore since April this year.
During the bloody November 2017 coup when ZANU PF moved a motion to impeach Mugabe at the behest of the military, war veterans threatened that if Mugabe should die, he not be buried at the Heroes’ Acre because he had become a sellout.
According to the Zimbabwe Independent, the former President is so bitter at the way he was removed from power by his former henchman President Emmerson Mnangagwa that he does not want to give him and his associates the platform to pontificate and preside over his funeral.
He has instead chosen to be buried at his rural home in Zvimba next to his late mother Bona.
Family members who spoke to the publication said,
“Mugabe has made it clear to his family that he does not wish to be buried at the National Heroes’ Acre anymore. He does not want to be associated with Mnangagwa and all those he now views as his betrayers and tormentors.”
“He has said he doesn’t want them to sing and pontificate over his dead body. He has informed relatives about his decision and this is known in the family; it’s also now known in government circles.”
Mugabe’s declaration is reported to have shocked Mnangagwa who had assumed that he was going to be buried at the National Heroes Acre next to his first wife Sally. As a result of the request, Mnangagwa is reported to have tried to mend bridges by sending a high powered delegation to Singapore to check on the President’s health.
The delegation included Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Misheck Sibanda, Central Intelligence Organisation Director-General Isaac Moyo and Mugabe’s former personal doctor Professor Jonathan
Matenga.
Sources who spoke to the publication said,
“Although officially the purpose of the visit to Singapore was said to be to check up on Mugabe, the most urgent issue was to build bridges with his family to get an opportunity to preside over his funeral.”
President Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Jnr, yesterday distanced himself from allegations that he abused his proximity to power to obtain loans from a local bank without collateral and may have been involved in compiling lists of corrupt bigwigs.
He said dragging his name into these allegations could be an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing corruption fight being spearheaded by the President.
“In recent days, there has been a systematic attempt, through the media, to link me to certain transactions and conduct, with a clear intent to bear public judgment on my person,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“I would therefore like to make the following facts clear: (a) I do not currently hold, nor have I ever held, an account with the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) neither have I ever transacted with them, (b) I have no involvement, past or present with a company called Spartan Investments, (c) I fully support the President’s anti-corruption efforts and the work of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC): I have had absolutely no involvement in any efforts to influence or circumvent its workings,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
He added that as a private citizen, he had “not given any instructions to anyone in ZANU-PF or any institution” to compile lists or targets of people to be arrested on corruption allegations.
“I take serious note of the timing of allegations, innuendos and attempts to involve my name as not only malicious, but an oblique attack on the President to divert and derail him from his path of fighting corruption and instituting reforms,” he concluded.
Mr Mnangagwa urged the media and citizens to be wary of disinformation and diversionary tactics in light of the pursuit of national agenda goals such as the fight against corruption.
-State Media
“Song for Itai Dzamara…at the Itai Dzamara Trust launch last night. It was also (the missing) Itai’s 40th birthday.”
Video downloading below:
By A Correspondent- A proposal by the SADC Lawyers President Max Bogwana to the current SADC Chairperson on Politics and Defence President Emmerson Mnangagwa to propose to other SADC heads of state to re-open the SADC Tribunal in Tanzania next week was today met with an emphatic No.
This was revealed by the Southern Africa Human Rights Defenders Network (SAHRDN), a sub-regional Network that works to protect and promote the rights of Human Rights Defenders within the sub-region of Southern Africa.
Said the SAHRDN:
“#SADCLawyersAssociation president #MaxBoqwana asks #EDMnangagwa to propose to other SADC Heads to re-open the #SADCTribunal in #Tanzania next week. @edmnangagwa says an emphatic “NO” without giving reasons Change in leadership and not in policies.”
The organisation also revealed that the SADC Lawyers Association Vice President, Vimbai Nyemba while giving her closing remarks, expressed unhappiness at the President’s reaction and promised that she would keep engaging him over the issue.
Said the SAHRDN:
“The #SADCLawyersAssociation Vice President #MrsVimbayiNyemba thanks @edmnangagwa for his speech addressing lawyers from the #SADC, expressing unhappiness at President’s reaction to request for reopening of #SADCTribunal but promising to keep engaging him on issue.”
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The current bank exchange rates for the ZWL$ today are as follows
USD = ZWL$9.7955
ZWL$ = RAND1.5336
Data according to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe
Black Market Rates:
USD = ZWL$11.00 zimrates
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USD = ZWL$10.90 bluemari
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More: Marketwatch
By A Correspondent- A massive sex scandal has hit Mahlothova Secondary School in Umguza District, Matabeleland North amid allegations that one Form Three girl dropped out of school after being continuously defiled by one of the teachers who promised to help her pass her studies.
It is reported that the girl (name withheld) who is feared to be pregnant dropped out of school apparently in protest after the school authorities reportedly tried to conceal the matter.
The sexual abuse allegations by the teacher whose name is also being withheld wreaked havoc amid fears that worse could be happening to female pupils at the school’s makeshift boarding facility.
Further investigations by B-Metro after the alleged report of sexual abuse in question, revealed that it was not a first as there have been two others of a similar nature involving pupils who have since departed from the school and no legal action or criminal charges were preferred against any of the alleged perpetrators.
According to a source from the school who sought anonymity, some teachers and pupils at the school who are privy to the matter were worried because it appeared to have been swept under the carpet.
“The sexual abuse was discovered in October 2018, but was concealed by the school authorities in a bid to save the image of the school. It came to light after the alleged perpetrator was found at the girls’ hostel half naked at around 10pm looking for the victim.
“After being busted, the teacher was reported to the matron and teacher in charge of the girls’ boarding facility who later informed the headmaster and his deputy but they didn’t do anything,” said the source.
The victim, after being summoned by the school authorities, is alleged to have told them that before the alleged sexual abuse, the teacher in question had been pestering her to be his girlfriend.
She is alleged to have said: “U-sir wathi uyangifuna ngabe ngimtshela ukuthi sirawungihloniphi njalo hlonipha i-ring oyifake esandleni, u-sir waqhubeka engenzela ama-favours (the teacher said he loves me and I asked him why he didn’t respect me and the ring on his finger and he continued doing me some favours).
“After the school authorities had decided to conceal the matter, the girl threatened to commit suicide or leave the school stating that it was so painful to be disbelieved by people who were supposed to protect her.”
Realising that the school authorities had turned a blind eye, the girl reportedly stopped coming to school.
“She eventually dropped out of school. It was not because she didn’t have the money because her school fees were being paid by a non-governmental organisation.
The issue was also concealed by her class teacher mentor for the NGO supposedly at the instigation of the headmaster who wants to protect the teacher and the school’s image,” the source said.
It is reported that in March this year, in a bid to conceal the matter and to protect the image of the school, the authorities reportedly coached pupils and teachers close to the matter on what to say before the District Schools Inspector (DSI) Mrs Samkeliso Gwaza and her delegation came to the school to investigate reports of the alleged sexual abuse.
When reached for comment both the school’s headmaster Naison Sibanda and the DSI who could neither confirm nor deny the matter referred all questions to the Matabeleland North provincial education director (PED) Mr Jabulani Mpofu.
There are also reports that the parents of the girl were pressurised not to report the matter to the police after being promised some form of compensation by the culprit’s family.
“We suspect some undue influence on the girl’s family from both the teacher’s family and school authorities so as to save the culprit and the image of the school.
“It is unacceptable and we are calling on police and officials from the provincial education offices to thoroughly investigate the matter so that the culprit can be made to face the law.”
Mr Mpofu said his office had not yet received the reports adding that investigations would be conducted.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- An incestuous relationship between two siblings from Ndadulo Village under Chief Mkoka in Gokwe, shocked the community after the illicit relationship resulted in pregnancy.
Twenty four-year-old Nkazimulo Tshuma and his teen sister Everjoy Tshuma (19), were both dragged to Chief Mkoka’s traditional court by their neighbours, for having sexual intercourse within a prohibited degree of relationship. Chief Mkoka ordered them to pay a fine of two goats.
Timothy Ncube, a neighbour to the two siblings, said the two started sleeping together soon after their parents’ death in 2013.
“The two siblings who started staying alone following the death of their parents told Chief Mkoka that they started having sex more than five years ago,” he said.
He said if it wasn’t for the pregnancy, no one was going to know about the illicit affair.
“If it wasn’t for this pregnancy, no one was going to suspect that these two were sleeping together. Everyone else just thought their relationship was only a brother-sister relationship.
“We only got to know about the relationship after we confronted the girl when we noticed the pregnancy. At first she was refusing to divulge that his brother was responsible for the pregnancy,” he said.
Chief Mkoka confirmed presiding over the matter.
“I presided over a matter of two siblings who had a relationship which resulted in pregnancy. I strongly warned them against that relationship. Such kind of relationships are totally unacceptable in our culture and should be frowned upon,” he said.
Chief Mkoka said if it wasn’t for the fact that the two were orphans, the fine could have been stiffer.
“I had to be lenient with them because they are orphans. But if it wasn’t for that, l would have fined them a beast or two,” he said.
By A Correspondent- A 60-year-old woman from Highlands suburb in Zvishavane is seeking a peace order against her two teenage grandchildren whom she is accusing of urinating in her pots.
Joyce Phiri is seeking a peace order against Lesley Phiri (19) and his younger brother aged 16 who are both pupils at a local school.
Phiri told the court that the two teenagers were working with their father (her son) who also hated her.
The matter was heard before Zvishavane magistrate Shepherd Munjanja.
She told the court that at times the teens would put dog poop in her mealie-meal in a bid to “fix” her.
“Your worship, these children together with their father Emmanuel Phiri, want me out of my house.
“So, they have gone to great lengths like urinating in my pots, and putting dog poop in my mealie-meal. They even insult me because I have refused to move out of the house,” she said.
Phiri pleaded with magistrate Munjanja to grant her a protection order before the worst happens to her.
“Your worship, l need a protection order before these children do something bad to me. As l speak now, we are no longer on speaking terms and we are no longer cooking together as a family. They do not care about my welfare, all they want is my house,” she said.
Testifying in court, Emmanuel, who spoke on behalf of his sons said his mother was mentally unstable.
“Your worship, what my mother is saying is not true. She is not mentally stable and she hasn’t been taking her medication that’s why she is saying such ridiculous things. Everyone from our area knows her situation,” he said.
Magistrate Munjanja postponed the matter and ordered Phiri to bring her medical reports as proof.-BMetro
By A Correspondent- A 42-year-old man bashed his maid who labelled him a wizard following a dispute between the maid and his wife.
Joseph Burombo (42) from ZRP Pumula Flats assaulted Shamiso Matipedza (22) after she accused him of being a wizard and in possession of goblins.
The events of 26 July at around 7pm when Matipedza and Burombo’s wife had a misunderstanding over a gas stove unfolded at the Western Commonage Courts before magistrate Urgent Vundla.
It was proved that at the height of an argument between the maid and her boss, Burombo intervened on his wife’s side and started shouting at Matipedza accusing her of troubling his wife.
Burombo then went on to assault Matipedza with open hands on the left cheek and neck several times.
After the assault, the complainant who sustained injuries was referred to United Bulawayo Hospitals for medication. The matter was later reported to the police leading to Burombo’s arrest.
In mitigation a remorseful Burombo told the court that he lost his temper after his domestic worker accused him of being a wizard. Vundla fined Burombo $100 (or 30 days in prison).
Sithembiso Moyo prosecuted.-BMetro
Cleopas Midzi who is now staying with his girlfriend in Fairbridge said his wife Vimbai Denhere flew into rage when he returned to their matrimonial home in Killarney to collect some of his belongings.
He said at the height of a domestic scuffle, Denhere violently grabbed, twisted and refused to let go of his manhood despite the fact that he was repeatedly screaming for help.
“She violently pulled my private parts and I screamed for help but she did not let go. I also tried to bite her hand but that did not work as she continued twisting my manhood. She only stopped after I choked her,” said a distraught Midzi.
Midzi opened up on the savage attack while responding to allegations of abuse and cheating which his wife had levelled against him.
“I do not deny having a girlfriend but I deny ever assaulting her. Our problems started when she forcibly took my mobile phone when I was speaking to my girlfriend,” bragged Midzi.
Midzi, however, didn’t reveal whether he had since regained full use of his jewels after his wife cruelly engaged in a tug-of-war game with them.
His seemingly boastful response came after his wife made an application for a protection order against him saying he was abusive.
“I am customarily married to Cleopas Midzi and for the past nine years we have been married he has been violent towards me. He physically abuses me with fists. The latest incident of violence was on 8 July when he brutally assaulted me in the presence of our two minor children.
“He also took some of the matrimonial property to his girlfriend and that is where he is staying now. He is also evicting me from our matrimonial house,” said Denhere.
She pleaded with the presiding magistrate Rachel Mukanga to grant her a protection order saying her life was in danger at the hands of her husband.
In her judgment the magistrate granted her request when she ordered Midzi not to verbally and physically assault his wife and not to evict her from the matrimonial house.-BMetro
TWO Bindura brothers have appeared in court for allegedly raping commercial sex workers at knifepoint.
Tinashe (28) and Washington Tichagwa (23), who appeared on different charge sheets and both stay at Number 3989 Chiwaridzo Township, Bindura, were remanded in custody by Bindura provincial magistrate Mr Tinashe Ndokera.
Prosecuting, Ms Tariro Janhi, said on July 28, a sex worker from Chipadze was at home with her two friends and clients when Tinashe – who was in the company of his two friends – entered the room and demanded to see her.
They also demanded to see her colleague only identified as Diana who was not at home. Ms Janhi said Tinashe and his colleagues ordered everyone to go outside.
“Tinashe’s colleagues also left the room, leaving him with the sex worker,” said Ms Jani. “He asked for the price of a quickie and before the sex worker could answer him, he told her that he had RTGS$1. He demanded to be intimate with her, and indicated that failure to do so would result in him stabbing her.”
Ms Janhi said after the act, he asked for money for beer from the sex worker who gave him RTGS$5 and went away. She later told her friend about her ordeal and made a report to the police.
In the other, case Washington approached another sex worker on July 25 and asked her to be intimate with him.
He was allegedly charged RTGS$10, but told her that he did not have the money before pulling out a knife and threatening to kill her if she refused to be intimate with him. After the act he demanded money from the sex worker and was given RTGS$7.
He allegedly promised to come back the next morning.
-State Media
By A Correspondent- The MDC Vice Chairperson Job Sikhala has distanced himself from a twitter account bearing his name and picture which is churning out misleading information to citizens.
Sikhala said he was aware that the twitter account had been created by state security agents and it aimed at finding fault on his person by dishing out unintelligible violence pronouncements.
Sikhala who is facing charges of treason and is currently out on bail said:
“It has been brought to my attention that a Twitter account has been created in my purported name. I would like to make it known to everyone that I don’t run any Twitter account or a Facebook page and anyone following these social media handles thinking that they are run by me is deceived by the enemies of progress.
What should inform the public is that, this masquerade can not even spell my surname properly on this fake account. This fake account was created on the 8th of August and my suspicion is that, it was created by the state security agents to dish out unintelligent violence pronouncements to try and find fault on my person.
I am not running any Twitter account or intending to open one in the near future. So this is the message to warn the world at large. I am also alerted that there are four more Twitter accounts again running in my name.
All Twitter handle accounts running in my name are fake and no one should follow them hoping that they have been created by me.”
Job Sikhala
(MDC National Vice Chairman)
FUEL prices will continue to rise on a weekly basis in tandem to the volatility on the currency market, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has warned.
Zera chief executive officer Eddington Mazambani told the Parliamentary Energy and Power Development Portfolio Committee on Thursday, that global crude oil prices also affect the prices in Zimbabwe while costs of insurance and freight as well as changes in monetary policy have played havoc with the market.
Fuel prices have gone up by 500% since January in Zimbabwe and early this year triggered violent demonstrations that left 17 people dead.
“We expect changes every week and prices are expected to increase weekly from the current $9.06 diesel and $9.01 petrol.
“The price of fuel has been going up internationally due mainly to relations between America and Iran and other oil producing countries. Pricing is not done by Zera but market forces are at play,” Mzambani said.
“Duty is contributing to fuel increases and those external forces I have mentioned. Issues to do with fixed based operators (FOBs), pipeline costs, financial costs plus the exchange rate, levies, administrative costs, handling and storage costs have all contributed to changes and increases in fuel prices.”
In his monetary policy review last week Finance Ministerr Mthuli Ncube announced a fresh levy would be charged on all crude oil products coming into the country and this is likely to be factored into the new price structure.
While the prices have continued to soar this has not translated to availability with queues still a common feature across the country. Mazambani argued that availability was dependent on government availing enough foreign currency to bring in fuel that he said was sitting in its millions at the Msasa holding depot in Harare.
“Availability of fuel relies on government’s ability to raise foreign currency in the country,” he added.
According to Mazambani, the exchange rate for fuel is at $9.50 but Zera has been using $7.50. He added that Zimbabwe’s fuel prices are still below the regional average with “Zambia at US$1.20 and South Africa just above that but Angola was at almost at par with Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe needs 1.5 million litres of petrol per day and up to 2.5 million litres of diesel per day.
— NewZimbabwe
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) has started consultations with civil society organisations (CSOs) to craft new voter education material as part of the wider electoral reforms it is carrying out.
The developments come following the recommendations by regional and international observers on how the country can further improve the electoral process in Zimbabwe.
The state media reported that:
“With the next election due in 2023, Zec has already initiated reforms that were recommended by various stakeholders in preparation for the next election.
For example, Zec has produced a consolidated electoral reform package for consideration by Parliament following wide consultations with stakeholders.
And to further the electoral reform agenda, Zec was on Tuesday consulting CSOs at a workshop on voter education material in Macheke.
“The workshop will culminate in the production of voter education materials for the 2019 to 2023 cycle,” said Zec.
Last week, Zec piloted the display of the voters’ roll outside polling stations during National Assembly and local authority by-elections in Lupane and Nkayi in line with the Southern African Development Community guidelines on the conduct of democratic elections.
Displaying the voters’ roll outside polling stations is expected to improve transparency and dispel allegations of ghost voters.
The issue of voter’s roll has been contentious in previous elections and the new system would assist to dispel any mistrust.
On its part, the government, also as part of the reform agenda, has crafted the Freedom of Information Bill, which will repeal the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act which had been cited as a barrier to accessing public information.
The Bill will give effect to section 62 of the Constitution which enshrines in the Declaration of Rights the right of access to information.
On the other hand, President Emmerson Mnangagwa constituted an Inter-Ministerial Committee to lead political, electoral and legislative reforms in March this year to speed up the reform agenda.
He has also initiated a political dialogue framework with opposition parties as part of efforts to pacify the polarised political environment.- New Ziana
Jane Mlambo| Opposition legislator Charlton Hwende has trashed the idea to have parliamentarians given diplomatic passports saying it cannot be done now when ordinary citizens are failing to access the ordinary passport.
According to Hwende, legislators must work to provide passports to ordinary citizens first.
He added that the MDC as a social democratic party must refuse to be equalized by the corrupt Zanu PF regime.
“Diplomatic Passports to MPs at this point in time when ordinary Zimbabweans who need to travel out of country for medical treatment, escaping the current economic hardships and to further their education are failing to access ordinary passports is not a priority
“We must provide passports first to ordinary Zimbabweans. Only after that can we consider Diplomatic Passports for our MPs. As a Social Democratic Party we must refuse to be equalized by The corrupt ZANU PF regime. We must stand and defend the toiling masses,” said Hwende while posting on Twitter.
We must provide passports first to ordinary Zimbabweans. Only after that can we consider Diplomatic Passports for our MPs. As a Social Democratic Party we must refuse to be equalized by The corrupt ZANU PF regime. We must stand and defend the toiling masses. @daddyhope
— Chalton Hwende (@hwendec) August 8, 2019
The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Makonde legislator, Kindness Paradza recently made the announcement that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had approved the request for legislators to have diplomatic passports.
The issue has attracted wide criticism from the general public who felt legislators were losing the plot and now concentrating on enriching and benefiting themselves at the expense of the majority whom they purport to represent.
This also came shortly after MPs had demaded Toyota V8 vehicles as well as accommodation allowances.
By A Correspondent- The Midlands State University (MSU) has been ordered by the High Court to pay Galaxy Engineering Designs Consultants (Pvt) Ltd over US$3 207 450,68 for the civil engineering services provided to the tertiary institution in 2003.
The order was made by High Court judge Justice Benjamin Chikowero on July 24, 2019 after the engineers took the university to court for breach of contract and refusal to pay for structural engineering works on certain buildings at the campus and for the master site service.
The court heard that the MSU had been refusing to pay the money, arguing that the engineering firm did not complete the work it was supposed to carry out, according to the parties’ contract.
However, when the matter was brought before the judge for determination, the MSU called its witness, one engineer Innocent Masunungure, who the court said was not impressive in the manner he presented his evidence on behalf of the university.
“The defendant’s (MSU) witness (Masunungure) contradicted the statement of agreed facts in fundamental respects. I was also unimpressed with the demeanour of the defendant’s witness. He was evasive under cross-examination. It was clear to me that he was simply ducking and diving in a desperate endeavour to avoid the truth,” Justice Chikowero said.
“The end result is that I will accept the plaintiff’s (Galaxy Engineering Designs Consultants (Pvt) Ltd) testimony wherever it conflicts with that of the defendant. The plaintiff clearly stated that it was commissioned by defendant to design and produce drawings or plans for use by contractors in erecting the structures or facilities so designed … the contract could not be so broken unless the design for the whole work under it had been done.”
The judge further said much of the evidence presented by the engineering firm, through its witness Wilfred Tamayi Vengesai, went unchallenged.
“In the result, defendant shall pay to the plaintiff interest on the sum of US$84 828,17 at the rate of 19.5% per annum from November 1, 2010 to the date that the sum was paid. US$3 207 450,68 together with interest thereon at 19,5% per annum to the date of full payment and cost of suit,” he ordered.-Newsday
ZIMBABWE Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) yesterday said its members were free to participate in the MDC led protests against the government’s handling of the economy and rising poverty.
MDC called for demonstrations next week against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, where under his leadership, the economy has been on a freefall, resulting in the rising cost of living.
The labour body has been threatening a stayaway citing similar concerns.
“If they are protesting about issues that we raised, I won’t be surprised that some of our members will be part of the demonstrations,” ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said.
“If they are talking about the same issues ZCTU has been talking about over the years, then I don’t see what will stop them from participating. Those who are interested will go and participate.”
Moyo said as ZCTU, their modus operandi is stayaways, something which is different from protest marches called by the MDC.
He said as the labour body, they have membership from both Zanu PF and MDC, hence they will not take a decision to have all their members participate in the demonstrations.
The MDC is preparing to confront Mnangagwa’s government, accusing his administration of failing to turn around the economy.
With threats coming from government and the ruling Zanu PF party, the main opposition has remained defiant, refusing to be cowed to abandon their plans.
Meanwhile, the MDC Youth Assembly has called on all youths in the country to heed the call by their party president Nelson Chamisa to take to the streets against the government over the rising cost of living.
“Zanu PF, in its current form and entirety, has since degenerated into a looting conspiracy, hence its carefree attitude on pertinent economic issues like high prices, fuel shortages and electricity blackouts affecting our people,” MDC youth assembly national spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said.
“This is the very reason why young people from across the political divide should flood the streets on August 16 to express their disdain at the military cabal that is threatening to wipe out the entire generation through its so-called austerity measures.”
He said it was their resolve as “an assembly of progress, young social democrats” to serve and save this generation as well as providing leadership and direction on issues of national interest.
Chuma said the current government was betraying the gains of the liberation struggle.
“Every August, the nation commemorates the gallant efforts of our liberation war heroes who selflessly took it upon themselves to extricate our country from the jaws of colonialism,” he said.
“Many paid the ultimate price to ensure that the liberation struggle’s three main cardinals of freedom, majority rule and one-man one-vote are realised and exercised by our people. There is a clique of a few greedy and corrupt individuals who have since diverted and capsized the revolutionary ship, hence upsetting the national interest agenda.”
Zanu PF youth league boss Pupurai Togarepi on Wednesday said they were going to fight the opposition party’s protests if they become violent, while the government has also threatened to unleash the military to thwart the demonstrations.
— NewsDay
By A Correspondent- War veterans in Mashonaland East have demanded to be all buried at the national Heroes Acre saying the classification of the freedom fighters is baseless as they all fought for a common cause.
Speaking during a Calisto Gwanetsa-led Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Security public hearings held at Mbuya Nehanda Hall in Marondera recently, a top Marondera war veteran Chrispen Mashayamombe said it is high time that every former freedom fighter be buried at the national shrine.
“When we went to war it was all about liberating ourselves and the masses. We were all equal and united in the battlefield. Why is it now we are being
classified, some as provincial heroes, some as district heroes while some are honoured at ward level? This is not right. We want every war veteran to be buried at the national heroes’ acre. The hill has enough space for all of us,” he said.
Currently, war veterans with top positions in Zanu PF are accorded the national hero status, while others are buried at either provincial or district heroes acres.
Meanwhile, the war veterans have demanded control of Ruwa Rehabilitation Centre claiming it belongs to them.
A war veteran James Mlambo said war veterans are the owners of the centre, but were chucked out at the instigation of the late former army general Solomon Mujuru.
“We are the owners of Ruwa Rehab as war veterans. The late Mujuru chased us out of the centre. The war veterans benefitted from the centre through getting affordable medical assistance but it is now a thing of the past. We are struggling to get medicine and given our ages all of us are sick. The former War Veterans minister Tshinga Dube wrote to (Priscah) Mupfumira sometime back so that we get back the centre, but it could not happen. The centre belongs to the comrades,” he said.
Mlambo claimed that the centre is now being run with people without knowledge of its history.
Ruwa Rehabilitation is home for people with severe and multiple injuries with a strong bias to spinal code. It provides respite care, rehabilitation and training for caregivers.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) has given its membership the green light to participate in the MDC led protests against the government’s handling of the economy and rising poverty.
MDC called for demonstrations next week against President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government, where under his leadership, the economy has been on a freefall, resulting in the rising cost of living.
The labour body has been threatening a stayaway citing similar concerns.
“If they are protesting about issues that we raised, I won’t be surprised that some of our members will be part of the demonstrations,” ZCTU secretary-general Japhet Moyo said.
“If they are talking about the same issues ZCTU has been talking about over the years, then I don’t see what will stop them from participating. Those who are interested will go and participate.”
Moyo said as ZCTU, their modus operandi is stayaways, something which is different from protest marches called by the MDC.
He said as the labour body, they have membership from both Zanu PF and MDC, hence they will not take a decision to have all their members participate in the demonstrations.
The MDC is preparing to confront Mnangagwa’s government, accusing his administration of failing to turn around the economy.
With threats coming from government and the ruling Zanu PF party, the main opposition has remained defiant, refusing to be cowed to abandon their plans.
Meanwhile, the MDC Youth Assembly has called on youths in the country to heed the call by their party president Nelson Chamisa to take to the streets against the government over the rising cost of living.
“Zanu PF, in its current form and entirety, has since degenerated into a looting conspiracy, hence its carefree attitude on pertinent economic issues like high prices, fuel shortages and electricity blackouts affecting our people,” MDC youth assembly national spokesperson Stephen Sarkozy Chuma said.
“This is the very reason why young people from across the political divide should flood the streets on August 16 to express their disdain at the military cabal that is threatening to wipe out the entire generation through its so-called austerity measures.”
He said it was their resolve as “an assembly of progress, young social democrats” to serve and save this generation as well as providing leadership and direction on issues of national interest.
Chuma said the current government was betraying the gains of the liberations struggle.
“Every August, the nation commemorates the gallant efforts of our liberation war heroes who selflessly took it upon themselves to extricate our country from the jaws of colonialism,” he said.
“Many paid the ultimate price to ensure that the liberation struggle’s three main cardinals of freedom, majority rule and one-man one-vote are realised and exercised by our people. There is a clique of a few greedy and corrupt individuals who have since diverted and capsized the revolutionary ship, hence upsetting the national interest agenda.”
Zanu PF youth league boss Pupurai Togarepi on Wednesday said they were going to fight the opposition party’s protests if they become violent, while the government has also threatened to unleash the military to thwart the demonstrations.-Newsday
By Majaira Jairosi| Since the November 2017 coup, fate ushered in a new breed of political predators whose consciences allow them to be cunning. Today Zimbabweans are living in one of most deplorable circumstances in the history of tyranny, with nothing but their dignity stripped by a ruthless government.
Soon after tricking both military men and the generality into believing that they were executing a revolution to target criminals around Mugabe, the current crop of rulers in-charge of Zimbabwe parcelled power to themselves.
They told Zimbabweans that they were a “New Dispensation”, A second republic, and that Zimbabwe was open for business. The leaders of the coup, Constantino Chiwenga, Sibusiso Moyo and Perence Shiri received so much goodwill and were supported by countries within the region and overseas countries particularly the united kingdom. The then UK ambassador Catriona Laing even became their patron.
The rebels imposed Emmerson Mnangagwa as their president and once in office Mnangagwa promised political reforms and the upliftment of the lives of ordinary Zimbabwe. His advisors were telling him the right things to say, such that many people started to believe in what he was saying and others thought he was sincere.
Events were unfolding so fast that within months, Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the elections date, which were to take place on the 31 July 2018. It was after the promulgation that we started to notice signs that the system was not a “new dispensation” but that it was a “second republic” carrying on with the habits of the fist republic.
They started to deviate from their promises of political reforms and the betterment of the people of Zimbabwe. The militarisation of the government, interference with Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, State capture of entities like The Herald and its sister papers and the prevalence of corruption, were most notable signs of a regime that was not up for transformation. Zimbabweans were soon to realise that there was a sharp dichotomy between genuine reforms and an orgy of lies.
Months leading to the elections exposed the Zanu PF regime as an unrepentant cult and that Mnangagwa was copying every tactic from Mugabe’s playbook. Zimbabwe went to elections with the play field tilted against the opposition. Promises of political reforms were never fulfilled and Zimbabweans continued to suffer.
Then the hell broke loose on,1st of August 2018, the eve of presidential elections results, when Zanu PF hoodlums clad in military fatigue fired live bullets at protestors killing six in the mayhem. This left the whole world shocked and many Zimbabweans deeply traumatised & disconsolate.
Those whose were having a soft spot on him were embarrassed and appalled by Mnangagwa’s decision let alone an act of ruthlessness and murder. But again, this was him, a man whose political history is littered with gory stories of murder and ruthlessness.
Soon after the tragedy, I tweeted on my twitter handle, giving a warning that Mnangagwa was unrepentant, difficult to rehabilitate and that if given an opportunity, he would kill again. It only took him five months and he killed again in January 2019, this time more than a dozen people were massacred on one of the regime’s other most horrendous act of terrorism against its own people.
To date nothing has change, the regime has not reformed. The appointment of people like Utoile Salaigwana & Loice Matanda Moyo is suspicious and leaves a lot to be desired. Salaigwana was one of the elections officers who oversaw one of Zimbabwe’s ugliest elections in 2008, which saw hundreds killed, but they still went on to declare Mugabe as a winner after a one man race re-run.
Loice Moyo is the wife of the man who announced the coup, Sibusiso Moyo, and has close links with ZEC’s Priscilla Chigumba and the judges who endorsed Mnangagwa in August 2018. She was appointed as chairperson of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Against this backdrop, it is high time that the opposition take a decisive position in dealing with the scourge of lies and pretence being exhibited by this regime. The planned demonstration on the 16th of August 2019 was long over due and every citizen who cares about Zimbabwe must come out and join others.
Mnangagwa’s regime has shown that they are not prepared to have a meaningful dialogue with people that matter, but they have opted to congregate a number of losers in a bogus dialogue, which they gave an acronym POLAD. The regime’s ignorance, its arrogance and contempt for the people, shows a total lack of sensitivity to national sensibilities, and now they have to safe the masses as they take dialogue to the streets.
Given the regime’s record of dishonesty when it comes to matters that require negotiations, it is necessary that dialogue be taken to the streets. Dialogues that are done in hotels over a cup of tea and a bowl of scones are futile. Nothing will ever materialise, after all this Zanu PF regime is not sincere and has never been sincere.
All along, the regime has been lying about reforms, but again one cannot run a country on lies and deception. The struggle in our great nation throughout the history has been between men of honesty and dishonesty men, between men of certitude and crooks; and between those with national interest at heart and those who see the nation as a casino.
We are eagerly waiting to see the depth of their lies and commitment to genuine reforms.
Majaira Jairosi
Researcher and MDC Activist
majairajairosi@gmail.com
CAPE TOWN – The Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation has called on South Africans to exercise caution when reacting to reports about foreign nationals allegedly fighting with police in Johannesburg.
Committee chairperson Tandi Mahambehlala said the temptation to resort to an “us against them” approach when dealing with foreigners should be rejected by South Africans.
Mahambehlala was responding to clashes between police and what some claim to be foreign small business owners in the Johannesburg CBD.
She warned that any response to that incident should not incite xenophobia.
“We’re saying this must be dealt with decisively. This cannot be allowed. In the midst of a country fighting crime, we cannot have foreign nationals behaving like that. But equally we must not incite violence. We must be careful.”
She said the committee supported the work of the Portfolio Committee on Home Affairs on the Border Management Authority Bill and believes it should be expedited in order to address challenges with immigration.
JOHANNESBURG – Seven police officers have been arrested for corruption and defeating the ends of justice during Wednesday’s raid in the Joburg CBD.
Officers returned to the city centre for a clamp-down on counterfeit goods.
They seized goods and took in more than 500 suspected immigrants for verification.
The operation followed last week’s violent clashes between shop owners and the police.
“It is worth noting was the arrest of seven police officers by their own colleagues for corruption and defeating the ends of justice. In the first incident, a warrant officer and four constables were arrested at Johannesburg Central Police Station after they were caught attempting to resell confiscated goods back to the illegal traders,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Mathapelo Peters.
“In the second incident, two members from the Tactical Response Team were arrested after police investigated a possible leak of information about the planned operation in the Johannesburg CBD. The two were linked through investigation and on an eyewitness account. Police believe the loot found in the 46 vehicles in the basement parking at Lister Building could be the cargo that was removed the night before after the illegal traders had received a tip-off.”
WATCH: Police seize machine guns, pistols in Joburg CBD raid
Jane Mlambo|ZESA Public Relations Manager Fullard Gwasira has broke the news that load-shedding has eased with power from South Africa’s Eskom reportedly flowing in starting today.
Many parts of the country surprisingly had power this morning, a departure from the crippling 16-18 hour load-shedding and ZESA has just clarified that its the Eskom power that has started flowing into Zimbabwe.
While some areas have reported to having power this morning, others have informed ZimEye that the situation has not changed.
Share with ZimEye the power situation in your area today?
Below is Gwasira’s tweet this morning…
FORMER Arda board chairman and businessman, Basil Nyabadza, has been arrested on allegations of stealing electricity at one of his premises after he connected illegal wires that bypassed Zesa metres.
Nyabadza is jointly charged with two of his employees, John Makuna and Rueben Mawarira, who are employed as the manager and block man at Halfway House in Headlands.
They appeared before Rusape magistrate, Mr Gift Manyika, who did not ask them to plead. The matter was moved to September 17 for trial.
Public prosecutor Mr Marlon Makamba told the court that the suspects violated Section 60A (b)(C2) of the Electricity Act Chapter 13:19 which criminalises the bypassing of the Zesa meter.
“The complainant is ZETDC represented by its loss control officer Lux Bungu. Sometime on a date unknown to the prosecutor up to 24 March 2018, Basil Nyabadza sent an electrician from Harare to go and connect electricity at Halfway House.
“The electrician came and was given permission by Makuna and Mawarira to connect electricity cables illegally thereby bypassing the Zesa meter. The accused persons had no lawful right to act in a manner they did,” said Mr Makamba.
Manica Post
FUEL prices will continue to rise on a weekly basis in line with the fluctuating dollar rate Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has warned.
Zera chief executive officer Eddington Mazambani told the Parliamentary Energy and Power Development Portfolio Committee on Thursday, that global crude oil prices also affect the prices in Zimbabwe while costs of insurance and freight as well as changes in monetary policy have played havoc with the market.
Fuel prices have gone up by 500% since January in Zimbabwe and early this year triggered violent demonstrations that left 17 people dead.
“We expect changes every week and prices are expected to increase weekly from the current $9.06 diesel and $9.01 petrol.
“The price of fuel has been going up internationally due mainly to relations between America and Iran and other oil producing countries. Pricing is not done by Zera but market forces are at play,” Mzambani said.
“Duty is contributing to fuel increases and those external forces I have mentioned. Issues to do with fixed based operators (FOBs), pipeline costs, financial costs plus the exchange rate, levies, administrative costs, handling and storage costs have all contributed to changes and increases in fuel prices.”
While the prices have continued to soar this has not translated to availability with queues still a common feature across the country.
Mazambani argued that availability was dependent on government availing enough foreign currency to bring in fuel that he said was sitting in its millions at the Msasa holding depot in Harare.
“Availability of fuel relies on government’s ability to raise foreign currency in the country,” he added.
According to Mazambani, the exchange rate for fuel is at $9.50 but Zera has been using $7.50. He added that Zimbabwe’s fuel prices are still below the regional average with “Zambia at US$1.20 and South Africa just above that but Angola was at almost at par with Zimbabwe.”
Zimbabwe needs 1.5 million litres of petrol per day and up to 2.5 million litres of diesel per day.
THE Bulawayo City Council is considering coming up with a second supplementary budget to increase rates by up to 1 000 percent arguing the city is in a crisis as it is failing to provide services.
The proposal comes at a time when Government is yet to approve the city’s first supplementary budget which sought to increase rates by 42 percent.
In May, the city council proposed to increase rates by 42 percent after residents rejected a 56 percent increment to finance its supplementary budget.
Speaking during a full council meeting on Wednesday, chairperson of the environmental management and engineering services committee Councillor Norman Hlabani said the 42 percent increment had been overtaken by events and would not assist council in any way.
“We’re in crisis and we’re failing to deliver the required services to the residents. We have no money because what the residents are paying is not enough to sustain council operations. We have decided that next week, all the 29 wards will inform the residents that we’re increasing by 1 000 percent,” said Cllr Hlabani.
He said council was struggling to attend to faulty sewer and water pipes due to lack of funding, adding that residents should pay more for council services.
“Inflation has increased significantly since last year and this obviously compromises service delivery. Residents therefore have to pay more to the city council,” said Clr Silas Chigora.
“We’re experiencing sewerage spillages and water bursts that must be attended to promptly to minimise impact on residents, reduce water losses and save on costs but we can’t do that because we don’t have the capacity.”
Other councillors expressed concern over poor service delivery by the city council, saying the local authority’s standards were deteriorating, while infrastructure was breaking down and council was failing to repair it.
They said council clinics were also failing to effectively deliver due to inadequate human resources, while some residents were going for days without water due to burst pipes.
They also highlighted that the shortage of fuel was seriously affecting their operations, especially critical services and refuse collection.
Jane Mlambo| Police have poured cold water on the planned demonstration by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change after posting on Twitter clarifying that they are yet to respond to the notice for the 16 August mass action.
Through its official Twitter handle @PoliceZimbabwe, the police acknowledged receiving the MDC notification but were quick to state that considerations were still being made on the notice with an official response yet to be given.
“The ZRP acknowledges receipt of MDC A notification on the intended demonstration on 16/8/19, however the Police reiterates that considerations are still being made on the notification and the official response is yet to be given to the concerned convener,” said the ZRP.
The ZRP acknowledges receipt of MDC A notification on the intended demonstration on 16/8/19, however the Police reiterates that considerations are still being made on the notification and the official response is yet to be given to the concerned convener.@ZBCNewsonline
— Zimbabwe Republic Police (@PoliceZimbabwe) August 9, 2019
Knowing the politics in Zimbabwe and the circulating messages to the effect that the mega demonstration would a final push against President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the police notice clearly shows that the event will not be sanctioned.
By A Correspondent| The Zimbabwe Republic Police has acknowledged receipt of the opposition MDC notice of intent to demonstrate revealing that the force is still making considerations regarding the notice and will issue the official response in due course.
Opposition MDC led by Nelson Chamisa issued a notice of the party’s intention to demonstrate on August 16 2019 over the current economic meltdown in the country.
The ZRP said:
“The ZRP acknowledges receipt of MDC A notification on the intended demonstration on 16 August 2019.
However, the police reiterates that considerations are still being made on the notification and the official response is yet to be given to the concerned convener.”
The goverment through the Postal and Telecommunicatins Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has approved a tariff increase for mobile network operators (MNOs) citing a shifting exchange rate and higher fuel prices.
MNOs have previously threatened to cut off service citing the high cost of running business due to the incessant hours of elecricity loadshedding, which can last for as long as 18 hours.
Government has increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations to parliamentarians from $50 000 to $200 000 with immediate effect.
This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube while responding to parliamentarians during debate on the Mid-Term Budget Review Statement and Supplementary Budget presented last week.
“Honourable Members would also be pleased to note that we have increased the budget for the CDF from $50 000 to $200 000 per member,’’ Minister Ncube said.
The CDF is given to National Assembly members to carry out development projects in their respective constituencies.
Parliamentarians have been complaining that the $50 000 was no longer adequate to carry out any meaningful development projects due to inflation.
Meanwhile, debate on the Budget was continuously disrupted by MDC-Alliance members yesterday.
The legislators from the opposition party initially indicated that they would not continue debating the Budget, saying that it was flawed.
“We have decided to withdraw our participation because we have made attempts to debate factually, but it looks they are not interested, so we are not going to be part of this circus.
“Their Budget is fundamentally flawed and we refuse to be part of it,” said MDC-Alliance proportional representative member Tabitha Khumalo.
The legislators eventually left the chamber only to return to continue with their interjections while Warren Park D representative Mr Shakespeare Hamauswa tried to participate despite his party’s earlier position.
However, leader of Government business in Parliament and Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi objected to the move.
“They (MDC-Alliance) are on record that they will no longer debate the Budget. So if they want to debate they should first withdraw that statement,” he said.
The supplementary Budget was eventually passed.
With everyone and their mother getting a VIP seat to witness the demise of Olinda and Tytan’s marriage, it was a matter of time before the head of state was dragged into the current affairs.
Going with the belief that the president is always up to date with the events going on in his country some netizens have quizzed president Emmerson Mnangagwa if he heard about the drama too and if he has anything to say about it .
Yesterday the the troubled couple broke the internet after Tytan announced that their marriage was over, citing domestic abuse as one of the reasons.
This was followed by another social media meltdown by Olinda who denied whacking Tytan, claiming that he was the one who in fact beat her up and was trying to garner sympathy from the immigration authorities so they could grant him a visa to stay in the country,
President Mnangagwa who occasionally does Facebook Q & A sessions might have to throw in his two cents in the matter concerning his wayward kids (Olinda & Tytan). Big dad ED might have to intervene.
By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Mnangagwa Jr, has rejected recent media reports that he borrowed money from CBZ Bank and failed to pay back the money.
Some media publications released names of senior political and business leaders who allegedly borrowed funds amounting to millions of dollars in some cases, from the bank.
CBZ is reported to have roped in lawyers in a bid to recover millions in US dollars that it is owed. Mnangagwa Jr’s name is on the list of defaulters.
However, in a statement on Thursday, Mnangagwa rejected the reports.
He said:
In recent days, there has been a systematic attempt, through the media, to link me to certain transactions and conduct, with a clear intent to bear public public judgement on my person.
I would therefore like to make the following facts clear: (a) I do not currently hold, nor have I ever held, an account with the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) neither have I ever transacted with them
(b) I have no involvement, past or present with a company called Spartan Investments,
(c) I fully support the President’s anti-corruption efforts and the work of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC): I have had absolutely no involvement in any efforts to influence or circumvent its workings.
I take serious note of the timing of allegations, innuendos and attempts to involve my name as not only malicious, but an oblique attack on the President to divert and derail him from his path of fighting corruption and instituting reforms.-StateMedia
FORMER South African president Jacob Zuma is expected in the country today for the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) regional conference to be held at Khumalo Hotel in Bulawayo.
He will address the church’s gathering and visit the family of the late national hero Dr Dumiso Dabengwa in Fourwinds suburb to pay his respects following the death of the liberation icon in May.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said: “I have spoken to their church leader who confirmed that they are expecting a visit from former South African President Jacob Zuma tomorrow (today). He is also expected to address the gathering.”
Mr Zuma’s spokesperson Mr Vukile Mathabela said the former president was invited by the local church leadership and it will be inappropriate for him to comment on his visit.
“Speak to the church. You know why? Because I don’t know their arrangements as far as the media is concerned so we need to respect that. And when someone is being invited, you don’t know their arrangements and we have to abide by that,” said Mr Mathabela.
UCCSA, which is the former London Missionary Society is the oldest church in Zimbabwe and has branches in South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique and Namibia.
Zimbabwe is assuming the regional leadership.
Rev Cele said the public are free to attend the conference that ends on Sunday.
THE Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) yesterday said it was not pursuing political agendas in its arrests of high-ranking Government officials for alleged corruption.
ZACC commissioner John Makamure said this during a Transparency International Zimbabwe national anti-corruption indaba in Bulawayo. He said ZACC was conducting due diligence and the arrests are based on evidence.
ZACC has arrested two high profile individuals, Environment, Tourism and Hospital Industry Minister, Prisca Mupfumira in connection with criminal abuse of office involving US$95 million and former Director of State Residences Douglas Tapfuma for allegedly abusing his office by importing 80 vehicles without paying duty.
The two cases are being handled by the courts. “I don’t think that the commission is involved in factional fights. From my few days in the commission we are not pursuing a factional agenda. If you look at the Mupfumira case we were basing our investigations on the forensic audit. That’s where the investigations are emanating from. So we don’t care if that name appeared in a list that the Zanu-PF Youth League presented. That’s immaterial,” said Comm Makamure.
“It’s the forensic report that has provided information and evidence that we can use to investigate and we are also looking at the Auditor General’s report. What we are doing with the Auditor General’s report is to identify the issues and entities. Issues first, if it’s abuse of office what is the magnitude? Then from there we unleash investigations.”
He said they got tip-offs on some of the high-profile cases they were investigating.
Comm Makamure said ZACC is aware of the negative perception that some among the public have on the institution but the commissioners are trying to change it.
“So for ZACC to investigate suspected corruption we base it on information that we get from citizens as well. So there is no factional agenda that ZACC is trying to pursue. But let me say yes it’s public perception and we as ZACC we should correct that. And how do we correct it? There must be results in the work that we do and we must meaningfully engage with citizens,” said Comm Makamure.
“I fully agree that public perception about the fight against corruption is negative. That negative public perception is justified because people want to see results. And I also spoke about conviction, what can we do together to ensure that there is a high conviction rate, so that we deal with negative public perception.”
He said ZACC is engaging various stakeholders to address the perception issue and ways it can improve on its duties.
Comm Makamure said ZACC was investigating more than 20 graft cases at the moment.
“Let me also define high profile cases, high profile is not only the person, high profile is also the magnitude of corruption, if a public official even a junior official has stolen $1 billion that is high profile. Yes, a person is high profile but also the extent of that corruption. I said at the moment ZACC is seized with over 20 high profile cases since we were sworn into office as new commissioners. So those are being investigated,” he said.
Comm Makamure said ZACC has capacity to deliver on its mandate although there is room to improve.
“The capacity is there. In fact as ZACC we have said our priority should be grand corruption, those are high profile cases. Petty corruption, the police can deal with that, small cases of corruption but grand corruption, high profile that is our priority and we have the capacity to do that.
“One major area of weakness is our investigations capacity. We have prioritised in terms of resource allocation, investigation and we have prioritised prevention and we have prioritised good corporate governance. Those are the areas that we have prioritised. There are some capacity issues and this is what we are trying to address,” said Comm Makamure.
Zanu PF rocked by internal plots to impeach Mnangagwa. Insiders say the party last week dispatched its National Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda to Mashonaland Central Province to go and investigate and douse any fires from a few MP’s who are said to have been working with the opposition.
ZANU PF is now seized with reports of attempts to impeach President Emmerson Mnangagwa by the legislators from the opposition MDC who have managed to win the support of some willing Zanu PF MPs, the Zim Morning Post has heard.
Investigations show that some MPs who are remnants of the former ousted vice president Joice Mujuru are alleged to be the key people pushing for impeachment within Zanu PF.
“They are working with the former minister of Transport Nicholas Goche who was dropped by the former President Robert Mugabe for being a Mujuru loyalist,” the source said. “Goche also vowed that he will never work with Mnangagwa and now the MPs are always seen in his company.”
Sources also said an audio recording of one of the meeting where impeachment plot was discussed has been handed over to the state security. The Legislators who are said to have been attending caucus meetings with MDC legislators are Tendai Nyabani, Kenneth Musanhi, Oscar Gorerino and Sydney Chidamba.
Musanhi was allegedly roped in because of his strong financial muscle which includes owning a fleet of aeroplanes and his close personal relationship with former President Robert Mugabe is an open secret. “People did not interrogate why Mnangagwa dropped the former PC Engelbert Rugeje. He was now being controlled and sponsored by Musanhi,” said the source.
Zanu PF sources said last Saturday Matemadanda informed the Mashonaland Central Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) that the party was aware of the plot and that measures will be put in place to bring the culprits to book. In an interview with this publication Matemadanda said the party has heard information to that effect.
“The party is a system with eyes and ears. We have heard that information. I cannot reveal what we will do next,” he said. Media was recently awash with reports that MDC is at an advanced stage in plotting the impeachment process but lacked the numbers in parliament.
A NewsDay report last week stated that the MDC was working with some of the ruling Zanu PF party legislators to impeach Mnangagwa. According to the report Epworth legislator Ethrage Kureva said the MDC party would soon be moving a motion to impeach Mnangagwa.
“Among the processes we will be using to oust Mnangagwa out of office for his failure to deal with economic problems, which have seen the country go 18 hours without electricity daily, is impeachment and we are working with those in Zanu PF to ensure it’s successful,” Kureva is reported to have said.
According to the NewsDay report the MDC will need support from Zanu PF, which holds a two-thirds majority in Parliament. “Party insiders said the MDC was engaging disgruntled Zanu PF legislators, who feel that they are being targeted one by one for having belonged to the ousted G40 cabal.
“The impeachment strategy is also on the table and Zanu PF legislators are willing to come on board. They are also unhappy with the government and sad economic state of affairs. “So as the MDC, we are looking to use the factions in the party to bring pressure on his doorstep,” an MDC insider told NewsDay.
Since the 2018 plebiscite, Zanu PF has been infiltrated with disgruntled elements from the ousted G40 which was fronted by the former First Lady Grace Mugabe.
In February this year, Zim Morning Post exclusively revealed that Mnangagwa was handed a dossier which implicated the incarcerated Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Priscah Mupfumira. Sources in the party said Mupfumira was “leaking information to our enemies who belong to the ousted G40 faction.”
President Mnangagwa’s son, Emmerson Jnr, yesterday distanced himself from allegations that he abused his proximity to power to obtain loans from a local bank without collateral and may have been involved in compiling lists of corrupt bigwigs.
He said dragging his name into these allegations could be an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing corruption fight being spearheaded by the President.
“In recent days, there has been a systematic attempt, through the media, to link me to certain transactions and conduct, with a clear intent to bear public judgment on my person,” he said in a statement yesterday.
“I would therefore like to make the following facts clear: (a) I do not currently hold, nor have I ever held, an account with the Commercial Bank of Zimbabwe (CBZ) neither have I ever transacted with them, (b) I have no involvement, past or present with a company called Spartan Investments, (c) I fully support the President’s anti-corruption efforts and the work of the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC): I have had absolutely no involvement in any efforts to influence or circumvent its workings,” said Mr Mnangagwa.
He added that as a private citizen, he had “not given any instructions to anyone in ZANU-PF or any institution” to compile lists or targets of people to be arrested on corruption allegations.
“I take serious note of the timing of allegations, innuendos and attempts to involve my name as not only malicious, but an oblique attack on the President to divert and derail him from his path of fighting corruption and instituting reforms,” he concluded.
Mr Mnangagwa urged the media and citizens to be wary of disinformation and diversionary tactics in light of the pursuit of national agenda goals such as the fight against corruption.
MORE than 100 people in Bulawayo were on Tuesday trained on how to make bread using Dutch ovens as part of Zanu-PF’s economic empowerment projects.
Zanu-PF last month launched empowerment projects which include bread-making, confectionery, petroleum jelly making, shoe polish making, floor polish making, building of Dutch ovens and the making of dust ovens.
The community bakery programme has seen various teams being dispatched across the country to train more community-based bread makers.
Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said the programme was targeting to ease bread shortages in the country and economically empower party members, especially women.
“This is a skills-training programme that is meant to improve food security in the country. More than 100 people came for the training at Davies Hall and they were trained how to bake bread using Dutch ovens and making shoe polish and candles.
“We expect them to train more people. We’re promoting self-sufficiency to make sure that people don’t spend time queueing for bread and other basic commodities in supermarkets,” said Minister Ncube.
She said the reason why people were being trained how to use the Dutch ovens is to enable them to operate even if they don’t have electricity.
The Minister said the turnout was encouraging.
“We’re happy with the positive turnout. This shows that people are embracing the programme.
These people have a task of imparting the acquired skills back in their wards. We want more people to acquire these skills,” said Minister Ncube.
The country has been facing bread shortages attributed to the shortage of foreign currency to buy wheat and other ingredients.
Wheat shortages have paralysed several bakeries, resulting in bread shortages and pushing the price of the commodity to $8.
Malaria has killed more than 1 800 people in Burundi this year, the UN’s humanitarian agency says, a death toll rivalling a deadly Ebola outbreak in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.
In its latest situation report, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 5.7 million cases of malaria had been recorded in Burundi in 2019 — a figure roughly equal to half its entire population. Of those cases, a total of 1 801 died from the mosquito-born disease in Burundi between January 1 and July 21, OCHA said.
The tiny country of 11 million people in the African Great Lakes region has still not declared a national emergency, despite OCHA saying the outbreak crossed “epidemic proportions” in May.
Videographic on malaria. A new report suggests virtually all mosquitoes that spread malaria can be killed by a genetically modified fungus. “The national malaria outbreak response plan, which is currently being validated, has highlighted a lack of human, logistical and financial resources for effective response,” OCHA said in its latest weekly bulletin on humanitarian emergencies.
“All stakeholders, including the national authorities and partners are called upon to provide the requisite resources to mount a robust response to this event before it escalates.”
A lack of preventative measures like mosquito nets, climatic changes and increased movements of people from mountain areas with low immunity to malaria were driving the crisis, OCHA said. — AFP
POLICE have said cases of housebreaking are on the increase in Bulawayo while theft from motor vehicle cases have declined.
In an interview, Bulawayo police spokesperson Inspector Abednico Ncube said there were more than 100 more cases reported in the first seven months of this year as compared to the same period last year.
“Between the months of January and July in 2018 we received reports of 2 280 cases of unlawful entry and housebreaking. The number shot to 2 391 cases in 2019. We therefore realised a 110 percent increase,” he said.
Insp Ncube said theft from motor vehicle cases had gone down by 300 cases under the same period.
“In 2018 we attended to 1 279 cases of theft from motor vehicles between January and July. However, the number has gone down to 972 cases within the same period this year,” he said.
Insp Ncube said a lot of arrests had been made although he could not disclose the actual number at the time of publication.
“At this time I cannot give an exact figure on the number of people arrested in connection with the cases. However, what I can state is that for most of the cases, arrests have been made with positive identification and some people have even recovered stolen property,” he said.
Insp Ncube commended members of the public for continuing to assist police through co-operating and volunteering information.
“Most of our successful operations have been as a result of joint efforts between the police and members of the public who are an important stakeholder. Most of our achievements are due to the participation of the public,” he said.State media
VETERAN football administrator, Willard Manyengavana, who died on Monday was laid to rest at Glen Forest Memorial Park in Harare yesterday.
The funeral wake was attended by the who’s who of local football and they described him as a unifier who worked hard to see football develop.
Zifa president, Felton Kamambo, said the timing of his death was cruel as they needed him to help them stabilise the game.
“Willard was a committed administrator, a very experienced one and he was also a unifier and it’s unfortunate he has been taken away from us.
“When we had problems, Willard would always be advising, he had time for football, he could talk to anyone and had time for everyone.
“He wished that there would be peace in football and we are going to work throughout day and night to ensure that our ship is stable.
“He did well in the Northern Region, he was handling that role professionally and the community and business people had actually accepted him.’’
Family representative, Evaristo Benyera, said they had lost a pillar.
“From an early age he demonstrated ability to bring people together and he lived his dream in the end.
“He has taken our family name somewhere and the void will be difficult to fill,’ said Benyera.
It was also revealed Manyengavana once took a homeless boy to take care of him.
Tatenda Muyeza, who was taken from a local church, said he was at pains to describe his loss.
“I had nowhere to stay and he took me and, together with his wife, allowed me to stay in his house back in 1998 and he looked after me.
“No one knew that we were not related as he treated me like one of his sons,’’ said Muyeza.
The domestic football leadership, including PSL chairman Farai Jere, suspended Zifa vice-president Gift Banda, the legendary Moses Chunga, David Mandigora, Charles Mabika, David George, Kenny Ndebele, Hussein Amidu, David Sengu, Justice Majabvi, Edward Sadomba, were part of the people who converged at Glen Forest Memorial Park.State media
THE Bulawayo City Council is considering coming up with a second supplementary budget to increase rates by up to 1 000 percent arguing the city is in a crisis as it is failing to provide services.
The proposal comes at a time when Government is yet to approve the city’s first supplementary budget which sought to increase rates by 42 percent.
In May, the city council proposed to increase rates by 42 percent after residents rejected a 56 percent increment to finance its supplementary budget.
Speaking during a full council meeting on Wednesday, chairperson of the environmental management and engineering services committee Councillor Norman Hlabani said the 42 percent increment had been overtaken by events and would not assist council in any way.
“We’re in crisis and we’re failing to deliver the required services to the residents. We have no money because what the residents are paying is not enough to sustain council operations. We have decided that next week, all the 29 wards will inform the residents that we’re increasing by 1 000 percent,” said Cllr Hlabani.
He said council was struggling to attend to faulty sewer and water pipes due to lack of funding, adding that residents should pay more for council services.State media
THE Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) executive has thrown its weight behind the Zanu PF youth league’s anti-corruption drive by calling on party and government officials implicated in corrupt activities to resign.
Zanu PF secretary for war veterans Douglas Mahiya said those named in corrupt activities must do the “honourable thing and resign” instead of using the courts to try and clear their names.
“If you are in government or holding a senior party position, you should resign when your name is fingered in corrupt activities,” Mahiya told ex-combatants
on Tuesday during a meeting held at the ZNLWVA Entumbane offices in Bulawayo.
“There is nothing absolute with the law. Some of the accused are able to evade the justice system through the courts. So if your name has been fingered in
corruption allegations; do the honourable thing and resign.
Mahiya added: “We should speak against corruption. Some people will use legal technicalities to escape being jailed despite it being a fact that they stole
money.”
This comes at a time when the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission has been given arresting powers.NewsDay
Government has increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations to parliamentarians from $50 000 to $200 000 with immediate effect.
This was said by Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube while responding to parliamentarians during debate on the Mid-Term Budget Review Statement and Supplementary Budget presented last week.
“Honourable Members would also be pleased to note that we have increased the budget for the CDF from $50 000 to $200 000 per member,’’ Minister Ncube said.
The CDF is given to National Assembly members to carry out development projects in their respective constituencies.
Parliamentarians have been complaining that the $50 000 was no longer adequate to carry out any meaningful development projects due to inflation.State media
The senior and the U20 national sides taking part in the COSAFA competitions have failed to go beyond the semifinal stage.
The Mighty Warriors lost 3-1 to South Africa while the juniors suffered a 1-0 defeat to Zambia.
The U20 team reached the round after finishing second in Group A. The loss was their second at the tournament.
The senior side had a difficult encounter, with South Africa dominating play throughout the game.
The hosts took the lead just after quarter-hour courtesy Bambanani Mbane’s effort before Mavis Chirandu equalised on minute 21. Amanda Mthandi restored the advantage on the stroke of half-time and Busisiwe Ndimeni killed the contest with nine minutes to the full-time.
Zim Mighty Warriors to face Botswana in 3/4th play-off with South Africa setting a date with Zambia in the final of the COSAFA Women Championship.
The final of the U20 tournament will feature Zambia and Tanzania while Zimbabwe and South Africa face each other in the 3/4th play-off.Soccer24
ZESA Holdings has embarked on a national blitz to disconnect all households illegally connected to the grid.
The operation comes after ZESA Holdings is losing millions of dollars from households using free electricity.
The Herald witnessed some of the disconnection process yesterday in Mbare and at Glen Norah A Specimen shopping centre.
The illegally connected houses have prepaid meters, but they do not recharge their meters. These meters have a fixed balance of zero because electricity is drawn straight from the main cables.
ZESA spokesperson Mr Fullard Gwasira said the company was losing a lot of money due to illegal connections.
“Our projections are that we have been losing about $10 million per quarter so for this year we have lost about $20 million through theft of electricity.
“I think what’s important is for our customers to appreciate that we have launched a nationwide campaign to try and rectify this anomaly going in all institutions and installations.
“Our system has an in-built capacity to identity those meters that are transacting or that have suspicious low consumption so we are guided, so this is the analysis that we are following through regularising.
“When customers are found wanting it’s important to emphasise that it’s a criminal offence that is punishable by a 10-year jail sentence in addition to the company recouping its money,’’ he said.State media
Farai Dziva|The Castle Lager Premier Soccer League round 18 will be played over this weekend with Black Rhinos taking on Bulawayo Giants Highlanders.
The games involving FC Platinum and Triangle United have been scheduled for Wednesday as the two teams will be featuring in the CAF interclub competitions.
Fixtures:
Saturday, August 10
Highlanders vs Black Rhinos (Barbourfields Stadium)
ZPC Kariba vs Chicken Inn (Nyamhunga Stadium)
Bulawayo Chiefs vs Chapungu (Luveve Stadium)
Yadah vs Hwange (Rufaro Stadium)
Telone vs Herentals (Ascot Stadium)
Sunday, August 11
Manica Diamonds vs Caps United (Vengere Stadium)
Dynamos vs Mushowani Stars (Rufaro Stadium)
Wednesday, August 14
Ngezi Platinum vs Triangle (Baobab Stadium) Fc Platinum vs Harare City (Mandava Stadium).
Farai Dziva|MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe has claimed that protests will not resolve the country’s economic challenges.
Khupe is part of the national dialogue under the banner of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad).
Khupe told a state run publication she was against the protests.
“My issue is that you can only resolve issues by sitting around the table and talking to each other.
You cannot resolve issues by throwing stones, by burning tyres and by going out there. But you can only resolve issues by sitting around and discussing issues like we are doing right now (in Polad).
If we sit down with them (Government) and they explain to us what is going on, we can also give our input. I’m pretty sure that Government and the President listen to some of the issues that we present to them,” said Khupe.
“The problem is the exchange rates. The prices are increasing because they are chasing the exchange rate. Once it goes up everything else increases. That is what we have told them that you must deal with the issue of prices because the cost of living does not match wages and salaries. Wages must match the cost of living,” she added.
Farai Dziva|Prominent social media analyst Antony Taruvinga has described the introduction of the livestock taxation scheme by the government as a ploy to steal from farmers.
See Taruvinga’s argument :
The value of cattle whether opening or closing stock cannot be treated as part of income.
Depending on intended use, cattle can be included in the capital, fixed or current assets when preparing accounts but not part of gross income.
This is a desperate move by government to further rip and eat into farmers’ households.
Farmers across the country esp. tobacco and cotton farmers remain poor despite huge output which they surrender to government and dubious companies for peanuts…
Taxation will not grow the economy. The government must focus on production not taxation. Why squeezing an overburdened, overtaxed population?
The people are encouraged to refuse to be used to finance the operation of both Zanu PF and illegitimate government of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
It’s a sad story.
Farai Dziva|The MDC has described the bail conditions for the party’s youth assembly secretary general Gift Siziba as unfair and stringent.
See the party’s full statement:
The MDC is unhappy about the new bail conditions that have been imposed on our Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba.
Siziba appeared at the Rotten Row Magistrates court this morning.
He was remanded to the 2nd of September 2019
However, the court today added more stringent terms to his bail conditions
Under the new tight conditions, Siziba is now expected to report to the police at least three times a week. His travel documents have also been taken away from him.
Siziba has since then instructed his lawyers to lodge an appeal urgently
The MDC suspects that there has been a high level of political interference in his case.
The MDC would like to thank all party leaders and members who turned out in their large numbers today in solidarity with SG Siziba
Daniel Molokele
MDC Spokesperson
MDC: Change That Delivers
Mthuli Ncube’s argument that inflation is not as high as claimed can find symphasers, but it is a technical argument which ignores realities as felt by Zimbabweans.
The basis of his argument is that we should compare ‘like with like’ (which is statistically logical), suggesting that the baseline data we have been using erroneously takes USD prices from say 2018 and compare then with RTGS prices in 2019! He insists we should compare USD prices in 2018 and USD prices now. ONLY that he forgets that it is the same government that he serves that started the 1:1 fictitious parity between USD and RTGS. That fictious 1:1 parity between USD and RTGS became a default baseline.
Using it as a baseline for inflation becomes logical. In people’s lives the goverment made comparing RTGS and USD a comparison of “like with like”! When the government scrapped the USD, it DIDN’T adjust and rate the new RTGS incomes to USD.
Which suggested that moving from USD incomes to RGTS was moving from ‘like to like’. This is what unleashed the inflationary rollercoster. If Mthuli were to be granted his claims of faulty baseline data, workers also would claim faulty baseline incomes on the change over from USD to RTGS. He cannot have his cake and eat it too! Mcdonald Lewanika Maxwell Sibanda Maxwell Saungweme Dzikamai Francis Bere Discent Hon Criss Freeman Chari Arnold Rangarirayi Chamunogwa Thulani Collins Mswelanto Edgar Gweshe Kumbirai Mafunda
Farai Dziva|MDC T leader Thokozani Khupe believes dialogue is the permanent solution to the country’s economic problems.
“We want to know for how long we are going to feel that pain before things change because we know that the economy has been down and under for a long time. We are looking for permanent solutions for our problems. We don’t want things that are not going to help us at the end of the day.
“We want permanent solutions to our problems. We want an economy that is going to be built on a strong foundation. While we don’t expect things to change overnight, there are things that need to be fixed like the cost of living which should match salaries and wages. That is exactly what we said to them. Look into prices which are rising everyday. Surely they must do something about that,” Khupe told a state run publication.
Khupe is part of the Emmerson Mnangagwa led POLAD discussion forum.
The Nelson Chamisa led MDC has distanced itself from POLAD arguing the whole thing lacks sincerity.
The Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has learnt with utter shock and dismay the contents of the recently released Auditor’s report which reveals that through the then Minister of Public Service Labor and Social Welfare and her associates, the organization suffered a potential financial prejudice amounting to $167,713, 756.00 and actual financial prejudice of $7,536,375.00.
Indicated in the same report is the criminal conduct of NSSA employees working in cahoots with the Minister where the former awarded the MetBank facilities that were not merited leading to a huge exposure of $62,003,96.00. The corruption within NSSA might look like mere figures, but quite sadly they have far reaching socio-economic implications on the livelihoods of pensioners. At the center of the effects of the NSSA scandal is the failure by the institution to honor its obligations on pensions. After decades of hard work and deductions, retirees become paupers due to the avarice of corrupt politicians who seek to profit at the expense of the impoverished workers.
The criminals must not go unpunished but beyond the punitive measures that we expect to be taken against those who have been caught with their fingers in the pie, the MDC proposes systemic and structural reforms of the public pension fund. We acknowledge that pushing for NSSA reform in the absence of political stability and under the current illegitimate administration is a tall order.
We also acknowledge that progress on pension fund governance builds on the level of governance in the whole economy which is currently in tatters. Nonetheless, guided by our conscience and core values of justice and fairness, we are taking it upon ourselves to stand in defense of the vulnerable pensioner; hence in the short term, the MDC through its parliamentary deployees will push for a
Pension Reform Act that will necessitate the creation of a Pension Reform Taskforce which seeks to:
1.Guarantee the provision of adequate and viable retirement income to all NSSA contributors
2.Protect the vulnerable against livelihoods risk due to corruption and undue political interference
3.Improve the hygiene and governance practice of the organization especially ensuring that the responsible Minister and Treasury must not have disproportionate power over the Pension Fund.
4.To ensure that there must be a clear separation between the investment arm of NSSA and the wing that deals with the administration of pensions.
The Act must empower the Pension Reform Taskforce to embark on a robust reform of NSSA exercise that will cure the current problems such as the fact that the pension fund is not shielded from political pressure, investment policies do not respect guidance regarding risk exposure and accountability to members is weak. The mechanism for minimizing corruption and fraudulent activities within NSAA must focus on:
3.Fund Management, this must be in the custody of competent and qualified professionals with their only objective being to serve
The MDC also proffers the following suggestions which will help combat corruption in a future centralized retirement fund.
(i) Introduction of criminal sanctions for all corruption related offenses especially for public officials
(ii) Provision of and setting up special criminal courts to deal with corruption and economic crimes.
(iii) The right and mechanism for a direct recall of elected officials by the electorate.
(iv) Mandatory declaration of assets for public officials.
(v) Establishing, strengthening and institutionalizing the National Economic Crimes Inspectorate (NECI).
(vi) Regular State sanctioned life-style audits.
(vii) Limited Terms of office for all senior public executives including heads of State enterprises and parastatals.
(viii) Strengthening transparency mechanisms on State procurement including the introduction of public bidding on major public tenders.
(ix) Increased access to information for citizens including publication of terms and conditions of public and public- guaranteed contracts.
(x) Strengthened oversight role for parliament in all public enterprise.
(xi) Strengthened oversight role for the Civic Society and the Media.
The MDC is committed to an efficient, corruption-free civil service whose primary objective is to serve the citizen.
Maureen Kademaunga
Secretary for Public Service and Social Welfare
By Majaira Jairosi| Since the November 2017 coup, fate ushered in a new breed of political predators whose consciences allow them to be cunning. Today Zimbabweans are living in one of most deplorable circumstances in the history of tyranny, with nothing but their dignity stripped by a ruthless government.
Soon after tricking both military men and the generality into believing that they were executing a revolution to target criminals around Mugabe, the current crop of rulers in-charge of Zimbabwe parcelled power to themselves.
They told Zimbabweans that they were a “New Dispensation”, A second republic, and that Zimbabwe was open for business. The leaders of the coup, Constantino Chiwenga, Sibusiso Moyo and Perence Shiri received so much goodwill and were supported by countries within the region and overseas countries particularly the united kingdom. The then UK ambassador Catriona Laing even became their patron.
The rebels imposed Emmerson Mnangagwa as their president and once in office Mnangagwa promised political reforms and the upliftment of the lives of ordinary Zimbabwe. His advisors were telling him the right things to say, such that many people started to believe in what he was saying and others thought he was sincere.
Events were unfolding so fast that within months, Emmerson Mnangagwa announced the elections date, which were to take place on the 31 July 2018. It was after the promulgation that we started to notice signs that the system was not a “new dispensation” but that it was a “second republic” carrying on with the habits of the fist republic.
They started to deviate from their promises of political reforms and the betterment of the people of Zimbabwe. The militarisation of the government, interference with Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, State capture of entities like The Herald and its sister papers and the prevalence of corruption, were most notable signs of a regime that was not up for transformation. Zimbabweans were soon to realise that there was a sharp dichotomy between genuine reforms and an orgy of lies.
Months leading to the elections exposed the Zanu PF regime as an unrepentant cult and that Mnangagwa was copying every tactic from Mugabe’s playbook. Zimbabwe went to elections with the play field tilted against the opposition. Promises of political reforms were never fulfilled and Zimbabweans continued to suffer.
Then the hell broke loose on,1st of August 2018, the eve of presidential elections results, when Zanu PF hoodlums clad in military fatigue fired live bullets at protestors killing six in the mayhem. This left the whole world shocked and many Zimbabweans deeply traumatised & disconsolate. Those whose were having a soft spot on him were embarrassed and appalled by Mnangagwa’s decision let alone an act of ruthlessness and murder. But again, this was him, a man whose political history is littered with gory stories of murder and ruthlessness.
Soon after the tragedy, I tweeted on my twitter handle, giving a warning that Mnangagwa was unrepentant, difficult to rehabilitate and that if given an opportunity, he would kill again. It only took him five months and he killed again in January 2019, this time more than a dozen people were massacred on one of the regime’s other most horrendous act of terrorism against its own people.
To date nothing has change, the regime has not reformed. The appointment of people like Utoile Salaigwana & Loice Matanda Moyo is suspicious and leaves a lot to be desired. Salaigwana was one of the elections officers who oversaw one of Zimbabwe’s ugliest elections in 2008, which saw hundreds killed, but they still went on to declare Mugabe as a winner after a one man race re-run. Loice Moyo is the wife of the man who announced the coup, Sibusiso Moyo, and has close links with ZEC’s Priscilla Chigumba and the judges who endorsed Mnangagwa in August 2018. She was appointed as chairperson of Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC).
Against this backdrop, it is high time that the opposition take a decisive position in dealing with the scourge of lies and pretence being exhibited by this regime. The planned demonstration on the 16th of August 2019 was long over due and every citizen who cares about Zimbabwe must come out and join others.
Mnangagwa’s regime has shown that they are not prepared to have a meaningful dialogue with people that matter, but they have opted to congregate a number of losers in a bogus dialogue, which they gave an acronym POLAD. The regime’s ignorance, its arrogance and contempt for the people, shows a total lack of sensitivity to national sensibilities, and now they have to safe the masses as they take dialogue to the streets.
Given the regime’s record of dishonesty when it comes to matters that require negotiations, it is necessary that dialogue be taken to the streets. Dialogues that are done in hotels over a cup of tea and a bowl of scones are futile. Nothing will ever materialise, after all this Zanu PF regime is not sincere and has never been sincere.
All along, the regime has been lying about reforms, but again one cannot run a country on lies and deception. The struggle in our great nation throughout the history has been between men of honesty and dishonesty men, between men of certitude and crooks; and between those with national interest at heart and those who see the nation as a casino.
We are eagerly waiting to see the depth of their lies and commitment to genuine reforms.
Majaira Jairosi
Researcher and MDC Activist
majairajairosi@gmail.com
By A Correspondent- Disgruntled Zanu PF members in Kadoma this week dragged former Kadoma Central Member of Parliament Fani Fanuel Phiri to appear before the Justice Tendai Uchena-led Lands Commission to answer allegations of diverting more than 600 residential stands to his personal project.
The unhappy party members, led by Panyika Jack, are accusing the former legislator of diverting the stands to his Berina Housing Scheme after the party had donated 50 hectares, being part of Pixie Combie, to the party leadership in Kadoma’s 12 wards.
“Sir, we are here as disgruntled Zanu PF members to find out how Berina Housing Scheme is being run by former Kadoma Central Member of Parliament, Fani Phiri,” Panyika said.
“The government through the then Local Government Minister, Ignatius Chombo, donated 50 hectares of land in Pixie Combie to be shared among Zanu PF leadership
in Kadoma, but the former legislator grabbed the land and formed Berina Housing Scheme with the stands that were meant for the people.”
Panyika added: “We want the Lands Commission to verify the ownership of the scheme; we feel that we were denied what was rightfully ours. What did Chombo see
in Phiri to give him 50 hectares? Phiri called for a meeting in Rimuka Hall sometime back and advised us to come with 50 names from the 12 wards of Kadoma Central constituency, but we discovered later that he had formed his own housing scheme.”
Phiri was then asked by the commission to leave the court room because some of the witnesses were not comfortable with him being in the room.
In an interview, Phiri, however, denied the allegations that he had diverted land that was meant for Zanu PF members, but actually applied for the 50 hectares through the Ministry of Local Government and National Housing in 2015 and his application was successful.
“The land in question does not and never belonged to Zanu PF. I actually applied for the land in 2015 and land was availed to me and then I formed Berina Housing Scheme to parcel out stands for residential stands,” Phiri said.
“I have all the documents to verify the ownership of that land in part of Pixie Combie. Those disgruntled members of Zanu PF are barking at the wrong tree and are being misled by someone. The land that was donated to the party is there, but they are trying to protect the one who has it and pointing a finger at Berina Housing Scheme, shame on them.”-Newsday
Influencers on Ugandan social media and others with large, commercialised online followings must henceforth register their activities for monitoring by the state, the country’s communications regulator said on Thursday.
Authorities say the scheme, which also levies a $20 fee, is designed to clamp down on immoral or prejudiced content. Critics view it as part of an escalating campaign by President Yoweri Museveni to suppress online content disapproving of him and his government.
Last week, university lecturer and social researcher Stella Nyanzi was jailed for 18 months on cyber harassment charges stemming from a Facebook post criticising Museveni.
According to digital communications rights watchdog Unwanted Witness, between 2016 and 2018 at least 33 Ugandans have either been summoned and interrogated by police or charged with online communications offences.
The registration scheme is “not a positive move, it infringes on the rights to freedom of expression. People are able to express themselves well when they know that somebody is not watching over them,” said the organisation’s chief executive, Dorothy Mukasa.
Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) spokesman Ibrahim Bbosa said the “data communicators” to be registered included individuals with heavily followed social media and other online accounts that carried ads alongside other content on platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
That would include prominent musicians, journalists and socialites.
“As a data communicator… you’re pushing out content which could easily violate the known parameters of morality, of incitement, of ethnic prejudice or not be factual,” Bbosa said.
“We want online platforms to register with the commission so that we can monitor (them),” a process that the $20 fee was designed to fund.
Robert Ssempala, the national coordinator for Human Rights Network for Journalists-Uganda, said that, for many, the fee was prohibitive.
“The spirit of the regulation is essential to make it extremely unaffordable, to make it extremely frightening for people to engage in sharing information on social media,” he added.
Last year the government introduced a tax on the use of popular social media platforms.
Museveni has repeatedly complained that Ugandan social media is a vehicle for “lying” and “gossip”, interpreted referring to information critical of the government.
In power since 1986, he is widely expected to stand again in the next presidential election in 2021.-News365
By A Correspondent- The Zimbabwe born Wellington Chaparadza, is a successful UK entrepreneur who is flying the Zimbabwean flag high.
Chaparadza was last year awarded a jackport when he received an order for over US$300k to manufacture among other products, his powerful yet odourless detergent which is way stronger and much more powerful and effective than most products that are currently on the shelves.
In an exclusive interview with ZimEye, the successful entrepreneur, whose field of study is chemistry, demonstrated how the detergent, made from maheu works.
Watch the video (loading) below…..
He attributed his success to the negative and mocking comments by flamboyant businessman Philip Chiyangwa some time in 2000 against teachers in Banket who were being forced to attend a Zanu Pf rally.
He was one of those teachers resisting to attend the rally.
The comments, according to him, was his turning point where he realised that the teaching profession was not his field.
He told ZimEye that he wants to one day meet Chiyangwa.
Chaparadza said:
“Sometimes you get inspired by negative comments and sometimes you are driven by passion. Sometimes circumstances push you towards your goals and success. Mine is a long story.
… I hope you will connect me to this man (Philip Chiyangwa). I would love to meet the man one day.”
Chaparadza however narrated the events of the day which marked the beginning of his journey towards entrepreneurship.
“I was teaching in Chinhoyi, Banket and i was teacher at Zimbabwe Open University. And so one day, we went to a rally. It was on a Friday and then as teachers, you know, we were not allowed to be active in politics, but then we were forced to go on this particular day.
Chiyangwa saw the resistance among the teachers and then he told us, “Teachers you have nothing, why are you this pompous, you know you work all year but your salary can not buy my left shoe”.
Maybe he has forgotten but i have not. It was in 2000.
This was my turning point because I then realised that teaching was not for me. What he said that i can work all year but my salary is not enough to buy his left shoe really moved me.
He said this while he was standing on the podium and he emphasised it that our salary for the whole year could not buy his left shoe adding that it is the least expensive of his two shoes. The right shoes was therefore out of bounce for us because it was way more expensive.
But that inspired me and i said myself teaching is not for me. Yes, some of the things said you forget, but for some, you do not forget, But that was my turning point.”
The detergent manufactured by Chaparadza, Bio Attitude is a powerful, instant yet odourless hard surface cleaner which is non corrosive. The detergent does not have volatile organic compounds.
