Farai Dziva|The International Cricket Council(ICC) has ordered Zimbabwe to reinstate the Zimbabwe Cricket Board by October 8.

Zimbabwe is currently under suspension after the Sports and Recreation Commission suspended the Zimbabwe Cricket Board.

The ICC wrote:
Should you wish the ICC to reconsider your suspension, you are required to take all relevant steps to ensure that the Board of Zimbabwe Cricket elected on 14 June 2019 is unconditionally reinstated forthwith and, in any event, no later than 8 October 2019 so that the ICC Board can review the matter when it convenes on 12 October 2019 for its next meeting.

You are also required to provide satisfactory evidence to ensure that the Zimbabwe Cricket will administer its affairs free of external interference and influence.

Should the ICC not receive a satisfactory response from you on the above terms, within the stipulated timeframe, the ICC reserves its right to take such further action as it deems appropriate including to proceed by way of termination of your membership as provided for in the Articles of Association.

ZIMBABWE’S largest financial services group, CBZ Holdings (CBZH), has retrenched more than 100 employees as banks reel under the worsening economic environment, NewsDay can exclusively reveal.

The retrenchment exercise, which started early this month and is envisaged to continue until month end, could see the institution shedding additional jobs.

CBZH told NewsDay that the downsizing would help it contain mounting operational challenges and enhance its operational efficiency.

Apart from banking, the group operates insurance, asset management and risk advisory units.

“Following the re-organisation of the group and the subsequent implementation of a new business operating model, the organisation has had to retrench some employees in order to align to the re-designed structures.

“In summary, the reasons for the retrenchment are as follows; re-organisation and restructuring of the business, review of the business’ operating model to enhance efficiencies and cost efficiencies,” group executive marketing and corporate affairs, Matilda Nyathi said.Newsday

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF Political Commissar, Victor Matemadanda has castigated elected MDC officials for causing the water problems in Harare as a result of mismanagement of funds.

Matemadanda made the remarks while addressing Zanu PF supporters in Glen View.

“There is no reason for residents to experience water problems, President Mnangagwa acquired borehole equipment which was distributed in all the country’s provinces and will resolve water woes, especially in urban areas.

Here in Glen View, we are going to resuscitate other boreholes which have broken down and drill new ones in strategic points to address the water situation in this area.”

“I understand that there are residents who had settled as a cooperative here in Glen View since 2014. As Zanu-PF party, we are going to engage relevant authorities very soon to facilitate the regularisation of Dare Rechimurenga Housing Cooperative as well as to assist other residents who are failing to get title deeds since 1980.

I promise, you must expect action soon, people should not stay for such a long time without papers which show that they are owners of properties.”

Farai Dziva|Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo says he is the process of facilitating a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Emmerson Mnangagwa.

However, analysts are skeptical of Moyo’s chances of succeeding in his bid to bring Trump and Mnangagwa to the negotiating table.

Moyo has revealed he is currently working on a plan for a meeting between Mnangagwa and Trump.

The proposed meeting is part of the government’s re-engagement efforts as Mnangagwa’s government tries to end years of isolation.

Speaking before the Foreign Affairs Portfolio Committee hearing on Monday, Moyo said:

“We have been in good books with our friends in the East. The challenge has been ending our isolation with the West. We had to start with the original, the United Kingdom with efforts to normalise relations with the UK, the EU and the United States of America.

Our government is in the process of re-engaging with the rest of the world but so many puzzles have to be put together. Our President must meet with American President Donald Trump but it is a process.”

By Rawlings Magede|In his book, Political order and political decay, Francis Fukuyama notes that patrimonialism which ancient dictators used to run down countries has now evolved into what is called “neopatrimonialism” in which political leaders adopt the outward forms of modern states-with bureaucracies, legal systems,elections,and the like and yet in reality rule for private gain.

What strikes me about Fukuyama’s assertion is that his observation is at play in most African countries where some leaders have managed to “transform” their countries by effecting artificial institutions that remain subservient to the appointing authority.

Fukuyama’s describes this as political decay which makes reform prohibitively difficult. What is rather disheartening about this is that citizens within such countries have taken a back seat and left the ruling elites to run the show and craft repugnant pieces of legislation that will have a bearing on future generations.

Recently, MDC-T Bulawayo legislator, Priscilla Misihairambwi Mushonga was quoted in the media expressing frustration over government’s commitment to bring about law reforms in the country.

Kindness Paradza, the ZANU PF Makonde legislator also echoed Mushonga’s sentiments and highlighted that government was in the business of replicating past law under the guise of law reforms.

An example being the Maintenance of Peace and Order Bill which seems worse off than its predecessor, the Public Order and Security Act (POSA).

This revelation by the two legislators all but confirms the lack of political will on the part of government to ensure that existing laws that contradict provisions in the constitution are repealed totally.

The new dispensation that many have castigated for being worse than the Mugabe era, has been on a public relations offensive trying to rebrand itself through its messaging that seeks to appease funding for its neo-liberalism policies.

The Zimbabwe is open for business mantra has failed to find meaning and residence to the ordinary citizen who finds himself on the receiving end of the disastrous neo-liberal policies.

The constitution for its part, while it has some progressive provisions on fundamental human rights and liberties has all but remained a document that makes good reading. Its implementation remains a distant dream. An example is the newly constituted Zimbabwe Anti-corruption commission (ZACC) that is well provided in section 254 of the constitution is chaired by the wife of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sibusiso Moyo.

During a recent interview with BBC, Moyo dismissed the allegations that might affect his wife’s discharge of duties but argued that she is independent since she has been a judge before. And at the end, he jokingly said that he was not going to divorce her, a statement that in my view already diminishes public confidence in ZACC.

When quizzed about the state of human rights, Moyo was quick to point out that the new dispensation has implemented “a lot of reforms” and provided freedoms that have never been experienced in the country’s history. This interview however exposes the neopatrimonialism that Fukuyama talks about. It would seem that Moyo’s unintended message is that the new dispensation did the nation a favour by implementing the “many reforms”.

The reconstitution of ZACC must however be understood within its rightful context. Questions that citizen must ask is why the Goodson Nguni led ZACC was disbanded and what corrective measures has been done to ensure that ZACC will not be used as a tool for political witch-hunting this time around. All these much ado about nothing questions however is the missing puzzle within the current discourse on ZACC.

Citizen urgency vs Citizen Interest

One of the most disheartening issues relates to the state of our society today. While ruling elites have been on a public relations offensive trying to rebrand, the ordinary citizen has been busy on virtual space trading lame jokes or satire on the poor state of the economy. Closely related to this is the cancer of individualism that has found expression among citizens. Every government pronouncement towards neoliberalism has been met with a fair share of humour.

From the electricity crisis to the banning of the multi-currency system, humour and satire has been pelted out in equal measure. While there is nothing wrong with citizens expressing disdain or frustration via social media, there has been a lack of conversations on the need for legal reform in relation to existing laws and the constitution.

The current mess was brought about by weak institutions which over the years due to political decay failed to project and plan for the future. Strong institutions are only established when we have clear laws and policies in place that protect institutions.

While people are quick to criticize individuals, the fact that we have ambiguous laws and policies in existence that violate the constitution should surely be a cause for concern. What the ruling elites have mastered over the years is the art delaying of games which on several occasions has allowed themselves to escape public scrutiny.

With time on their side, they can then manipulate laws and policies that operationalize institutions to the detriment of the citizen. It is then not shocking that currently, government is trying to institute a series of laws that do not make democratic sense. For example the right to demonstrate and petition that is exclusively provided for in Section 59 is under serious threat.

Enjoyment of such a right will remain on paper and never be enjoyed by the citizen. The citizen in Zimbabwe has since lost interest in contesting and demanding the enjoyment of rights provided for under the constitution. This is demonstrated by the lack of interest by citizens to attend bill consultations meetings called for by Parliament.

While active participation in such processes by citizens is not in itself a magic bullet to reform laws, it is however a positive step towards the much needed legal reform.

In the final analysis, building a constitutional democracy remains the preserve of the citizen because of their inalienable right to choose leaders into public office.

Surrendering the country to ruling elites will never set the country on a trajectory towards the achievement and enjoyment of democracy. But then again, maybe the neopatrimonialism that Fukuyama talks about is allowed to find roots by the citizen.

Rawlings Magede is a Development Practitioner. He writes here in his own capacity. Feedback on [email protected]

Farai Dziva|Villagers in Bikita have been forced to join a demonstration against MDC vice chairperson Job Sikhala today.

“Zanu PF members today forced villagers to demonstrate against Job Sikhala at Bikita Magistrate Court.

Inside the court, MDC cadres showed solidarity with Sikhala,” a source told ZimEye.com

Farai Dziva|Government sources have claimed that Chinese doctors have secured treatment for Constantino Chiwenga’s ailment.

Chiwenga, who has previously received treatment in India, was in a hospital in South Africa before being taken to China.

“The office of the president and cabinet wishes to inform the nation that the vice president this week left for the People’s Republic of China where he is set to undergo further medical tests,” Government spokesperson George Charamba said.

“After high-level discussions between Zimbabwe and China, it was agreed to allow Chinese medical experts to join their expert counterparts from Zimbabwe, SA and India in attending to the vice president”, Charamba said.

Charamba did not give any details of what is wrong with Chiwenga.

23rd July 2019

Mr J Mamutse
Secretary General
Zimbabwe Football Association
HARARE

Dear Sir
Re: Decision of the COSAFA Disciplinary Board Withdrawal By Zimbabwe Football Association from the Hosting of 2019 COSAFA Cup

We refer to the above matter and in particular to the original Verdict of the COSAFA Disciplinary Board dated 25th April 2019 as well as the subsequent Suspensive Verdict that was communicated to the Zimbabwe Football Association on 10th May 2019.

The Zimbabwe Football Association was to have complied with the terms of the
Suspensive Verdict by 30th June 2019 failing which the terms of the Original Verdict would be applied.

You are hereby notified that due to the fact that the terms of the Suspernsive Verdict
have not been fulfilled, the terms of the Original Verdict dated 25th April 2019 are now applied these being as follows:

1. Zimbabwe Football Association is suspended from participating with its Senior Men’s National Team in the 2020 edition of the COSAFA Cup;
2. Payment in the amount of USD200 000 (Two hundred thousand Uniteed States
Dollars) must be paid to COSAFA by deadline 15th August 2019

3. Failure to effect payment in terms of 2. above shall result in the suspension of
Zimbabwe Football Association from participating in any and all COSAFA
competitions until such time as payment of the fine has been met in full

Yours sincerely
Sus Deotoua (General Secretary)

https://twitter.com/KZivhu/status/1153903568652525568?s=19

https://twitter.com/KZivhu/status/1153950706312855552?s=19

By A Correspondent| The woman was among the Zanu Pf supporters mobilised to demonstrate against MDC Deputy National Chairperson Job Sikhala as he appeared at Bikita Magistrates Court this morning.

The demonstrators were singing and chanting songs denouncing the opposition a few meters away from the court premises.

The woman collapsed and is currently being attended to by emergency services.

The extent of her condition. could not be clearly established by the time of writing.

Some of the protestors however claimed that they were not told that they were going to be demonstrating against Sikhala. They said they were told that they were going to be recruited for employment.

BREAKING- A Zanu Pf supporter who was among the youths mobilised to demonstrate against Job Sikhala At Bikita Magistrates Court has collapsed. The emergency services are trying to resuscitate her.

— ZimEye (@ZimEye) July 24, 2019

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

By A Correspondent- HIGHER and Tertiary Education minister Amon Murwira has said educational qualifications offered by institutions of higher learning that do not offer practical solutions to the development of the country’s economy will, in the long run, be phased out.

Speaking on Monday at the official launch of a four-day workshop on the framework to standardise the qualifications being held at the Midlands State University, Murwira said the country could no longer afford to have programmes with fancy names that do not produce results.

He said his ministry was serious in developing standardised qualifications through the establishment of minimum bodies of knowledge and skills.

“All degrees must have clear bodies of knowledge and outcome,” Murwira said.

“Those without outcome will extinct themselves. We are so serious on the minimum bodies of knowledge and skill. That is why we instituted statutory instruments 132, 133 and 137 of 2018. If some do not comply, for sure, some certificates, degrees and diplomas shall phase themselves out.”

Murwira said government was moving towards crafting an education system that balances skills and knowledge.

He said learning institutions should emphasise more on practicals and less on theory in order to have a balance between teaching, research, community service, innovation and industrialisation.

“There is need for more practical and less talk,” he said.

“In fact, more time must also be allocated to group work to enable teamwork, which has been one of the weaknesses of our education system. In addition, more time should also be devoted towards research, innovation and industrialisation activities.”

Murwira reiterated the need to reduce the gap between the literacy rate and skills level.

“The results of our national critical skills audit (conducted by the Higher Education ministry) showed that although the national literacy rate is 94%, the national skills levels are at 38%,” Murwira said.

“Remember, production of goods and services can only happen when there is both knowledge and skill.”-Newsday

Zimbabwe and the European Union will kick off political talks on Wednesday aimed at turning the page on hostile relations during former president Robert Mugabe’s rule, a step that could enable a resumption of direct financial aid for the ailing economy. The EU has only kept sanctions on Mugabe, his wife and the state arms manufacturer, but is yet to resume direct funding to the new government of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, preferring to channel money through local charities and U.N. agencies.

At the start of the open-ended talks between diplomats and officials in Harare, EU Zimbabwe delegation head Timo Olkkonen said they would discuss issues including economic development, trade, investment, rights, rule of law and good governance.

With the economy afflicted by dollar shortages, fuel queues, power-cuts, and soaring prices, Mnangagwa has said restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders like International Monetary Fund is one of his major priorities. The move coincides with news that the country looks set to scrap its multi-currency system, instead making the Zimbabwean dollar (RGTS) the sole currency for legal tender.

This long-overdue development is seen as an important first step that may eventually lead to the resumption of financial aid, including from the EU, for Zimbabwe’s ailing economy. In those very few countries which use currencies other than their own, such as the US dollar, including Ecuador, El Salvador and East Timor, the continuous appreciation of the US currency has caused rising domestic prices, growing debt, fiscal constraints, liquidity crises and decreasing net exports.

As a result these these countries are discussing whether to restore their monetary sovereignty, but Zimbabwe has already made a bold move, abandoning the multi-currency system it has kept in place for a decade and making the Zimbabwean dollar (RGTS) the sole currency for legal tender.

“The best news about the currency reform is that the government can finally manage its fiscal policies and is no longer running huge deficits. For the past six months, we have actually been running a primary budget surplus. We have now created a solid basis to introduce the domestic currency,” the Permanent Secretary of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Finance, George Guvamatanga, said in an interview to CNBC in Kigali on 9 July.

“While the US dollar served its purpose during the early days of the multi-currency system, it has been stifling growth and making local companies uncompetitive, but more importantly it was creating a two-tiered economy, which makes it difficult for those without access to the limited amount of US dollars to transact in Zimbabwe,” he added.

Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa announced in late June that the country would restore its own fully fledged currency before the end of the year. Highlighting its virtues as a source of national pride and sovereignty, he stated that Zimbabwe would no longer be at the mercy of foreign economies and central banks. When he came to power in 2017, he inherited an economy scarred by hyperinflation and catastrophic economic policy interventions, following a long period of economic mismanagement under former President Robert Mugabe. Back in 2008, Mugabe resorted to dollarization due to chronic hyperinflation and over-printing of money.

Facing large fiscal deficits in 2016-2018, due to the expansion of underground economic activity and the sanctions imposed on the country during Mugabe’s rule, which restricted access to US dollars (as well as international loans and transactions with international banks), Mnangagwa launched a Transitional Stabilization Programme (TSP) in November 2018. The programme includes far-reaching currency and structural reforms. These aim to stabilize and transform the economy so that it can achieve upper middle-income status by 2030. If successsful, this ambitious programme of reforms would put Zimbabwe in the same World Bank category as Russia, China, Thailand, Costa Rica, Turkey and Malaysia.

The TSP and currency reform will allow Zimbabwe to deploy the monetary policy tools it needs in order to manage prices, curb inflation and control the exchange rate. Finance Secretary Guvamatanga says the IMF is monitoring the progress of its reforms and that the measures enjoy the Fund’s “full support”.

The reforms seek to “address economic distortions that have impaired macroeconomic stability” and were welcomed by the IMF, which has had a two-year Staff-Monitoring Programme with Zimbabwe in place since May 15 last year. The IMF was also very supportive of the decision to abandon its dollar peg and opt for a free float of the Zimbabwean dollar, which was reintroduced on June 25.

“We are very much aware that this kind of transformational change will cause volatility and upheavals in the economy and we understand the difficulties that our people are facing as the market is adjusting. But we believe that it is the right prescription that the country needs for a strong economy in the future. We expect the prices to stabilize and the inflation to come down,” the Finance Secretary said in response to questions about the potential lack of credibility in the local currency. He assured critics of the reform that issuance of RGTS would be strictly controlled to avoid a repeat of the 2008 hyperinflation.

“For the first time in decades, Zimbabwe is going through real and meaningful reforms and transformation, which include the opening up of the media space, political and legislative reforms and fiscal consolidation. Both on the economic and political front, a lot is happening in Zimbabwe,” Guvatamanga concluded.

On July 11, the United Nations commended Zimbabwe’s media reforms following the gazzetting of three bills to replace the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act (AIPPA). The Public Order and Security Act (POSA) is among a further 30 bills currently under review by the Mnangagwa administration and is expected to be replaced by the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), which will bring Zimbabwe into line with Western public order and policing legislation .

We would appreciate if it was Hwange colliery working on generation of Energy or Manyuchi or Tokwe mukosi this misplaced priorities expose your incompetence

— Masvingo Province (@Citizens4Chamis) July 24, 2019

Wednesday key events :

National Vice Chairman @JobWiwa appearing in court in Masvingo

Youth Assembly Secretary General @giftsiziba93 also in court at Rotten Row in Harare pic.twitter.com/MlTJHf4atO

— MDC (@MDCAllianceZW) July 24, 2019

Production must be stimulated to ensure food security and to strengthen our economy. We can't continue importing goods that we can produce locally. Austerity is pure laziness to think by people who love figures more than the welfare of the Zimbabwean people. #HupfumiKuvanhu

— Linda T. Masarira-Kaingidza (@lilomatic) July 24, 2019

Breaking News :

ZANU PF has mobilised some rag tag of youths to demonstrate against the MDC National Vice Chairman at Bikita Magistrates Court. They were mobilised on the grounds that they were going to be recruited for employment only to be told that they are going for a demo.

— Masvingo Province (@Citizens4Chamis) July 24, 2019

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa is expected to leave for Namibia this Wednesday on a three-day State visit.

The visit dovetails with the ninth Zimbabwe-Namibia Joint Permanent Commission. Speaking to the media on President Mnangagwa’s visit, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo said:

A Joint Permanent Commission which will take place tomorrow (today) in Windhoek is going to be the ninth Joint Permanent Commission between Zimbabwe and Namibia and, secondly, it will be followed by a State visit by His Excellency President Mnangagwa and he will also have an opportunity to officially commission the dry port.

… The Joint Commission is going to be deliberating on several issues. As you may recall, Namibia is a very close political friend to the people of Zimbabwe and Namibia has interacted with us economically.

They provided funds to rehabilitate the Hwange Power Station against the provision of 80MW which is being exported to Namibia as a form of payment but there are a number of technical and scientific agreements which are going to be signed and which will indicate that Namibia requires teachers in a number of areas so that they can develop their innovative areas.-StateMedia

United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean Joyce Mutengezanwa, who was part of protesters that tormented Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo and his delegation, claims the minister was more humiliated than harmed.

“SB Moyo was more humiliated than harmed,” she said.

Mutengezanwa said Zanu PF should be ashamed of itself for always leading the country into a mess, adding it should stop its head-hunt for the protesters, but rather provide solutions to the problems the country was facing.

“Is it not ironic that the very same people, Zanu PF and the army, who unleash dogs, bullets, tear gas and water tanks on civilians are angrily baying for people’s blood over a few sprinklings of water?” she charged.

“Zimbabweans all over the world are clearly outraged by these elections fraudsters and human rights abusers, who continue to masquerade as angels of light by day, but butchering our fellow citizens for speaking against the injustices in the land.”

Mutengezanwa said instead of making noise about the Chatham House incident, the Zimbabwean government should address human rights abuses. “May you please address the human rights abuses in Zimbabwe more seriously than this harmless incident at Chatham House,” she urged the government.

Two weeks ago, Moyo was hurled insults, water sprayed and pelted by angry Zimbabwean protesters as he came out of Chatham House where he had made a presentation to market the country as a business and tourist destination.

Mutengezanwa is one of the many Zimbabweans in the UK, who fled State-sponsored violence at the turn of the millennium.

By A Correspondent- The MP says that MDC launched a membership card (similar to one offered by Zanu PF) and NetOne denied them a biller code.

Said Chalton Hwende:

“Last year MDC introduced an electronic card system and approached Mobile operators for a similar service now extended to @ZANUPF_Official by @NetOneCellular.We were denied this service I will be sending someone again this week to see if we can now use thisplatform @econet_support

Unfortunately the MP wasn’t entirely specific on whether MDC approached all parties or just NetOne and he didn’t clarify why they were denied the service.

When quizzed about the allegations, NetOne did not acknowledge nor deny Hwende’s statement and said:

“As NetOne we wish to state that we are a national institution and any organisation or political  party is welcome to use our mobile service platform as well as, other products and services. NetOne prides itself, of being the Network of Choice for all Zimbabweans and, as such we welcome all businesses, civic organisations, political parties and individuals to make use of the added convenience of our Mobile Financial Solution – One Money. We are therefore urging individuals or organisations keen on doing business with NetOne to visit any one of our NetOne outlets throughout the country or contact our 24hr contact centre on 123 or write an email to [email protected] for assistance.

Though this statement suggests NetOne welcomes MDC and any other interested individual/party, it doesn’t address the claims by the member of parliament which suggests there may have been an issue.-TechZim

State Media|THE exploits of the Zimbabwe senior netball side at the just-ended Vitality Netball World Cup in Liverpool, England, continue to get recognition with the Mayor of Harare, Herbert Gomba, set to host the team when it returns home.

The Gems are scheduled to touch down at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport at 5:10 PM today aboard an Emirates Airlines.

The Harare City Council, through Mayor Gomba, have put in place plans to welcome the team although the cocktail party, which was supposed to be held immediately after the team’s arrival tonight, has been moved to a later date.

The Gems, who went to Liverpool ranked 13th, finished the tournament at number eight and flew the country’s flag high with some good performances.

This attracted the attention of a full Harare City Council meeting where it was resolved that the team would be hosted at the Town House at a date to be advised during the course of this week.

According to a letter written by the acting Chamber Secretary, Charles Kandemiri, and addressed to the councillors, plans are in place for a lavish cocktail party for the Gems.

“Please be advised that the proposed reception for the Gems has been cancelled. Council will advise of any programmes to host national teams when as is necessary,” Kandemiri said yesterday.

The First Lady, Auxillia Mnangangwa, has since called on the corporate world to come on board and reward the senior national netball team.

Last week, speaking at State House, Mai Mnanganwa urged companies to recognise the team which had defied the odds.

“Now it shows that the girl child can do it as well. Sponsors, please chip in, come in and help. We have witnessed it for ourselves that girls can do it.

“Look at what they have done. Zimbabwe is now being talked about all over the world because of these girls.

“So, when it comes to sponsorship I will ask all the sponsors, ‘to come in their thousands to help’ because I think the girls have shown us that they can do it, we should rally behind them and we should encourage them,” said the First Lady.

Econet Zimbabwe, the team’s chief sponsor at the World Cup in partnership with Zimbabwe Netball Association, will use their platform to give an opportunity to people who want to play a part in rewarding the Gems by donating through their biller code.

Meanwhile, local netball fans and sports lovers have asked the Zimbabwe National Army, the Zimbabwe Republic Police and the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services to honour some members of the uniformed forces who were part of the Gems.

State Media|CONVICTED criminal and David Whitehead Textiles shareholder Edwin Chimanye, who is on an outstanding warrant of arrest, last week attended the firm’s creditors and members’ meetings in Harare amid reports that police were struggling to apprehend him.

The businessman, who now appears “untouchable”, was convicted for dating a minor in 2013 and slapped with an 18-month prison term.

His appeal was dismissed for want of prosecution in 2015, but he had been unlawfully enjoying freedom for four years.

Police launched a manhunt for Chimanye some three weeks ago, saying efforts were being made to arrest him.

But on Monday, Chimanye, who was presumably in hiding, made an appearance at the meetings held at Mandel Training Centre on July 15 and 16 this year.

State media established that David Whitehead judicial manager Mr Knowledge Hofisi communicated to Chimanye’s lawyers — Tamuka Moyo Attorneys — a letter which was also copied to the Master of High Court, that Chimanye was among the shareholders who attended the meetings.

Part of the letter filed with the office of the Master of High Court reads:

“We report that separate statutory meetings of creditors and members were held on 15 and 16 July 2019, respectively. Representatives from your law firm (Tamuka Moyo Attorneys) and your client Mr Edwin Chimanye were in attendance . .

Sources also confirmed Chimanye attended the meetings, where he reportedly grilled the judicial manager in his quest to protect his rights in the business.

Police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed they were yet to arrest Chimanye, adding that efforts had been made last week to locate him.

“The new warrant was released to us last week, and we have so far visited his house looking for him.

“Someone close to him informed us that he had gone to Gokwe to buy cotton, but we are still trying to verify the claims.

“However, we have put in place other contingent measures to ensure he is arrested.

“We are making all efforts to ensure he is arrested,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.

Investigations by The Herald also revealed that last week, Chimanye’s lawyer, instead of taking his client to the police, approached the Harare Magistrates’ Court seeking to verify the authenticity of the warrant of arrest.

The Herald has it on good record that Chimanye, on April 19 this year, attended another meeting before the Master of High Court to agree on the dates to hold the shareholders and stakeholders’ meetings.

Facts are that on January 7 2013, around 5pm, Chimanye saw a young girl walking along Ascot Road in Avondale, prompting him to stop his vehicle and give her his business card.

He contacted the girl before agreeing to meet on January 10 so that they would go out together. Chimanye bought her a Nokia Asha for communication on WhatsApp and at one time a family friend saw the girl with this phone, went through the pair’s messages and concluded that the two were lovers.

He picked up the girl and her friends on the same day around 7pm and took them to Richwood Park, where he asked them to buy drinks and food, leaving Chimanye to fondle and kiss the girl in the vehicle.

The girl told the court that Chimanye once asked her to look for a lodge near her residence and a family friend confirmed the pair’s relationship. At one time Chimanye asked the girl to send him her nude pictures, which she did.

The matter came to light when the girl’s parents discovered the mobile phone.

263chat|Thirty patients from Khami Prison in Bulawayo have been reportedly diagnosed with pellagra following deteriorating services and shortage of food supplies in prisons and mental health institutions.

Chinhoyi Member of Parliament, Dr Peter Mataruse highlighted that the situation at some of the mental health institutions is shocking and the government has to do its homework to improve the conditions.

“I think there is a deliberate neglect of mental health patients in Zimbabwe. Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital Patients are being served sadza with salt because there are no food supplies. There is no linen, blankets, soap and the patients are just surviving,” said Dr Mataruse.

“At Khami prison, 31 people have been diagnosed with pellagra and the unfortunat part of it is that one of them died recently due to the condition,” added Dr Mataruse.

Pellagra disease is caused by a deficiency of niacin and protein in the diet. Its symptoms are skin eruptions, digestive and nervous system disturbances, and eventual mental deterioration.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Agnes Mahomva confirmed that she is well aware of the deteriorating circumstances in the prisons and mental health institutions whilst addressing the Health Committee at Parliament earlier.

“I’m well aware of the conditions in the prisons and mental health institutions that you have visited and as government we are trying all we can to intervene but as you know I’m still new in office, I need time to make my own rounds and not depend on the information that I was given by people who report to me,” said Mahomva.

$110 000 is said to been given towards the mental health institutions but the department has failed to access that money thus exposing the gap in mental health services.

At Mulondolozi, about 300 mental health patients are in the prisons and they are being attended to like any other inmate yet they need special attention.

THE dry port of Zimbabwe at Walvis Bay is set to be inaugurated during Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s three-day state visit to Namibia this week.

This was announced in a statement issued by Namibian presidential press secretary Alfredo Hengari on Tuesday evening. 

President Hage Geingob will be hosting Mnangagwa from Wednesday to Friday, during which time Namibia is also hosting the ninth session of the Namibia-Zimbabwe Joint Commission of Cooperation and the fifth round of Namibia-Zimbabwe political and diplomatic consultations, Hengari’s statement details. 

“The state visit will serve as an opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations between Namibia and Zimbabwe, including new possible areas of cooperation,” the statement also said. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo said:

“The dry port is land that was donated by the Namibian government to Zimbabwe so that we build the dry port and it has been completed through contributions by the Road Motor Services here in Zimbabwe.

“We expect that this is going to be one of the gateways, particularly to South America, to West Africa and to several other countries in that part of the world, so that we can then use that route of the Caprivi Strip.

That is within the framework of the (African)Continental Free Trade Area.”

Furthermore, the two heads of state are expected to sign a number of bilateral agreements aimed at boosting trade and investment between the two countries.

NewsDay |United Kingdom-based Zimbabwean Joyce Mutengezanwa, who was part of protesters that tormented Foreign Affairs minister Sibusiso Moyo and his delegation, claims the minister was more humiliated than harmed.

Speaking from the UK, Mutengezanwa said the President Emmerson Mnangagwa-led administration had failed the nation because they were the only ones enjoying at the expense of ordinary citizens.

“SB Moyo was more humiliated than harmed,” due said.

Mutengezanwa said Zanu PF should be ashamed of itself for always leading the country into a mess, adding it should stop its head-hunt for the protesters, but rather provide solutions to the problems the country was facing.

“Is it not ironic that the very same people, Zanu PF and the army, who unleash dogs, bullets, tear gas and water tanks on civilians are angrily baying for people’s blood over a few sprinklings of water?” she charged.

“Zimbabweans all over the world are clearly outraged by these elections fraudsters and human rights abusers, who continue to masquerade as angels of light by day, but butchering our fellow citizens for speaking against the injustices in the land.”

Mutengezanwa said instead of making noise about the Chatham House incident, the Zimbabwean government should address human rights abuses.

“May you please address the human rights abuses in Zimbabwe more seriously than this harmless incident at Chatham House,” she urged the government.

Two weeks ago, Moyo was hurled insults, water sprayed and pelted by angry Zimbabwean protesters as he came out of Chatham House where he had made a presentation to market the country as a business and tourist destination.

Mutengezanwa is one of the many Zimbabweans in the UK, who fled State-sponsored violence at the turn of the millennium.

24th July 2019

HON SIKHALA TO APPEAR AT COURT TODAY

Our MDC national Vice Chairman Hon. Job Sikhala will today at 0830 hours, appear at the Bikita Magistrates Court

We are urging all our leaders and members to express their full solidarity with Hon. Sikhala

Daniel Molokele
MDC National Spokesperson

State Media|Government has granted project status to the 20MW solar farm being constructed in Bwoni Village, Seke rural, at a cost of almost US$25 million by Harava Solar.

Projects awarded national project status get preferential treatment, which includes exemption from paying import duty and other taxes.

The granting of national project status is expected to speed up the implementation of the key project which comes at a critical moment when the country is contending with long hours of load shedding due to low water levels in Kariba Dam and obsolete equipment at thermal power stations.

Harava Solar co-founder and chief executive officer Mr Ainos Ngadya confirmed the granting of the national project status to The Herald during a tour of the solar park on Monday.

“The project was awarded national project status by Government, so as most of the components come through Zimra (the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority), they don’t pay tax,” said Mr Ngadya.

The project entails the building of a 20MW solar farm, with all the power earmarked to be fed into the national grid through the Dema 330kV substation.

A 132kv transmission line spanning 10km from the solar park to Dema Substation is in the process of being set up.

The pylons used in power line construction are already on site and were supplied by Chinese firm, Taikai Power Engineering, one of the biggest players in that space.

Taikai Power generates US$30 billion revenue per year and has done 400km transmission lines in the SADC region.

Mr Ngadya said the 20MW is enough to power almost 40 000 households.

“It involves 22 hectares of solar of panels, (which would be) 72 000 solar panels of 330W sizes. So we have a 25-year power purchase agreement with ZETDC (the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company) and we intend also to expand.

“We think construction is going to be completed by December this year, then we commission the 20MW plant and we immediately move in to expand by commissioning another 20MW next to this project, till probably we reach 100MW in Zimbabwe,” said Mr Ngadya.

Land for another 20MW solar farm is already there. Harava Solar converts light into electrical energy, so even when there are no clear skies, the company will still produce energy, albeit on a lower scale.

Mr Ngadya could not be drawn into divulging the tariff they negotiated with the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) “because of privacy”, but said it was “almost close to the end user tariff model” and “a bit competitive”.

The solar panels to be used are supplied by Jinko Solar, the world’s biggest solar panel manufacturer, shipping 11,4 gigawatts of modules last year.

Jinko Solar, which is head-quartered in Shanghai, China; has been listed on the New York Stock Exchange since 2010 and generated revenue of US$3,64 billion last year.

A Germany company, Soventix Powerful Returns, is the installation contractor, which was selected from 15 other bidders that included Power China.

Harava Solar chief operating officer Engineer Brian Chindondondo said they wanted a company that has done over three solar parks of 20MW.

The winning company, Soventix, has done over 50 solar parks across the world. It has since sent a few technicians, with the rest of the work being done by local employees.

“We met the local leadership to get a database of skills possessed by locals, be it electricians, engineers, among others.

“So we turn to that database when vacancies arise. But where a position cannot be filled by a local person because of skills gaps, we can get from anywhere in the country,” said Eng Chindondo.

In line with ZESA regulations that dictate that a 132kv line should not pass through homesteads as it goes to Dema Substation, Harava has relocated 11 families and constructed decent houses for them.

The housing project gobbled over US$100 000.

More importantly, Harare has crafted an empowerment scheme called the Bwoni Village Community Share Ownership Trust, in which locals hold 7,3 percent.

Mr Ngadya said the Trust has a “very clear mandate” of constructing solar-powered 330W boreholes in the village, establish small irrigation schemes, and also light up local schools and clinics with solar power each time a dividend is declared to them. The Trust will provide scholarships to local students especially those studying engineering, and the underprivileged. The Bwoni Village, in collaboration with Chief Seke, are spearheading the project, while Harava Solar representatives are also Trust members to ensure there is no abuse of resources.

Some sugarcane farmers in southeastern Zimbabwe are resorting to irritating their crop during the night while working on plans to shift to solar energy due to serious shortages of electricity in the country.

Louis Vhudzijena, leader of a consortium of 35 sugarcane farmers at Mapanza sugarcane estate in Chiredzi running a 500-hectare farm said because of the shortage of power during the day, farmers are currently irrigating their plants during the night when electricity was better available.

This, he said, was posing danger to farmers’ lives.

“Since the beginning of load shedding by ZESA, we get electricity for only four hours at night and all the farmers cannot equally share the water. Most farmers end up failing to irrigate their fields and are now contemplating to downsize their fields,” Vhudzijena said.

The power deficit afflicting the Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) Holdings is affecting the operations of companies in the country already performing below capacity.

He said solar energy was the only alternative energy to help them out of the current situation.

Work is in progress at the local Njiri dam pump house where farmers are setting up a solar grid that will help pump 5 000 cubic litres persecond to the fields.

Enviroplus, a local consultancy, is implementing the project.

It is anticipated to complete the project in a month.

Luke Mhaka, Enviroplus director, said solar energy was the most sustainable power source considering the Lowveld had the longest periods of sunshine in Zimbabwe.

“Farmers can immensely benefit from the abundance of sunshine by harnessing it into energy for irrigation,” Mhaka said.

He said the advantages of solar energy outweighed its cost.

“I am sure these farmers will enjoy their profits from farming using solar energy because they won’t be paying electricity bills anymore,” Mhaka said.

Elisha Tamirepi, newly-elected Zimbabwe Sugarcane Development Farmers Association Chairman, hailed the initiative at Mapanza.

He said solar energy would shield farmers from high electricity charges.

“ZESA is the most expensive component in sugarcane farming and as farmers we were always looking for alternative ways of minimizing ZESA costs. With solar irrigation technology, our prayers have been heard and answered. We are fully going to embed it,” Tamirepi said.

OK Zimbabwe has reportedly closed its shop in Rusape due to power cuts.

The country is having a huge electricity shortage which has seen local power utility, ZESA, rolling out a load-shedding schedule that has seen most parts of the country going without power between 0400 hours and 2200 hours daily.

The closure of Rusape OK Shop was revealed on Twitter by political analyst Rashweat Mukundu on his Twitter page.

This shop in Rusape closed owing to power cuts. Time this power crisis is declared a national crisis and all GVT efforts focused on finding a solution if anyone cares. ⁦@edmnangagwa⁩ ⁦@fortunechasi⁩ ⁦@nickmangwana⁩ ⁦@MthuliNcube⁩ pic.twitter.com/yrbbUtvw9c

— Rashweat Mukundu (@rashweatm) July 23, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Said Sikhala:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Such wicked antics will never scare some of us.

Job Wiwa Sikhala
MDC National Vice Chairman

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

Said Wedza North legislator David Musabayana:

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

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

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

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

Madzimure said this during parliament. He said:

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

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

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

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

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

Said Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A follow-up was made and Manhanga was arrested.

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

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

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

Live video downloading below:

ZERA wishes to inform the public to ignore a fake email notice circulating on social media on Fuel Price Increase.The Fuel Prices remain as ZWL 7.19 & ZWL 7.47 for Diesel and Blend respectively. @fortunechasi @mazeti1 @ZBCNewsonline @HeraldZimbabwe @DailyNewsZim @m_siyakatshana

— ZERA (@zeraenergy) July 23, 2019

Below is the circulating fake message:

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

Said the deputy speaker of parliament Tsitsi Gezi:

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

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

Said Labode:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Moyo said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said:

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

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

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

He said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

He said:

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

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

ZCTU president Peter Mutasa said:

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

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

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

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

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

A source said:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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