PERPETUA Siyachitema, the captain of the senior national netball team has quit to pursue a coaching career.
Siyachitema announced her retirement in an interview yesterday at a local hotel where they were having a breakfast meeting with the Minister of Sport Youth Arts and Recreation, Honorable Kirsty Coventry and the Sports and Recreation commission director general Prince Mupazviriho.
Siyachitema has been playing netball for over two decades now.
She has also served for over 15 years in the national team and believes it was time for her to put an end to her playing career.
The 36-year-old made her debut appearance for the national team at the age of 19 and has since been a strong force to reckon with in the netball squad.
Last year, she helped the team qualify for their first ever World Cup tournament which was recently held.
The team went on to finish eighth making a record of the second best team tied up with Malawi to finish in the top eight in their debut appearance.
“I’m done playing netball. I now need to concentrate on my coaching career and the world cup was a major learning curve for me.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity that I had. I have learnt a lot form my whole netball playing career.
“And also the World Cup was a learning curve for me.
“I noticed that our game in Zimbabwe or Africa as a whole has no format
“We need to have a format. I need also to find a format that I’m going to personally introduce for the betterment of the game.”
Siyachitema went on to share some of her best moments she had at the world cup.
“My wish was to play New Zealand, Australia, Jamaica and England.
“I am glad that before I end this playing career I have managed to play three of these countries, unfortunately we couldn’t play England.
“And also for my country it was the best world cup, we finished in the top eight.
Asked on some of the lessons they have drawn from the world cup she said:
“We need to work on our endurance.
“As the tournament was coming to an end we were so exhausted, we were so drained. We never really knew that at a world cup level the matches are played every day.
“We need to work more on our fitness. The teams there were so physically fit. I think there is need for more gym facilities and also to scout for more tall players.”
NEW Start Centres across the country have reviewed their charges for HIV testing and counselling to $9, a situation that will likely discourage people from testing, at a time when the country is working to achieve the 90-90-90 target.
The 90-90-90 target is an ambitious target set by United Nations to ensure that by next year 90 percent of all people living with HIV will know their HIV status and 90 percent of all people with diagnosed HIV infection will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy while 90 percent of all people receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.
As part of efforts to encourage testing in Zimbabwe, New Start Centres used to offer testing and counselling at US$1 or free but monetary changes have forced the centres to convert and charge $9. Experts said this might discourage people from testing as even when the services were free, some people were still not keen.
National Aids Council Bulawayo (Nac) provincial co-ordinator Mrs Sinatra Nyathi said the cost of testing changed with the monetary policy shift.
“It was US$1 for testing and counselling and when the multi-currency system was done away with they converted and it got to $9 using the interbank rate. However, even using the interbank rate, people do not have that kind of money to pay for testing,” she said.
Mrs Nyathi said Nac is yet to gauge the reaction of the public and also to dialogue with Population Services International Zimbabwe to see if the figures of people who come for voluntary testing and counselling will go down.
She said over the years New Start Centres have been frequented by a huge number of re-testers, people who already know their status and are testing again. Mrs Nyathi said they were engaging PSI to review the charges. However, she said paying a token was a way of encouraging people to own the results.
“Paying that money was bringing ownership to what you will be doing, if you pay your money then you get services and results unlike walking in and out of the centre for free and do not see the value of the services,” she said.
Asked on how the cost of HIV testing was affecting the nation and the gains made already in fighting new HIV infections she said:
“We still encourage people to know their status whether from PSI, public institutions, or buying your own test kit at a pharmacy. If one is negative they must maintain that status and avoid anything that may cause them to change that status as that status is very delicate.”
Mrs Nyathi said Nac was also on a drive to test more people and help those living with HIV and Aids.
“When one knows their status they will protect themselves and not spread HIV to the next person which is a good thing. Again if that HIV-positive person takes ARVs consistently, the risk of infecting their partner becomes low.”
ONE father, one legacy, one band (now split into two) — this is a classic case of yoked cattle pulling in different directions.
Daughters of the late music icon Dr Oliver “Tuku” Mtukudzi — Selmor and Samantha — find themselves in this situation.
It is unprecedented in Zimbabwe.
For the first time in local showbiz, at least as far memory serves, Zimbabwe has siblings directly battling for their father’s musical throne.
Selmor is daughter to Dr Tuku’s first and former wife Melody Murape while Samantha is Daisy’s offspring, the late singer’s second wife.
Selmor and Samantha now lead different sets of the Black Spirits following the demise of the founder on January 23 this year.
Black Spirits is a team of instrumentalists and vocalists previously led by the late national hero, Tuku. In its over 40 years of existence, it employed tens, if not hundreds of artistes.
Having two Black Spirits camps has further strained relations between the two sisters and their respective backers. It has also split the music industry.
Promoters, musicians as well as Black Spirits’ fans are now divided between Selmor and Samantha.
“You need to be careful when you get a call to support the Black Spirits. There is Black Spirits-G and Black Spirits-H. The ‘G’ is for Gogo Daisy, Samantha’s mother, while ‘H’ is for Selmor’s group, meaning Harare. It refers to her apparent massive support base in the capital,” revealed one artiste who declined to be named.
There was drama at Dr Tuku’s tribute concert as Samantha and her step-sisters Selmor and Sandra were literally dodging each other backstage.
The concert, which was held at Belgravia Sports Club in Harare, was organised by the Ministry of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation in partnership with the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe.
The event had surly incidences that were too glaring to ignore.
Where the sisters “accidentally” met backstage, they hardly spent time talking. It was tense!
The situation moved to another level when the two sets of the Black Spirits performed on different time slots.
Samantha got the first dance. Her Black Spirits is made up of youthful artistes that worked with Dr Tuku during his last days — a team that was more of a session band.
Then came Selmor with another Black Spirits set consisting of veterans like percussion player/dancer/backing vocalist Picky Kasamba, bass guitarist Never Mpofu and her sister Sandra.
By any measure, both groups did justice to the live play of the late singer’s beat.
However, revellers still felt the need to torment Daisy’s daughter by chanting Selmor’s name as soon as she started singing the first line of her opening track.
The rowdy ones even attempted to throw missiles.
Alexio Kawara’s timely intervention helped pacify the crowd.
This was probably a déjà vu moment for Samantha. An almost similar occurrence recently transpired at the Dr Tuku Tribute Concert and Golf Tournament in Nyanga.
Samantha had a torrid time on stage as she failed to rise to the occasion. She was only bailed out by Alexio, Tocky Vibes and Ashton “Mbeu” Nyahora when they intermittently joined her on stage.
Back to the Belgravia gig.
Off the stage, Faith Kadzura, Daisy’s other daughter, who is Samantha’s step-sister, was manning a stand selling Dr Tuku’s branded merchandise. Faith was at the show from the onset.
However, she seemed to give a thumbs down to Selmor’s set as she dismantled the stand and varnished from the venue soon after Samantha’s act. This was despite the fact that the show still had a couple of hours to go before folding.
Moreover, South Africa’s Steve Dyer and visiting Mozambique star Stewart Sekuma — all Dr Tuku’s good buddies — were yet to play.
Conversely, Selmor’s solid act received a thunderous applause from revellers.
Following the concert, music critics have suggested merging the two bands.
Holders of this school of thought reckon that Samantha is more of a backing vocalist than a natural lead singer. In most gigs, Samantha’s backing vocalist, Fiona Gwena, Mbeu or Alexio take charge of lead vocals.
But Mbeu has provided cover in most high-profile shows, including those held in South Africa and Mozambique. However, the rising star appears to be distancing himself from Samantha’s Black Spirits as he is still concentrating on building his own brand — The Mhodzi Tribe.
For instance at the Harare tribute gig, he also had to support the Mozambican star Sekuma, who came without a full band. The two are also working on a single due for release anytime soon.
The battle of the two Black Spirits creates a unique war front in showbiz.
Imagine Tryson and Wilmore Chimbetu, both sons of the late Naison, fronting different units of Marxist Brothers.
Or Peter Moyo and Obert Tongai Moyo Jnr running separate Utakataka Express brands. Obert once tried to take that route but later abandoned the idea. He ended up rebranding his ensemble to “Utakataka — Rise of the Machine”.
The same goes for Leonard Dembo’s sons Tendai and Morgan. They have differences but there is one Barura Express, which is fronted by the young brother, Tendai.
Dendera wars featuring Suluman, Tryson and Douglas Chimbetu are a bit understandable considering that they are cousins and sons to brothers Simon, Naison and Allan Chimbetu respectively.
A primary school teacher from Kwekwe has appeared in court for allegedly impregnating a 13-year-old pupil whom he has been having an affair with for more than a year.
The teacher, Jimmy Phiri (38) reportedly proposed love to the now Form One pupil while she was still in Grade Seven at Grasslands Primary School in Redcliff where the teacher is stationed. Since then, the two had been having consensual sexual intercourse until the girl fell pregnant.
Phiri was released on $100 bail after he appeared before Kwekwe magistrate Miss Vimbai Mtukwa last week facing charges of having sexual intercourse with a minor. He was remanded to 28 August for trial.
Prosecuting, Mr Freddy Ndoro told the court that Phiri who resides at Plot 135A in Grasslands, proposed love to the said girl sometime in 2018 when she was still in Grade 7 at the school. After being showered with gifts and presents, the girl was compelled to accept the proposal and the two started having sexual intercourse in a bushy area.
The girl reportedly fell pregnant and tried to conceal it. The matter, however, came to light when some church members noticed her bulging stomach and quizzed her until she confessed to what had happened. A congregant, the court heard, then alerted the girl’s parents. The parents reported the matter to the police leading to Phiri’s arrest.
MDC Deputy Secretary for International Affairs Douglas Mwonzora has congratulated the son of the late political heavy weight Dr Morgan Richard Tsvangirai after he won in primary elections in Glen View South Constituency.
Posting on his twitter handle, Mwonzora said they are looking forward to work with Tsvangirai after his triumph in the primary elections.
The position was open after the death of Honorable Vimbayi Tsvangirai-Java who succumbed injuries in an accident on her way from Bulawayo.
Fortune Chasi, Zimbabwe’s Energy Minster has thanked South Africa’s government for Eskom’s continued support over the years despite its unsettled debt to the cash-strapped utility.
“The one thing we want to say to the South African government is that we owe significant amounts of money and we are making efforts to repay the amount we owe to Eskom and we are grateful for the assistance we have received over time,” said Chasi.
Zimbabwe has been in the news amid some regions plunging into 18-hour-long power cuts due to Kariba hydro dam low water levels.
“The challenges have been occasioned in part by the hydrological conditions of the Kariba dam which has receded significantly over the past months and has made it difficult for us to rely on it.”
Kariba was already operating at half capacity earlier in May with its generational power cut from 542 MW to 358 MW.
Chisa expressed that citizens not paying their electricity bill contributed to the country’s increasing debt.
“We have a utility that is owed a lot of money by consumers in Zimbabwe,”
“Yes, the challenges are significant but I am certain that we will get over them and we are working towards that,” Chasi concluded.
THE Zanu-PF Youth League will in the next few days release a long list of alleged corrupt Government and party officials to give the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) leads to follow and arrest, as it steps up efforts to help weed out corruption that has affected the economy.
Addressing a Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators’ Association (Zilwaco) National Conference in Gweru yesterday, association chairman who is also Zanu-PF National Secretary for Youth, Pupurai Togarepi said youths have decided to take a leading role in fighting corruption.
“We know the people who are involved in corruption. I have my young man Lewis Matutu, we sat down with him and said we are willing to fight corruption and said we are going to name and shame corrupt Government and party officials.
We have a long list and you should all make a self-introspection. Most of the people in the party are on the list and in the next few coming days we will name and shame you. That’s how the country can move forward because our President cannot suffer because of corrupt people.
The President has been on a re-engagement programme visiting different nations to try and better the lives of the people of Zimbabwe but there are individuals who derail all those efforts and enrich themselves,” he said.
Togarepi said President Mnangagwa should not be lenient with corrupt officials.
“We are solidly behind President Mnangagwa beyond any shadow of doubt.
The issue of corruption which is there, we think it has also contributed in hindering the compensation for the war collaborators. All the money is going into the pockets of individuals who are greedy.
Government is being overburdened by the people who are inside who are amassing wealth and enriching their families.
We are too tolerant and lenient, that is why these corrupt individuals continue to steal from Government.
The challenge is once they are in the party and/ or Government they then look for their friends and start stealing from Government much to the detriment of the people.
These people lack ideology and they are not patriotic. We fought for this country and we are not apologetic about it,” he said.
In an interview on the sidelines of the conference, Zanu-PF Youth League Deputy Secretary, Matutu commended Zaac for descending on corrupt senior Government and party officials who were amassing wealth and enriching themselves at the expense of the entirety of the Zimbabwean populace.
This follows, the arrest of Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira on Thursday
last week over a scandal involving more than US$95 million linked to the National Social Security Authority.
“This (investigation and arrest of corrupt Government and party officials) is something that was long overdue.
What we are saying is that each and every person involved in corruption must be arrested. We are also saying people must be accountable as leaders and we are not backing off on that fight.
Our people are poor, not because the Government is not making efforts to transform their lives for the better, but our people are poor because a few individuals are stealing those few resources that are there and making them their own and their families,” he said
State Media|Zanu-PF’s Youth League has commended the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zaac) for swooping on alleged corrupt senior Government and party officials who were reportedly amassing wealth and enriching themselves at the expense of the generality of Zimbabweans.
Speaking on the sidelines of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators’ Association (Zilwaco) national conference in Gweru yesterday, deputy youth secretary Lewis Matutu said the crusade against corrupt officials was long overdue.
“This is something that was long overdue. What we are saying is that each and every person involved in corruption must be arrested. We are also saying people must be accountable as leaders and we are not backing off on that fight.
“Our people are poor not because the Government is not making effort to transform their lives for the better, but our people are poor because a few individuals are stealing those few resources that are there and making them their own and their families,” he said.
Matutu said President Emmerson Mnangagwa was serious about fighting graft and taking the country forward.
“So it is time for people to realise that President Mnangagwa is serious about the issue of corruption. It is time for people to realise that wherever they took anything, be it a Government Minister or official, local authorities and anywhere else, they should return people’s money and be clean,” he said.
Zilwaco national chairperson and Zanu-PF Secretary for Youth Pupurai Togarepi applauded the courage shown by youths to fight corruption.
The Youth League, he added, will continue to name and shame corrupt officials.
“We know the people who are involved in corruption. I have my young man, Lewis Matutu, we sat down with him and said we are willing to die fighting corruption and said we are going to name and shame corrupt Government and party officials.
“We have a long list and you should all make a self-introspection. Most of the people in the party are on the list and in the next few coming days we will name and shame you. That is how the country can move forward because our President cannot suffer because of corrupt people,” added Togarepi.
He said President Mnangagwa should not to be lenient with corrupt Government and party officials.
“We are solidly behind President Mnangagwa beyond any shadow of doubt. . . Government is being overburdened by the people who are inside who are amassing wealth and enriching their families.
“We are too tolerant and lenient; that is why these corrupt individuals continue to steal from Government and continue being at the forefront. . .”
State Media|Former Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) commissioners disappeared with key dockets for corruption cases and efforts are currently being made to recover them.
In an interview, Zacc chair Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo told state media that the investigations department of the corruption-fighting body is now compiling the list of missing documents.
Once the dockets are recovered, she said, the culprits are likely to face the music.
“I received reports of former commissioners who took dockets and have not returned them. I have tasked the investigations department to compile the list of all dockets that are missing.
“However, I am yet to receive the information from the department. I assure the nation that once the information is received the perpetrators will be brought to book,” said Justice Matanda-Moyo.
“I have spoken before about the docket management system which is in shambles, making it difficult to trace dockets. The commission is currently looking for funding to put in place a computerised case management system to ensure the security of dockets and ensure efficiency. Now that the commission is fully operational, this is one of the top agendas we are working on,” she said.
The former commission, which was led by Dr Job Wabhira, stepped down on January 31 2019. It is believed that the new Zacc is busy cleaning up the mess left by its predecessors who failed to transfer the Mt Pleasant property that is being used as the headquarters into the organisation’s name.
The US$1,7 million building is registered in the name of a private company, which was owned by former Zacc managers who have since been fired.
“I understand that the previous commission had begun the process of transfer of ownership and the legal services department is seized with the matter. The transfer will be expedited.”
Justice Matanda-Moyo has vowed to fight corruption at all levels.
President Mnangagwa told the Namibian Diaspora that he believes the new team can “bite”.
While stating that the former commission had become part of the scourge, the President implored Zimbabweans to work with the authorities to uproot the vice.
“We are determined to fight corruption, we had an anti-corruption commission as provided by our Constitution, but my view after some months in office, I realised that the commission was now part of the corruption. So I removed it and only last week (a fortnight ago) I had to swear in a new team of commissioners.
“Corruption involves more than one person; generally, the one who is badly treated exposes the corruption. If both sides are satisfied, it takes long to discover. We implore the public to come forward, we may put legislation to protect whistleblowers and give them benefits.”
Zacc was recently given arresting powers.
Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Prisca Mupfumira – who is facing seven counts of corruption involving US$95 million over questionable National Social Security Authority deals – became the latest high-profile casualty after she was arrested by Zacc last week.
Other commissioners of the new team include Jessie Majome, John Makamure, Gabriel Chaibva, Thandiwe Thando Mlobane, Frank Muchengwa, Michael Dennis Santi (Rtd Maj), Mrs Mabel Ndakaripa Hungwe and Kuziva Phineas Murapa.
FORMER Dynamos talisman, Denver Mukamba reminded the world of his brilliance when he rose from the bench to inspire Chapungu to a draw against big spenders Manica Diamonds in a premiership match played at Mandava yesterday.
Mukamba suffered psychological problems which derailed and almost ended a promising career.
But after a prolonged stay on the sidelines, the former Warriors winger inspired the airmen to an audacious comeback on his debut, when he cancelled Kudakwashe Gurure’s 77th minute goal for Manica Diamonds with a well taken strike in stoppage time.
Chapungu is renowned for instilling discipline in the group which might save the career of Mukamba if he changes his ways.
Coach Rodwell Dhlakama was happy with a share of spoils at the final whistle and thanked his new recruit for the goal.
“I want to thank God for the result. Denver helped us a lot, we could have lost this game but we managed a point.
“We are relieved, so much and I hope we will start picking maximum points soon and end this winless streak,” said Dhlakama.
Manica Diamonds coach Luke Masomere was distraught to concede in the dying stages of the match. “We had so many chances but we just scored only one goal, on a good day we could have won the match but clearly we are lacking firepower upfront.
“Since the club does not have the money to buy more players, we have to work with what is available,” said Masomere.State media
THE Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cain Mathema, has directed Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to ensure that police officers are on high alert and ready to deal with acts of violence or destruction of property following revelations that the opposition MDC-Alliance has lined up August demonstrations to destabilise the country.
In a statement yesterday, Mathema said the Government has gathered that the MDC-A was mobilising its supporters to embark on demonstrations, but Government will not tolerate anarchy.
MDC-A and its partners, Mathema said, have been holding a number of meetings to organise the demonstrations.
“My ministry has directed the Commissioner-General of police to ensure that, officers are on high alert and ready to deal with any acts of violence or destruction of property. We appeal to all peace loving Zimbabweans to ignore these calls for demonstrations which are detrimental to the social economy development thrust of the Government,” he said.
Mathema said some of the evidence included a recent MDC Provincial Youth Executive meeting held in Harare where the members resolved to mobilise the public and engage in civil disobedience in order to remove the Government or force Zanu-PF to the negotiating table.
“Let me take this opportunity to warn any organisation, be it political or otherwise that is agitating or organising civil disobedience that the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security services have a mandate of maintaining law and order in the country.
Anyone who engages in intimidation, incitement, threats or violence will only have himself to blame,” he said.State media
THE Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Cain Mathema, has directed Police Commissioner-General Godwin Matanga to ensure that police officers are on high alert and ready to deal with acts of violence or destruction of property following revelations that the opposition MDC-Alliance has lined up August demonstrations to destabilise the country.
In a statement yesterday, Mathema said the Government has gathered that the MDC-A was mobilising its supporters to embark on demonstrations, but Government will not tolerate anarchy.
“My ministry has directed the Commissioner-General of police to ensure that, officers are on high alert and ready to deal with any acts of violence or destruction of property.
We appeal to all peace loving Zimbabweans to ignore these calls for demonstrations which are detrimental to the social economy development thrust of the Government,” he said.
MDC-A and its partners, Mathema said, have been holding a number of meetings to organise the demonstrations.
Mathema said some of the evidence included a recent MDC Provincial Youth Executive meeting held in Harare where the members resolved to mobilise the public and engage in civil disobedience in order to remove the Government or force Zanu-PF to the negotiating table.
“Let me take this opportunity to warn any organisation, be it political or otherwise that is agitating or organising civil disobedience that the Zimbabwe Republic Police and other security services have a mandate of maintaining law and order in the country.
Anyone who engages in intimidation, incitement, threats or violence will only have himself to blame,” he said. Information gathered.State media
THE South African Government is considering a proposal put forward to increase power exports to Zimbabwe after high level talks between the two countries’ energy ministers last week.
In a telephone interview with the Sunday News yesterday, Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi confirmed meeting his South African counterpart, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Jeff Radebe on Thursday last week.
He said Minister Radebe expressed empathy at Zimbabwe’s power situation.
“We met with the (South African) Minister of Energy the day before yesterday and we discussed with him our situation and he was very empathetic to it. I’m reasonably optimistic that they (South Africa) will be helping us but they will go through their own internal processes to consider our own situation,” said Chasi.
The visit by Minister Chasi to South Africa is his second one this month after having met officials from South Africa’s power utility, Eskom for power talks at the beginning of the month.
Zimbabwe owes Eskom US$27 million, this is after a payment of US$10 million, which it made last month as part of its commitment to pay its debt.
Additional power imports from South Africa will ease the prevailing power shortages, which have seen the country embarking on a daily 18-hour electricity load-shedding schedule.
Chasi said the Government would be considerate of the power challenges its neighbour was also facing while going through the negotiations.
“I’m reasonably optimistic now that I have spoken to him (Minister Radebe). I’m also aware of the challenges faced by South Africa and I’m not going to put pressure on the minister and Eskom. They have to carefully consider what we discussed and then come up with a position but like I said I’m reasonably optimistic,” he said.State media
AFTER watching their eight-match unbeaten run halted by Ngezi Platinum Stars last week, army side Black Rhinos quickly bounced back to their winning ways when they upstaged champions FC Platinum at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.
The goal that made all the difference came courtesy of a second minute strike by Edgar Chigiji.
Wellington Taderera intercepted a Gift Bello clearance to find Chigiji on the right side.
The pint-sized midfielder then beat two FC Platinum defenders before unleashing a powerful grounder onto the far post.
Chigiji continued to haunt FC Platinum as he came close to grabbing a brace 10 minutes later when his close range volley hit the woodwork.
The visitors could have restored parity on the quarter hour mark when Congolese International Guyve Nsiala had a one on one situation with Black Rhinos goalkeeper Ashley Reyners.
However, the FC Platinum striker shot straight into the army side goalkeeper’s hands. Rhinos continued to press the visitors and were unlucky as Leeroy Murape’s long range effort was tipped off for a corner a minute before the half-time break.
With the visitors also pressing on, Rhinos coach Herbert Maruwa had to employ a defensive approach in the second half.
FC Platinum went home without a point or a win as the hosts committed a number of defensive errors.
One of the errors could have paid off for the log leaders in the 53rd minute when Albert Eonde capitalised on a clearance by Reyners, leaving Andrew Tandi to pull down the Cameroonian international on the edge of the penalty box and saving the day for the hosts.
William Stima came close to securing an equaliser the visitors in the 58th minute when he hit the upright from 30 yards.
“This was a crucial win for us as it brings us back into the equation of the league title, we are back in it,” said Maruwa.State media
THE Grain Marketing Board has deployed crack teams to rein in unscrupulous maize dealers violating Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 which empowers the parastatal to be the sole buyer of the grain.
The Statutory Instrument also outlaws any maize exports. As a result of the adverse weather patterns experienced last season, the country projects that maize deliveries to the GMB will be about 750 000 metric tonnes.
Government has begun importing maize to meet the annual total human and livestock demands of about 2,2 million metric tonnes.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, GMB chief executive officer Mr Rockie Mutenha said the parastatal will descend hard on third party maize dealers.
“Third party storage warehouses are being monitored to identify illegal storage of maize in contravention of the Statutory Instrument,” said Mr Mutenha.
“We re-established the GMB inspectorate that is working with the ZRP (Zimbabwe Republic Police) and AMA (Agricultural Marketing Authority) to enforce the Statutory Instrument.
“GMB inspectorate officers have been deployed to monitor illegal maize buying and selling points and inspectors are armed with seizure certificates in case they find individuals breaking the law.”State media
State power utility, Zesa, needs to strictly adhere to a tight prescribed water ration that allows it to generate an average of 358 megawatts at Kariba to avoid depleting Kariba Dam following revelations the reservoir is left with only 24 percent of water usable for power generation.
The situation at the world’s largest man-made dam is critical and Zesa needs to strike a power import deal with South Africa’s Eskom by September to avoid tipping over an already precarious power situation in the country.
This is because demand for power in Zimbabwe, at peak periods, stands at an average 1 800 megawatts, but the country’s internal capacity can only manage a maximum 800-900MW at best due to antiquated equipment and effects of drought, which have decimated generation at Kariba South.
ZESA acting chief executive officer Mr Patrick Chivaura told The Sunday Mail Business that Zesa was producing power at levels prescribed by the Zambezi River Authority (ZRA), which administers the river, to conserve water for next season. “Kariba water level is 24 of live capacity. We are allowed to generate an average of 358MW to conserve water for next season,” Engineer Chivaura said last week.State media
Farai Dziva|Outspoken MDC-T vice president, advocate Obert Gutu, has urged the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption to arrest an MDC official who looted public funds during the GNU era.
Gutu claimed that a member of the MDC (led by advocate Nelson Chamisa) fraudulently channelled funds into Interfin Limited Bank.
“Millions of public funds in US$ were fraudulently and recklessly channelled to Interfin Bank Limited by an MDC Cabinet Minister for a cut.
This money was then ‘lost’ when Interfin collapsed. If this isn’t corruption, then the word ‘corruption’ needs to be redefined. @ZACConline,” Gutu posted on Twitter.
Law Professor, Professor Lovemore Madhuku has said the jailed Minister Prisca Mupfumira cannot get any bail for the next 21 days.
He said the state has been very creative in slapping her with the 21 day slab.
Speaking just after she was denied bail, Prof Madhuku said, “she will not be allowed to apply for bail until after the 21 days. In this case, the state has been very creative in using this provision.”
Professor Lovemore Madhuku on Minister Mupfumira's bail.
Farai Dziva|Since taking over from Lloyd Chigowe, Tonderayi Ndiraya has presided over 12 matches and has registered five wins, five draws and two losses.
He has garnered 20 out of a possible 36 points, translating to a 56 percent success rate for the former Ngezi Platinum Stars coach.
Under Ndiraya, Dynamos have conceded six goals in 12 matches and the only time that DeMbare let in more than one goal in a match was during a 0-2 loss against Bulawayo Chiefs on May 18.
Dynamos have kept seven clean sheets in 12 matches and only conceded once at Rufaro in the 1-1 draw against CAPS United last Sunday.
But Dynamos have also not scored more than one goal in a match since Ndiraya assumed the reigns, something that is troubling the youthful coach.
During the past few days, a lot has been said about Archieford Gutu’s match fitness, or rather lack of it, while his weight has also been a topical subject.
But there was no doubt the veteran linkman still has a golden touch after his exquisite free-kick buried a 10-men Harare City at Rufaro yesterday. Gutu, a mid-season quick fix signing by Dynamos coach Tonderai Ndiraya, announced his return to the local Premiership with a 31st minute goal that gave DeMbare their first Castle Lager Premiership victory in three matches.
Simba Nhivi was brought down by Munyaradzi Diro Nyenye and DeMbare players appealed for a penalty but referee Ruzive Ruzive judged that the offence had been committed from just outside the box.
When almost everyone thought the left footed Tinotenda Muringani was better positioned to take the set piece, Gutu stepped up and curled the ball beyond the Harare City wall and a bemused Maxwell Nyamupanedengu.
The win, Ndiraya’s fifth since taking over from Lloyd Chigowe on April 25, also pushed Dynamos to fifth position on the log with 23 points, eight behind log leaders FC Platinum who lost 0-1 against Black Rhinos at the National Sports Stadium yesterday.State media
FIRST Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has proven that she is indeed an angel of hope following her philanthropic work that has been extended to the once marginalised and forgotten San community in Bulilima district, Matabeleland South province.
The First Lady handed over a nutrition garden, orchard and a solar-powered borehole to the community on Friday.
Senator for Bulilima and Mangwe, Simon Khaya Moyo, who also accompanied the First Lady, applauded her for the work which he said had revolutionised the San way of life.
“The First Lady, Amai Mnangagwa, was in Plumtree on her nationwide philanthropic mission with her Angel of Hope Foundation in Makhulela area in rural Bulilima West Constituency. The area is home to the San community who for many decades lived in Mabhongwane Game Park bordering Botswana, a sanctuary they inhabited as the hunters until their relocation to their present place.
“They, for many years, were a forgotten people, totally marginalised, having no access to education, health services and other amenities. The First Lady heard of their plight and visited them last year. They had never been visited by such a distinguished personality before, and let alone a First Lady,” he said.
During her initial visit, the First Lady familiarised herself with their way of life and promised to improve their social and material conditions.
“She immediately set her foundation to work and in less than a year, their lives have changed. They now have an irrigation scheme with a thriving and flourishing vegetable garden and a promising orchard moving away from the past life of being hunters and gatherers,” said Moyo.State media
A 62-YEAR-OLD teacher at a primary school in Concession was on Thursday arraigned before a Guruve Magistrates Courts on charges of indecently assaulting four girls on different occasions.
Hilton Mafanya pleaded not guilty to the charge before magistrate Artwell Sanyatwe, who granted him $50 bail and remanded him to August 5.
Prosecutor Carson Kundiona alleges that sometime in May, the accused called one of the girls to his desk and started caressing her on her buttocks and thighs several times.
The complainant shared the matter with her classmates the following month.
Sometime in June, Mafanya called three different girls on different occasions and indecently assaulted them.
The matter came to light when the complainants reported the issue to their parents. The angry parents stormed the school, baying for Mafanya’s blood. The accused went into hiding before surrendering himself to the police.Newsday
Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira who is facing seven counts of criminal abuse of public office yesterday wept in a Harare court after acting chief Magistrate Munamato Mutevedzi placed her on custodial remand for 21 days.
Mupfumira sobbed after Mr Mutevedzi upheld an application by the State to detain her for 21 days as provided under the Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act Section 32, which empowers the State to seek further detention due to the gravity of a case.
Mupfumira was arrested on Thursday by the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) on corruption allegations involving US$95 million National Social Security Authority (Nssa) funds.
Chief prosecutor Mr Michael Reza presented a certificate from the Prosecutor General’s Office to detain Mupfumira for three weeks on the basis that she could use her position, as minister, to interfere with investigations.
In the ruling, the magistrate said issues raised by the defence led by Mr Charles Chinyama, in their attack of the validity of the certificate, were of no use as they all related to an application for admission to bail which was not the issue before the court.
Chief among the contentions that the defence raised was that Section 32 is unconstitutional arguing it violates section 50 Subsection 1 subparagraph (b) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe; which provides that any person who is arrested must be released unconditionally.
The defence also argued that; “the State had acted contrary to section 32 subsection 3 (b) subparagraph (b) subparagraph (i) which requires that there must be proof that the arresting officer was of or above the rank of assistant inspector.”
Mr Chinyama said there is no indication that the accused person benefitted from all the funds that were allegedly siphoned out of NSSA except for a few thousand dollars which she signed for onward submission to persons attending official functions.
Mr Mutevedzi, however, said the right to bail as enshrined in the Constitution was not an absolute.
“Given all these pointers linking the accused person to the commission of the offence, the court is convinced that indeed the State has established grounds which constitute reasonable suspicion that the accused committed offences preferred against her.
The court, therefore, has no hesitation to find that all the requirement for the production of the Prosecutor Generals Certificate produced in terms of section 32 subsection 3 (b) have been met.
The effect of that certificate is to oust this court and every other court’s jurisdiction in determining issues related to the accused person’s admission to bail during the lifespan of that certificate.”
Mupfumira will be back in court on 9 August for routine remand. She is facing corruption allegations involving $95 million.- state media
State Media FULL TEXT: MDC-Alliance president Mr Nelson Chamisa on Friday reportedly developed cold feet and dodged a meeting of the party structures in Bulawayo, which had been called to address among other things the contentious issue of the wayward behaviour of city councillors. The meeting held at the party offices was instead addressed by the chairperson, Ms Thabitha Khumalo who had been sent by Mr Chamisa.
An insider told Sunday News that Mr Chamisa avoided the meeting because he was not sure how the structures would behave as the MDC-Alliance in Bulawayo has been torn into factions along tribal lines.
Ever since Bulawayo Deputy Mayor, Mr Tinashe Kambarami and his sidekick, Councillor Silas Chigora tried to eject the Bulawayo Town Clerk, Mr Christopher Dube from office a few weeks ago, accusing him of corruption, divisions along tribal lines have emerged among the councillors in the process cascading to the structures. Party Bulawayo provincial chairperson Mr James Sithole yesterday said he could not comment on the matter as he was “too junior to speak on issues concerning top officials.”
Speaking at the meeting Ms Khumalo tried to pacify the supporters calling them to stop looking at issues along tribal lines. “The Constitution is clear; we cannot discriminate on grounds of tribe. Let’s agree that there is a problem, how do we rectify it because all of us must abide by rules. If these laws are not what we want as people of the Matabeleland how do we change the law? Go and change the Constitution and go and change the Urban Councils Act too,” she said.
However, parts sources said the party officials wanted to be addressed by Mr Chamisa whom they accuse of failing to deal with the issues affecting the party in the city.
Mr Chamisa, however, was reportedly not keen to face the agitated supporters and decided against attending the meeting. – Sunday News
DYNAMOS will be without their two top strikers Evans Katema and Edward Sadomba in the next few games but the team’s technical team is not worried at all.
Katema is away in Mauritius with the senior national football team for the African Nations Championships match this weekend, while captain Sadomba is yet to recover from the head injury he suffered a fortnight.
Edward Sadomba
Sadomba suffered a concussion after he was hit with a ball on the face in the match against Black Rhinos, an injury which forced him out of the clash against Caps United at the weekend.
He is still recovering from the injury, and did not train this week. Young Tawanda Macheke is also down with an injury, leaving the returning Simba Nhivi with the sole burden of leading the attacking line for the Harare giants today.
“We would have wanted all our best players to be available, but this is the situation we are in and we cant mourn about it. We registered enough players knowing we will have such situations so we are not really worried,” team manager Richard Chihoro said.Newsday
The abducted activist Itai Dzamara’s lawyer, Adv Kennedy Masiye has spoken against the practice of politicians using bail as a weapon to punish perceived enemies.
https://youtu.be/s89BrQhlrsU
Writing at the weekend, Adv Masiye said:
“For the legal system to regain its respect officers of the courts should do their jobs in a manner that advances justice and confidence in the system.
“Whether one is from MDC or Zanu pf the court should always be blind to these prejudices.
“Procedures like Bail should not be used to seek approval from politicians but should be a transparent process guided by the rules and principles of democracy and the rule of law.
“Following the dictates of politics will always corrupt the criminal justice system and render otherwise good court rulings or judgements useless and strategic ammunition for political agendas.”
We are faced with a terrible situation in our country and we must find a lasting solution.
I know that you are suffering with no fuel, no power, no money, no passports, no jobs and no food. The cost of living has become unbearable. A lot of us cannot access medical facilities or medication. Children are dropping out of schools. Companies are shutting down.
Our civil servants, our teachers, nurses, patriotic men and women in uniform are struggling and have inadequate salaries.
Our pensioners including our war veterans can hardly survive. Corruption has become a national anthem.
In the rural areas just like the urban areas, life has become unbearable. Food is being abused as a partisan political weapon.
For that reason, I am urging all Zimbabweans from all walks of life and various denominations, in and outside the country to embark on a seven day prayer, fasting and intercession for our beloved country, Zimbabwe before undertaking crucial and decisive next steps.
In particular, during the seven days of prayer, starting from Monday the 29th of July to
Sunday the 4th of August, I kindly ask you to take an hour between 1pm and 2pm every day to lift your hands and submit your hearts to the Lord beseeching him to grant us the power, wisdom, strength and providence to see us through.
Rallying call, “Zimbabwe shall lift her hands unto the Lord”
Psalm 68:31, Psalms 11:3 & 2 Chronicles 7:14
A Mataga Police Station Officer-in-Charge has appeared in court facing three counts of criminal abuse of office, where he allegedly bought fuel under the pretext of using it for police duties when in fact he intended to divert it to the black market.
Ngqabutho Fuyane (38) appeared before Zvishavane magistrate Mr Shepard Munjanja last week to answer to a charge of fraud and contravening section 140 of Environmental Management Act.
He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody to 6 August for trial. Prosecuting, Miss Caroline Mafunga told the court that on 16 May, Fuyane went to Mataga Service Station where he bought 200 litres of diesel purporting that it was for ZRP Mataga Station.
“The accused bought 200 litres of diesel claiming that it was for the Zimbabwe Republic Police. He paid for the said fuel using his EcoCash account.
“After buying the fuel, he placed it in eight plastic containers and loaded it into a police vehicle and drove off,” said Miss Mafunga. The court heard that Fuyane converted the fuel to his personal use.
“The accused converted the fuel to his own personal use instead of taking it to Mataga ZRP camp as he had earlier indicated.”
The court further heard that on 28 June, Fuyane who was in the company of his friend identified in court as Chihora, bought another 200 litres of diesel from the same service station claiming that it was for police use.
“With the help of Chihora, Fuyane put the fuel in five 25-litre plastics and three 20-litre jerry cans.
“The fuel was paid for using Chihora’s EcoCash account and Fuyane’s wife EcoCash account.
“After buying the fuel, they loaded their containers into Chihora’s twin cab Ford Ranger and drove off.”
Fuyane did not take the fuel to Mataga Police Station as purported but diverted it to his own use.
The matter came to light when detectives who acted on a tip-off recovered fuel at Fuyane’s place of residence stored in a fowl run leading to his arrest. Sunday News
By A Correspondent| On Saturday, Zimbabweans converged in Leicester, UK for the first function celebrating the upcoming returning of the famous anti-Rhodesian rebel, Nehanda Nyakasikana’s bones to Zimbabwe.
The United Kingdom is releasing the bones of the fallen first black fighters regarded as rebels (due to the fact that they fought against taxation by the British establishment) in 1897. Once in Zimbabwe, the bones will be buried at the Heroes Acre, sources told ZimEye. Below were some video excerpts at the function.
Zimbabwe and other African countries should ban the importation of second hand vehicles and create their own indigenous automotive sectors that produce vehicles that are fit for their environment to accelerate industrialisation on the continent, an official has said.
Nissan Group director of sales and operations for Africa, Jim Dando said currently there were about 45 million vehicles in Africa and most of these vehicles were never intended for African “road conditions or our fuel quality”.
“We end up with ostensible mobility solutions that in reality are bad for the health of our people, both in terms of the damage they do to the environment and the risk they pose for both passengers and drivers,” Dando said in a statement.
“The only sustainable solution for Africa is to clean up the fuel quality, ban the importation of second hand vehicles and create Africa’s own indigenous automotive sector, producing harmonised vehicles that are fit for Africa. This will create jobs directly, fast track the industrialisation of the continent and change the many economies that are still largely resource based.”Newsday
A MAN from Bulawayo’s Sauerstown suburb has been arrested after he was allegedly caught fondling his stepdaughter’s breast while also rubbing his privates on her bums.
It is said last week on Monday at around 7.30 pm, the accused furtively left his wife imbibing wise waters with their neighbour and headed to a bedroom where his 15-year-old teenage girl was sleeping.
A court heard the accused got into the bedroom and found his stepdaughter in deep sleep. He allegedly fondled her breast before he took out his organ and rubbed it against her buttocks.
While he was busy pleasuring himself the victim’s brother allegedly stormed in and caught him red-handed.
Incensed by his stepfather’s actions he is said to have grabbed him and violently pushed him out of the bedroom.
Seeing her husband being bundled out of the house while trying to cover his privates, the mother of the minor reportedly questioned her son about the unfolding drama. Her son revealed that he caught his stepfather fondling his younger sister’s breast while rubbing his manhood on her buttocks.
That did not go down well with the mother of the teenager. She made a police report leading to the arrest of her husband.
The accused appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ulukile Mlea- Ndlovu. He pleaded not guilty to an indecent assault charge. The accused appealed for bail and was granted. He was remanded out of custody to 31 July for commencement of trial.B-Metro
By Own Correspondent- Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele confirmed the incident which occurred on Wednesday at around 11PM.
“I can confirm that we recorded a robbery case which occurred in Beitbridge on Wednesday at around 11PM.
Jairos Moyo of Filabusi was driving a Honda Fit vehicle from Bulawayo headed for Beitbridge with one passenger on board, Sithembiso Mpofu, who is also from Filabusi. He reached Gwanda at around 9PM and gave a lift to four other passengers;Daniel Sibanda and three unknown male adults.
“As they approached Beitbridge at the 313 kilometre peg the three unknown men ordered the driver to stop as they had reached their destination. One of them disembarked from the vehicle, another grabbed the steering wheel while another produced a knife,’’ he said.
Chief Insp Ndebele said the three suspects demanded cash from the other two passengers Mpofu and Sibanda.
He said they stabbed Mpofu on her left hand and grabbed her handbag which contained US$460, £600, P1 500, $300 and a cellphone.
Chief Insp Ndebele said the other passenger, Sibanda, tried to flee from the robbers but they caught up with him and took R500 from him before fleeing into the darkness.
He said no arrests had been made and appealed to members of the public with information that could lead to the arrests of the suspects to contact the police.
State media – In a bizarre off-the-cuff speech yesterday at St Luke’s, Lupane, MDC-Alliance president Mr Nelson Chamisa said he would give President Mnangagwa a farm, women and whisky if he resigned and left him to run the country.
Mr Chamisa was speaking at a campaign rally ahead of Lupane East Constituency by-election on Saturday. The party is represented by Mr Dalumuzi Khumalo.
The seat fell vacant after Cde Sithembile Gumbo (Zanu-PF) died in April. Zanu-PF that will be represented by Cde Mbongeni Dube and has also hit the ground running in a contest analysts predict the party will retain the seat.
At the rally, Mr Chamisa left his supporters holding their mouths in disbelief when he said he had already hatched a retirement plan for President Mnangagwa, with women and alcohol waiting for him should he call it quits.
“I will give him (President) a farm together with (VPs) Chiwenga and Mohadi. I want to say sit and be quiet. I will give you whisky and I’ll give you women. Whatever you want I’ll give you,” he said
In a speech filled with misogynistic undertones Mr Chamisa, who is married, said he had been learning isiNdebele because he wanted to court women.
“So Prof (Welshman Ncube) uyabona ukuthi ngiyadobhadobha? (I try to speak in Ndebele). Ngifuna ukukhombisa ngesiNdebele (I want to court women in Ndebele),” he said.
Mr Chamisa also claimed to have won the hearts of local pregnant women who wanted to name their children after him.
Mr Chamisa once again took the opportunity to beg President Mnangagwa for talks.
“We will have to agree on a plan to get the country out of the problem and agree on an agenda to go forward. What we will have to agree is to abandon the bond note and use the US dollar until we have resolved the issue,” he said.- state media
Primary education will now be State-funded and compulsory, and parents and guardians will be imprisoned if they fail to send their children to school, should amendments to the Education Bill sail through Parliament.
On Thursday, the National Assembly accepted amendments from Proportional Representation legislator, Ms Priscilla Misihairabwi-Mushonga (MDC-T), which seek to criminalise the failure by parents or guardians to allow children to attain State-assisted basic education.
This came out during the Committee stage of the Education Bill, which was being steered by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima.
The National Assembly accepted amendments from Ms Misihairabwi-Mushonga to delete Clause Four of the Bill and replace it with another one that provides for compulsory education.
The new clause now reads as follows: Section 5 (“Compulsory education”), of the principal Act is repealed and substituted with the following: –5 Compulsory Education (1) Every child shall be entitled to compulsory basic State-funded education. (2) Any parent who deprives their child the right to basic State-funded education shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding level 6 or to imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.”
Before the clause was acceded to, Prof Mavima said he was in agreement with the relevant amendments.
“We did concede to the proposed amendment and we also think the duty to ensure the right to education should fall on the guardians as well. So, compulsory will also mean that the parents or guardians would have an obligation to make sure that learners go to school,” said Prof Mavima.State media
Obert Mpofus’ latest Gukurahundi utterances in which he advocates against Emmerson Mnangagwa apologizing for the country’s biggest Zanu PF government led atrocities since attainment of black rule in 1980, is a deplorable act of self-serving by a man whose hands are unclean of the same crime given his defection from ZAPU during the same period.
Mpofu argues that an apology by Mnangagwa’s government over Gukurahundi atrocities will be a disaster for his party and the administration. He further, unreasonably advocates to let bygones be bygones, and avoid opening closed wounds which maybe catastrophic to his party and to the illegitimate government.
Really?
Obert Mpofu demonstrates lack of appreciation of sanctity of human life, as long as his personal political interests are safeguarded. He is an embarrassment to the communities of Matebeleland North, and their community leadership, whom he has claimed to represent all these years. The souls, and bones of those murdered gruesomely, must be turning in their mass graves.
Mpofu and his ‘like-minded colleagues’ should appreciate that one of the greatest tenets for national development is the prevailing of peace, adequately cleared of present and past wrongs and well thought-out sustainable future peace programmes. A dark past will always impede the future unless the dark spots are properly cleared of residual injustices.
The nation needs proper healing. There cannot be meaningful development without proper nation building and national healing programme. The country’s healing programme cannot be held to ransom by people who fear to be exposed of their roles in the past and present atrocities. There is need for a truth telling programme, transitional justice, need for proper closing of wounds to ensure lasting healing, including decent burials.
The MDC, as the people’s party, recognizes the importance of national peace and stability to sustainable development and is committed to an all stakeholder-facilitated and instituted national healing, reconciliation, integration and due care program for the victims as a pre-requisite for nation building and sustainable democracy and development.
The trauma and wounds of human rights violations committed in pre and post-colonial Zimbabwe, chief amongst them, Gukurahundi, cannot be ignored. The dark period left a traumatized, politically fractured and sorrowful nation stricken with grief, depression, suspicion and pain with many people living in fear. These various inflicted wounds were either not closed or improperly closed. And the best way to close old wounds is by confronting the past for a better future. This entails remembering and confronting the past terrors. We must remember what happened in order to keep it from not happening again. It is only through remembering, allowing open discussions, care, healing, compensating and reconciliation that the nation can go forward.
The MDC applauds the 2013 constitutional provisions that provides for the setting up of a National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) and that of the Human Rights Commission, (ZHRC), whose respective mandates are to facilitate for the ‘opening and proper closing of the old wounds, and the much needed prevention of recurrences. The MDC will work to further buttress and strengthen the independence of these institutions.
And as we seek to transform the lives of all the people of Zimbabwe, there is need for politicians to change their mindset. Serious political will is needed to permanently address the various cumulative crises bedeviling the country for the past four decades, all being mainly State sponsored human injustices and many other sources of peace threatening crises, legitimacy crisis, need for curing of the corruption virus and the economic crises.
The calls by Obert Mpofu are based on the fear to be exposed. We cannot allow the country to be held to ransom by personal interest.
Let us put the interests of the dead and the tortured souls first. ubaba Obert Mpofu!
Hon Blessing Chebundo
Secretary for National Healing, Peace, Reconciliation and Integration
By A Correspondent| The popular AFM pastor Dr Shumbambiri has died.
ZimEye is reliably informed the Reverend passed on early Saturday morning after a health struggle. He was 80.
Mourners are gathered at his home in Bindura.
In a statement, the church said, “THE LEGEND DR REV SHUMBAMBIRI HAS MOVED ON TO BE WITH THE LORD
The crippling heaviness, the insurmountable pain, the groaning spirit…..in all this we thank the Lord for the tonnes of love, spiritual guidance, purity and faithfulness that was imparted by our FATHER on the entire Church.
We will finish the walk and defense of faith that he pioneered.
BY Wilbert Mukori- “I am urging all Zimbabweans from all walks of life and various denominations, in and outside the country to embark on a seven day prayer, fasting and intercession for our beloved country, Zimbabwe before undertaking crucial and decisive next steps,” called out Nelson Chamisa.
“In particular, during the
seven days of prayer, starting from Monday the 29th of July to Sunday the 4th
of August, I kindly ask you to take an hour between 1pm and 2pm every day to
lift your hands and submit your hearts to the Lord beseeching Him to grant us
the power, wisdom, strength and providence to see us through.
“Rallying call,
“Zimbabwe shall lift her hands unto the Lord”
Hold on one minute! You
are asking us to “beseech the Lord to grant us the power, wisdom, strength and
providence to see us through”, through what exactly?
What are these “crucial
and decisive next steps”?
Because if you are talking of demonstrations to force Mnangagwa to concede to your demands to go into a power sharing arrangement with you in return for MDC granting the tyrant and his junta legitimacy only fools would want to join you.
We know what is in it for you and a few of your fellow MDC leaders but also know there will be nothing in it for the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe.
You want a cabinet post
for yourself, Tendai Biti and two or three others. You lot are desperate to get
back on the gravy train. Whilst you agree Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections
and the regime is per se illegitimate. You are offering Mnangagwa legitimacy in
return for a share in the spoils of power.
The idea that Zanu PF can blatantly deny millions of Zimbabweans the vote, reduce millions of the rural voters into nothing more than serfs and frog march them to vote for the party, fail to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, etc., etc. and yet still declare itself legitimate is an insult.
The suggestion that MDC can usurp the people’s exclusive power and authority and declare Zanu PF legitimate for a share of the spoils of power is an outrage.
Only the people of
Zimbabwe, in a free, fair and credible elections, give the winner the mandate
to govern and legitimacy.
Worse still the proposed
power sharing will not implement any democratic reforms just as the 2008 to
2013 failed to do the same. Chamisa has himself admitted that he and his MDC
friends “sat, ate and did nothing for five years of GNU”. There is nothing to
suggest they will do any better this time round. Nothing!
If Zanu PF is still in
power come 2023, the regime will rig those elections as readily as it rigged
last year’s elections. Now, is that really what we would want to beseech the
Lord God Almighty to make sure happened?
Hell, no!
Chamisa is set on joining
Zanu PF in a power sharing arrangement, this is a stupid idea which he wants
passed as beseeched wisdom from the Lord!
By Own Correspondent| Sandra Ndebele has revealed that she has completely stopped taking starchy foods and has thus dumped eating sadza as she seeks to lose weight.
She said:
“I now watch what I eat and have cut down on the amount of food. For example, when I eat chicken, I cook it using Olive oil.
I’ve also completely removed starch from my meals —this means I no longer eat things like rice, bread or isitshwala,” she told a local publication.
“Losing weight and having this toned body has helped with my confidence and it clears my head as I feel fresh every day.
“I dumped running because my body wasn’t responding then I got a personal trainer who advised me to walk.
“Everyday, I walk 15 000 steps which are around 20km. I do this either on the treadmill in the gym or when I walk from home.
I’ve been doing this for the past four months and my body has started responding,” said Ndebele.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- A 16-year-old form one pupil at Chirumba High School is appealing for help from well-wishers to go for specialist medical attention on her amputated leg which has started developing festering ulcers.
The leg is giving Sharon Madamombe a hard time as the ulcers are eating deep into her flesh. The teenager has also developed a sore throat and a runny stomach.
Currently, Sharon is under the care of her grandmother who can barely support her as both her parents abandoned her. The whereabouts of Sharon’s parents are unknown.
On behalf of Sharon, the school is appealing for assistance in cash from well-wishers so that she can be attended to by doctors at Silveira Mission Hospital.
Chirumba deputy head Ivy Mukuwe told a local publication that the minor was in pain and her condition was disheartening.
“I can confirm that the girl’s condition as we speak right now is disheartening. She has developed many infections following the removal of her leg, so we are kindly appealing to well wishers to help her so that she can go for specialised medical attention,” said Mukuwe.
She said those willing to assist can forward the donation through the school senior lady Miss Mhizha, at Chirumba’s EcoCash number 0772245323
More details can also be obtained from the school head at 0772745303 or deputy school head at 0772245363.-TellZim
By A Correspondent- China has committed to fund the construction of 47 boreholes in Makoni district, it has emerged.
The drilling of the boreholes will be carried out by China’s charity arm China Aid and will cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The development will go a long way in the provision of clean and portable water to villagers.
The boreholes will be drilled at schools; clinics and village centres where people are having challenges in accessing water.
Makoni Rural District Council chief executive Dr Edward Pise thanked the central government for brokering the deal with the Chinese government. He added that the project would help villagers with water, sanitation and hygiene challenges they have been grappling with for many years.
“Constructing 47 boreholes is no mean feat. Its mammoth task, which our council was struggling to do due to a number of challenges. Engaging private players to drill a borehole you part away with not less than $8 000 which is a lot of money and now we have 47 for free.
“The boreholes will be drilled at strategic places such as schools, clinic and village centres for many people to easily access clean water.
“Council has robust water, sanitation and hygiene programmes and the coming in of China Aid is icing on the cake. We want all our residents to have easy access to clean water,’’ said Mr Pise.
By Own Correspondent- A Zvishavane man who allegedly killed his neighbour over a mine claim two years ago has appeared in court facing a fresh charge of murder after he recently stabbed a fellow imbiber over beer.
This was heard when Solomon Ndlovu Mthombeni (30) of Zeddeberg Village in Zvishavane appeared before Zvishavane Magistrate Shephard Munjanja facing one count of murder, after he allegedly stabbed to death Tinashe Siziba following a misunderstanding over beer.
He was not asked to plead and was advised to apply for bail at the High Court.
The Zeddeberg community however, believes that Ndlovu will never face the full wrath of the law as his father is a traditional healer.
Village head Mfanakithi Mlilo said Ndlovu had become a nuisance in the village, terrorising villagers saying he had immunity.
“He has been terrorising villagers saying he is untouchable and he can’t be arrested.
“He threatened anyone who crosses his path and people have been living in fear. We are glad that he has been arrested but we think he might come out soon because his father will certainly do what he did the last time his son was arrested,” said village head Mlilo.
It is the State’s case that on June 10 at Oret Business Centre, Ndlovu had a misunderstanding with the now deceased over beer and the misunderstanding degenerated into a fight.
On the fateful day, the accused and the victim had a misunderstanding which turned into a fight.
Ndlovu drew a handmade knife which he used to stab Siziba several times all over the body and left him for dead.
After committing the heinous crime, Ndlovu fled from the scene but ran out of luck as people who witnessed the whole incident unfold pursued and caught him.
Siziba was quickly rushed to Zvishavane District Hospital and was transferred to Gweru Provincial Hospital where he later succumbed to injuries.
While presiding over the matter, magistrate Munjanja positively identified Ndlovu from the previous crime which he committed back in 2014 before fleeing while he was out on bail.
The State’s case for his previous case is that in 2014 on December 12, Ndlovu approached Mazvienza Tofara in his homestead and asked him why he was mining in his claim.
Tofara denied the allegations and this did not go down well with Ndlovu who produced an okapi knife and stabbed the deceased seven times and he died on the spot.
The matter was reported to police leading to Ndlovu’s arrest.
The Movement for Democratic Change has become the most powerful political organisation in Zimbabwe. This influence has been a result of (i) the rise of you a fresh youthful leader, (ii) the alliance of many opposition parties,(iii) the fall of Robert Mugabe which divided Zanu-PF and (iv) the worsening Zimbabwe economic crisis which leads many with no option but to choose a second alternative (MDC).
It is clear that the majority of Zimbabweans are affiliated to your political organisation as they see it as the only hope to remove the regime of Emmerson Mnangagwa who came to power through a controversial “coup but not a coup” take-over on November 24, 2017.
However, the depth of your abilities Advocate Chamisa to give a panacea to the current crisis remains shrouded in obscurity. Hereafter, take note of the following concerns for the benefit of all Zimbabweans:
Fulfill your promise
Abraham Lincoln in 1986 uttered the now popular maxim “Actions speak louder than words”. It is from such literature that I refer you back to the July 30 2018, controversial polls which left you as more of an orator than a leader.
Since this period, you have been promising to act in every way possible to deal with Mnangagwa’s illegitimacy and the current economic mess. It can be noted in every press briefing that you re-echoed sentiments of assuring the nation that appropriate action would be taken. Unfortunately, no notable stride has been taken.
This malpractice on your part may cost you your political support and influence in the Zimbabwean political spectrum. Please fulfill your promise Advocate!
Your reluctance is a
high liability
Millions of people entrusted you with their vote so that you can give solutions to their struggles. It is a well-known fact that the current struggles of our nation have been caused by the disputed 2018 elections.
As a result, there are no drugs in hospitals, frequent workforce strikes in the health sector, poor conditions of service for workers, ridiculous power cuts, industrial closure, inflation, corruption and high cost of living. The duty of calling Zanu-PF to account and to order, has been given to you by the people.
Zimbabweans are ready to move in any direction that you give them as a leader. Reluctance to take appropriate action will only lead to more socio-economic instability in our nation. Your current reluctance must be aborted forthwith and be replace by a strategic sense of urgency!
Go beyond social
media
It can be noted that you have been active on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, Whatsapp and YouTube. This has been a good way of communicating and reaching out to the millions of supporters under your leadership.
However, social media posts are not enough if your plan is to change Zimbabwe. People need a radical leader whose influence must raise a series of steps to sweep away the political and socio-economic crisis in Zimbabwe. Advocate, derive ideas from opposition movements that brought a change of government et ali Gandhi’s salt march, the Boston Tea Party, the 1963 March on Washington, the Tiananmen Square, 2010 etcetera.
Your influence must stretch beyond social media and land on the streets, industries, schools, hospitals and on the table of a regular family in Zimbabwe.
Be more of a
Political Leader
Define your roles clearly Advocate Nelson Chamisa. Your massive supporters voted for you to be their president not to be their spiritual pastor. You are a leader of a marginalized society which is characterised by different kinds of religions and beliefs from Christianity, Islam, African Traditional Religion, Hinduism et cetera.
The Christian believers have been praying and fasting since the beginning of the year and beyond as there are pastors committed to that particular task so have other religious groups. The people of Zimbabwe regardless of their religions need a practical remedy to this crisis and they are expecting you to give them an answer as a Political leader.
Be more of a Political Leader than a pastor if you are passionate about delivering change in Zimbabwe !
Stop partisan
inequality
Advocate, please note that the current leadership that was elected at the Movement for Democratic Change, Congress are the people’s choice. However, the appointment of controversial individuals like Fadzayi Mahere into the Party’s main stream positions remains an unsolved subject amongst the Youth League.
The MDC has committed members within its structures who are intelligent and able to take crucial roles within the party. May you consider them before appointing Politicians from outside the party.
Inappropriate appointment of outsiders might bring more political harm than good to your organization. Lessons can be drawn from Author Mutambara’s comic appointment in the Welshman Ncube’s MDC. Therefore, let seniority take precedence over political favoritism!
Advocate Nelson Chamisa, you have the support, you have the experience and you have the opportunity to change the country. Zimbabwe is in a crisis and people are suffering. The people are in need of urgent intervention.
Five years from now, be remembered as a leader who saved his nation from political and economic oblivion, not a political fanatic who uttered empty political rhetoric.. Zimbabweans have waited for action for far too long. The time is now!
By Own Correspondent- Outspoken MDC-T vice president, advocate Obert Gutu, has urged the Zimbabwe Anti Corruption to arrest an MDC official who looted public funds during the GNU era.
Gutu claimed that a member of the MDC (led by advocate Nelson Chamisa) fraudulently channelled funds into Interfin Limited Bank.
“Millions of public funds in US$ were fraudulently and recklessly channelled to Interfin Bank Limited by an MDC Cabinet Minister for a cut.
This money was then ‘lost’ when Interfin collapsed. If this isn’t corruption, then the word ‘corruption’ needs to be redefined. @ZACConline,” Gutu posted on Twitter.
By Wilbert Mukori- “I am urging all Zimbabweans from all walks of life and various denominations, in and outside the country to embark on a seven day prayer, fasting and intercession for our beloved country, Zimbabwe before undertaking crucial and decisive next steps,” called out Nelson Chamisa.
“In particular, during the
seven days of prayer, starting from Monday the 29th of July to Sunday the 4th
of August, I kindly ask you to take an hour between 1pm and 2pm every day to
lift your hands and submit your hearts to the Lord beseeching Him to grant us
the power, wisdom, strength and providence to see us through.
“Rallying call,
“Zimbabwe shall lift her hands unto the Lord”
Hold on one minute! You
are asking us to “beseech the Lord to grant us the power, wisdom, strength and
providence to see us through”, through what exactly?
What are these “crucial
and decisive next steps”?
Because if you are talking of demonstrations to force Mnangagwa to concede to your demands to go into a power sharing arrangement with you in return for MDC granting the tyrant and his junta legitimacy only fools would want to join you.
We know what is in it for you and a few of your fellow MDC leaders but also know there will be nothing in it for the long-suffering people of Zimbabwe.
You want a cabinet post
for yourself, Tendai Biti and two or three others. You lot are desperate to get
back on the gravy train. Whilst you agree Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections
and the regime is per se illegitimate. You are offering Mnangagwa legitimacy in
return for a share in the spoils of power.
The idea that Zanu PF can blatantly deny millions of Zimbabweans the vote, reduce millions of the rural voters into nothing more than serfs and frog march them to vote for the party, fail to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, etc., etc. and yet still declare itself legitimate is an insult.
The suggestion that MDC can usurp the people’s exclusive power and authority and declare Zanu PF legitimate for a share of the spoils of power is an outrage.
Only the people of
Zimbabwe, in a free, fair and credible elections, give the winner the mandate
to govern and legitimacy.
Worse still the proposed
power sharing will not implement any democratic reforms just as the 2008 to
2013 failed to do the same. Chamisa has himself admitted that he and his MDC
friends “sat, ate and did nothing for five years of GNU”. There is nothing to
suggest they will do any better this time round. Nothing!
If Zanu PF is still in
power come 2023, the regime will rig those elections as readily as it rigged
last year’s elections. Now, is that really what we would want to beseech the
Lord God Almighty to make sure happened?
Hell, no!
Chamisa is set on joining
Zanu PF in a power sharing arrangement, this is a stupid idea which he wants
passed as beseeched wisdom from the Lord!
By A Correspondent- Eddie Cross said solutions for our woes as a sovereignty, are available and can be implemented if the leaders are willing.
What does frustrate me, and I guess I am not alone, is that there are solutions to all our problems. Zimbabwe is like a vehicle with a large engine that is starved of fuel, needs a tuning and the replacement of all its filters.
It needs new tyres and to stop fighting over who will drive us into the future. The passengers need to agree on where we are going and then get on with getting there.
The Bible says that ‘a people, without vision, will die’ and a ‘house divided, cannot stand’ ancient words of wisdom from the very roots of our culture and faith. We need to follow their advice closely.
He also took the time to remind us that we as Zimbabweans are swift on our feet when it comes to addressing issues that arise in our country and we have no expectations from our government.
The answer is that we ‘make a plan’. We have lived under a lousy, self-involved Government ever since I can remember and we have suffered under sanctions imposed on us by everyone since 1965.
We have learned to be fast on our feet and to respond quickly to new problems and never looking to the State for anything except demands for our taxes. We deserve better but we do not waste time complaining or moaning about how badly off we are.
I was at breakfast yesterday with two friends from Bulawayo and the place was packed, every table occupied.
Passengers Association of Zimbabwe is worried by the continued rise in fuel prices, whereas individuals salaries remains virtually static.
Although we appreciate that the price of fuel is hinged on the prevailing rate of the United States Dollar against our own currency, the travelling public is drastically affected firstly because they can no longer plan, secondly they do not have the financial resources that can sustain their day to day commuting in an economy that beleaguers their pockets.
Fuel prices are draining families pockets to an extent that they can no longer sustain their livelihoods as well as their commuting.
By A Correspondent- A fuel stabilisation fund is reportedly on the cards, the Statem Media has reported.
The Fund will act as a buffer that will cushion consumers from acute fuel shortages. Fuel shortages have ravaged the country since October 2018. The Government is said to be about to start consultations with industries in regards to the establishment of the fund.
This was revealed by the Deputy Minister of Energy at the CZI annual congress in Vic Falls:
The ministry will be proposing a fuel stabilisation fund which will act as a buffer to cushion the customers from acute fuel price increases. Consultations will shortly be taking place within the government over the matter.
Fuel has been scarce despite the price increase that we saw this week and on 12 July.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- OLINDA Nkomo, nee Chapel, has decided to be in an open relationship after she recently found out that her youthful husband musician, Tytan Nkomo cheated on her with her best friend.
The 35-year-old Olinda, who seems to be unlucky in love after being cheated on by another musician, Stunner, revealed in a live social media video that 29-year-old Tytan cheated on her last year with her friend identified as Fungai.
After discovering her husband’s infidelity, Olinda interestingly said she would not be dumping Tytan as she dreads looking for another partner. As such, she has decided that the two be in an open relationship.
“From today (Wednesday), Tytan and Olinda are in an open relationship. He’s allowed to go out and chase skirts wherever. I’m giving him a hall pass and don’t want you people to be surprised if you happen to bump into him with other women – he has a pass,” said Olinda.
“At the end of it all, tonight I want to have s** with my husband. I don’t care what people are saying, but I can’t be jumping around from relationship to relationship.”
With a very young daughter with Tytan, Olinda said she has come to accept that her husband, like any other man, is bound to cheat. She, however, advised Tytan to be clever in his cheating in future.
“You should cheat on me, but don’t get caught. Don’t leave your phone in the open so that people like me can go through it and see everything you’re doing,” said Olinda.
From the over 1 000 comments she received during her live video, some suggested that the six-year age gap between Olinda and Tytan was causing the young stud to stray. However, Olinda revealed that it was not true as her friend Fungai was approaching 40.
“The generational gap argument that some of you are trying to use as the cause of Tytan going astray isn’t relevant. Fungai is three years older than I am – she is almost in her 40s,” said Olinda.
In all this, Olinda said she was happy that Tytan was inundated with women on his social media inboxes showing that she had chosen her man well.
Some suggested that Olinda keeps her private life private but she refused saying her life was out in the open.
“When Tytan and I started dating, you (social media followers) were there. When he paid the bride price, you were there, when we got married, you were there. Even throughout the pregnancy and birth of our daughter you were there. Now that there are problems I should hide them? No!” said Olinda.
Two years ago, upon finding out that her ex-boyfriend rapper Stunner (who is ironically Tytan’s friend) was cheating on her, she went on Facebook live, crying her eyeballs out.
However, this time she was calm and content.
This calmness, according to Olinda, was because she could not afford to be hurt anymore.
“I can’t be hurt anymore. I want marriages to be renewable like television licences. I think there should be an option that after a year, you can renew and state if you want to be in the marriage or not.
ZACC boss and wife to minister Sibusiso Moyo , Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo
Zimbabwe Anti- Corruption Commission (ZACC) boss and wife to minister Sibusiso Moyo , Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo has pledged to disqualify herself to investigate her husband, if he is ever brought up for corruption.
Said Matanda-Moyo
“It has been in the open that I am SB Moyo’s wife. We have been married since 1991 and we are still so married.
I have been a judge of the High Court and Labour Court since 2006 and I have been conducting my job very well.
I want to assure everyone that I am not conflicted in any way. If SB Moyo is going to be investigated, there are several commissioners. I will recuse myself and let another Commissioner take over.
When SB Moyo was appointed Cabinet Minister, I was already a judge and as a judge, I can take up any opportunity for which I am qualified.
If you check my history, I have no history of favouritism. I simply deal with matters as they come.”
Zim Independent Comment|IF there is one thing which clearly demonstrates that President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is failing to run the economy, it is the power crisis. The current electricity problems and resultant blackouts engulfing the country — making people’s lives miserable and crippling the economy — cannot be seen in isolation. They are part and parcel of an economy which has tanked and the current multifaceted problems.
The mere fact that the economic situation is now worse than what it was when Mnangagwa came in through a military coup after toppling his failed predecessor Robert Mugabe in November 2017 speaks volumes about this administration’s incompetence and failures.
Broadly speaking, the problem is lack of leadership, policy incoherence and lack of delivery capacity. Mnangagwa’s regime came in without a plan and they still do not really have one.
Already reeling from renewed company closures, job losses, low production and falling aggregate demand, liquidity crunch, cash shortages, currency volatility, rising inflation, shrinking disposable incomes and collapsing purchasing power, the economy is sinking deeper. This has fuelled poverty and suffering. However, it is the power crisis which highlights the chaos the most. The power crisis has been prompted by foreign currency shortages, recurrent breakdown of aged equipment, debt and arrears, drought and cuts on imported supplies. Zimbabwe imports additional electricity from neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa. But owing to acute forex shortages, the country has failed to pays its arrears of about US$83 million. This has resulted in drastic cuts in supplies and shortages.
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, cut supplies to Zimbabwe from 450 megawatts to a mere 50 megawatts. Government recently paid a paltry US$10 million to Eskom to help facilitate talks for supplies to be restored. Zimbabwe, which has not invested enough in electricity generation infrastructure over the years, produces about 900 megawatts against a capacity of 1 800 megawatts. Due to the shortages, rolling load-shedding and power cuts of up to 18 hours a day have become commonplace.
Generators are now being used by individuals and companies to power their activities. As a result, Zimbabwe’s economy — ravaged by inflation scaling 175,6% — is slowly but surely grinding to a halt. Industry, already operating at half its installed capacity and reeling from inefficiencies associated with antiquated equipment and costly production, is becoming even less competitive and in some cases shutting down. The power outages have dramatically increased the cost of doing business, either making companies suffer huge losses or pass the burden to consumers — stoking inflation.
Power outages derail economic growth and are a disincentive to investment. Experts estimate that the power cuts may reduce economic growth by between 2% and 4%. This will spell disaster for an economy already deep in recession.
Mnangagwa’s government must stop misleading the nation on the economy, accept the problems and seek help through an inclusive negotiated settlement which involves Zimbabweans in their political, social and cultural diversity.
Said the parent: My daughter and her friends were attacked at our gate just after 5pm this evening. I am posting a video from our cctv – please spread far and wide. We are on Chisholme rd in Ballantyne park. Very clear picture of the one guy.
Watch video- Daring Harare robbers caught on camera attacking two girls in broad daylight pic.twitter.com/CcCjNTgRuM
Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni with MDC leadership at the MDC congress
JUDGMENT in the case in which Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhlayemangwe Felix Ndiweni is facing allegations of malicious damage to property was on Wednesday postponed to August 5.
Ndiweni (54) and 22 other villagers pleaded not guilty to damaging Fetti Mbele’s property. They appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Gladmore Mushove, and the matter went on a full trial, with a number of witnesses testifying, including Zanu-PF secretary for administration, Obert Mpofu.
Mpofu’s involvement in the case came following Chief Ndiweni’s testimony in court last year, where he claimed the case emanated from Mpofu’s efforts to “fix” him after he had filed criminal charges against him (Mpofu). He alleged that Mpofu stole 200 cattle from his late father, Chief Khayisa Ndiweni.
Chief Ndiweni said he had reported the stock theft case to Mbembesi Police Station, but Mpofu used his influence as minister to make the docket disappear.
Ndiweni claimed politics was at play in the matter, accusing Mpofu of influencing Mbele, his wife and members of the ruling Zanu-PF to interfere with his traditional court order.
However, Mpofu, in his testimony, said Chief Ndiweni was in the habit of making false allegations against government and the ruling party due to ignorance since he had spent many years out of the country.
“The first accused person [Chief Ndiweni] has been raising false allegations against Zanu-PF and the government. His problem is that he has been out of the country for a long time, hence he has lost touch with the goings-on in the country,” he said.
Mpofu said he didn’t even know the complainant in the matter, saying when the incident happened, he was in Harare.
It is alleged that sometime in June 2017, Mbele and his wife had an adultery dispute. Mbele reported the matter to Ndiweni, who heard it at his traditional court where it was resolved that Mbele’s wife should vacate the matrimonial home.
However, the couple later resolved their differences and the wife remained at Mbele’s homestead.
Chief Ndiweni and some villagers, on July 4, 2017, went to the Mbele’s homestead, accusing him of disrespecting the traditional court’s verdict by keeping his wife. They allegedly then destroyed Mbele’s fence and kraal and threatened to destroy his home if he did not vacate the area.
The chief allegedly took from Mbele a cow and a calf as fine and also took Mbele’s wife to her parents’ home against the couple’s wish.
The Nelson Chamisa led MDC challenged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) chairperson Justice Loice Matanda-Moyo to “investigate and arrest” her husband Foreign Affairs Minister Sibusiso Moyo after the arrest of Tourism Minister Priscah Mupfumira early Thursday.
MDC deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka poured cold water describing the arrest as a non-event.
“The real corrupt barons remain free in government, that US$3 billion recently went missing is a case in point and no one has been arrested.
“These people in Zanu-PF cannot treat corruption. It is like sending a mosquito to cure malaria. Mnangagwa is named in a top UN report for having looted diamonds in the DRC, also named are SB and Sydney Sekeramayi,” said Tamborinyoka.
“Moyo was actually director-general of COSLEG a company which they used in DRC and now it is his wife chairing Zacc. If Matanda-Moyo is sincere then the dragnet is sure to end up in her own matrimonial bed.”
Added Tamborinyoka: “It is our belief that cancer in the country, we shed no tear for anyone arrested.”
COSLEG, was a joint venture of Congo Comiex and the Zimbabwe Defence Forces’ Operation Sovereign Legitimacy formed by Zimbabwe’s army and those linked to it in the late 1990s to pursue timber and minerals interests in DRC’s Katanga Province.
Zimbabwe had been invited into the DRC by the late President Laurent Kabila who wanted help to stave off an insurrection. Kabila was to be killed by his own bodyguard, paving the way for his son Joseph to take over power.
A 2002 United Nations (UN) report implicates the company in massive plunder of DRC diamonds.
THE South African High Court has approved a historic R5 billion settlement in the silicosis case involving gold miners, among them Zimbabweans, under the ex-Witwatersrand Native Labour Association (Wenela) affected by lung diseases.
Wenela comprised mine workers drawn from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Botswana and Mozambique.
Yesterday’s ruling by Johannesburg High Court judge, Justice Leoni Windell follows a protracted legal battle over benefits by the ex-miners and the dependants of those who passed away. The claimants are set to be paid out between R70 000 and R500 000 compensation following the judgment approving a R5 billion settlement emanating from the lawsuit.
Justice Windell ruled that all the parties made an effort to ensure that the settlement agreement is reasonable, adequate and fair.
“The terms of the settlement agreement demonstrate that they succeeded in their efforts,” he said in his judgment.
Six mining companies involved in the case are African Rainbow Minerals‚ Anglo American SA‚ AngloGold Ashanti‚ Gold Fields‚ Harmony and Sibanye Stillwater, including some of the affiliate mining entities.
They admitted that they failed to take the necessary precautions to protect their former Wenela mine workers and dependants of those who passed away in the past. Mr Richard Spoor represented the miners and the dependents of the deceased.
The pay-outs would be processed via a trust called Tshiamiso Trust that shall be established and would exist for a minimum of 13 years.
Last month, ex-Wenela Miners Association of Zimbabwe president Mr Lungelwe Mkwananzi had hinted that if the courts fail to reach a conclusive judgment there would be need for governments of the former miners to intervene.
“We feel a little bit let down, I think we aren’t getting enough assistance . . . looking at the period it has taken, governments should also come in to support us in pursuance of our benefits especially looking at people from Zimbabwe and Malawi because we now have less of our citizens working in South African mines, but other countries like Botswana, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho still have a number of their nationals working there,” he said then.
Most of the affected stopped working without knowing that they had accrued benefits that they were supposed to be paid, with a significant number believed to have been infected with dust related illness and succumbed to lung infections.
Mr Mkwananzi said the association’s members had started receiving medical treatment through the Southern Africa TB in the Mining Sector Initiative.
The Southern Africa TB in the Mining Sector Initiative is one of the key initiatives led by the South Africa Knowledge Hub. It is an innovative multi-stakeholder effort involving Government, civil society, development and private sector partners aimed at combating TB in the mining sector in the Southern Africa region.
Ugandan pop star and opposition MP Bobi Wine has officially announced that he will run for president in the 2021 election and the people can’t keep calm.
The 37-year-old will challenge President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for 33 years.
“On behalf of the people of Uganda I am challenging you [Mr Museveni] to a free and fair election in 2021,” Bobi Wine said at an event in the capital, Kampala, to announce his candidacy.
The musician, whose real name is Robert Kyagulanyi, has been an MP for two years. He portrays himself as a champion of the poor, and sings about social justice and democracy.
But his has been received with a lot of hype with most of his supporters those who are tired of President Yoweri’s Museveni rule.
Bobi Wine has already been given the President Title by most Ugandans who are celebrating his courageous announcement to unseat Museveni.
Bobi Wine announcement has been viewed as a re-rise of Uganda which was subjected to rogue Museveni’s rule.
The singer who calls himself the “ghetto president”, and is a fierce critic of Mr Museveni.
He was charged with treason last year over the alleged stoning of the presidential convoy. He denied the charges and was freed on bail.
Most people have told him to keep going as his mission his unstoppable.
Uganda’s parliament approved changes to the constitution last year to scrap the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates.
The move opened the way for the ruling party to nominate Mr Museveni, 74, to run for a sixth term.
Do you think Bobi Wine will outshine Museveni in 2022?
Right now, Neymar is the most expensive football player in history. His 2017 move from the Spanish team Barcelona to the French club Paris Saint Germain had the highest ever transfer fee attached to it: €222 million or almost $250 million. No other football player in history has been transferred for such a sum – and this record will likely stand for years to come. Not that there are no contenders to break it: Mbappé, the second most expensive player (and the most expensive teenager) joined PSG last year for €135 million (over $151 million). The French youngster attracted the attention of every major club and most likely every single Betway bettor during last year’s World Cup when he became the second ever teenager to score in the final (the Brazilian football legend Pelé was the first). While this year we haven’t seen any transfers that would even come close to the value of these two record holders, we’ve seen quite a few that qualify as “high-profile”. More precisely, five of them.
Rodri
Rodri, born Rodrigo Hernández Cascante, has left his native Spain to play for the Premier League side Manchester City this summer. The 23-year-old started playing professionally in 2006, first with Rayo Majadahonda, then with Atlético Madrid’s youth team, finally settling at Villarreal. He was promoted to Villarreal’s senior B team in 2015, then to the first team, where he stayed until 2018. In May 2018, Rodri signed a five-year contract with Atlético Madrid €20 million plus 5 million in variables. His performance must have been convincing enough for Premier League side Manchester City to pay his buyout clause: Rodri joined the Manchester team this summer in a contract worth around €70 million. This is the highest a Premier League team ever paid for a footballer.
Frenkie de Jong
Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong began his professional player career at Willem II but he was quickly beguiled by Ajax Amsterdam. At the time, he was signed for €1 million but saw his worth grow exponentially after establishing himself as one of the best young European players. When he left Ajax for Barcelona this summer, the Spanish club paid an initial fee of €75 million for him.
Lucas Hernandez
The player known as Lucas graduated from Atlético Madrid’s youth academy in 2014 and was promoted to the club’s first team in the same year. In 2018, he was part of France’s winning World Cup squad, and this probably sparked the interest of many major teams in him – a year later, he was signed by the German Bundesliga club Bayern Munich for five years in a transfer contract worth €80 million.
Eden Hazard
The first player transfer to reach €100 million this year was the one involving Belgian player Eden Hazard. Considered one of the best players in the world, he played as an attacking midfielder for the Premier League team Chelsea for the last seven years. This June, he signed a contract with Real Madrid – the Spanish team reportedly paid €100 million to have him, and this amount can grow to €130 million with all the additional fees. Hazard will reportedly earn £400,000 a week.
João Félix
João Félix has been teased as one of the most desirable players this year – and the rumours were proven to be true when his transfer from Benfica to Atlético Madrid was announced. Félix made his professional debut at the age of 16, three years ago, and advanced fast in the ranks of Benfica. He became the youngest ever player to score a hat-trick in a UEFA Europa League match, aged 19. This summer, he left Benfica to join Atlético Madrid – his seven-year contract cost the Spanish team €126 million, the fifth highest fee ever paid for a player, making Félix the second most expensive teenager after Kylian Mbappé.
Jane Mlambo| Zimbabwean students
seconded to study in Algeria as part of the widely hyped STEM programme are struggling
to survive amid concerns that government has stopped giving them stipends, ZimEye
can exclusively reveal.
This has left them vulnerable and
without options to survive in a foreign land.
One of the students who exclusively
spoke to ZimEye on condition of anonymity said they only enjoyed during the
first days but have now been completely abandoned.
The student said their numerous
attempts to seek audience with embassy officials were met with resistance as
they instructed Algerian police to chase them away.
“Things are tough this side, the
Zim government stopped giving us stipends, so have been really struggling.
We tried talking to the embassy but
it seems every effort we make is just in vain, we even organized strikes at the
embassy but it never works, they only respond by instructing the Algerian
Police to chase away students from the embassy,” said the student.
With Zimbabwean economy currently
in comatose and making it difficult for their parents to access foreign
currency to them, the students have run out of options on how to survive in a
foreign land.
The situation is worsened by the
fact that they cannot look for jobs due to study permit limitations and
economic challenges facing their host country.
“This time around the situation
is even worse because it’s really difficult for parents to be accessing United States
dollars back home. We have no idea how we are going to survive, especially now
that Universities closed. We have to be buying food and doing everything on our
own,” the student added.
“It would have been easier if it
was possible to find jobs here so that we could at least get something but it’s
not that easy In Algeria. We are held as students without work permits. How do
we survive?” further queried the disgruntled student.
Warriors striker Tino Kadewere scored a brace for his French Ligue side Le Havre in their 2 all draw away at AC Ajaccio last night.
Kadewere, who was part of the Warriors squad at AFCON 2019, scored two goals in quick succession; first levelling matters for his side from the penalty spot in the 72nd minute, then putting them in front in the 76th minute.
The game eventually ended 2-2, with Le Havre playing the final 3 minutes with a man less after Coulibaly was given his marching orders for a second bookable offense.
The Warriors striker received a standing ovation from the travelling fans after the game.
Minister Ziyambi explains on the accusations that availing medication to Lupane per request from a senior member of the Party is a corrupt activity. pic.twitter.com/6RcIKtaFQU
By Eddie Cross| When you are in a crisis situation like ours, it is important to maintain perspective. In that respect from a political standpoint I look around me and I see Britain moving towards a massive crisis of its own – both economic and political.
I cannot see Europe conceding any significant changes to the Brexit deal, I cannot see the British Parliament accepting a no deal exit, and if not then I see Britain going into an election with the Conservative Party hopelessly divided, perhaps even split with some sort of political coalition or even a new Party fighting both the Conservative Party and Labour.
Economically I have never thought Brexit was workable – how can a country with half its total trade going to and from the EU and an economy that is 80 percent services, cut its umbilical cord and drift out to sea? Not without serious damage to its economy and even living standards.
I find the optimism of the Brexit team completely unconvincing. Even if we discount these possibilities – Scotland and Ireland breakaways and staying in the Union make this prospect a nightmare for everyone.
Cross the Atlantic and you are into Trump territory. As people know well, I am no fan of Trump – never have been and as his tenure winds down to the next Presidential election my opinion has, if anything hardened. I know full well that many do not share that view, but hey that’s democracy and freedom of speech.
But one President does not make America and I know from long experience that the USA is an amazing place. Never underestimate the American people!! Remember when the Vietnam war was raging – longest conflict in American history, 50 000 casualties and a divided Nation. Then I watched them pick it all up and get back to business, reconstructing their society and politics.
But can they hold an election and get some sane leadership in place? The USA is deeply divided and it’s not pretty, the right has emerged and is still racist and bigoted. I thought those days were long gone. The Democrats after Obama are divided and fragmented and although I like some of the prospective candidates getting that whole gaggle sorted out is going to be very difficult.
But in a country like the USA, the Government is not so critical in national life – the US economy is strong, employment at an all-time low and showing no signs of slowing down. Trumps trade war with the rest of the world is creating problems for all of us – slower global growth, increasing conflict between old allies and making the USA more isolationist – we have been there before.
Then we look south, they buried Johnny Clegg yesterday, I wonder if they mentioned his Mom was a Zimbabwean and that he spent his early years here? A symbol of everything that is good in that conflicted society. But, like us, Zuma has left an awful mess behind, massive corruption and state capture by criminal elements, broken State institutions – SAA, Transnet, Eskom, the list goes on.
A political scene that is deeply divided and national leadership that is in the minority in the ruling Party and therefore precarious. Nonexistent growth, widening disparity between the rich and the poor, rising unemployment especially among the young and worst of all no common vision of where they are going. We all know what the adage means ‘the bigger, the further and faster they fall’.
And then climate change, I am not a scientist and make no pretentions about understanding the issues, but what I see is more climate extremes and less predictability. In Zimbabwe the south is drier and more subject to drought. Parts of the south are becoming desert with even sand dunes in parts. Frightening because it is so hard to reverse.
Poverty, an ever present aspect of life in rural Zimbabwe is now even more stark and is deepening so fast that people are abandoning their homes and emigrating – either to more hospitable regions or to other countries. Mass migration is a continuing feature of life here – perhaps not driven by political violence but simply survival.
We are not short of challenges and my problem is maintaining perspective. When I feel down about things here – the lack of urgency in implementing the obvious solutions to problems, the lack of concern about plummeting living standards for ordinary people, the near total lack of employment opportunities.
Then I just say to myself, thank God for what we have and for our own security and standard of life. I am a convinced Christian – I did not inherit my faith from my forebears but came to Christ by conviction. This helps me keep a perspective on the things that go on around me, I know there is much more to life than the physical realities.
This past week has been no different, SI 142 has done what was intended – the exchange rate has fallen by 50 per cent and stabilized at about 8 to 1. The winter weather has been more or less normal – bright blue skies, warm days with no humidity, chilly nights and those marvelous early mornings with dew on the grass and the sun rising in the east.
Forget the sunsets and the early rising full moons, massive and yellow in the west, early morning with a cup of hot coffee takes a lot to beat. Anyone who has lived here knows the feeling of an early morning on the Highveld.
But it does not stop there – two children controlling traffic where the lights are not working. Zimbabweans going about their daily lives, complaining about no money, high prices and the obvious wealth of the corrupt and the connected, but always friendly and open to a quick chat on the street. This is a magical place to live if you can make a living in one way or another.
Our economy defies analysis; I laugh when I read the experts trying to understand how we survive. There are no rational explanations, less than 10 percent of our population is in paid employment, we import more than we export but never build external debt, we run a fiscal deficit of 40 percent of all State expenditure, creating in the process a mountain of domestic debt almost equal to our GDP and the new Minister slaps a transaction tax on us and tightens the controls on all State expenditure and we are in surplus in six weeks. How does that work?
The answer is that we ‘make a plan’. We have lived under a lousy, self-involved Government ever since I can remember and we have suffered under sanctions imposed on us by everyone since 1965. We have learned to be fast on our feet and to respond quickly to new problems and never looking to the State for anything except demands for our taxes.
We deserve better but we do not waste time complaining or moaning about how badly off we are. I was at breakfast yesterday with two friends from Bulawayo and the place was packed, every table occupied.
What does frustrate me, and I guess I am not alone, is that there are solutions to all our problems. Zimbabwe is like a vehicle with a large engine that is starved of fuel, needs a tuning and the replacement of all its filters.
It needs new tyres and to stop fighting over who will drive us into the future. The passengers need to agree on where we are going and then get on with getting there. The Bible says that ‘a people, without vision, will die’ and a ‘house divided, cannot stand’ ancient words of wisdom from the very roots of our culture and faith. We need to follow their advice closely.
But mainly, as we struggle to survive and even thrive in a tough environment, let’s keep our problems in perspective and not lose faith in who we are as a people and a country and in our God who makes all things possible.
Jane Mlambo| Norton legislator Temba Mliswa seems not to be backing off. After fighting the NSSA battle, he has now taken aim at Public Service and Social Welfare minister Sekai Nzenza charging that she must be arrested for obstructing the course of justice and protecting the incarcerated Tourism minister Prisca Mupfumira.
Recently Nzenza irked parliamentarians when she said she was still to full acquaint herself with the NSSA forensic report which reveals damning corruption that has led to the arrest of Mupfumira.
Mliswa said Nzenza must be arrested as she seemed keen on protecting Mupfumira.
Jane Mlambo| Outspoken Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa has confirmed the ongoing rumor that the current Social Welfare Minister Sekai Nzenza is on the run after it emerged that she also received the NSSA loot to cover for Mupfumira.
Mliswa alleged that Mupfumira bought a house for Nzenza in Capetown, South Africa.
“Minister Sekai Nzenza on the run after it emerged yesterday that she also received the NSSA loot to cover for Mupfumira. Mupfumira bought a house for Nzenza in Capetown….,” posted Mliswa on Twitter.
Breaking News!!!!!!
Minister Sekai Nzenza on the run after it emerged yesterday that she also received the NSSA loot to cover for Mupfumira. Mupfumira bought a house for Nzenza in Capetown….
Next time you come across a rich politician reflect on this. Ask how they got rich? I think lifestyle audits should be mandatory for those in public office. ?? pic.twitter.com/BBDZx3RjIR
By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa will today address the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators’ Association (Zilwaco) National Conference which will be held at the Zanu-PF Convention Centre in Gweru.
The Head of State and Government and Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces will interface with the war collaborators to discuss, among other issues, their welfare.
President Mnangagwa will also interface with Zanu-PF party supporters in the Midlands at the open space adjacent to the Convention Centre.
The President indefinitely postponed his ‘Thank You rally’ which had been scheduled for Chachacha Business Centre and the party supporters will have a chance to interface with him and be appraised on Government and national issues.
Zanu-PF Midlands Provincial chairperson, Engineer Daniel McKenzie Ncube, said President Mnangagwa will first address the Zilwaco national conference at the Convention Centre before addressing party supporters a few metres from the conference.
Eng Ncube said the party was expecting close to 10 000 people to attend both the conference and the rally.
“We are expecting President Mnangagwa to address members of the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Collaborators’ Association who are having their annual conference at the Zanu-PF Convention Centre.
“President Mnangagwa will also address party supporters at the open space near the Convention Centre,” he said.
Eng Ncube said the party had already facilitated logistical issues to ensure that the two events are flawless.
“We have already made arrangements on how the people who are coming to the rally are travelling,” he said.
Eng Ncube encouraged members of the party to attend and interface with the President to have first hand information on national and Government issues.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- The NBSZ is struggling and might just go under as the government of Zimbabwe struggles to pay the blood bank for its ancillary services to the Ministry of Health.
The Blood bank has been struggling financially since the government made blood free for all patients at government and mission hospitals. The government is now bearing the cost of collecting blood on behalf of the patients.
The NBSZ Spokesperson who spoke to a local publication said:
NBSZ is going through some serious financial challenges right now that include staff remuneration and meeting statutory obligations since we have not yet received any payment from government for the free-blood-initiative for 2019. If nothing is done by end of this month then, yes, our survival as an entity is threatened
She also said they were having problems because of the power cuts that are making them lose some of their stocks.
It is definitely unsustainable and is causing serious testing challenges, leading to significant losses. We are yet to meet the Zesa (Holdings) officials.
Last year the government decided to subsidise the cost of blood for all patients at government and mission hospitals. The NBSZ is supposed to get money fro its operations from the government.-Newsday
By Own Correspondent- The United State-based International Republican Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) have called on the government of Zimbabwe to speed up the processes of advancing security and legal reforms to safeguard citizens’ rights to freedom of expression.
A delegation of the two institutions was in the country from Monday to yesterday to assess the status of Zimbabwe’s electoral reform agenda and the space for democratic elections more broadly.
The delegation was led by former US ambassador to Zimbabwe, and ex-Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Johnnie Carson, NDI regional director for east and southern Africa Dickson Omondi, IRI senior technical specialist for east and southern Africa Jessica Keegan.
“While notable efforts have been made to repeal and replace restrictive laws and to a lesser extent engage stakeholders, the delegation encourages the Government of Zimbabwe, the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission and the Executive to address the fundamental deficit in the democratic space,” IRI and NDI said in a joint statement yesterday.
“The delegation strongly urges the government to continue to advance security and legal reforms that guarantee citizens’ constitutional right to freedom of expression, freedom of association and peaceful assembly. Enacting and enforcing these reforms will improve Zimbabwe’s democratic capital and help to advance the country’s economic recovery.”
The delegation heard reports of low levels of trust in government institutions due to insufficient public outreach and alleged systematic intimidation of opposition and civil society activists.
It also heard of alleged mismanagement of public funds and poor governance marked by inflation, currency instability, and shortages of fuel, food and medicines were also issues that were brought to the attention of the delegation.
When the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions called for a stayaway against the rising cost of living in January, President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government responded with brute force by unleashing security forces, resulting in 17 deaths while more than a dozen women were raped or sexually assaulted and up to 1 055 people detained.
The delegation said despite the shortcomings identified by the delegation, there was still opportunity for Zimbabwe to enact the requisite meaningful political reforms to move the country forward.
“We urge government to move swiftly to implement the political and electoral changes that will strengthen public confidence in the government and advance Zimbabwe’s democratic standing,” the statement read in part.
IRI and NDI, which jointly observed the 2018 harmonised elections under the Zimbabwe International Election Observation Mission banner, commended the government for its demonstrative will to repeal robust pieces of legislation, including Public Order and Security Act and the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
Farai Dziva|Questions have been raised on whether the arrest of Prisca Mupfumira is part of a genuine exercise to eradicate corruption.
Mupfumira was denied bail and she will back in court on August 9.
While some believe Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government is moving in the right direction in a bid to eradicate corruption, others feel the whole thing has been stage managed.
See some of the the comments from ZimEye.com below:
Venencia Kaduku: Ndezvemahumbwe . Ipapa she is being paid millions for playing this role.
Tnash Tee: We all know this is a stage managed arrest obviously she ain’t going to remand majokes aya all those prison officers are on ticket.
Flossy Maweni: Good for her. ..
Tnash Tee: It’s a well stage managed arrest wangu she’s all smiling let’s keep our eyes on the ball iyi ndeyekuitisana iyi ayas.
Melody T Gwese: This is just a “ front” musaiitiswe…eyes on the ball
Kudakwashe Tapura: This is just a tactic by Zanu PF so that we forget about the missing US$3 billion.
Elton Mavhunga:When is she coming back to court?
Elvis Neverson Ngwendez:Why is she not handcuffed?
Lila James: Its difficult for them to convince anyone
Calvin Musona: Zanu PF drama since the started their so called New dispensation how many Zanu of members were arrested and how many are in prison
WATCH VIDEO- PRISCA MUPFUMIRA'S LAWYER REFUSES TO SPEAK TO THE MEDIA SOON AFTER HIS CLIENT WAS DENIED BAIL BY A HARARE MAGISTRATE.SAYS "I HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED NOT TO SPEAK TO THE PRESS" pic.twitter.com/ow8fcddrQs
By A Correspondent- Deputy Energy and Power Development Minister, Magna Mudyiwa said that her Ministry is considering providing bridging finance to power utility, ZESA Holdings.
Mudyiwa revealed this at the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries annual congress in Victoria Falls on Thursday. She said:
The ministry is seeking an interim bridging funding package to rescue Zesa Holdings from liquidity, while a tariff review is being considered.
The current electricity tariff has gone below US1 cent per kilowatt-hour, and this is not sustainable.
It is a situation that calls for an urgent review of the tariff regime that we have in place so that we can bring the tariff structure to par with that of other regional players.
I, therefore, encourage the industry and private sector to consider paying cost-reflective tariffs. Profits are good, but for the utility to remain operational, it has to service its debts, procure resources and maintain equipment.
I dream of a day that industry and commercial farms pay upfront for the electricity they use. Pre-payment will assist Zesa Holdings to recover the current debt and avoid it altogether in the future.
Mudyiwa disclosed that Zimbabwe still owes US$80 million to HCB of Mozambique and Eskom of South Africa.
She said that ongoing negotiations between Zimbabwean and South African governments will hopefully be successful.
She said:
Our hope is for successful negotiations (between Zimbabwe and South African governments) over payment plans to settle the debt. We are expected to yield between 400Mw and 600Mw of power from the discussions with Eskom.
By Own Correspondent- Refias Masuna (53) of Mahatshula North, Bulawayo, who was employed as an operations manager by Manifest Security Company, was convicted of murder with actual intent by then Bulawayo High Court judge, Justice Francis Bere, in August 2016.
Masuna was accused of killing Mr Ernest Mudenda (31) at Zulu 8 Mine in Fort Rixon on December 12, 2014.
In passing the sentence, Justice Bere, who described the murder as brutal, said Masuna was a former high ranking police officer who had handled firearms for 18 years and his conduct was uncalled for.
Aggrieved by both conviction and sentence, Masuna through his lawyer, Advocate Thembinkosi Magwaliba, who was instructed by Thondhlanga and Associates, approached the Supreme Court challenging Justice Bere’s decision, citing the State as a respondent.
Justice Paddington Garwe, who was sitting with Justices Ben Hlatshwayo and Lavender Makoni during a Supreme Court circuit in Bulawayo, has set aside Masuna’s conviction and sentence and ordered his immediate release from Khami Maximum Prison.
“It is ordered that the appeal against conviction and sentence is allowed. The conviction and sentence are both set aside and the appellant (Masuna) is to be released from prison with immediate effect,” ruled Justice Garwe.
He, however, said the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) has the discretion to institute fresh prosecution.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the decision whether or not to prosecute the appellant afresh is left to the discretion of the NPA,” said Justice Garwe.
He said the reasons for Masuna’s acquittal would follow in due course.
In his heads of argument, Masuna argued that his conviction was based on shoddy police investigations and unreliable key State witnesses.
“The court a quo grossly erred in convicting the appellant basing on circumstantial evidence. The essence of such evidence was essentially that only one gunshot was fired by the accused, which was misdirection by the court a quo to have inferred that it is the appellant who intentionally killed the deceased,” argued Adv Magwaliba.
He disputed the testimony of the ballistic expert, saying he failed to confirm with certainty that the bullet which killed Mr Mudenda was fired from the gun which was discharged by Masuna.
Adv Magwaliba further argued that there was no evidence on record to support the court’s finding that Masuna had hatched a plan with one Mr Blessing Ndiweni to kill the deceased.
The State, which was represented by Mrs Tariro Rosa Takuva and Mrs Sifiso Ndlovu-Sibanda, did not oppose the appeal against conviction.
They conceded that there could have been a possibility of the deceased having succumbed to a stray bullet discharged as a result of a warning shot by Masuna and opted for a lesser charge of culpable homicide.
“It is submitted that the court a quo misdirected itself in holding that it was murder with actual intent, and sentencing the accused person to life imprisonment.
It is humbly submitted that conviction be set aside and replaced with a verdict of guilty of culpable homicide, and wherefore the respondent prays that the appeal against conviction be granted,” said the prosecutors.
Masuna’s security company was hired by Mr Ndiweni who had just received an eviction order to vacate the mine. Mr Ndiweni was locked in a wrangle with Mr Wilson Nyamhiwa over the ownership of the mine.
According to court papers, on December 9, 2014, the High Court granted an order in favour of Mr Nyamhiwa and two days later the Deputy Sheriff moved to the mine to evict Mr Ndiweni’s workers and remove his mining equipment.
When Mr Ndiweni learned about the eviction order, he rushed to Manifest Security Company and requested five security guards to be deployed to Zulu Mine. Masuna joined his subordinates and they went to Zulu 8 Mine in Fort Rixon where his guards were deployed.
On arrival at around midnight, Masuna discovered that there was a dispute over the ownership of the mine and his client’s workers had been evicted from the mine and the new miner’s employees had taken over the premises.
However, Mr Ndiweni’s property and equipment were still being guarded by Masuna’s men. When the new tenants inquired on who was approaching on hearing footsteps, Masuna identified himself as Mr Ndiweni and indicated that he would shoot one of them.
The new occupants fled in different directions, but Masuna fired a shot that hit Mr Mudenda in the upper part of his chest and the bullet exited through the upper left-hand arm. Mudenda’s body was discovered on the following morning at around 6AM.
BERLIN/PRETORIA – China reportedly wants the country’s military chiefs to run and head a new interim Zimbabwe government between 2020-2023 when fresh presidential and parliamentary elections are due, in a typical stratocracy fashion, in the aftermath of an imminent ouster of President Emmerson Mnangagwa from office, Spotlight Zimbabwe reported.
A stratocracy is a form of military government in which civil and military service are difficult to distinguish, where the state and the military are traditionally or constitutionally the same entity, and that government positions are always occupied by commissioned officers and military leaders.
This publication revealed in a special report three months ago, that an elite delegation of senior Zimbabwe military officials reportedly told Chinese generals that Mnangagwa’s political reign will expire in 2020, and that he was going to be a caretaker president up to the period, before the army replaces him with their successor of choice, a few days prior to former leader, President Robert Mugabe’s November 2017 coup.
A Zimbabwean military attache stationed in Beijing at the time when former Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander and now Vice President, Rtd General Constantino Chiwenga, visited China between November 8 to November 10 2017, shortly before Mugabe was toppled from office, told Spotlight Zimbabwe, that the military delegation comprising officials from the army and air force travelling with Chiwenga told their Chinese counterparts that Mnangagwa would be in power “for no more than three years” as a “stopgap measure” to stabilise the country.
While in China then, the VP met with General Li Zuocheng, a member of China’s Central Military Commission, which is the highest decision-making body for China’s armed forces, together with that country’s former defense minister General Chang Wanquan. Wanquan was succeeded by General Wei Fenghe, who was appointed to head China’s defense ministry in March 2018.
The revelations about China’s preferred post-Mnangagwa interim administration in Harare come hot on the heels, of news that Chiwenga, is currently in China, where he was flown from Pretoria in South Africa, to receive medical treatment for his mysterious ailment now confirmed to be related to multiple poisoning attacks by his political enemies.
According to a former cabinet minister who ran a security related portfolio in Mugabe’s government, Chiwenga’s trip to China has far more to do with just receiving medical treatment, as he has received intelligence that Beijing is allegedly setting in motion a plot to assist in Mnangagwa’s dethronement, and that military chiefs takeover the country for at least three years between 2020-2023 before the next presidential polls.
“People seem to have a short memory,” said the former minister in a telephone interview from his farm in Zimbabwe. “In November 2017, days after Chiwenga returned from a meeting in China with their senior military leaders, the primate city was plunged into political chaos, and the military seized control. Mugabe was placed under house arrest, and the rest is history. Now it’s political déjà vu, because from the intel I have the VP is receiving more than medical attention in China. Yes they want him to recover and be healthy and will administer an antidote they think will work, like your newspaper reported. However there is a bigger picture. China wants Mnangagwa out, and that a team of military chiefs run the country for at least three years until our next plebiscite in July 2023. Obviously thereafter a civilian leader will be appointed president with both our military and China’s approval. These things are very sensitive and delicate to plan, but now they have a perfect alibi of using Chiwenga’s health as a cover.”
A senior official with the ministry of defence at Defence House in the capital, also confirmed the dislosures this week, saying Mnangagwa was about to face the boot from power, because he has failed to provide requisite economic and political stability in Zimbabwe needed to protect China’s high stakes investments in Harare. The top official also added that under a post-Mnangagwa dispensation, the military wants to have the country’s first vice presidency in the presidium reserved for it’s high ranking generals.
China has invested in at least 128 projects in the country from 2000 to 2012. Zimbabwe is among the top three Chinese investment destinations in Africa, attracting a total FDI of more than $600 million in 2013. China was Zimbabwe’s largest trading partner in 2015, buying 27.8 percent of the country’s exports. Chinese companies have also been actively engaged in contractor services in telecommunication, construction, irrigation, and power, according to The Diplomat, an international current-affairs magazine for the Asia-Pacific region.
“The endgame is near for this administration. China indeed wants military chiefs to run a transitional mechanism until 2023, as opposed to a transitional authority lead by civilian leaders. The main reason is that Zim 1 (Mnangagwa) has failed to guarantee economic and political stability for Chinese investments and projects in this country, just like President Mugabe before him. The military is trusted to deliver on that front, and that is why after Zim 1 is booted out of power, the coming dispensation thereafter will see the first vice presidency in the presidium being reserved for top generals. That way our country will be led by a civilian president, and the army as power brokers shall maintain a stake in the presidium through the first VP post,” said the defence official.
The first highest ranking military chief to attempt to be vice president, was Chiwenga’s predecessor, the late General Vitalis Zvinavashe, who came within a whisker of taking up the office in 2004 following the death of VP Simon Muzenda.
Chiwenga succeeded to become VP in December 2017, and chances are that his successor ZDF chief, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, is in line for a similar promotion.
Last month, former finance minister, Tendai Biti, said Zimbabwe is “ripe for another coup”, that could depose Mnangagwa barely two years after he wrestled power from Mugabe with the assistance of the army.
“We need a national transitional authority, we need to have a soft landing for our country. If we do not do that, we are heading for an implosion, an Armageddon,” said Biti during a panel discussion organised by the Southern African Political and Economic Series (Sapes) Trust.
“An Armageddon, in the form of another military coup and this is a point which I keep on seeing, that the signs are there just as they were obvious in 2017,” said the opposition MDC vice president.
Speaking to women at a stakeholder engagement meeting organised by Women’s Coalition of Zimbabwe (WCoZ) on Thursday, BCC Senior Environment Officer Nkanyiso Ndlovu said sewer water contains chemicals that affect the intellectual development of children.
The 2012 Bulawayo health services department report on food and agriculture revealed that some farmers especially those in urban areas divert sewage and industrial waste effluent to water their produce hence bacterial and chemical contamination of vegetables as possible.
“Sewer contains a lot of chemicals, we found traces of oestrogen, pesticide and other industrial chemicals. The survey was conducted in 2012, it was meant to cover a period of five years. In that survey it was found that traces of lead which we found on top of vegetable leaf surfaces affects the intellectual development of children that affects their academic potential,” Ndlovu said.
Lead in general is not biodegradable and has the potential to accumulate in different body organs leading to unwanted side effects.
It was discovered that in children if exceeding the maximum permissible limits can affect the intellectual development, cause skin rashes, stomach problems and ulcers, respiratory problems, weakened immune system, kidney and liver damage and lung cancer.
“There were some gardens we surveyed along streams and others were found along Umguza river, Trinance area which are plots. With most people getting their vegetables from illegal vendors it makes it hard for the local authority to monitor.
“Even though the Bulawayo health service department is responsible for monitoring the programme it has however been over the year impossible due to inadequate resources.
“There is a possibility that most of illegal vendors sell vegetables that are already contaminated however as a local authority we continue educating residents to buy from reputable sources,” Ndlovu said.
He added that the process of monitoring illegal operators is impossible.
“With shops they are registered and licensed so our inspectors have a way of checking food samples but with these other non- reputable one you cannot take samples from them because most of the time they operate illegally,” he said.
Meanwhile, he added that besides affecting intellectual ability sewer water makes children reach their puberty stages early.
“Vendors are all about profits but they are not aware of some of the dangers that chemical from sewer bring, besides intellectual capacity, sewer water also makes children grow fast towards their puberty stages than expected,” he said.
The survey revealed that 97% of Choumoellier samples exceeded the WHO/FAO maximum levels of cadmium and 40% of the samples exceeded that of lead. The highest concentration of lead was 17,86mg/kg in Choumoellier.
However, chairperson of the Bulawayo WCoZ chapter, Mildred Sandi encouraged such stakeholder engagements with the local authority to be consistent as they empower women with knowledge.
“When we started this session most women had their tempers high, but now that the local authority has shared the information, we are now at ease, as women let us desist from unethical trends,” Sandi said.
From Zuckerberg to Google to MTN, stories of idea stealing by corporations like these are a staple in the business world. Perhaps those countries are too distant from you so let me bring you closer to home-Econet is a familiar name that some of you know to have been accused of stealing entrepreneurs’ ideas – one time for ConnectedHome and another for Vaya.
Artwell Makumbe is another entrepreneur who, has claimed that he was defrauded of his idea/project by Econet (which once owned Cassava Smartech).
Artwell Makumbe who is the CEO of Hiclicker is claiming that the recently launched Sasai is his brainchild which Econet (where Cassava Smartech once belonged) stole from him.
He goes on to say that, not only did Econet steal the idea of Sasai but it also embarrassingly stole the name (which is Sasai) as well. Peruse the screenshots of Artwell’s Sasai User interface:
Artwell’s Sasai wasn’t on Google Play store so if you wanted to download it you had to download the app at non-Google Playstore sites which hosted the App’s apk. But at the moment you can’t download Artwell’s Sasai because he has removed the apks following the advice of his lawyer.
Artwell’s Story
Artwel Makumbe revealed what really happened and said that he launched Sasai back in August 2015. He then started discussions with Econet to partner with them on this idea/project.
In his engagements with Econet, he contacted Econet’s South Africa offices to set up a meeting with Strive Masiyiwa, Econet’s Founder. The meeting didn’t come into fruition but Strive Masiyiwa called him and they spent over 20 minutes discussing his idea of Sasai.
From that conversation, Hiclicker’s CEO was then referred to a Mr James Gibson who was Econet’s head of e-commerce and that paved the way for him to have meetings with Econet’s risk department and commercial team.
The meetings led him to be invited by Econet team to do a presentation of “Hiclickers family of apps, products and services, which included Sasai.” Econet’s team at the presentation was headed by its Chief Commercial Officer, Navdeep Kumar.
As Artwell puts it “they were amazed” by Hiclicker’s products.
To prove this claim (of engaging with Econet), Artwell has ‘V11s’ (proof).
Despite ‘impressing’ the Econet team, no deal was ever reached as ‘there were a lot of delays on Econet’s part.’ So Hiclicker proceeded to launch Sasai and the other products on its own under the single name of Hiclicker. Around that time that’s when Hiclicker did interviews with ZBC and Radio Zimbabwe promoting their products and services where Artwell and his Sasai were featured on ZBC’s 8 o’clock news:
But after sometime, Hiclicker went back again to Econet to present them with fresh terms so that they could re-launch the Hiclicker ecosystem (all of its apps and services) under Econet’s name.
In its response, Econet offered these terms:
1 – share revenue in the ratio of 70:30 (70% to Econet and 30% to Hiclicker) 2 – Lock the Hiclicker platform only to Econet numbers or users 3 – Give Econet exclusive rights over Hiclicker and all products, including server access 4 – I (Artwell) get 4% shareholding in Econet Wireless Zimbabwe and they get 60% shares in Hiclicker 5 – All Hiclicker employees by then they were 17 and they would get fixed jobs under Econet-Hiclicker department 6 – Econet to do branding and marketing 7 – Econet to maintain an uptime of 99.9% 8 – Econet to open Econet-Hiclicker joint bank accounts and hire external auditors, law firms , consultants to do the rest of work 9 – Econet to pay 50% of converged licence 10 – Econet to localise Hiclicker ecosystem into local languages wherever Econet is established across africa and the world
About the above, Artwell says:
We (Hiclicker) denied points number 1,2,3,4,5,9
The deal fell through. And then fast forward to 24 July, 2019, Cassava Smartech (the child of Econet) launches Sasai.
What’s next?
Artwell has decided to take the matter before the courts. And this coming Monday that’s when he will sue Econet about stealing his idea of Sasai.
Econet and Cassava are yet to respond to the allegations.-TechZim
