Cranborne Boys High School Students Demonstrate.

Cranborne Boys High School students demonstrate. Picture by Jon Ward

CRANBORNE Boys High School staged a demonstration earlier today against the school head Mr Dennis Masenga who is being accused of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at the school.

Mr Masenga is also accused of allegedly forcing students to secure their own stationery for examination purposes, turning the students’ bathrooms into a fowl run for his personal use and victimising students and teachers at the school.

The Cranborne Boys High School students also raised concern on school’s failure to participate at national sporting events and failure to maintain sporting facilities such as the rugby field which is an eye sore. The dysfunctional toilets are a health time bomb as burst sewer systems are left unattended.

The students have threatened to continue with the demonstrations until their concerns are addressed

Govt “Insults” Workers With $11.28 Salary Increase.

.Zimbabwe's government HAS offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars additional pay for the July to December period.
.Zimbabwe’s government HAS offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars additional pay for the July to December period.

Zimbabwe’s government on Tuesday offered its workers 180 million Zimbabwe dollars ($21 million) additional pay for the July to December period, which unions rejected as inadequate in the face of soaring inflation, a public sector union official said.

The amount, to be shared by 309,000 civil servants, would see each worker receiving only an additional $11.28 a month, Thomas Muzondo, the deputy chairman of public sector union Apex Council told Reuters after a meeting with government negotiators.

Workers have rejected the offer which they have described as an insult on them by the government.

“Mnangagwa Just Step Down”

North America Province Statement on illegal arrests and harassment of Opposition Members July 10 2019.

Chief Svosve, Tawanda Dzvokora

MDC NAP registers its displeasure on the illegal and unwarranted persecution of MDC and other opposition members. MDC NAP has noted the worrying trends of illegal arrests and detention on frivolous charges of many human rights defenders that is worsening in Zimbabwe. Hon Job Sikhala becomes the 21st Zimbabwean charged with subversion, a charge meant nothing else but to silence him. Gift Ostallos Siziba currently being charged with inciting violence, is another bad turn Zimbabwe is taking where it’s citizens are muzzled and forced into silence.

As MDC NAP we call upon Zanu PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa to stop these political persecutions and rather focus on addressing challenges bedevilling the country. It is these unattended challenges that are brooding discontent among citizens. It is their failure to turn around the fortunes of the country that is making their regime unpopular and resented by the public.

We therefore demand the unconditional release of all political prisoners and a change of focus that will save the country from running further into a rabbit hole.

We urge Emmerson Mnangagwa to resign as he has clearly failed to utilise the stolen chance to lead. The situation obtaining in Zimbabwe if unresolved has over matured to ignite insurrection from the ordinary people which will be unfortunate and avoidable by doing the right thing. Zimbabweans have been patient and they should be respected for that. Their patience should not be abused but rather respected.

It is our duty to lobby the international community and we will continously do such until change come.

Tawanda Svosve Dzvokora
NAP Chairperson

Warriors Fan Drives From Cape To Cairo By Road, Only To Find Warriors Long Back Home

Alvin Zhakata

Warriors’ die-hard fan Alvin ‘Aluvah’ Zhakata has completed his trip from Cape to Cairo by road and arrived in the Egyptian capital only to find the national team long gone.

A daring Zhakata, a staunch Dynamos supporter, embarked on the journey to watch the 2019 Afcon finals together with his South African counterpart, Botha Msila, who later abandoned the road trip and flew to Cairo.

Zhakata however persevered despite challenges at some points of entry until he finally arrived.

After a long silence that had made people concerned, Zhakata resurfaced on social media where he posted that he had made history by completing a road trip from Capetown to Cairo.

“History made. The first and only human being to complete a journey by road Cape to Cairo for a sporting tournament is a proud Zimbabwean named Alvin Zhakata,” he posted.

Sadly, Zhakata arrives in Egypt at a time his exited the stage in embarrassing fashion after being dismissed by 4 nil ny the Democratic Republic of Congo.

He is likely to join his friend, Msila, in supporting Bafana Bafana who are facing Nigeria in the quarter finals of the tournament after pushing out hosts Egypt on Saturday.

Bafana Players Guaranteed R670k Each If They Beat Nigeria In AFCON Quarter

Bafana Bafana have a lot riding on their game against Nigeria.

CAIRO – Should Bafana Bafana overcome Nigeria in Wednesday night’s Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal clash, the bonus payment for each player will rise to a cool R670 000.

For most of the South African contingent, that amount is roughly (on average) four times what they would earn in a single month with their respective clubs.

As it stands, the Bafana players have already pocketed a tidy sum of R520 000 for their efforts in Egypt, which of course included a famous 1-0 win over the host nation last weekend.

That was after the South African Football Association (Safa) reportedly stood by their promise of paying a R320 000 bonus for making it past the group stage, despite Bafana having scraped through as the fourth (and final) best third place finisher from the six groups.

Now the R520 000 could potentially climb to R670 000 – if Bafana can overcome a star-studded Super Eagles side at the Cairo International Stadium on Wednesday.

The 1996 Afcon champs can take some confidence from their recent clashes with Nigeria: a 2-0 away win in June 2017, and a 1-1 home draw in November 2018, both games of which were Afcon 2019 qualifiers.

The Super Eagles players have meanwhile picked up around R670 000 for their efforts so far, and will get R920 000 each should they make the semifinals.

Overall though the west African nation hold an advantage over Bafana: in 13 matches, Bafana have won just twice, with six wins for Nigeria and five draws.

South Africa have not reached the semis of an Afcon tournament since 2000, when they ended third.

Apart from 2013, when they made the quarterfinals on home soil, Bafana have been eliminated at the group phase in their last five appearances at the continental tournament.

Should Bafana go all the way and win the 2019 Afcon, each player stands to take home R920 000. 

African News Agency (ANA)

Soweto Riots Over Power Cuts Intensify

image
Protea 6 block for resident block the Emndeni Link Road.

Residents in Meadowlands Zone 8 took to the streets yesterday after three weeks of no electricity due to a exploded transformer.

Residents barricaded roads and burnt tyres in the morning and late afternoon.

The ward councillor Happyboy Molobye said he has logged a call with Eskom to solve the issue. “I went with some delegates from the community on July 5 and Eskom said they would provide feedback, I am currently awaiting feedback from Eskom about the matter,” said Molobye.

Residents wrote petitions and held meetings trying to get the matter resolved but to no avail.

Zone 8 resident Lillian Nemkondeni explained the grievances that they have as residents, “We haven’t had power for the past 3 weeks, when we personally go to Eskom they do not assist us because the councillor is supposed to write to Eskom on our behalf but no one is getting back to us about that ,” said Nemkondeni.

Another resident Magauta Mohlabane explained how the situation affected them as residents.

“This situation is problematic for us because we cannot get children ready for school and surviving on paraffin stoves and candles is not practical, we are running businesses they are suffering too,” said Mohlabane.

A meeting where a memorandum of understanding was submitted by various ward councillors to Eskom was held today where feedback was said to be provided in the next 7 days, residents however still remain in the dark.

On another related incident, angry residents in Protea 6 block 4 near Emndeni blocked the Emndeni Link Road yesterday in protest over electricity cut due to the transformer failure; this comes after they spent 5 weeks without electricity.

Emndeni Link Road was closed by protesters, the protesters threatened to continue with the protest until their electricity is restored.

According to the community leader Nyeko Mahlawule the electricity was cut off when Eskom was repairing the transformer.

Mahlawule said they reported the transformer to Eskom 3 months back when they noticed that it was oil leaking as they faired that it may burst.

“Eskom delayed to come and repair the transformer and when they did come they did not finish the community has been without electricity for 5 weeks, we have been in communication with them they said they will come to fix it but we waited long enough,” said Mahlwawule.

The protesters said the police started to shoot them with a rubber bullet when they attempted to block the R558 high way.

“The community got angry when they saw the councillor, myself and others communicate with the police without them that is when they started blocking the road,” he continued.

“I do not understand why the police were shooting at us because this was a peaceful protest we did not vandalize anything, the traffic lights are still standing we were not attacking motorist all we did was block the road because we can see that this the only way we will be listened to,” said Mahlawule.

Latest from Soweto Urban

Mnangagwa Sends Chasi With Power Begging Bowl

Fortune Chasi

Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi is in South Africa to finalise a power import deal with Eskom as the Government moves to reduce power shortages.

Minister Chasi’s trip to South Africa follows discussions between President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Niger from July 4 to 8.

Critically, the discussions came after Government paid US$10 million to Eskom, as part of efforts to address its obligations for imported power.

Minister Chasi is also expected to visit Mozambique on a similar mission.

President Mnangagwa met President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique during the US-Africa Summit recently and discussed possibilities of increasing power imports to Zimbabwe, which is facing acute electricity challenges due to low water levels at Kariba Hydro Power Station, and aging equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.

Rolling power outages have seen most parts of the country going without electricity for over 12 hours.

Addressing a Press conference on the 24th Cabinet Meeting Decision Matrix yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Minister Chasi was expected to meet his counterpart Gwede Mantashe during his visit.

“Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Joel Biggie Matiza,” she said.

“Cabinet noted that, following meetings between His Excellency President Mnangagwa and his South African and Mozambican counterparts, the two Heads of State had expressed their countries’ firm commitment to assist Zimbabwe to overcome its current energy and power supply challenges.

“As a consequence of this encouraging development, the Minister of Energy and Power Development is currently in South Africa, and is soon to head to Mozambique for detailed discussions with his counterparts on possible increased power imports for Zimbabwe. The nation will be advised on the outcome of the discussions in due course.”

In his briefings to the media after meeting President Ramaphosa in Niamey, Niger, President Mnangagwa said they had discussed various issues.

“With President Ramaphosa we met and we were sharing challenges we are facing and, in particular energy shortages.

“We exchanged views on how we can deal with that issue. Of course, our Zesa owes Eskom quite a lot of money and they have been able to pay US$10 million last week to reduce that debt.

“This enables them to have discussions and I think our Minister of Energy will go to South Africa next week to discuss some new arrangements,” said President Mnangagwa.

Last week, Government paid US$10 million to reduce the debt owed by Zesa to South Africa’s Eskom.

Zesa owes Eskom about US$35 million.

Speaking after his meeting with Mozambique President Nyusi, President Mnangagwa said they had agreed that Maputo will supply more electricity to Zimbabwe.

The two countries’ ministers of Energy are expected meet to meet and seal the deal.

“My minister will go to Mozambique. I discussed with the President of Mozambique, Nyusi (my brother) and they are ready for us to discuss the issue so that they can also increase the supply of energy from Cahora Bassa to Zimbabwe on terms which are comfortable to us,” he said.

Zimbabwe owes South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s HCB about US$74 million, resulted in the two utilities reducing electricity imports into the country.

Minister Mutsvangwa also said Cabinet was briefed on the fuel situation.

“On fuel, Cabinet was briefed that urgent steps are now being taken to roll out the fuel tracking technology throughout the country,” she said.

The tracking system is meant to reduce leakages that have worsened the shortages being experienced in the country.

All Africa

Botswana Intelligence Declares President Masisi As Unsafe

President Mokgweetsi Masisi

The Director General of Directorate of Intelligence Services (DIS) Brigadier Peter Fana Magosi has confirmed media speculation that the life of President Mokgweetsi Masisi is under threat.

Addressing members of the media of Friday, Magosi revealed that the security of the president is no longer the same as it was in the past due to the current political situation in the country. “It is a fact that the security situation has shifted due to the internal political squabbles in the country. The perceived two centres of power have created the problem with some non-state actors involved,” he revealed.

Magosi said there are some non-state actors who have interest in the natural resources of the country and the current political climate which is not conducive has created a room for them to exploit the situation. The perceived centres of power, according to DIS boss, have created division among the nation with some decision makers influenced to make corrupt decisions which might put the security of the country at risk.

Magosi said DIS investigations have shown that there is an appetite for a coup d’état but it has not reached a situation where it can pose a threat to the country. This, he said is caused by some external forces who have interest in the natural resources of the country. “Once you have a non-state actor who believes that s/he has interest in the natural resources of this country then security will be compromised,” he said, declining to reveal the non-state actors.

Assuring Batswana that the DIS has the situation under control, Magosi said they have since established a pattern of the non-state actors who are involved, adding that while some are within the region others are in Europe.

Masisi under threat

Recently there were reports that President Masisi had to make a mid-air return to Botswana after it was alleged that there was threat to his life. Magosi revealed that he had to order the Presidential crew to abandon an official trip to Mozambique and make a mid-air turn around back to Botswana after they discovered that his security was compromised.

According to Magosi, had he not made that decision, the country will be talking about a different story and that would have been irresponsible on his side. “I was in Mozambique and after consulting with our counterparts in Mozambique, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe we advised that President Masisi should not land in Maputo,” he said.

Narrating other incidents that have convinced them further that Masisi’s security is under threat, he revealed that during a Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) meeting in Palapye early this year, a former DIS officer was arrested in a hotel for carrying a gas pistol. “He is a former member of the DIS and BDF. He knows that protocol does not allow anyone to have a gun except presidential security detail at any place where the president is,” he said, adding that the former DIS officer now works for Avante Securities. The officer was handed over to the police who are continuing the investigations.

In another incident, Magosi said that power was once cut off at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport when Masisi’s aircraft was landing, something that has never happened before. “We won’t share more details because by so doing we will be alerting those who want to assassinate the president,” he said.

Isolate state house

Due to the shift in the security of the head of state, Magosi said they are not comfortable with the State House sharing boundaries with private properties. “We have proposed that those properties sharing the boundary with the State House should be relocated because it really compromises the security of the president,” he said.

Khama’ security

As per protocol DIS is in charge of security of former Heads of State. Magosi revealed that and expressed concern about the security detail of former President Ian Khama. “My concern is that he has brought in some people as part of his security; a situation which we are not comfortable with. If during the convoy there is an accident who is going to account for the people he has brought in,” he asked rhetorically.

Warriors Fan Alvin Zhakata Finally Arrives In Egypt

Alvin Zhakata has arrived in Cairo, Egypt, ten days after Zimbabwe’s Afcon campaign came to an end.

The national team fan had taken a road trip from Cape Town in South Africa across Africa to support the Warriors at the tournament which is currently underway in Egypt.

However, his adventure was marred by many challenges including a five-day delay at the Kenya-Ethiopia border.

Zhakata’s South African counterpart Msila Botha gave up at this point, and took a flight to Egypt, leaving him to finish the journey alone.

The Warriors fan arrived in Cairo this afternoon.Soccer24Zimbabwe

Alvin Zhakata

Sikhala’s Whereabouts Revealed

Sikhala Abduction Latest: Govt Says It’s Not True

By Farai D Hove| The government of Zimbabwe has denied reports that the MDC MP Job Sikhala is missing.

Sikhala is on trial for utterances made in Bikita, Masvingo and he was due to appear at Harare Magistrates Court when he disappeared. His lawyers raised the alarm bells at the Rotten Row magistrates court saying they have been barred from accessing him.

The government in a statement via Twitter said,”we have noted Media Reports alleging that Hon Sikhala is missing.

“Those reports are inaccurate. The courts have directed that his case should be tried in Bikita. Hon Sikhala is being transported by the police to Bikita where the alleged crime was committed.”

But human rights lawyer, Doug Coltart said, “Why then were his lawyers told that initial remand would be done at Rotten Row (and even told by the police to go and wait there), when if fact he was being whisked away to Bikita without their knowledge?

” That is shocking dishonesty and a violation of rights.”

At the time of writing, the politician’s whereabouts were not known. – More to follow

Injure One, Injure All-MDC Tells Mnangagwa Government

Farai Dziva|MDC youth leader, Obey Sithole, has condemned the harassment of party vice chairperson Job Sikhala by state security agents.

“The party’s vice chairperson, Honourable Job Wiwa Sikhala is in detention…

He has been charged with contravening section 22 (2)(a) iii of the Criminal Code, subverting a constitutionally elected government.

We are a social democratic party and solidarity is one of our core values. It is against this background that we must put this value into practice.

What affects one directly, affects the other indirectly. Given this, let us all support him as he goes through a judicial test,” said Sithole.

Obey Sithole

Sikhala’s Whereabouts Unknown :Chamisa

Farai Dziva| MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has said Job Sikhala has not yet been located.

Sikhala was in police custody and was expected to appear before a Harare Magistrate today being charged with subversion of a constitutionally established government.

“Just been informed now that Hon Sikhala is no longer appearing at the Rotten row court.His whereabouts still unknown.

The lawyers and us all have been kept guessing.This is the old reinvented, definitely with much more vice.This is the old we can’t reform.This old that must go NOW,” tweeted Chamisa.

Sikhala’s case has been punctuated by relentless confusion with earlier reports indicating the MDC vice chairperson would appear before a Bikita Magistrate before the case was shifted back to Harare.

Job Sikhala

MAVAZA WRITES: JOB SIKHALA TO BE HANGED FOR TREASON

Opinion By Dr Masimba Mavaza| Former president Mugabe once said of Lovemore Madhuku “that once he is broke, he provokes the law enforcement so that when he is arrested his sponsors will vilify Zimbabwe and consequently pour money to his pocket organisation which will eventually get into his pocket. It was rightfully named the Madhuku strategy.”

This is the syndrome which has gripped the broke MDC and are doing everything they can to provoke the law enforcement into action and then they cry human rights. This will make them get a high pay cheque at the expense of the Nation.

They are desperately finding a reason to be arrested and tarnish the name of Zimbabwe.
It is not by coincidence that the Sky News flighted by night a damaging article on Zimbabwe featuring the Rural Teachers Association of Zimbabwe.

It is not a different song which the misguided MDC youth sang on calling for removal of the Zimbabwean government through illegal means. Then Job the political wonderer coined it up when he presided over an MDC Alliance rally in Bikita.

It is a total surprise that MDC is distancing itself from the treasonous statements by Job Sikhala.

One should remind the MDC that what is said on its official business is deemed to have been said by them. To ditch the folk tongued Sikhala at this stage shows that the MDC A can not stand by its own. One is reminded of Chamisa when he called MDC members stupids for standing ip for his cause. The speech by Job exposes MDC A as a violent party which is power hungry which can do anything and everything to gain power. This attitude of the MDC singles them out to be mercenaries and enemies of the state and the nation.

Zimbabwe has presided over the fall of Opposition political class. We now have a power hungry violent outfit masquerading as opposition.

From the day Chamisa stole the MDC leadership opposition is failing and our political system is collapsing.

Chamisa went further to gather all the rebells and drafted them to his side. These are the people who would not have seen a dY in MDC if Tsvangirai was alive.

The Opposition has lost its meaning since the demise os Tsvangirai. The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable.

Opportunities for scrutinising the policies and administration of the Government are provided in parliament.

Members of the Opposition who are members of parliamentary committees have a further opportunity to scrutinise new legislation as part of the committee process.

The Opposition also utilises the media to reach the electorate with its views and to establish an identity as an alternative government. It is wrong for any opposition to Advocate for the removal of the constitutionally elected government by force.
The speech by Job Sikhala was job badly done.

The Opposition wants to present itself as a Government in waiting. It does this mostly through the media and by campaigning in the constituencies but Parliament is also an important forum for this. The opposition therefore play a role in criticising Government  policy when there are disagreements between the parties,  for example in reply to Ministerial statements and in debates on legislation. It proposes motions and amendments to legislation and is able to get these debated. Other opposition parties are also able to criticise the government and move amendments.
Parliament is part of the general debate between Government and Opposition that takes place between general elections and helps to establish the credibility of the Opposition.  However MDC has no clue of its functions as an apposition party.

Chamisa has transformed opposition to be an entity which creates division, and their concern is often on national splits and challenges the government and mistakes by ministers rather than what the debate between the Government and Opposition is actually about.

Opposition is supposed to put its case through Parliamentary debate. But Chamisa has become known for preaching hardships and problems for the nation. He actually takes pride in throwing spanners in the engine of the economy. He has not stopped to boast about how his actions have brought Zimbabwe to its knees.

Then his disciple war lord Sikhala raises stench and vomits treason.
In a normal situation any opposition leader who lobbies for sanctions and prays for poverty against his own people would be charged of treason. His actions are diabolic and evil. Worse still a leader who calls for the removal of the government by force must be charged without any excuse. Job Sikhala has to be charged of treason as soon as possible.

The Opposition political system used to be seen as one of the wonders of the world. Max Weber, the great German sociologist, gave a seminal lecture on “The Profession and Vocation of Politics” in Munich.

Speaking in the chaotic and revolutionary aftermath of the First World War, he expressed his admiration for the Opposition system and the way its politicians and officials managed to maintain prosperity and stability while allowing a working democracy to flourish.it was reputed around the world as the cradle of democracy, tolerance and downright decency. No longer. Chamisa has made opposition politics look like really war.

Chamisa’s immature behaviour has led to the complete collapse of our political system. It is painful to see people engaged in real civil wars pitying us for the deep division in the country and the inability of our political leaders to resolve it. We have watched with bewilderment, despair and exasperation as the opposition politics degenerate into war situation in Zimbabwe.

We have gone from being the most stable country in Africa to one of the least, from a country governed by a broad pragmatic consensus to a society divided into two doctrinaire camps and from a government that managed crises well to political leaders who can’t even control their own parties. Worst of all we have gone from a relatively civilised and tolerant political discourse to violence on our streets directed at people who are actually in power.
Job Sikhala has used a rally in Bikit to threaten the government. Action has to be taken against him. The law must fully coil around his lip and show others how peaceful se are.

Zimbabwe needs a progressive opposition.

All what we have heard by Chamisa is that he will work against the nations yet he wants to lead the same people he is punishing. Now his trusted thug Job Sikhala declares war on the government.

It is easy to hate ED without a reason. This is because the economy is struggling and people are really in trouble. But we need to see the big picture.

Opposition now operates as armed rebels. Having tried the ballot box now they are using the economy which they are sabotaging. They celebrate any suffering caused by their actions. Instead of coming up with ideas to improve the economy they actually campaign against it. They have taken their shenanigans to another level. They are now calling for an unlawful removal of the government.

So the jecha brigade are not progressive their actions are talking evil. Now they are talking war.

Sikhala’s statements must be condemned and he must be charged of treason.

[email protected]

Mthuli Ncube To Hire Communications Specialist To Help Explain Misunderstood Gvnt Policies

By A Correspondent- Finance minister, Mthuli Ncube, has said that they will be hiring a communications person to help them explain government policies to the general populace.

Speaking on Monday during a Daily News organised Business Breakfast Forum held to discuss the implications of the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar, Ncube that government’s policies were not being properly communicated. Ncube said:

We are hiring a new communications person to help us communicate better. I think we are almost there with that and I think we can do better (to communicate), including also in vernacular languages and so forth. We could do better with communications.

Guests had expressed that the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar through Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 of 2019 was a surprise development.

Ncube’s response was also addressing Harare lawyer Effort Jera’s question on whether the country’s currency issue will likely destabilise the country as there are three pending High court applications challenging SI 142.

Jera also asked if people can actually have confidence in the system, considering allegations of policy inconsistency. In response, Ncube said that it was fundamental for government policies to be predictable and consistent. He said what happened with SI 142 was unlikely to be seen in the future.

Previously, the Finance minister unexpectedly appointed Acie Lumumba, real name William Gerald Mutumanje as head of the Finance ministry communications committee last October. Lumumba, however, lasted only three days on the job within which he implicated senior Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe officials in illegal foreign currency deals.-DailyNews

“Power Cuts Cripple Industry”

By Own Correspondent- There are companies whose business models dictate that there is functional electricity for them to produce and sell their products and services. These are some of the businesses that are affected by the crippling power cuts that are being experienced in the country.

Home Industry Businesses like Carpentry and Welding and Sewing

According to IMF, almost 60% of Zimbabwe’s economy is informal. This means our economy is driven possibly more by these people that make furniture and weld and make clothes and other things informally for a living. Passing through Mupedzanhamo Traffics lights on Saturday, the traffic lights by that corner were not working an indication that there was no power around that area unless the traffics lights malfunctioned.

The biggest informal industry in Harare is in that area. Siyaso/Magaba. Some of those guys rely on electricity to make most of their famous wares which Zimbabwe value so greatly. Speaking to one guy from Magaba in Mbare the chap said:

Haa pakaipa tiri kushanda mahusiku mazuva ano ( we are working at night because of the power situation)

This may seem like an option but we all know working at night in poor lit areas can lead to 2 if not 3 things:

  1. Decreased efficiency during the day
  2. Poor or substandard work because of lack of visibility and fatigue
  3. Health problems of various nature caused by the working conditions in open air, in winter, at night.

All through the capital many informal jobs that need electricity that operate outside the industrial areas and the CBD where power cuts are minimal are highly affected. Gazaland and Kuwadzana Home industry and many more industries have been hit the hardest by the power situation in the country. Some have power back up like generators which also need scarce petrol or diesel this means the cost of production has wildly gone up. The cost of production then affects the price which then affects demand. It’s a sad scenario altogether.

 Telecommunication Companies

Of late network has been a problem in Zimbabwe. This cuts into communication one of the things that should work properly as it is one of the various microeconomic drivers of a functional economy. I as an individual always have network problems when I visit my favourite place in Harare Kuwadzana Extension where the internet is so bad at some instances it takes a while to download a picture on WhatsApp.

Telecoms have complained about the cost of running the network. One engineer that spoke to me as an individual said:

Those booster batteries dont last that long. 16 hours is too much. We are supposed to then use generators, but there are hundreds of those boosters across the country the cost of running the netwoek on a daily basis becomes too much for us. Sometimes there are some boosters that are supposed to beam network to other boosters the moment its affected all other downstream boosters stop working simultaniously.

This actually affects service delivery which also affects the quality and quantity of our communication as a nation. Money is lost because of poor communication, revenue is lost because of people resort to other means of communicating. Cumulatively the situation may cause other problems.

Internet Service Providers

These guys may use satellites and power back up etc to provide their passive services. Their biggest hit is on revenue. Most of their household customers are in darkness for 16-18 hours a day and that means the rate of subscribing to the internet that is only used at night will decrease if the power situation remains like this or continue to deteriorate. Subscriptions might take a knock as people decide to find other alternatives to prepaid internet.

PayTV

DSTV customers just like consumers of the internet also rely on the availability of electricity. This means, since most households only have power during the normal sleeping times, very few people will see the need to subscribe for entertainment that they can only access after 10 PM where programming is not at its best and people are tired from a long day at work.

ZESA

There is a joke circulating on social media where people are laughing at their electricity bills.

(If electricity worth $5 is lasting me 2 months, then that means the economy is on the mend) Of course, we know that’s not the case. There is no mending that is taking place is people only spend $5 on electricity unlike in the previous months when they were spending between 30 and 100 for 2 months.

This means households have started consuming less electricity meaning the number of electricity purchases have dwindled. Once again ZESA is hit the hardest by the problem of cutting power as its revenue from prepaid customers mainly households of which 90% are on the prepaid grid have been affected.

Retailers.

All those shops that are out of the CBD operating in residential areas where power cuts are rife are also working on backup power. This means your favourite supermarket operating close to your house where there is no electricity for 16 hours a day is also affected.

The cost of running these shops in my opinion on a daily basis for 8 hours is immense in some instances. Imagine powering those freezers and chillers and those ovens and all for 12 hours every day. The resources that get into that. Statistics show that OK has 8 Bon Marche Branches all outside the CBD in Harare.  Most of these are affected by the power cuts meaning they all have to run using generators for the duration of the 12 hours they are open.

OK supermarkets, as well as Pick n Pay supermarkets and all other huge retailing supermarkets like Choppies N Richards, Gain etc outside the CBD, may also be facing challenges as they have to search for fuel to power their operations every other day. These also have been hit the hardest by the situation prevailing in the country.

Chipezeze Seeks Legal Advice Following AFCON Debacle

Farai Dziva| Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze says he has approached his lawyer as he makes efforts to clear his name following allegations of match-fixing at the 2019 Afcon.

The 29-year-old who plays for Baroka in the Absa Premiership made some clumsy mistakes in the game against DRC which saw the team losing 4-0 and getting eliminated from the tournament.

His actions raised suspicion with many people believing the former Chicken Inn goalie was paid to influence the result.

There were also reports suggesting the game was indeed fixed but CAF failed to prove it.

Speaking to Limpopo Sports Zoneafter returning to his base in South Africa, Chipezeze said:

“You can’t sell games at the biggest stage of the competition where you need to make a name for yourself. I don’t even support that thing (match-fixing).

“I have been talking to my Lawyer and he was telling me he is going to look into the issue maybe see what he can do to clear my name.”

The keeper adds that he believes the DRC game is not his last in national colours and will feature for the Warriors again.

“It was probably the worse game of my life but that was not the last time for me playing for the national team,” said Chipezeze.

Elvis Chipezeze

Can South Africa Overcome Super Eagles?

Farai Dziva|South Africa go into battle against tournament favourites Nigeria hoping to overcome the African giants.

Bafana Bafana defied all odds and stunned hosts Egypt, kicking their much fancied opponents out courtesy of a Thembinkosi Lorch sucker punch and their expectations going into tomorrow’s encounter are high.

Their confidence will be fueled by the fact that they defeated the Super Eagles in their own back-yard in the qualifiers. In actual fact, Nigeria has not beaten South Africa in the last four outings.

Former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who is joint-top scorer at AFCON 2019, will likely pose a threat to the Bafana defence, but in Lorch and Percy Tau, South Africa have an attack capable of posing a threat to any team.

Kick off is 21:00hrs at the Cairo International Stadium.

Thembinkosi Lorch …

Warriors Hopeful Promoted To Arsenal First Team

Farai Dziva|Warriors hopeful Reiss Nelson has been promoted to Arsenal’s first team alongside Emile Smith Rowe.

The 19-year-old is no stranger to first-team action having made 16 appearances in all competitions in Arsene Wenger’s final season in charge at the Gunners.

His Premier League debut came when he was 17 years old in 2018 against Southampton.

Nelson who was born in England is eligible to play for the Warriors through his father’s heritage.

He has so far represented his country of birth at junior level.

Reiss Nelson

Probe Ministers For Stashing Cash In Homes :Mliswa

Farai Dziva| Norton MP Temba Mliswa has said Cabinet Ministers must be probed for keeping millions of United States Dollars in their homes.

Mliswa has asked why Ministers keep huge amounts of foreign currency in their houses.

“So how much forex do these Ministers keep in their homes and for what? What’s the law regarding money hoarding?

Isn’t this forex for money changing or maybe for working so hard for the Chinese?

So ZANU PF Youth League were correct.
So the Ministers don’t bank but the ordinary citizen must bank? This certainly will open a can of worms,” said Mliswa.

Mliswa’s comments follow revelations that US$25 000 was stolen from Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa’s house by her housemaid.

Temba Mliswa

Sikhala Speaks On Arrest, Charges

Farai Dziva|MDC deputy chairperson, Job Sikhala says he is stunned by the excitement and anxiety about the charges he is facing.

Sikhala is expected to make an initial appearance at Harare Magistrate Court this afternoon.

“I am worried and shocked over the excitable elements jumping into the bandwagon to lump treason, banditry, insurgency and coup plotting on my part over political banter of a statement I made in Bikita,” said Sikhala in a statement yesterday.

“What I meant was that we need to overthrow hunger, intimidation, abuse of traditional leaders, poverty and all vices associated with the current mismanagement of our State by the current government.

Let it be clear that the MDC, nor anyone associated with it, will ever engage in any unconstitutional governance of our country. If anything, the MDC is a party of constitutionalism and legality.”

Dred Reckless Speaks On Sikhala Arrest

Farai Dziva|Legendary MDC activist and revolutionary musician Dred Reckless has called on state security agents to stop persecuting Job Sikhala.

Dred Reckless of the Nharembozha fame, has also urged Zimbabweans to show solidarity with Sikhala.

“The man we were all expecting to speak…

He has spoken and his voice will never be detained as you can do to his body. Wiwa woyeee. Chamisa woyeee,” said Dred Reckless.

Job Sikhala

Civil Servants Reject Paltry $97 Allowance

Farai Dziva|Civil Servants have flatly rejected a $ 97 cushioning allowance dangled to them by government.

The government has awarded workers $180 million which when shared among the 309 000 civil servants translates to $97 per month.

Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) have reportedly received adjusted salaries – with the cushioning allowance, while other civil servants will get theirs on their respective pay dates.

However, the Apex Council, the umbrella body for all the unions representing civil servants has rejected the increment.

Apex Council deputy chairperson Thomas Muzondo said:

“We totally reject that offer so they (government negotiators) will go back to their principals for further consultations.”

Arrest Us All:MDC Supporters Tell Mnangagwa Government

Farai Dziva|MDC Supporters have castigated Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government for persecuting Job Sikhala.

See below the MDC Supporters and Friends statement:

The time has come for us in the broader democratic movement to confront the Junta regime presided over by septuagenarian EDiot.

Charging our Vice President with ‘treason’ for exercising his fundamental right to freedom of expression as enshrined in the supreme law of the land is just sickening though not surprising.

It’s typical of a leopard that will not change its spots.We will not be intimidated.We seek to remove you ED from power!That’s not a secret.

Why arrest one for expressing something you know? Arrest us all!!We are coming for you!!

MDC supporters

MDC Youth Assembly Leader Summoned By CID Law And Order

Farai Dziva|MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba has been summoned by the CID Law and Order Section at Harare Central Police Station.

“MDC Youth Assembly Secretary General Gift Ostallos Siziba has been summoned by CID Law and Order at Harare Central Police Station today,” the MDC has said.

“Free Ostallos Siziba, the ED regime is in panic mode instead of fixing the economy they are busy harrasing innocent citizens.Abasha ED regime Abasha,” said Gilbert Mutubuki an MDC youth assembly member.

More details to follow…

Gift Ostallos Siziba

JUST IN: Fuel Price To Go Up

Jane Mlambo| Minister of Finance Professor Mthuli Ncube has hinted that the price of fuel will go up to a figure equivalent to 1 United States dollar, ZimEye can reveal.

Mthuli made the remarks in an interview with Alpha Media Holdings owner Trevor Ncube this morning.

Currently, fuel is being sold at $5,36 for petrol and $5.07 for diesel which translates to around USD0.50 cents and if it is to be matched with 1USD, the new price will range between ZWL$10 to ZWL$12.

More Names Of Alleged Corrupt Heavyweights Released

The list was posted on social media by an anonymous figure who pleaded with the Zanu-PF youth league to announce more names of corrupt individuals to the media.

The names of the alleged corrupt individuals include heavy weights in Zanu Pf and others who are in the private sector.

Below is the list of the alleged corrupt heavy weights:

LIST OF MORE CORRUPT PEOPLE OF ZIMBABWE as @ June 2019

Kembo Mohadi- Corruption

Phillip Chiyangwa– Land Baron

Dexter Nduna–ZINARA/ Mash West Prov Money/ King pin of Illegal Miners/

Vengai Musengi/ Corrupt/ Illegal Mine dealings/ Murderer abusing Zanu PF name

Mayor Wadyejena— Corrupt

July Moyo — Land Baron

Monica & Chris Mutsvangwa- Money Laundering/Land Baron

Ozias Bvute– NSSA funds thru Metbank

Mike Chimombe – Land Baron

Enoch & Idah Kamushinda–NSSA funds thru Metbank/Illegal Forex dealings/ Fake Bond Note Printing/Fake USD

Shingi Munyeza–NSSA funds externalisation/Govt Swimming pool tenders from Mupfumira

Voster Mashevedzanwa – Chinhoyi NSSA stands/Chinhoyi council stands fraud

Billy Rautenbach– Cartel leader

Nicholas van Hoogstraten–Cartel leader

Kuda Tagwirei– Fuel /Cartel Leader

Charles Mutisi – Corruption/Land Baron/NSAA

Winston Chitando–Hwange Corruption

Jennifer Mhlanga –Corruption on Council stands in Chinhoyi. Selling them to the public. Selling farms in Makonde District.

PLEASE CIRCULATE UNTIL IT GETS TO ZANU PF YOUTH LEAGUE. OUR TRUE HEROES

Sawujadi Phiri Laid To Rest

Sawujadi Phiri

Zimbabwe National Darts Team player, Sawujadi Phiri, who died after a short illness on Saturday was buried at Habane Muslim Cemetery in Esigodini on Tuesday.

Phiri was laid to rest by her Muslim religious leaders with scores of people mostly from the darts fraternity attending the burial.

In an interview after the burial, National Darts Association of Zimbabwe President Meynard Moyo described Phiri’s death as a huge loss to the game of darts in the country.

Phiri represented Zimbabwe at the Region 5 challenge in Malawi last year where she came out top after also representing her province in the national champions in Harare where she also emerged as the top woman player in the country.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2489367497791100&id=150154425045764

Woman Jailed 3yrs For Stealing $25k From Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa

By Own Correspondent- A 59-year-old woman who once worked as a housemaid for Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa, has been sentenced to 3 years in jail.

Tracy Manase from Chizemo village, under Chief Mutambara, appeared before Mutare magistrate Nortilda Muchineripi where she pleaded guilty to stealing US$25 000 from Mutsvangwa.

The magistrate, however, suspended 12 months of the sentence on condition that she restitute US$15 000.

Another 12 months were suspended on condition she will not commit a similar offence in the next five years.

In her mitigation, Manase told the court that she was paid ZWL$120 monthly. She then pleaded with the court to be allowed to contact her relatives so that she could raise the money.

She said:

I was being given ZWL$120 as my salary. I am asking for forgiveness my Lord, l want to call my sons and relatives so that they can pay back the money.

The US$25 000 belonged to Joyce Mukono (49) from Zimre Park in Harare who is sister to Minister Mutsvangwa.

She had given the money to the Cabinet Minister for safe-keeping before Manase stole it and resigned from her domestic work.

Manase returned to her village where she was arrested by the police after she had blown most of the money.-Newsday

Mat South Teachers Threaten Strike

By A Correspondent- Rural school teachers in Insiza district, Matabeleland South province, have called for a strike over the government’s failure to address their concerns.

The teachers, who are under the Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ), held a meeting on July 7 where they agreed to go on job action.

Minutes of the meeting by the teachers read:

As a district, we call upon the national executive of Artuz to urgently call for a job action, demanding a living wage… Members were also encouraged to discuss challenges we are facing with other teachers so that we open their eyes to the realities, then we mobilise them for the fight for a living wage.

ARTUZ president, Obert Masaraure confirmed the meeting held in Insiza and said that the union is now going to other districts and if they also call for a strike, then it will be organised.

Teachers are demanding a minimum monthly salary of $4 000. However, the government on Tuesday offered to award civil servants a $97 salary increment.

Sikhala Charged With Plotting To Overthrow Govt As Mahiya, Mutasa And Mawarire’s Trials Fail To Commence

Evan Mawarire

ZIMBABWE Republic Police (ZRP officers on Tuesday detained and charged Hon. Job Sikhala, one of the top leaders of the opposition MDC party, with plotting to overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

ZRP officers charged Hon. Sikhala, the MDC National Vice-Chairperson with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22(2)(a)(iii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.

The law enforcement agents alleged that Hon. Sikhala, who was represented by Obey Shava and Jeremiah Bamu of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) advocated for the overthrowing of government through unconstitutional means during his address to some MDC party supporters at a political rally held on Saturday 6 July 2019 at Mandadzaka Primary School in Bikita in Masvingo province.

Hon. Sikhala, who is the MDC legislator for Zengeza West constituency, is expected to appear at Harare Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10 July 2019.

Hon. Sikhala becomes the latest person since January 2019 to be targeted for allegedly plotting to overthrow President Mnangagwa’s government after Zimbabwean authorities arrested and charged 20 people including opposition legislators, trade unionists and human rights activists with subverting constitutional government following anti-government protests held early this year.

Some of the activists, who were arrested in May, were accused of attending and participating in a meeting held in Maldives with the intention to engage in civil disobedience.

Meanwhile, three human rights campaigners namely Rashid Mahiya, the chairperson of Crisis in Zimbabwe Coalition, This Generation Church leader Pastor Evan Mawarire and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions President Peter Mutasa, who are all charged with subverting constitutional government, appeared before Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko, where their trials could not commence.

Pastor Mawarire, Mahiya and Mutasa, who are represented by Alec Muchadehama and Tonderai Bhatasara of ZLHR, were remanded out of custody to 20 August 2019.

ZLHR

Chromium Opens Up For China Take Over Of Zimbabwe

Chromium mining in Zimbabwe

Africa Report| Beneath the surface of its latest economic crisis, Zimbabwe has been quietly positioning itself as a future major exporter of chromium to the insatiable Chinese market.

Chinese demand for chromium is mainly driven by stainless steel, of which it is the world’s largest consumer. The country does not have its own chromium reserves and relies on imports. Chromium is concentrated in South Africa, Kazakhstan, India, Zimbabwe, the US and Turkey. South Africa is the largest producer of chrome, and a majority of the country’s production goes to China.

Zimbabwe has the world’s second-largest chromium reserve, with about 12% of the global total, Technavio says in its report Global Ferrochrome Market Analysis – Size, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2019–2023.

The company forecasts that Chinese demand will stay firm in the coming years due to increased infrastructure spending, such as on urban rail projects.
That means that China needs to diversify its sources of chromium and ferrochrome (an alloy of chromium and iron). Zimbabwe is well placed to benefit.

Zimbabwe almost doubled its production of ferrochrome to 300,000tn in 2017, according to Technavio.

“Availability of chrome ores, increasing investment from companies and supportive government initiatives are expected to boost the [Zimbabwe’s] production of ferrochrome substantially during the next 10 years,” Technavio says.
Zimbabwe’s government has facilitated investment, last year reducing electricity tariffs for chromium miners from 8.7 cents to 6.7 cents per kilowatt-hour. From a low base, Chinese ferrochrome imports from Zimbabwe increased 68.6% in 2017, while imports from established South African suppliers stagnated.

Chinese industrial buyers and South African miners alike are alive to the potential.

In 2018, China’s Tsingshan signed a $1bn agreement to build a steel plant in Zimbabwe.

The initial target set is to produce 1m tonnes of steel by 2022 and 2m tonnes by 2026.

Tsingshan also plans to build an industrial park in Zimbabwe.

Sinosteel of China is also investing $1bn in Zimbabwe to build a power plant and raise ferrochrome production to 300,000tn.
South African miner Tharisa, which is listed in Johannesburg and London, offers a possible play on the potential.

Tharisa in May bought a 90% stake in Salene Chrome Zimbabwe.

Tharisa says that Salene’s mine allows for production of 48%-50% chromium concentrate, beating the 40-42% level that it mines in South Africa.

That was followed in June when Tharisa bought a 26.8% stake in Karo Mining Holdings, a Zimbabwe project that could lead to new chromium and platinum-group-metal projects.

Turning those projects into reality, of course, will be a complicated task. In 2018, African Chrome Fields, Zimbabwe’s largest chromium miner, launched a ferrochrome plant in Zimbabwe capable of producing 600tn per month.

But Roskill reports that the miner’s alluvial operations have been on hold since March. It says the company is restructuring to take account of “uncertain economic and financial conditions within Zimbabwe”.
Bottom line: Stability in Zimbabwe would put the country in pole position to take a bigger share of China’s chromium market.

“I Have Approached My Lawyer,” Chipezeze On Match Fixing Allegations

Elvis Chipezeze

Warriors keeper Elvis Chipezeze says he has approached his lawyer as he makes efforts to clear his name following allegations of match-fixing at the 2019 Afcon.

The 29-year-old who plays for Baroka in the Absa Premiership made some clumsy mistakes in the game against DRC which saw the team losing 4-0 and getting eliminated from the tournament.

His actions raised suspicion with many people believing the former Chicken Inn goalie was paid to influence the result.

There were also reports suggesting the game was indeed fixed but CAF failed to prove it.

Speaking to Limpopo Sports Zone after returning to his base in South Africa, Chipezeze said:

“You can’t sell games at the biggest stage of the competition where you need to make a name for yourself. I don’t even support that thing (match-fixing).

“I have been talking to my Lawyer and he was telling me he is going to look into the issue maybe see what he can do to clear my name.”

The keeper adds that he believes the DRC game is not his last in national colours and will feature for the Warriors again.

“It was probably the worse game of my life but that was not the last time for me playing for the national team,” said Chipezeze.

AFCON Quarter Finals Preview

Three wins from AFCON glory, eight teams take their next steps in quarterfinal play at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Wednesday and Thursday.

Benin and Madagascar are barely inside the world’s Top 100 in Elo Ratings, but they are still alive. Does that end here?

Senegal v. Benin — Wednesday

Benin made it to this round by tying every group stage match and then using penalty kicks to beat favored Morocco. Simply put: they are survivors. It’ll take more than that against Sadio Mane and Senegal, one the favorites to lift a trophy this summer.

Nigeria v. South Africa — Wednesday

Finally out of their scoring doldrums, the Super Eagles outlasted Cameroon in a 3-2 thriller and now face a South Africa side which stunned Mohamed Salah and hosts Egypt. Bafana Bafana has only allowed two goals in four tournament matches, but Nigeria will put that to the test with Golden Boot co-leader Odion Ighalo.

Ivory Coast v. Algeria  — Thursday

Wilfried Zaha may not know where he’ll be playing club ball next season, but it hasn’t stopped him from leading Les Elephants in scoring with two goals. Meeting Riyad Mahrez and Algeria will be a major challenge up north.

Madagascar v. Tunisia — Thursday

Two sides who earned their quarterfinal berths by going perfect from the penalty spot against more celebrated competition (Madagascar defeated Democratic Republic of Congo, while Tunisia beat Ghana). Tunisia will be heavily favored to take the next step.

While Chamisa Was Laughed At, Durban To Messina Bullet Train Project Kicks Off.

Meetings between the transport department, Prasa and Transnet have been planned to set the project in motion.

A high-speed train between Johannesburg and Musina aimed at reducing the escalating road carnage on the notorious N1 between Gauteng and Limpopo is on the cards, Limpopo roads and community safety MEC Namane Masemola said yesterday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the initiative during his State of the Nation address a fortnight ago as an alternative mode of transport between SA and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.

Masemola said meetings between the department of transport, Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa and Transnet had been planned.

“This will go a long way in reducing the escalating carnage on our roads,” Masemola said.

“We have recently experienced loss of many lives on the N1 between Johannesburg and Musina in particular. Some of these accidents were due to ‘moving coffins’ transporting unsuspecting passengers to their various destinations, including countries which use the N1 through Polokwane via Beitbridge in Musina to SADC countries.”

The MEC said the meetings were expected to chart the way forward and arrive at a starting date for the project.

“By the end of this financial year there will be great progress because both the province and country and, indeed, the international community, is waiting for the project to be off the ground,” Masemola told The Citizen.

According to the MEC, the project would create much needed permanent and temporary jobs for Limpopo people.

The province has a population of 5.8 million people with an estimated 28% unemployment rate.

Last month Limpopo topped the list of nine provinces in terms of road fatalities. The accidents included the 24 youth who died while returning from a June 16 commemoration in Sekgosese.

Masemola said his department would deploy more traffic officials on all major roads across the province.

“During this financial year we are appointing 238 young people who are currently on traffic learnership as full-time traffic officials,” Masemola said.

Litmus Test For Govt As Mat North Hospital Is Burnt To Next To Nothing, What Next?

Write off. St Luke’s hospital burnt to nothing

Government has been left with a huge challenge to show its muscle after a fire destroyed St Luke’s Hospital in Matabeleland North province to next to nothing left.

The inferno has brought hospital operations to a halt as all equipment, medicines and records were reduced to ashes.

St Luke’s is a Roman Catholic mission hospital situated in Kusile District, about 120km from Bulawayo along the Victoria Falls Road and is the biggest hospital in the province.

No one was hurt in the incident but the provincial medical director Dr Pugie Chimberengwa confirmed that medication and property worth hundreds of thousands of dollars was lost in the inferno.

He said the incident happened in the early hours of yesterday morning and the cause is yet to be established.

“We have received a report that the Family and Child Health (FCH) department at our designated provincial hospital St Luke’s has been burnt down. Equipment was reduced to ashes including the VIAC unit where cancer screening is conducted,” said Dr Chimberengwa.

He said five of the six rooms in the FCH department were severely affected and $250 000 worth of property was damaged.

“We also lost all cervical cancer screening equipment for the district in the fire. The Expanded Programme on immunisation (EPI) department also lost all fridges and their vaccines,” he added.

According to Dr Chimberengwa one of the gutted rooms had nutritional supplements for children with malnutrition.

“The same room had all vaccinations for the eight child killer diseases and we lost them too. All documents and registers are gone and we are not sure how we will continue operations,” he added.

He said the hospital had also lost documents for pregnant women referred from clinics around the province.

“We have since alerted the Civil Protection Unit and established a shift room for post natal care.

We will continue to offer HIV services while we try and find a solution,” he said.

Dr Chimberengwa appealed to well wishers and donors to chip in and help in refurbishing the hospital and purchasing the lost equipment and medication.

Bright Matonga Loses Property After Ex Lover Took Him To Court

Former information deputy minister Bright Matonga.

Former information deputy minister Bright Matonga’s farm equipment is going under the hammer on Thursday.

The sale comes after the former legislator failed to stop a $280 000 default judgement following an application by his former girlfriend Thombizodzwa Choto’s company Dubtess investment Pvt Ltd.

Matonga’s former lover engaged the High Court seeking an order to compel him to appear in person at the American Embassy and give his consent for his son to travel to United States after the former MP refused to go and sign his son’s consent papers.

The equipment comprises five water pumps, seven electric motors, vence tudor planter, vence tindo planter, John Deere planer, case international red, John Deere, tractor, disc harrow 24 dish, field boom spray tractor and Masser Ferguson tractor.

The sale will take place at Chigwell farm about 10 km from Chegutu town along Bulawayo highway.

The former Zanu PF legislator had earlier on tried to stop the order arguing that the summons were served at the wrong address.

The former minister said it was evident that the use of the wrong address for service of the notice of set down by Dubtess Investments (Pvt) Ltd was intentional since the same party elected to execute at the correct address, which Matonga had previously provided.

“I am advised that the judgment was sought in error in that I was never served with the notice of set down. The notice of set down was served on unknown address, which address I have never resided. Further, I am advised that default judgment was granted in error in that there was no return of service of the notice of set down in the record which proved that I had been served with the notice of set down.”

ZESA Finally Decides To Tell The Truth On Loadshedding, Mangudya Is The Problem Not Power Generation Deficit

RBZ governor John Mangudya

ZIMBABWE’S power utility, Zesa Holdings says the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has not provided with foreign currency to import power since last October.

This comes as the southern African country is experiencing a severe power crisis due to low electricity generation at Kariba Power Station which accounts for about 37% of internal power generation.

“Let me say this, it must be understood by everyone, we have had no load shedding in the past four or five years. I think everyone of us is acquainted with that. What has been the reason for that to happen that way? We have always had a deficit of internal generation in the country, we have always had it. But, we were covered very well, I must say, by the Reserve Bank all those four or five years until October last year,” Zesa Holdings acting chief executive officer, Patrick Chivaura, told a recent business meeting.

“We were not able to meet our forex obligation. To make the face of electricity or power (situation) worse, we also have to endure with the loss of water in Kariba and that has changed the face of our production in power. Last year, we saw the commissioning of the Kariba South Power Station which added 300MW to our grid and we saw a reduction in imports last year and sometimes we did not even import anything from Eskom because of that change.

“There was water last year and we could generate as much as 1050MW, but today the amount of water that we are able to use to generate power has been reduced to the extent that we can only do 358MW of generation at Kariba where capacity is 1050MW. You can call that an act of God or drought.”

Before the commissioning of the extra power units at the Kariba South Hydropower Station, the RBZ used to provide US$5 million weekly to import electricity from South Africa’s Eskom and Mozambique’s Hydro de Cahora Bassa (HCB).

Zimbabwe’s power generation is ranging between 1180MW to 1530MW against peak demand of 1800MW.

RBZ governor John Mangudya, however, said the only reason why Zesa was getting money for the past four or five years was because government was running an overdraft facility which enabled Zesa to purchase power.

“Zesa does not necessarily have enough local dollars for foreign currency, and that one is a fact. And, it is true that there is sub economic pricing and that people do not pay Zesa. Zesa is owed too much money by those using the electricity, that’s true,” he said.

“So while you had your electricity for four or five years we were paying for it all of us as a country because Zesa was able to purchase currency using that overdraft from government and that was happening, and is a fact of life. So, if today you are trying to analyse the US$3 billion (overdraft facility) and how much Zesa was granted in that figure while your business was running we need now to do a cost benefit analysis for the economy.”

Gudyanga Ready To Tell State Secrets

Francis Gudyanga

State Media|FORMER Mines and Mining Development secretary Francis Gudyanga on Monday told the court that he had dropped his application to be tried in camera and indicated that he now wants to expose State secrets.

His lawyer, Mr Norman Mugiya, had earlier on notified the court of his client’s intention to be tried in camera citing the damaging nature of the evidence that exposes State secrets.

Gudyanga, who is also the former Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) board chairperson allegedly paid $1 629 500 from the parastatal’s coffers to a foreign firm through a local agricultural company, Pedstock Investments.

Gudyanga told the court that there was no need to protect the State if it did not need to be protected.

Harare regional magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya deferred the matter to August 5 and 6 for trial commencement.

Prosecutor Mr Venerandah Munyoro represented the State.

It is alleged that during the period extending from September 2014 to December 2015, Gudyanga, acting as the permanent secretary, ordered MMCZ to pay US$1 629 500 to Glammer (Private) Limited.

Gudyanga allegedly told MMCZ to pay Glammer through Pedstock Investments, as Glammer was a foreign company.

He also allegedly lied that the money was to be accounted for as part of the dividends to the stakeholder, which was the Government of Zimbabwe.

MMCZ released the money to Pedstock Investments.

It was later discovered that the money had nothing to do with MMCZ and it was not being paid to the Government of Zimbabwe, but instead was used in a fraudulent arrangement Gudyanga had made.

Dividends were supposed to be paid to the permanent secretary, who then issues a receipt of acknowledgement.

Cabinet Unveils 24th Meeting Resolutions

Information Minister Monica Mutsvangwa presenting the cabinet decision matrix.

TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING DECISIONS MATRIX: 9TH JULY, 2019

1.0 Hospital Equipment Deliveries from the United Arab Emirates and India

Cabinet received a report from the Minister of Health and Child Care on deliveries of hospital equipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and India. This positive development was a result of His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa’s re-engagement with the international community, where he extended an appeal for support towards revival of Zimbabwe’s health care delivery system.

A recent needs assessment of the hospitals had revealed the acute shortage of state-of-the-art medical equipment in critical areas such as radiology, intensive care units, theatres, laboratories, renal units, paediatric care,  and maternity among others.

The UAE government has accordingly donated to the Government of Zimbabwe the following hospital equipment: five dialysis machines; six vital signs monitors; eight respiratory aid devices; 12 neonatal intensive care unit monitors and 12 paediatric incubators. The consignment, which is estimated at US$400 000, is earmarked for Harare Central Hospital.

The equipment received is part of the larger consignment yet to follow from the UAE. Furthermore, UAE has pledged to refurbish Harare Central Hospital.

Government has also received a consignment of equipment from India valued at US$650 000. The equipment is earmarked for all of the country’s central hospitals, and follows a meeting between His Excellency the President and local specialist doctors at State House earlier this year. The equipment received from India includes the following:  10 hydraulic theatre tables; 10 electric theatre tables; five ventilators for adults; five ventilators for paediatrics; 50 monitors for adults; 30 monitors for paediatrics; 36 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) incubators; five endoscopy units; five colonoscopy units; 10 respiratory aid devices; Neonatal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilator (NIPPV); 20 Electro Cardiogram (ECG); four X-ray portable; and 10 Anaesthetic machines. Another consignment to the tune of US$300 000 shall be arriving in the country shortly. Government is paying for the consignments coming from India.

Medicines and surgical supplies from both India and the United Arab Emirates are also expected in the country in due course.

2.0 Report Back on the Extraordinary African Union Summit in Niger

Hon A Murwira, as the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade briefed Cabinet on His Excellency the President’s attendance of the launch of the Operational Phase of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) on 7 July, 2019 in in Niamey, Niger. The summit was among other things, officially informed of the coming into force of the AfCFTA on 30 May, 2019. The Acting Minister also briefed Cabinet on the following:

  •  highlights of the progress made with regard to the implementation of AfCFTA;
  •  the unveiling of the Tariff Concession Portals; and
  •  launch of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System.

The AfCFTA Secretariat shall be based in Ghana.

3.0 Energy and Power Supply Situation

Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Hon JB Matiza. Cabinet noted that, following meetings between His Excellency President E.D. Mnangagwa and his South African and Mozambican counterparts, the two Heads of State had expressed their countries’ firm commitment to assist Zimbabwe to overcome its current energy and power supply challenges. As a consequence of this encouraging development, the Minister of Energy and Power Development is currently in South Africa, and is soon to head to Mozambique for detailed discussions with his counterparts on possible increased power imports for Zimbabwe. The nation will be advised on the outcome of the discussions in due course. On fuel, Cabinet was briefed that urgent steps are now being taken to roll out the fuel tracking technology throughout the country.

4.0 Report on the Mining Investment Seminar held in Perth, Australia

Cabinet received a report back on the attendance by the Minister of Mines and Mining Development of a Mining Investment Seminar held in Perth, Australia from 26th to 29th June, 2019. The event which was organised by the Zimbabwe is Open for Business Forum in Australia afforded the Minister and his delegation the chance to present mining investment opportunities in Zimbabwe to various potential Australian investors. As a testimony to the resounding success of the Seminar, several follow-up engagements with the potential investors are due to take place in August 2019 in Harare, and in September, 2019 in Perth, Australia.

5.0 Reports on Measures to Deal with Cases of Corruption

Cabinet was briefed on ongoing measures to deal with cases of corruption, which had seen the recent suspension of some Ministry of Mines and Mining Development officials in Mashonaland Central Province as well as Ministry of Transport and Infrastructural Development officials at the Vehicle Inspection Department. Government reaffirms its zero tolerance to corruption and its determination to uproot the vice at all levels.

6.0 Renewal of Water and Sanitation Infrastructure

Cabinet notes with concern the dilapidated state of water and sanitation infrastructure in most of our urban local authorities. This unsavoury state of affairs puts the health of our citizens at high risk of disease outbreaks.

Government is currently working on modalities to raise funding for the wholesale rehabilitation and construction of the necessary infrastructure.

Government also calls on all local authorities to prioritise this programme for the good of our citizens.

Confusing, Ramaphosa Claims Zimbabwe Has Paid Up Eskom Debt.

Cyril Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa says Zimbabwe has been able “to pay up the debt they owe to Eskom” which is quite confusing when a few weeks ago we were being told that Zimbabwe had made a US$10 million payment which is a portion of what was said to be US$80 million owed to Eskom and not, in fact, the full amount.

Ramaphosa did mention however that Eskom supporting Zimbabwe (and other countries in the SADC) will be a balancing act as they have their own challenges.

Watch video below

Job Sikhala Spoke The MDC Congress Resolution, Call For Tamborinyoka To Be Dismissed

Thrown under the bus Job Sikhala

MDC supporters have called on party leader Nelson Chamisa to remove party Deputy Luke Tamborinyoka from the position after he threw under the bus arrested Deputy National Chairman Job Sikhala in an incriminating statement yesterday.

Tamborinyoka issued a press statement divorcing the party from an utterance made by Sikhala to the effect that the opposition party will make sure that President Emmerson Mnangagwa will be removed from power before 2023.

His media statement has attracted a lot of anger from MDC supporters who have since called on Chamisa to deal with his spokesperson.

“I was temporary translator at Congress when the resolution to strive to remove ZANU PF from power prior to 2023 was taken,” said Youth National Executive member Discent Bajila.

“I therefore have a moral obligation to stand with Job Wiwa Sikhala on this particular matter. It’s not his personal opinion. It’s the collective opinion of congress,” he added.

Tamborinyoka’s full statement read as follows:

MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism

The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon. Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.

It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.

For the record, the MDC believes in Constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims.

The MDC is deeply worried about the escalating national crisis and to this end; the party will on Thursday this week launch the Roadmap to Economic Recovery, Legitimacy, Openness and Democracy (RELOAD) which is our blueprint to legitimacy and economic recovery in the country.
RELOAD does not in any way entail illegal and unconstitutional means of solving the national crisis.

Once again, the MDC wishes to state unequivocally that it has always submitted itself to the cardinal values of legality, constitutionalism and democracy. Any attempt to portray the MDC in any other way is disingenuous and unfortunate.

MDC: (1999 – 2019) Celebrating 20 Years of Tenacity and Courage

Luke Tamborinyoka
Deputy National Spokesperson
Movement for Democratic Change

Wiwa Set For Court Appearance Today On Treason Charges

MDC deputy national chairperson Job Sikhala was yesterday arrested on allegations of subverting a constitutionally-elected Government and is expected to appear in court today.

Addressing a rally in Bikita over the weekend, Sikhala is alleged to have said his party would overthrow the Government before 2023.

“We are a committed leadership that will give Zanu-PF headaches and (Amos) Chibaya was not lying or joking about the war and fight we are going to take to the doorstep of Emmerson Mnangagwa. We are going to overthrow him before 2023, that is not a joke,” he said.

National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest.

“We can confirm that Job Sikhala has been arrested for contravening Section 22 (2) (a) of the Criminal law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23) and will be appearing in court tomorrow,” he said.

MDC also confirmed the development on their website.

“Hon vice chair Sikhala has been charged with contravening Section 22(2)(a) of the Criminal Code; Subverting a Constitutionally Elected Government. A warned and cautioned statement has been recorded from him and he will appear in court tomorrow,” the party said.

On Monday, Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Mr Nick Mangwana said the undermining of a legitimate authority was a serious crime.

In a statement yesterday, MDC deputy national spokesperson Mr Luke Tamborinyoka said they had “noted with deep worry and concern” that Sikhala’s statements made during the rally in Bikita East over the weekend had caused uproar and they wished to clarify their position regarding the same.

“It is the party’s view that Hon Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the Press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.

“For the record, the MDC believes in constitutional, peaceful, democratic, non-violent and legal means of resolving the national crisis. We have never been perpetrators of illegality and non-violence. If anything, we have always been the victims,” he said.

Man Nabbed For Repeatedly Raping Stepdaughter


A-53-YEAR-OLD Vumba man, who allegedly raped his teenage stepdaughter on three separate occasions, has appeared in court.


Stewart Nyare appeared before Mutare magistrate Mrs Loice Mukunyadzi yesterday.


The court heard how Nyare entered the minor’s room and started caressing her and raped her for the first time.


The prosecutor Mr Last Gore alleged that Nyare raped the girl again on another day, but she did not tell anyone. She only reported the abuse to a village health worker when Nyare raped her for the third time.


This was after she ran away from home because of the constant abuse.
The court also heard that before he allegedly raped his stepdaughter for the third time, Nyare promised to buy her books. The minor was examined by a doctor who confirmed the abuse.


In his defence, Nyare claimed his stepdaughter was a problem and he had reported her to her school headmaster.State media

Zanu PF Launches Campaign For Lupane East By-election

Thousands of Zanu-PF supporters in Matabeleland North Province are expected to converge at Gomoza Shopping Centre today for the launch of the Lupane East by-election campaign rally, Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu has said.

Obert Mpofu


The seat fell vacant following the death of Zanu-PF parliamentarian Sithembiso Gumbo on April 5 at United Bulawayo Hospitals from injuries sustained in a road traffic accident.


President Mnangagwa has set August 3 as the day for the by-election and the ruling party is keen to retain the seat.


Nine candidates are vying for the seat, with Mbongeni Dube of Zanu-PF and Dalumuzi Khumalo of MDC-Alliance seen as the major contenders.


Other parties participating in the poll are; ZAPU, National Action Party, National Constitutional Assembly (NCA), National Patriotic Front, MDC-T and the Labour, Economists and African Democrats (LEAD) party.


Mpofu said the event will be graced by Zanu-PF Politburo members led by the party’s national Political Commissar Victor Matemadanda and some senior party members from Matabeleland North province.


“As Zanu-PF, we are going to launch the campaign for our Lupane East by-election which is at the heart of Matabeleland North province, following the passing on of our Member of Parliament Cde Gumbo,” said Mpofu.State media

Cushioning Allowances For Civil Servants

NATIONAL NEWS

Civil servants yesterday started receiving a cushioning allowance, while the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) convened a meeting to discuss an increment and other conditions of service for Government workers.


Members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) received salaries adjusted with the cushion allowance, while other members of the civil service are expected to get theirs on their scheduled pay dates.


Those who spoke to The Herald yesterday said they received an adjustment which ranged from around 40 percent of their usual salaries.


This dovetails with an assurance by Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube that civil servants will have an increment with effect from this month.


The NJNC, which brings together representatives of Government workers under the Apex Council and those representing the Government, held a marathon meeting yesterday to discuss conditions of service.


Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Minister Dr Sekai Nzenza said an agreement on the real salary increment should be reached by Wednesday.


“The NJNC will continue negotiations tomorrow (today). There should be an outcome by tomorrow or Wednesday,” she said.


In an interview, Apex Council president Mrs Cecilia Alexander said the meeting was aimed at affording them feedback following the proposal they submitted on conditions of service for civil servants could be improved.State media

NATIONAL NEWS

SB Moyo On “Diplomatic Offensive” But Will He Succeed?

As the Government presses full steam ahead with its engagement and re-engagement policy to restore broken ties with the wider world, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Minister Sibusiso Moyo will later this week embark on an official visit to the United Kingdom, the architect of the country’s international isolation, the Ministry said on Monday.


In a statement, Foreign Affairs spokesperson Sheppard Gwenzi said although the reason for the visit was to attend a Global Conference for Media Freedom, the Minister would hold talks with British and Irish government officials.


“The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Dr Moyo will undertake an official visit to London in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 10 to 14 July 2019, to attend the Global Conference for Media Freedom.


“The conference will be co-hosted by the British and Canadian Governments. The UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt and the Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs Christina Alexandra Freeland will co-chair the conference,” he said.


Mr Gwenzi said the minister would use the visit to engage the United Kingdom government officials lined up.


“In addition to attending the Conference, the Minister would seek to engage with officials of Her Majesty’s Government with a view to further strengthen Zimbabwe’s bilateral relations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,” he said.State media

Foreign Affairs Minister SB Moyo

Chasi In SA For “Power Talks”


Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi is in South Africa to finalise a power import deal with Eskom as the Government moves to reduce power shortages.


Minister Chasi’s trip to South Africa follows discussions between President Mnangagwa and his South African counterpart President Cyril Ramaphosa.


The two leaders met on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Extraordinary Summit on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Niger from July 4 to 8.


Critically, the discussions came after Government paid US$10 million to Eskom, as part of efforts to address its obligations for imported power.
Minister Chasi is also expected to visit Mozambique on a similar mission.


President Mnangagwa met President Felipe Nyusi of Mozambique during the US-Africa Summit recently and discussed possibilities of increasing power imports to Zimbabwe, which is facing acute electricity challenges due to low water levels at Kariba Hydro Power Station, and aging equipment at Hwange Thermal Power Station.


Rolling power outages have seen most parts of the country going without electricity for over 12 hours.
Addressing a Press conference on the 24th Cabinet Meeting Decision Matrix yesterday, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said Minister Chasi was expected to meet his counterpart Gwede Mantashe during his visit.


“Cabinet received the weekly brief on the Energy and Power Supply Situation by the Acting Minister of Energy and Power Development, Joel Biggie Matiza,” she said.State media

Fortune Chasi

Khama Billiat Threatens To Quit Warriors

STILL reeling from falling out of the Africa Cup of Nations finals following their disastrous showing, Zimbabwe now have to deal with their star player Khama Billiat’s threats to quit international football.


The Warriors crashed out of the tournament in Egypt winless after two losses and a draw. They suffered an emphatic 4-0 thumping at the hands of DR Congo last week in their final match.


A storm has erupted after their elimination with the team having been accused of match-fixing.
Not only that, Zifa has been accused of owing players money and leaving them without tickets to fly back home.


This has apparently left Billiat pondering his future with the national team.


“Khama is not happy with what happened at Afcon and is even thinking about quitting the national team,” an insider said.


The Kaizer Chiefs’ star apparently had to pay for his teammates’ flight back home after Zifa failed to make bookings for the team.


Billiat’s agent Mike Ngobeni refuted the claims that his client wanted to quit.


“Khama is still going to serve his country and will play for the national team,” Ngobeni.State media

Khama Billiat

Man Kills Father To Save Marriage


A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Mberengwa allegedly fatally axed his 72-year-old father and dumped the body in a disused mine shaft to save his marriage which his father was against.


Lonias Jojo (25) allegedly hatched a plan to kill his father, Luke Robert Jojo with his wife, Brenda Dube (18) of Village 4 Greenspan, Chief Bvute in Mberengwa last week Thursday.


It is alleged the elderly man did not like his daughter in law and always insisted that his son should divorce her.


Midlands Provincial Spokesperson, Inspector Goko confirmed the incident.


“On July 4 around 2PM Brenda came home drunk and had a misunderstanding with Luke who then instructed his son, Lonias to chase his wife away because he did not like her,” he said.


“This angered Lonias who took an axe from his bedroom and struck his father twice on the head. Luke died on the spot,” he said.


Insp Goko said the couple allegedly dumped Luke’s body in a mine shaft.
“Lonias and his wife Brenda allegedly ferried the deceased’s body in a wheelbarrow and threw it in a disused mine shaft about 400 meters away from their home,” he said.State media

Gwevava School In Gokwe Needs Toilets, Help

Gwevava School

By Rev TG Chivaviro | The building of a toilet and secondary school block is part of Gospel Artist, the Ebenezer hitmaker Rev T.T.Chivaviro’s social responsibility programme which he runs with full backing of his music fans.

Having been raised in the same Village of Gwehava, in Gokwe, Chivaviro realizes the challenges young boys and girls from that area face after completing primary school. The closet secondary school is some 6.5km away and eventually some kids who are not physically strong enough to walk 13km daily to and from school end up dropping out of school.

Therefore to give back to the same community that raised him, Chivaviro has secured and 10 hectare piece of land , fenced 4 hectares ,dug a deep water well inside and now intends to first build a toilet then the first classroom block with the help of well wishers. While the government has told him they don’t have resources at the moment to support the venture, the musician is prepared to go it alone with the help of all those that have been blessed by his music! The government has passed his venture .

The plan is to get the toilet and first block ready for forms 1&2 in Jan 2020, then proceed to higher classes after the take off.

About US$15000 is needed to get the project proceeding with the community offering most of the general labour needed. His fundraiser is running from 1st June to July 31st.

For the past 2 years ,under his social responsibility program, Rev Chivaviro has also been donating to various causes annually.He donated 500 books to 1 disadvantaged rural school in each of the 10 Provinces in Zim, then also paid School fees for about 21 rural kids last year for the whole year.

Bulawayo Residents Snub Matemadanda Demo

Farai Dziva|Zanu PF political commissar Victor Mademadanda left the city of Bulawayo in frustration after his planned demonstrations against price hikes did not materialize.

Mademadanda had organised demonstrations against prices in Bulawayo on Monday.

Only a handful of party supporters turned up for the demonstrations.

A crestfallen Matemadanda then went around the city interacting with residents.

“Go back and put your house in order, we have had enough of your propaganda,” an angry Bulawayo resident told Mademadanda.

Citizens Pledge To Support Sikhala

Farai Dziva|Concerned Zimbabweans have launched an initiative called #IStandWithJob in support of opposition MDC vice chairperson, Job Sikhala.

Yesterday the MDC said the remarks made by Sikhala did not represent the position of the party.

Posting on Facebook, party deputy spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka wrote:
“The MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism
The MDC notes with deep worry and concern that Hon.

Job Sikhala’s statements made during a rally in Bikita East over the weekend have caused uproar and the party wishes to clarify its position regarding the same.

It is the party’s view that Hon. Sikhala’s views as expressed at the rally and widely quoted in the press were his own personal opinions, which we believe have been misconstrued and misinterpreted.”

Concerned Zimbabweans have however vowed to support the ” under siege” Sikhala.

Zivhave Fought Many Battles In Chiredzi

Farai Dziva|The late MDC cadre Dusty Zivhave will be buried tomorrow in Chiredzi.

“MDC National leaders will join us in mourning the gallant son of the soil,”said an MDC official.

Advocate Tongai Matutu described Zivhave as a dedicated party member:

“We have lost one of the dedicated cadres.

He fought many battles in Chiredzi. May his soul rest in peace,” said Matutu.

Dusty Zivhave

“Sikhala Statement Reflects Public Anger”

Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has said Job Sikhala’ s statement merely reflects public anger.

See the MDC youth assembly statement below:

The MDC Youth Assembly is riled by the state and ZANU PF’s overtures to flagrantly and wantonly disregard the right to freedom of expression through the ill thought move to charge MDC National Vice Chair, Job Sikhala with treason.

Having listened and re-listened to Honorable Sikhala’s Bikita rally statements, we found it shocking that the panic stricken military junta intends to slap our National Vice Chair with treason charges.

It is not a secret that as a party our end game which is in sync with the people’s agenda is to remove a failed ZANU PF government from power.

While MDC believes in non-violence, legality and constitutionalism as has already been buttressed by our deputy National spokesperson, Luke Tamborinyoka, the party is also deeply anchored in values and ethos of social democracy.

Solidarity with the downtrodden is one of those values!

As such, the Assembly and the party in general has an obligation to stand in solidarity with long suffering masses whose nervous conditions we all know is a direct result of a bastion of governance failure by ZANU PF.

That Honorable Sikhala chose the words “overthrow of Emmerson Mnangagwa” instead of subtle adjectives is an issue of semantics.

The bottom line is that people are sick and tired of the whole ZANU PF system and henceforth its removal or “overthrow” through constitutional means is long overdue!

What Honorable Sikhala said is just a mirror reflection of the sentiments of the ordinary people in the country.

People are groaning under the ZANU PF yoke and their loud cries have one thing in common- “ZANU PF is corrupt and must go!”.

Honorable Job Sikhala only amplified the people’s position that ZANU PF and Emmerson Mnangagwa should be overthrown albeit through constitutional means if the country to move forward.

As an Assembly we would like to warn Simon Khaya Moyo and his sinking ZANU PF ship that any reckless overtures to decimate opposition figures like Sikhala on flimsy treason charges will be repelled by equal force.

If anything, a Sikhala illegal arrest will be our own Sarajevo moment that the country desperately awaits.

Mr Khaya Moyo should be reminded that another November 2017 is possible in our life time!

The voice of people is the voice of God!

Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson

Sikhala Detained In Police Cells

Farai Dziva|MDC vice chairperson Job Sikhala will appear in court tomorrow.

“Hon. Vice Chair Sikhala has been charged with contravening section 22(2)(a)iii of the Criminal Code… Subverting a Constitutionally Elected Government.

A warned and cautioned statement has been recorded from him and he will appear in court tomorrow…

Our legal affairs dept tried to get him to be released today but it was in vain as they seemed to be acting on instructions,” the MDC has said in a statement.

Job Sikhala

Maid Steals US $ 25 000 From Minister

Farai Dziva|Information Minister, Monica Mutsvangwa lost lost US$ 25 000 cash to her housemaid.

Mutsvangwa’s maid Tracy Manase (59) allegedly stole the money- which had been given to the Minister “for safekeeping.”

Manase appeared before Magistrate Nortilda Muchineripi.

She pleaded guilty to the charges.

The court heard that Joyce Mukono (49) from Zimre Park in Harare, who is Mutsvangwa’s sister, gave the Minister the money for safekeeping.

In June Mutsvangwa’s sister asked for her money and was told that it was missing.

“After carrying out investigations, she found out that the former maid was hiring workers and paying them in US dollars at her rural home.”

“Mukono reported the matter to Mutare Central Police leading to the recovery of US$3 200 cash and groceries worth US$6 200 from Manase.”

Ironically this comes at a time government has banned the use of foreign currency as legal tender in Zimbabwe.

Monica Mutsvangwa

Gudyanga Threatens To Expose State Secrets

By A Correspondent| Former permanent secretary in the Mines ministry Francis Gudyanga yesterday threatened to expose State secrets which involved a subsidiary of Nikuv International Projects Limited, Pedstock.

Nikuv was widely and wildly accused of having electronically manipulated 2013 elections in favour of former president Robert Mugabe.

Gudyanga, a former Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) board chairperson, stands accused of paying US$1 629 500 from the parastatal’s coffers to a foreign firm through a local agricultural company, Pedstock.

He earlier requested to have his trial held away from the public and press but only made seconds thoughts. He said that despite the damaging nature of the secrets he is being forced to reveal in public, he is ready to testify.

Through his lawyer Norman Mugiya of Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers, Gudyanga told the court that he will no longer be lodging the application. He said:

There is no need to protect the State if it does not need to be protected. We are prepared to unpack the realities of this case.

Prosecutor Venerandah Munyoro, who has taken over prosecution, said the State has set trial for August 5 and 6, respectively.

Munyoro also accounted for Gudyanga’s docket, which Mugiya had feared was missing after it was seconded to the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission.DailyNews

“Go To Hell!, Zim Netball President Tells Donors After Failing To Pay Players Their Allowances

One of the Netball Team players was injured yesterday at a time when the whole team has run for days without a penny of their allowances since touching down in Manchester last week. Another worry is that a lump sum $39,000 is missing from the team’s donated funds. The money is meant for food and medicines.

The below was an update by the Netball President Leticia Chipandu:

Job Sikhala Becomes The 21st Person To Be Charged With Treason In 2019

By Own Correspondent- Since January 2019 21 people have been charged with treason with the MDC Vice Chairman Job Sikhala being the latest addition to the list.

These 13 people were charged with treason in 2019:

  1. ZCTU President Peter Mutasa
  2. Japhet Moyo
  3. Harare West MP Joana Mamombe
  4. Activist Evan Mawarire
  5. ARTUZ Leader Obert Masaraure 
  6. Activist George Makoni
  7. Activist Tatenda Mombeyarara
  8. Activist Gamuchirai Makura
  9. Activist Nyasha Mpahlo
  10. Activist Farirayi Gumbonzvanda
  11. Activist Sithabile Dewa
  12. Activist Rita Nyamupinga
  13. Crisis Coalition Zimbabwe Chair Rashid Mahiya

This has prompted critics to draw parallels between the president and his predecessor Robert Mugabe. During his time Mugabe charged the following people with treason.

  1. Lt Lookout Masuku
  2. Dumiso Dabengwa
  3. Morgan Tsvangirai,
  4. Evan Mawarire
  5. Jestina Mukoko
  6. Welshman Ncube
  7. Tendai Biti

“Sikhala’s Political Statement Not Clear”: Advocate Fadzayi Mahere

By A Correspondent- MDC secretary for Education, advocate Fadzayi Mahere, has said that Job Sikhala’s statement is not clear and cannot warrant an arrest since it could have meant anything.

Mahere said that it is not a crime for one to state that they want to overthrow the government.

Posting on Twitter, Mahere said:

  1. Merely stating that you’ll overthrow the Government isn’t a crime. You have to organize/urge/set up an organization with a view that that group will overthrow the Government.

2. The overthrow has to be unconstitutional. Sikhala could have meant impeachment. #FreeJobSikhala

Meanwhile, some are saying that although Skhala could have meant impeachment, he was understood by both his party and the ruling Zanu PF to mean a coup d’tat!

Others are arguing that there is no constitutional government in Zimbabwe to speak of.

Two Fake Cops Preying On Money Changers Nabbed

By A Correspondent- Officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) put an end to the life of crime of two bogus police officers who had preyed on an illegal changer. 

In a statement on Tuesday, the ZRP said.

Two men Shadreck Mapango (31) and Tatenda Founder (29) were arrested for impersonating police officers in Southlea Park, Harare.

The duo approached a 31-year-old female adult posing as police officers and claimed that they were making follow-ups on money changers.

They searched her vehicle and took cash, US$310.00, RTGS$200.00, ZAR720 and 300 pula, which was all later recovered. They purportedly arrested the complainant but later released her on the way. The accused persons were arrested soon after they released the complainant who then made a follow-up with her uncle.

Members of the public are urged to ask for police identity cards to verify the identity of, all purported law enforcement agents. If in doubt, they should call the nearest police station or proceed there for verification.

The two bogus officers are expected to appear in court soon.

ZimParks Discovers 7 Elephant Carcasses

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers on Saturday discovered seven carcasses of elephants that were in an advanced state of decomposition.

It is suspected that the elephants may have been poisoned with cyanide. A ZBC News report claimed that the elephants could have succumbed to anthrax as they were found with their tusks intact.

The incident was confirmed by Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo. He said: It is true that some elephants were found dead and a team is already on the ground taking samples as we are yet to ascertain the cause of death.

All I can say for now is that all departments that make up the anti-poaching unit are on the ground as investigations are being done. SEVEN elephants were found dead in Hwange National Park on Saturday in a suspected case of cyanide poisoning.

Zimbabwe National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) rangers conducting routine patrols found elephant carcasses in the Mukona area of the game park. The Chronicle was told that the carcasses were in an advanced state of decomposition raising fears of cyanide poisoning.

Zimparks spokesperson Mr Tinashe Farawo confirmed the incident and said investigations were underway. “It is true that some elephants were found dead and a team is already on the ground taking samples as we are yet to ascertain the cause of death.

All I can say for now is that all departments that make up the anti-poaching unit are on the ground as investigations are being done,” said Mr Farawo. He could not confirm if the jumbos still had their tusks and said finer details would be availed in due course after investigations are concluded.

Hundreds of elephants have died at Hwange National Park since 2013 due to cyanide poisoning. In some cases, rangers have recovered oranges laced with cyanide placed strategically on trees where they can be eaten by elephants.

In January last year, rangers discovered several sites laced with cyanide at Sinanga in Hwange National Park. Cyanide, which is mainly used in the mining industry, is dangerous to humans, animals and the environment.

During a recent Africa Union-United Nations Wildlife Economy Summit held in Victoria Falls, President Mnangagwa said Government is working on a number of measures aimed at fighting poaching which is rampant in the country.

The measures, he said, include introducing new technology such as use of drones for patrols. During the conference, African nations were challenged to ensure that communities living near game parks are included in wildlife management so as to reduce human-wildlife conflict and poaching.

MDC Will Overthrow Zanu PF Before 2023” – Irony Of Irony, Ones Foolishly Keeping Illegitimate Regime In Power

By Patrick Guramatunhu- The country is in serious trouble with unemployment a nauseating 90%; basic services such sheath and education all but collapse; facing fuel, cash and medicine shortages; 19-hour power cuts; 5.7 million people needed food aid; etc.

Instead of those in power coming up with solutions to the many teething problems they are wasting time in their own macabre sabre-rattling contest!

“We are a committed leadership that will give Zanu PF headaches and [Amos] Chibaya was not lying or joking about the war and fight we are going to take to the doorsteps of Emmerson Mnangagwa.

We are going to overthrow him before 2023 that is not a joke,” said Job Sikhala, MDC Vice Chairperson at a Rally in Bikita.

“When a person says they want to overthrow a constitutionally-elected President, they are committing an offence and they are threatening a coup, this will not be allowed in this

country. We love our peace and it will be protected,” came the reply from the Zanu PF Youth League leader, Lewis Matutu.

The irony is that Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF regime are NOT constitutionally elected because last year’s elections were NOT free and fair as MDC leaders have readily admitted.

ZEC failed to produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll, for Pete’s sake! It is MDC who have given Zanu PF the modicum of legitimacy by participating in the flawed and illegal elections. Even with all the evidence that Zanu PF had indeed rigged the elections, MDC has nonetheless remain ambivalent in their condemnation of the elections.

“Legitimacy is an issue – last year’s elections were illegal, and not free and fair. All reasonable observers concede that,” commented David Coltart, MDC Treasurer General.

MDC has been calling for political dialogue to resolve the legitimacy issue. The party is demand a power sharing transition authority (TA) in which Nelson Chamisa and a few other MDC members are to be given cabinet positions complete with the ministerial limo, generous salary, etc.

MDC claim the TA will revive the economy and implement the reforms to stop Zanu PF rigged future elections. All nonsense, of course! MDC failed to get even one reform implemented in the 2008 GNU when the party had the majority in cabinet and parliament and the backing of SADC leaders. It is hard to see how the party can achieve anything in this TA when Zanu PF hold all the trump cards.

MDC leaders are selling-out the cause for free, fair and credible elections as the only basis for political legitimacy for selfish person gain.

It is laughable that MDC sold-out to give the illegitimate Zanu PF regime legitimacy is now talking of using violence to force the latter to share the spoils of power. Whilst Zanu PF, for its part, blatantly rigged the elections and will now use brute force to retain its corrupt and tyrannical rule.

Meanwhile, Zimbabwe’s economic meltdown is getting worse and worse and the nation is being pushed deeper and deeper into this hell-on-earth we find ourselves in.

The only way out is for this illegitimate Zanu PF regime to step down so we can appoint an interim administration or transition authority, call it what you wish, composed of individuals who can be trusted to implemented the democratic reforms and thus end the curse of rigged elections.

The opportunity to pressure Zanu PF to step down is there; most of the international community accept that Zanu PF rigged last year’s elections and the regime is therefore is illegal. The fly in the ointment is MDC who want to sell legitimacy and will even drag the nation into violent street protests to push their selfish demands.

Deceased Thief’s Relatives Perform Rituals In Neighborhood Where He Was Murdered

By A Correspondent- There was drama in Tynwald South after some residents temporarily evacuated their homes when an angry mob stormed the neighbourhood, demanding justice for their deceased relative who was murdered after being caught in a botched housebreaking attempt.

As part of the ritual, the group chanted songs and danced for more than 30 minutes before they carried the deceased to his final resting place.

Sachikumbi’s friend Wiseman Chaboka, furnished the publication with information on the events that led to Sachikumbi’s death.

Sachikumbi is reported to have broken into three houses stealing cellphones and television sets but was unfortunate when he barged into the fourth house. Upon his entry, he bumped into a woman who was on her way to the toilet.

”He took a out a knife and tried to scare away the woman, but she screamed until the husband woke up and a fight broke out. That’s when he was caught.

”He was thoroughly beaten from around 3am until 7am when the police came and took his body,” he said.

Sachikumbi’s wife Loina January said that it was unjust for her husband to meet his end in such a manner.

”Yes, I know he was a thief. But how can they kill him like that? ”They tied his hands with wire and started beating him up with stones and bricks. They then took a bolt cutter and started squeezing his private parts, while cutting his hair and sprinkling ashes all over his face,” she said.-H-Metro

Gospel Guru Mechanic Manyeruke In First Ever Collabo With Dancehall Music Artist, Son Guspy Warrior

By Own Correspondent- Gospel supremo Mechanic Manyeruke has collaborated with his son Guspy Warrior for the first time.

The song, titled Shungu Dzangu, is expected to hit the market soon.

In an interview, Baba Manyeruke said the song is the first project with his Zim dancehall son.

“It’s my first ever collaboration with Guspy and he is the one who came up with the idea that we should have a collaboration.

“I did not turn down his proposal because we both attract people in our genres and I took it as a chance for me to educate the young generation.

“People have been asking us to do a duet so we are giving them a song which they have been waiting for years,” he said.

He added:

“Another reason why I did not turn the offer down is that he goes to church and it’s very easy to relate with him.

“I am putting my voice on Wednesday and Guspy has already put his.

“The song is simply titled Shungu Dzangu and it’s a must-listen.”

Baba Manyeruke also hinted on another collaboration with Guspy Warrior where he will be remembering Cyclone Idai Victims.

“We are yet to do another collaboration where we will be remembering Cyclone Idai victims.

“There are many people who have lost their lives and it brings sorrow whenever I think about it.”

The Makanaka Jesu singer stated that he wants to record a family album where his two sons Guspy and Alexander will be featuring.

“I have nine children and only two have followed my footsteps.

“Guspy has chosen the Zim dancehall genre and Alexander chose gospel.

“We will soon record a family album which will strengthen hearts of believers in these trying times.”-H.Metro

“4 Out Of 10 Africans Demand Democracy”: Afrobarometer

Said the Afrobarometer: The bad and good news comes in almost daily.

Increasingly authoritarian regimes clamp down on dissent in Tanzania and Zambia, and Togo’s Gnassingbe dynasty teeters as its opponents are bloodied in the streets. But democratic elections carried the day in the Gambia, where strongman Yahya Jammeh was forced to cede power without a shot being fired — and in Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf respected term limits and passed the torch.

Meanwhile, in Uganda, Afro-beat pop star Bobi Wine has become a symbol for popular resistance and could threaten Yoweri Museveni’s three-decade rule.

In Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appears to be leading change with breathtaking speed, while Zimbabweans still wait — and demonstrate — for the democracy they were promised after Robert Mugabe was forced to step down.

What’s going on with democracy in Africa?

The research network Afrobarometer finds some answers in its latest analysis, based on face-to-face interviews with more than 45,000 Africans in 34 countries.

The wide-ranging interviews, conducted with nationally representative samples between late 2016 and late 2018, covered more than two dozen questions on democracy, elections and political freedoms.

Most Africans still say they want democracy. Fewer are getting the democracy they want. And even fewer insist enough on improving their democracies that they’re likely to help their nations guard against authoritarian backsliding.

Let’s look more closely at the numbers. A strong majority of Africans — fully 68 percent — think democracy is the best system of government.

Even larger majorities object to various forms of authoritarianism: 78 percent oppose presidential dictatorships, 74 percent oppose one-party rule and 72 percent object to military rule.

About four out of 10 Africans, or 42 percent, “demand democracy,” meaning they hold all four of these pro-democratic views at the same time.

These committed democrats are most likely to be found among urban residents, men, and people who have middle-class jobs, a university education, a strong interest in politics, and a habit of reading newspapers and using the Internet.

“I Have Been Assisting The Less Priviledged”: Auxilia Mnangagwa

By A Correspondent- Newly-elected vice president of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD) First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has urged her fellow African First Ladies to continue working hard for the development of their countries and the continent.

In an interview on the sidelines of the closing” ceremony of the OAFLAD 23rd General Assembly here yesterday, the First Lady said she also learnt a lot from the discussions she had with her counterparts.

She also pledged to continue with her developmental programmes and initiatives in Zimbabwe for the benefit of every citizen.

“This conference has been an eye-opener to all of us,” she said.

“I, therefore, encourage other First Ladies to continue working hard for betterment their countries and the continent.

“I have learnt a lot through OAFLAD and will use that knowledge for the benefit of the nation and the continent.

“From the discussions we had, I noticed that some of the work I have done so far through my charity organisation Angel of Hope Foundation, most of the First Ladies are yet to start such while some are still in the process of implementing them.”

She said OAFLAD gave them a platform to share ideas and encouraging each other as mothers of nations.

Amai Mnangagwa thanked Angel of Hope’s partners and sponsors who have been assisting her in her philanthropic projects.

“Whenever we get sponsorship we try as much as possible to be accountable so as to retain trust.

“I have come a long way and the plans I came up with, most of them I have implemented.

“I have been dealing mostly with health issues that include cancer and HIV and Aids and other related ailments.

“I have also been going around the country assisting the less privileged,” Amai Mnangagwa said.-StateMedia

Retailers Implore Gvnt To Shut Down Downtown Tuckshops For Refusing Electronic Payments

By A Correspondent- Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers (CZR) president, Denford Mutashu, has appealed to government to shut down small businesses operating in the downtown area for refusing electronic money.

Mutashu accused the business owners of rejecting electronic forms of payment such as mobile money transfer and bank cards insisting to be paid in hard cash.

Mutashu said that it was necessary for those businesses to prove that they do not smuggle in their commodities.

Mutashu said:

We recommend that area must be shut down and every shop owner… account for what they have done in terms of satisfying authorities on how much they have been banking per day, what are the sort of activities in their accounts and if they have been paying taxes.

There is also need to prove sources of where they are purchasing their goods because a lot of their goods are smuggled.

His remarks were reiterated by Harare Residents Trust (HRT) chairperson, Precious Shumba, who called for the downtown businesses to reveal how they purchase and import their commodities.

Posting on Facebook, Shumba said:

People who are going downtown to buy are being denied opportunities to use mobile money, swipe and EcoCash, as shop owners are demanding cash only payments.

What type of management systems or accounting systems are they using that do not allow them to accept mobile transfers?

This raises a lot of questions such as where are they getting their goods to the extent that they are demanding cash only payments?

Several businesses have been accused of either tax evasion or tax avoidance or both.-DailyNews

Egyptian Govt Orders Football Association To Be Investigated After AFCON Exit

The Deputy Speaker of the Egyptian Parliament Soliman Wahdan has requested to not settle for the Egyptian Football Association’s (EFA) resignation but to investigate them over corruption and favouritism accusations.

Egypt were knocked out of the 2019 AFCON following an astounding 1-0 defeat against South Africa. The Pharaohs’ exit from the tournament represents their worst AFCON result when the competition is hosted by Egypt.

South Africa will now face Nigeria in the quarter finals after the Super Eagles edged Cameroon in a 3-2 win on Sunday.

“I warned before from sports corruption and especially in EFA after the underwhelming results and scandal that happened in the 2018 World Cup and I requested in the Parliament their resignation, the thing which didn’t happen,” Wahdan said.

“Not holding the EFA accountable for their deeds back in that time is what made us achieve these results in AFCON 2019. Now failure and corruption is repeated from the association’s members. They have to be accounted for the failure and the state of sadness they caused the Egyptian people.”

“They failed in everything whether in choosing the coach who was the highest earner in the tournament and in favouring certain players as well as Amr Warda’s incident which saw him excluded from the squad before he was brought back in.”