Shock, As Zoo Keeper Impregnates Orangutan, Says “It Was Consensual”

By A Correspondent- A zoo keeper at Indonesia’s Surabaya zoo has been arrested and charged with sexual assault on animals and to extend of even impregnating a female orangutan.

According to the county’s local news agency “the Kalimantan Press” the 38-year-old zoo keeper was filmed in full action by series of hidden cameras put in place by the zoo’s security officials after doubts emerged about the man’s devious actions towards the zoo animals.

A colleague of the zoo keeper explained to the local press that some of the animals normally seemed sexually aroused anytime it is time to feed them.

“… what made us most suspicious was when we discovered that Marylin, our oldest orangutan, was three months pregnant. She has never been in contact with any other orangutans because of her aggressive nature, so it didn’t make any sense,” he explained.

The zoo officials admit it took them sometime before being able to accept what had actually happened.

“At first, we clearly did not comprehend what had happened. Marilyn has been secluded for the past 10 years, it was a total mystery. It is only when we placed several hidden cameras that we learned the horrible truth,” authorities said.

When local authorities confronted the offender, he earlier denied any wrong doing, but later explained that everything he had done was consensual.

“… I’m very sorry I have impregnated the orangutan.” He told local reporters.

He added that he did not know orangutans could get pregnant from humans.

Former Cricket Player Says Cricketers Must Also Take The Blame For ICC Ban

By Own Correspondent- A former professional Zimbabwe Cricket player Godwill Mamhiyo has said that cricket players in Zimbabwe need to take some of the blame for the current ICC ban on Zimbabwe Cricket. 

Mamhiyo did a thread on Twitter to explain the basis of his statement.

Read the Full thread below:

While I feel for my fellow brothers and sisters at Zimbabwe Cricket. Some players must also take some of the blame for the breakdown of our structures. For far too long we have pinned all the blame on Admin. FYI this is not for performance but for off the field matters… So…

A few years ago a top administrator came out and labelled us players as uneducated fools (I was Tuskers Captain at the time). Hurtful, yes! True, possibly! We were asking to be paid more and we were told we did not deserve any more than we already got…

Long story short, players have never realised how much power they possess because truly, are uneducated! Is this a fault of their own? No, it is just the modus operandi used to cripple players. Players are pulled out of school and not encouraged to study so they can be stuck…

Paid peanuts and have no alternative. This has happened over generations and the divide and conquer strategy rules. Zimbabwe Cricket knows they only have to pay the “Big 5” well and everyone else will align. Not only are administrators selfish, but so are the players…

Taibu tried to enlighten guys, but no one listened. As long as players played, the ICC was happy all was well in Zimbabwe.Yet alas it was not. Some players even forced to pay a monthly allowance to some of their “mentors”! I know a guy who in 2014 signed a contract for lets say $1000

But his pay would come in as $600 cause so and so had a direct debit on their account pretty much. I saw the pain as he told me. I am also to blame as I never came forward. But this greed runs deeper amongst players. It was in 2014/15 season when i realised i was done…

We had not been paid for about 3 months. We were on strike and formed a players union. We sat out a scheduled game and amidst that, a senior player (one of the big 5) was phoning me instructing me as Captain to get the boys on the park. I had none of it, my team mates backed me

As a group of players we agreed the payout for the World Cup must be shared amongst all Players in the country..We started playing again on this principle. Yet when the money came in and the 15 national guys split it amongst themselves with the big 5 pocketing over USD400k each!

No franchise player got a bite and the issue was never addressed. We only got paid our outstanding salaries.. Life went on. I was tired of fighting and knew guys wont fight with, why, because the vast majority of players in the system have no plan B. Its Zimbabwe Cricket money or nothing..

Players in Zimbabwe are like little children.. Cry so much when there is no food.. They get crumbs and then suddenly all is forgotten.. Only when they broke will they want to complain. This hand to mouth mentality needs to stop. Cricketers need to be buying houses and not 2nd hand cars

As a professional athlete you can never perform with a $600 salary.. When : gym membership is $100 Proper diet $250 Rent $300 & more. You start taking short cuts which lead to poor performances. You think Virat K worries about gym membership fees? Recent results are no surprise..

We played Afghan A team in 2015 and their daily allowances were about 5 times ours.They an Associates.Are we surprised they in the world cup? Cricket is a game that needs one to be in a good frame of mind to perform.Sad the economy does not help but until when will sport struggle?

My plea is that this ban be a time that players unite (for once) and get what they truly deserve. As long as players do not stand up and be counted, we will soon be like Kenya, a team that once was…For the longest time, players have allowed trash like treatment . Wake up!

All in all the power truly lies with the players.

Strive Masiyiwa Reveals Shocking “Corruption” Details

By A Correspondent- Econet founder and entrepreneur, Strive Masiyiwa has revealed how he tried investing in the energy sector only to be blocked by corrupt politicians and senior executives at ZESA.

Below is Masiyiwa’s shocking revelations:

Why I hate corruption! In about 2007, as Zimbabwe lurched into hyper inflation, and foreign currency disappeared, our local management were faced with a big, big problem:

Electrical power!

The cell phone network is one of the biggest single consumer of electricity in the country. Over 10MW distributed nationally. Base stations were collapsing, and service was degrading on a daily basis.

The management travelled to SA to meet the board and discuss an emergency solution:

We brought in experts including many former engineers of the national power company [ZESA] to try and understand what could be done.

There is no problem without a solution, if you bring in the right people!
Finally we came up with a plan, and we asked the CEO of Econet Zimbabwe to present it to the management of ZESA:

The plan would have unlocked over $250m in loans guaranteed by us, and over 500MW of power. It would have seen the country able to build new facilities.

The response from the ZESA management [at the time] was scandalous!

Totally scandalous!

They told us: “since you are not popular with government, they will not listen to you. Let’s form a private company with some of our own executives, and you can lend money to that company secretly!” 

One even proposed his brother as a director of such a company!

I was stunned when I heard. 

Next we approached the power regulator, and asked for an independent license to produce power. They told us that they had already given licenses to people who had not built, so they could not issue another license, even though they appreciated, we could build!

And guess what?!

The politically connected guys who had licenses were then tipped off, and they came rushing to see us, with the most ludicrous corrupt proposals:

“You provide 100% funding, and give me 51% for free” one demanded.

One guy even flew to SA in a bid to see me personally!

I refused to even see him! Our board withdrew the efforts, and we just gritted our teeth to weather the storm.

We were forced to shut down large sections of our network.

Sad!

Strive Masiyiwa

Zim Gems Receive Small Token Of Appreciation From Well Wisher

Well done girls, Noku Siziba gives Gems a good gesture

The Zimbabwe national netball team Zimgems who have done the nation of Zimbabwe proud received a token to thank them for representing the country at the ongoing Vitality Netball Worldcup.

Noku Siziba, a representative from the women’s group called Zim Liverpool women presented cash to the team on Wednesday after the game against Malawi.

“We had contributions from women in London, Manchester, southport and Wigan who heard about the group through their friends ” said Noku.

Zimbabweans who cannot hide their joy continue to shower the team with gifts for making history.

Zimbabwe went into the tournament as underdogs and have proved wrong the people who prediced they would end the tournament ranked at number 13.

Through team work the team displayed their resilience and fighting spirit and have inspired many across the globe.

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Zuma Threatens To Expose More Apartheid Spies

Addressing supporters Zuma said, “Some say this old man is angry… All I am saying is people must be very careful.”

Former president Jacob Zuma has threatened his political opponents that he intends to reveal “more secrets” if he is not left alone.

Addressing supporters at the Pieter Roos Park Zuma seemed unbowed and declared, “Some say this old man is angry… All I am saying is people must be very careful. When I say, I will say things about them, I mean it,” he declared.

Zuma has been in an accusatory mood all week and announced at the Zondo commission that two ANC leaders, Ngoako Ramatlhodi and Siphiwe Nyanda, had been spies for the apartheid government. While the accusations came with no evidence and remain untested ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule confirmed that the ‘ANC NEC [national executive committee] will soon be discussing the spy claims’.

Now he has announced that he will out additional “spies” in the ANC saying, “They will think I am mad when I reveal them one by one.”

Zuma also hinted that he would reveal the name of the informer who apparently tipped off Apartheid security police about the whereabouts of Chris Hani almost 40 years ago saying, “An interesting question is who had given the information to the Boers at that time.” Zuma then ended his speech, leaving the question hanging, and implying he has had the answer all along and has potentially been shielding that person.

Not everyone is convinced Zuma knows as much as he claims, and many are suggesting he is merely throwing around accusations to muddy the waters around his appearance at the Zondo commission on State Capture. Among these is SA Communist Party deputy secretary-general Solly Mapaila who on Thursday said Zuma should tell the State Capture Commission of Inquiry about corruption during his tenure and stop deflecting.

“We indicated from the beginning that we must not allow any diversion from the context of that commission. The Zondo-led commission is dealing with matters of state capture and corruption against certain individuals who allowed the State to be abused and captured, and not only the Gupta family…that is what the former president should have been concerned about and deal with those questions,” he said.

Zuma’s address at the Pieter Roos Park came after he agreed to return to the Zondo commission to continue giving evidence into state capture a move welcomed by fellow members of the ANC.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe declared, “As we said before we won’t be making any running commentary – however it is encouraging that both former President Jacob Zuma and the commission of inquiry into state capture are reaching a common ground on how to manage issues of concern in the interest of fairness. We have reiterated our position as it relates to our overwhelming support towards the commission and still believe that it’s ability to discharge its mandate to ultimately uncover whether our state was captured or not depend on the willingness and cooperation of all those invited to the commission as Witnesses. It is such cooperation displayed and expressed in an open platform which will accord our administrators of law and order to also conduct their work unhindered.”

Floyd Mayweather Running Out Of Money

Mayweather

Khabib Nurmagomedov’s manager Ali Abdelaziz has mocked Floyd Mayweather by claiming the American is ‘running out of money’. Former world boxing champion Mayweather is eyeing another cross-codes fight, after beating MMA star Conor McGregor in August 2017.

And Abdelaziz told TMZ Sports this week: ‘Floyd Mayweather to this day keeps begging to fight Khabib, begging! ‘Floyd’s running out of money. ‘I’m telling you, people reaching out to me every week about Floyd to fight Khabib but at the end of the day, we’re not interested, for now.’ But Mayweather, who made £7million by out-punching Japanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa on New Year’s Eve last year, is not running out of money if his recent Instagram activity is anything to go by. Earlier this month Mayweather posed with $2m (£1.4m) in cash, showing off mountains of $100 notes.

Khabib is currently preparing to face interim lightweight champion Dustin Poirier in the main event at UFC 242 this September. ‘At the end of the day we’re fighting Dustin Poirier, he’s a true No 1 contender,’ Abdelaziz added. ‘We got El Cuccy (Tony Ferguson) he’s next — we got a lot of killers in this weight division. ‘We got my man Georges St-Pierre – he might be next too.

‘I can see Georges fighting Khabib before Tony fights Khabib but of course, Dustin is next.’ – Daily Mail.

Zimbabwe Highly Literate But Not Skilled

Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority workers working on a new electricity line …Picture by Kudakwashe Hunda

Zimbabwe has one of the highest literacy rates in Africa at 94 percent but it has a huge skills gap of 61.75 percent.

According to the Ministry of Information the biggest gap is in Natural and Applied Sciences which stands at 96.91 percent, Medical and Health Science at 95 percent and Engineering and Technology at 93.57.

Higher Education Minister Amon Murwira has been mourning about the skills gap in the country saying this can adversely affect the President’s vision 2030.

Addressing graduands recently Murwira said: “Our education has to work hard for us, it must produce industry for us. Our education must be relevant in areas of job creation and must have consciousness.

“The Zimbabwe we want requires people with relevant skills for today and tomorrow. The Zimbabwe and Africa we want is made today in our colleges and universities. Let us take these first steps together.”

Coventry Denies That Mnangagwa Govt Interfered In Cricket

Zimbabwe players celebrate the wicket of South Africa's AB de Villiers during their Pool B 2015 Cricket World Cup match against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 15, 2015. PHOTO | FILE |
Zimbabwe players celebrate the wicket of South Africa’s AB de Villiers during their Pool B 2015 Cricket World Cup match against South Africa at Seddon Park in Hamilton on February 15, 2015. PHOTO | FILE |  AFP

Zimbabwe sports minister Kirsty Coventry on Friday denied that the government had been interfering in the running of the country’s cricket.

Coventry, a former Olympic swimming champion, said in a tweet she was “devastated” by the effect on players of a decision by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to suspend Zimbabwe Cricket because of alleged political interference.

Thursday’s ICC action followed the suspension by Zimbabwe’s Sports and Recreation Commission (SRC) of the Zimbabwe Cricket board elected in June. The SRC appointed an interim committee.

The ICC demanded that the elected board be reinstated within three months.

Coventry said in her tweet that although the SRC was appointed by the sports minister, “SRC is not government – they are a public body.”

She said in another tweet: “There is need for good governance at ZC for the international success we all want to see.”

Coventry added that she would meet the country’s men’s and women’s captains on Friday. The ICC suspension means that Zimbabwean teams will be unable to play scheduled international matches in ICC events.

Former Zimbabwe player Henry Olonga, the first black cricketer to represent the country in 1995, tweeted support for Coventry and the disbanding of the previous board.

“Sorry Kirsty but they ain’t listening. The rest of us see it for what it is,” tweeted Olonga, who left the country after he and former captain Andy Flower protested against former president Robert Mugabe’s government during the 2003 World Cup.

“A bunch of incompetent people were running a sport into the ground. This incompetence was known by them for five years. Why didn’t the ICC take strong action then? Curious.”

Former sports minister David Coltart said the ICC had ignored the wishes of Zimbabwean players.

“Whilst I understand ICC’s desire to keep political interference out of cricket the irony of this decision is that they have reinstated the politicians responsible for destroying the game in Zimbabwe,” he tweeted.

“They should have ordered and organised fresh elections for a new board.

“There will be no introspection from the corrupt and incompetent board that the ICC wants reinstated. We need a fresh start with no political interference. Let those who love and know the game run it.”

Tony Irish, chief executive of the Federation of International Cricketers’ Association (Fica), said in Cape Town that the plight of Zimbabwe’s cricketers was a matter of concern for players around the world.

“Zimbabwe does not have a players’ association but we care quite deeply about the players,” said Irish in a preliminary comment ahead of a statement which he said Fica would issue later on Friday.

All-rounder Sikandar Raza, who was on the recently concluded tour of Netherlands and Ireland in which Zimbabwe won just one out of 11 matches, expressed dismay at the UCC decision.

“How one decision has made so many people unemployed… how one decision has ended so many careers. Certainly not how I wanted to say goodbye to international cricket.”

Zimbabwe were made full members of the ICC and granted Test status in 1992. They failed to qualify for the 2019 World Cup.

2019 AFCON: What Prophet T.B Joshua Told Me Before Algeria vs Nigeria clash – Super Eagles Coach

Imama Amapakabo

Imama Amapakabo, the Assistant Coach to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, has revealed the call he received from the founder and General Overseer of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, Prophet T.B. Joshua on the eve of Nigeria’s Semi Final encounter between Algeria at the just concluded African Cup Of Nations, AFCON, in Egypt.

Amapakabo, who is also in charge of Nigeria’s U-23 National Team, disclosed that the prominent Nigerian cleric told him that whoever wins the encounter would go on to take the coveted trophy.

Algeria defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 in the semi-final and went on to beat Senegal 1-0 to claim the trophy in Cairo last night.

“Got a call from Prophet T.B. Joshua on the eve of our game against Algeria and he prophesied that we should play that game as the finals – in other words, whoever wins the game wins the cup,” the former Enugu Rangers and El Kanemi Warriors boss wrote on his personal Facebook account.

“And true to his words, it came to pass,” he added.

It was the second triumph for the Desert Foxes at the AFCON, following their victory against Nigeria 29 years ago in 1990.

Arsenal Reject Named AFCON Player Of The Tournament

FC Naija

Arsenal rejects Ismael Bennacer has been named 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Player of the Tournament following Algeria’s triumph on Friday night.

The 22-year-old tireless midfielder produced a string of outstanding performances, breaking up most of the opponents’ attacks but also remarkably providing three assists up front, including the one from which Baghdad Bounedjah scored the winner in a 1-0 final victory over Senegal.

Bennacer, who plays for the Serie A side, Empoli was outstanding for the Desert Foxes throughout the competition after featuring in seven games for the Algerians and registered three assists en route to claiming their first Africa Cup of Nations time since 1990.

The talented midfielder who is expected to join Italian giants AC Milan before the start of the new European season also scooped two man of the match awards in the competition.

Bennacer becomes the second Algerian ever to claim this honour after Rabah Madjer in Africa Cup of Nations 1990.

Will Mnangagwa Lose To Chiwenga’s Soldiers

To those who have been closely following Zimbabwean politics, a writing though still faint is appearing on the wall for President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

His days in office appear to be diminishing with each passing day. If recent events are anything to go by, the same script that disposed his predecessor Robert Mugabe is playing underground, this time around, against him.

Many reports say he has crossed swords with the military, the very people who brought him up there.

At one point the same scenario happened during president Mugabe’s era. When the then First Lady Grace Mugabe sensationally claimed the military wanted to destroy her family.

Similarly as if playing back Grace Mugabe’s script, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa allegedly ranted at a top army commander in a leaked audio, for spying on and wanting to harm her.

The first lady was unhappy at what she said were military moves to “spy” on her, fronted by ‘Murombo’, believed to be reference to Colonel Samson Murombo, the commander of the 1 Presidential Guard Infantry Battalion based at Josiah Magama Tongogara Barracks (formerly KGVI Barracks). This section is responsible for securing the President and State House.

The audio recording, posted on the online, lays bare tensions between Mnangagwa and the military which secured him the presidency after overthrowing President Mugabe in 2017.

While everything is still sketchy, it is believed some senior military commanders have quietly withdrawn their loyalty to Mnangagwa over unfulfilled financial promises following Mugabe’s overthrow.

But political analyst Elder Mabhunu says Mnangagwa could be facing a payback time for “playing against” his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, to whom the military exhibited strong allegiance.

“The military seems to be unhappy with Chiwenga’s current health situation, he is the man the army can easily identify with, after having had been their boss.

“Chiwenga played a key role in the disposition of former president and dictator, Mugabe. And army is quite aware that if he were to go, then they would be side-lined by Mnangagwa.

Mabhunu adds that even if it true that the military bosses are disgruntled over the unfulfilled financial promise after Mugabe’s overthrow. Mnangagwa would not pay them at all, if Chiwenga were to succumb to the poisoning.

“Obviously, the military is not happy with the poisoning of their patron,” Mabhunu says.

Meanwhile, Mnangagwa has made several reshuffles of the military top brass, apparently to neutralise the threat posed by Chiwenga, the former Zimbabwe Defence Forces Commander who led the coup.

Chiwenga is currently in a hospital in South Africa, battling failing health.

A publication linked to the military claims that he was poisoned at a popular Harare hotel.

Calls To Shut Down Magaya Intensify

Walter Magaya

An opposition political party leader, Linda Masarira has called upon the founder and leader of Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries, Walter Magaya to close his megachurch.

This follows the leakage of n*de pictures presumed to be those of Magaya. The controversial clergyman has been making headlines in the past few weeks for wrong reasons. Writing on Twitter, Masarira said:

Honestly, Prophet Magaya owes his congregation an apology and must do the honourable thing and close his church.

His pornographic pictures that have gone viral on WhatsApp are a disgrace to the Christian fraternity and all men of God. Men of God should be at least morally upright.

Two women, Sarah Maruta and Charity Dlodlo recently told a local paper that Magaya sexually abused them when they were attending his church. Surprisingly, the two women recanted of their confession, blaming the devil for using them.

VP Mohadi Warns Organisers Of Vuzu Parties

By A Correspondent- Vice President Kembo Mohadi has warned drug dealers and organisers of vuzu parties, saying those engaging in these and other illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law.

Speaking in Bulawayo Friday at the ground breaking ceremony of a drug rehabilitation centre and Registrar General’s offices, he said:

“This task of rebuilding our nation can’t be achieved by people who are drug addicts or people whose mental capacity has been diminished by engaging in excessive behaviours at these Vuzu parties fuelled by drug abuse.

Abuse of drugs and vuzu parties must stop forthwith. Anybody found engaging in or organising these parties or any illegal activities shall face the full wrath of the law. This is in the interests of our future leaders of tomorrow.”

He commended the Ministry of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage through the Zimbabwe Republic Police for the recent operation in Bulawayo which resulted in the arrest of three drug dealers and the confiscation of drugs worth $10 000.

VP Mohadi said the nation requires a population of able-bodied, skillful and mentally astute young people to take on the responsibility of pushing the economy forward.

“However, it’s sad to note that our young people’s future is decimated by social ills such as drug addiction at this crucial time of rebuilding our nation.

“It’s therefore appropriate that today we engage in this ground breaking ceremony not only for the RG’s office but also for the drug and rehabilitation centre,” he said.-StateMedia

Loadshedding, Econet Shuts Down Services?

Most Econet services were reported to be down much of Saturday in what is suspected to be linked to the ongoing 18 hour loadshedding scheme set up ZESA.

Services including Calling Services, EcoCash, Data/Internet services, USSD services and some apps run by the company were down throughout the day and at the time of writing.

Earlier in the week, mobile operators threatened that they would shut down their services during load shedding.

During load shedding, mobile operators have to keep services running using backup power generators which drastically increase the cost of keeping the network running. The backup generators use fuel which is currently in short supply in the country. The cost of fuel in ZW dollars has increased significantly in the past couple of months.


Mobile operators charge for their services in local ZW dollars, and in recent months, the government has not approved tariff hikes to match the increased costs. This likely means mobile operators are operating at a loss.

Service quality for the 3 main telecoms operators (Econet, NetOne and Telecel) has, therefore, declined severely for the most part of 2019.

Prophet Jailed 24 Months For Attempting To Rape Mentally Challenged Girl

By A Correspondent- A prophet from Bulawayo has been sentenced to 24 months in prison for “attempting to rape” a Form Four pupil during a ritual. Ndlovu will, however, serve an effective 18 months in prison as six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.

Khawulani Ndlovu (44) was asked by the victim’s mother to help her 18-year-old daughter who had a mental problem but he ended up attempting to sleep with her.

Ndlovu pleaded guilty to an indecent assault charge before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Ulukile Muleya who jailed him for 24 months.

Prosecutor, Mr Nathan Marime said on May 4 at around 5 PM, Ndlovu took the victim into his bedroom and instructed her to pull up her blouse.

“Ndlovu applied pinkish cream on the victim’s stomach and instructed the girl to lie on her back on the bed facing up. He positioned himself in between the girl’s legs and started fondling her breasts and touching her all over the body,” he said.

The girl told the court that the prophet had intentions to rape her. “Ndlovu pulled up a shirt that I was wearing and he removed my bra. He took some liquid and rubbed it all over my body and he got his hands inside my skirt to feel my privates.

“I then realised that Ndlovu was no longer praying for me but romancing me. I told him that I wanted to go home but he replied that he was not yet done with me,” she said.

The girl said she escaped and ran home. The court heard that the matter came to light when the victim’s aunt visited her and she narrated her ordeal.-StateMedia

Bulawayo Businesses Who Lost Goods And Property During January Protests Compensated, Is This Not Another Looting Spree By Zanu Pf Chefs?

By A Correspondent- Government has disbursed funds to the first batch of Bulawayo businesses that lost their goods and properties during the January protests which were characterised by looting and burning down of shops.

The money is part of the $19,5 million special fund set up to assist businesses that were looted during the violent protests.

An inter-ministerial team visited most of the affected areas in January before coming up with the fund.

Bulawayo province suffered the most devastating damage.

In an interview to the state media, Industry and Commerce Deputy Minister Raj Modi said the first batch of beneficiaries had received their funds.

“Most of them have received the money although some people could not have received theirs. I know the first batch of money has been given to its beneficiaries. I don’t have the exact figures of how much was disbursed but I am aware that the Government disbursed the money,” said Modi.

He expressed ignorance on claims that some people who were intended to receive the money did not get their allocations.

 “That one I don’t know about it. The application process was done in a transparent manner so I wouldn’t know those claims,” said Modi. 

Industrialists estimate that the economy could have lost business amounting to $300 million over the three-day forced shut-down.-StateMedia

Ivory Poacher Jailed 9yrs

By A Correspondent- A poacher, who was found in illegal possession of 76,7kg of raw ivory, has been convicted and sentenced to nine years in jail.

Alois Savanhu (38) had initially appeared before Hwange magistrate Livard Philemon jointly charged with Zimbabwe National Army deserter, Fanuel Luphahla (34), Dete villager Ndaba Ncube (27) and Gwabalanda resident Innocencia Siwela (42).

After the trial, the magistrate found Luphahla, Ncube and Siwela not guilty and acquitted them. He then ordered Savanhu to be placed on his defence after the State said he had a case to answer.

On Thursday, Philemon sentenced Savanhu to an effective nine-year jail term.

In convicting him, the magistrate indicated that there was overwhelming evidence proffered in court that he committed the offence.-Newsday

Of All The Feeble Excuses For Imposing Z$ Minister Ncube’s Takes The Biscuit – Sanctions, Very Original Too

By Patrick Guramatunhu- Of all the feeble excuses proffered by this Zanu PF regime for ending the use of the multi-currency basket in favour of the local currency as the only legal tender; Minister of Finance, Professor Mthuli Ncube’s excuse takes the biscuit! Sanctions!

“There were certain banks that were told to stop supplying US dollars to Zimbabwe because certain transactions would involve entities in Zimbabwe that are under sanctions.,” he explained.

“CBZ was fined US$350 million for doing some transactions where they thought they were helping and we are still negotiating a way out of that liability.

“Therefore the more we used US dollar, the more we expose the transactors and businesses to fines.”

China, South Africa and Botswana have not imposed any targeted sanctions on anyone or any company in Zimbabwe so why did the Minister end the trade in the US$ and British Pound and retained local trade in the Yuan, Rand and Pula? 

The truth is the regime hurriedly enacted Statutory Instrument (SI) 142 banishing the basket of other foreign currency as legal tender to impose the local currency as the only legal tender to forestall the growing trend by traders and workers refusing to be paid in the local currency and demanding to be paid in the stable foreign currencies instead. The local currency had been losing its value as inflation has risen from about 10% in January 2019 to 97% at the time SI 142 was enacted.

Having impose the local currency as legal tender, government has been able to meet its soaring expenditure by printing more money at a time when its revenue has been sinking because to reduced economic activity due to the savage up to 19 hours a day power cuts, cyclone Idai, drought, etc.

Printing money has solved one problem but created an even bigger problem – it has fuelled inflation. Since the passing of SI 142 inflation has soared from 97% to 175%, almost double in three weeks!

The hyperinflation gene is out of the bottle, there is no putting it back! Zimbabweans remember only too well the hyperinflation of 2000 to 2008 when inflation peaked at 500 billion % and the local currency was not even the paper it was printed on, at Z$ 35 quadrillion (35×10^24) = US$1.00.

Most economic activity seized, it was impossible to do business and be paid in a currency who value was disappearing like water poured in the desert sand. It was not worthwhile going to work, shop shelves were empty and finding enough to eat and other essentials was a nightmare. We are heading for those 2008 nightmare days again!

The Z$ was scrapped and the multicurrency as legal tender was introduced in November 2008 to restore confidence in a stable currency. One only hopes that sanity will prevail and the stable currency reintroduced long before inflation hit the dizzying height of 2008 and survival is once again near impossible!

Activist Arrested For Leading An Illegal Demonstration Granted $100 Bail

By Own Correspondent- Activist Josphat Ngulube, who was arrested for allegedly leading an illegal demonstration in the city, was yesterday released on $100 bail.

Ngulube (34) of Sizinda suburb appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi facing charges of contravening a section of the Public Order and Security Act (POSA) when he illegally convened a gathering without notifying the relevant authorities.

He was remanded out of custody to August 2. Ngulube was ordered to reside at his given address and to report once every two weeks at the Bulawayo Central Police Station (Law and Order Section) as part of the bail conditions.

He was also ordered not to interfere with State witnesses.

The prosecutor, Mr Mufaro Mageza, said on July 13, Ngulube submitted a notice of a public demonstration to the police who are the regulating authority seeking to demonstrate on July 17 and it was rejected as it was on short notice.

“The regulating authority noted the accused had not given the 7-day notice as required by the law. He was contacted and advised that the time of notice was not in compliance with the law and the route which they were to use amongst other requirements was not stated,” said Mr Mageza.

The court heard that on July 15, Ngulube was invited to the regulating officer’s office for consultations and amendment of his notice to meet the dictates of the law but he refused.

“On July 17 at around midday at corner 10th Avenue and Fort Street near Pick n Pay, Ngulube went ahead and convened a public demonstration where members of the public amounting to about 30 people gathered,” said Mr Mageza.

“Shelton Tembo and Goodson Phiri displayed a banner inscribed with the following, “Citizens demonstration, we have suffered enough, this nonsense must stop!!!

Our voices will not be silenced and Zimbabweans need solutions to the economic crisis now.”

Ngulube is facing another charge of participating in the violent protests that occurred in January.

He and four other assailants are being accused of burning a vehicle belonging to Zanu-PF Bulawayo provincial women’s league chairperson Cde Eva Bitu in Sizinda.

The matter is still pending before the courts.

Mr Kholwani Ngwenya of TJ Mabhikwa and Partners is Ngulube’s lawyer.-StateMedia

“SI 142 Will Not Work Because You Are Illegitimate, Simple!”

By Wilbert Mukori- Last month the Mnangagwa government enacted the Statutory Instrument 142 (2019) in which the regime banish the use of the basketful of multi-foreign currencies as legal tender in Zimbabwe leaving the local currency in its multiplicity of formats and names; Bond Notes and coins, RTGS$ and Ecocash all to be known from hence forth as Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$). Zimbabwe is not the first nation to make such a bold move, one of the first to do so was the United States of America in 1862.

In an article “A currency backed by nothing”, eBusiness Weekly, also available in Bulawayo 24, explain is the simplest language why USA’s bold move worked and why Zimbabwe’s is doomed to fail.

“On February 25, 1862, United States President Abraham Lincoln signed the Legal Tender Act, a brainchild of Elbridge Spaulding. Those were terrifying times. The republic was at war with itself and would be till 1865,” wrote eBusiness Weekly.

“Through the Act, Treasury would issue federal dollars backed by nothing. The new currency was quickly nicknamed “greenback”, The greenback was to be used for all local transactions except custom duties and interest on government bonds which were to be paid for in the old gold-backed dollars or gold. The National Banking Act in 1863 would make it clear that banks could still issue own banknotes only that now, with the Legal Tender Act, such notes had to be backed by the greenback and not gold as before.

“They were worried inflation would soar once the anchorless currency circulated. They were wrong. Why? Well, war can be good business. Factories keep running because a lot of stuff must be produced and moved quickly to make way for more stuff to be produced. With such activity, the anchorless currency did not chase few goods, it oiled industry.”

In Zimbabwe SI 142 has enacted in a huff, inflation was soaring and traders, workers and everyone with the economic clout to pick and choose which currency to be paid in was doing so to the detriment of the local currency. SI 142 was enacted to banish all foreign currency as legal tender and force everyone to use the local currency. In a country with a skewed trade deficit and little local production, prices of goods and services are tied to foreign currency. Increasing the amount of local currency without increasing production and available foreign currency was bound to fuel inflation.

At the time SI 142 was passed inflation was already 97% and it opened the door for the regime to print more money to meet the lost buying power of the local currency. As slippery slope as this caused a new wave of price increases fuelled inflation. In the last four weeks inflation has already surged to 175% and is set to grow exponential as the latest price and wages increases of 40% and even 1 000% with zero and even negative increased production take effect.

“What made it (USA bold move) work? Hastily, some will say trust and confidence,” concluded eBusiness Weekly. “But, what we know and is irrefutable is that when the greenback was introduced in the early 1860s, industrial production, thanks in part to the war, made it work.

“We must, however, realise that production is an end, it is an outcome of peculiar knowledges and insights of what to produce and how to produce it. Zimbabwe and indeed Africa hasn’t quite figured that out. In this is the mission of our time.”

Well our mission is mission impossible in that power and authority to change anything is now invested and monopolized by those who believe they know best when in fact they know nothing.

“I know nothing and that is the only knowledge I have!” said the great Greek Philosopher Socrates (470 -399 BC). The Socratic paradox, given he is one of the “wisest”, as the Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, readily acknowledged.

What made Socrates such a wise man is his humility to admit he does not know and thus opened his mind to learn and have everything questioned from all possible angles. “The unexamined life is not worth living,” he argued.

Socrates, like his fellow Greeks of his age, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, embrace the need for freedom of expression and free speech and gave birth to democracy. Greece prospered and thrived. It was Greece’s golden age!

In Zimbabwe we are ruled by men and women who believe they have the divine right to rule and have been rigging elections to ensure they iron grip on power. They have stifled all meaningful debate there is no freedom of expression and no free media because they cannot bear being questioned much less held to democratic account.

SI 142 is doomed to fail; it is but one of the many Zanu PF voodoo economic policies to fail with disastrous economic consequences to the nation. Even after 39 years of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption and the national economy in ruins; Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies still believe they know best and are they only one competent to rule Zimbabwe.

Our mission is impress on these Zanu PF thugs that they are humans, like all humans, they do not have the monopoly of knowledge. And that after 39 years of blundering from pillar to post, proof their do not know best, they must accept they have failed to govern.

Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies must accept they rigged last year’s elections, this Zanu PF regime is illegitimate and must step down.

 As long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent and unaccountable thugs, the country will continue to sink into the abyss; is the one thing I do know for certain.

UZ Pleads With Gvnt To Support Post Harvest Programmes

By Own Correspondent- The University of Zimbabwe’s Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Engineering has urged government to support its ongoing Nutritional Post-Harvest estimation (Nutri-P-Loss) programmes, which are aimed at promoting good farming methods.

In an interview at a Grain Post-Harvest Stakeholder Learning Fora in Mbire and Guruve districts, programme team leader Brighton Mvumi urged government to facilitate investment in the initiative.

“The government should facilitate for investment in the ongoing nutritional post-harvest loss estimations we are currently rolling on as UZ. The institution on its own cannot go around the country fostering the programmes due to lack of funding, hence we need their support,” he said

The programme encourages farmers to adopt new technology that is non-chemical.

“Our programme needs thick plastics for hermetic bags and that plastic is imported, thereby making it very difficult for farmers to access it. It is our wish that government and the private sector join hands in coming up with a locally produced plastic that meets the standard to mitigate harvest loss,” Mvumi said.

The programme was launched in the 2017-2018 agricultural season by the UZ. Results from 2018-2019 experiments showed that the hermetic bags method was more efficient than the chemical method.

Addressing farmers at the meetings, UZ PhD candidate Patrick Ngwenyama said they had tested grains of cow peas and maize with hermetic bags to measure the quality of nutrition rather than quantity of the grains for eight months.

“We observed that of late, farmers were worried about the quantitative aspect while overlooking the nutritional aspect of it. Hence, we chose two districts with different climatic conditions, that is Guruve and Mbire. We ran the programme for eight months with different treated and untreated grain in a bid to see the effectiveness of the method,”Ngwenyama said.

“The hermetic bags method proved very useful in fighting weevils and it is chemical-free. A farmer can consume the grains soon after using it, unlike the chemical method. But if attacked by rodents, they become effective.”

Farmers in Mbire said they were trying to adopt the new method, but are facing challenges in accessing the plastics as there was only one type so far available.

Guruve farmer Solomon Chimanikire (60) praised the UZ for fostering education on the safe methods of keeping their grain.

Econet Network OutAges Attributed To ZESA Woes

By Own Correspondent- Econet Wireless Zimbabwe has said that ZESA load shedding is causing its current network outage and generators failing to kick in.

The company’s services (calls, internet data, EcoCash and other services) are currently all down due to a network outage.

The company has issued a statement saying that the problem has been caused by a power outage at its Network Operations Centre where generators failed to kick in.

ZESA, the country’s power utility company is currently load shedding the whole currently for about 18 hours a day.

“Our engineers are busy working to resolve a network fault that started when generators at our Network Operations Centre failed to kickoff following a ZESA power outage.

The problem has since been isolated and our technical teams are working flat out to resolve the issue.

We sincerely regret the inconvenience this has caused to our customers.”

“I Talk To Chiwenga Everyday”: President Mnangagwa

By A Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa says Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga was recovering in South Africa after being airlifted there for urgent treatment due to a persistent illness that has dogged him for several months now.

Addressing a Zanu PF women’s league national assembly meeting in Harare yesterday, Mnangagwa said Chiwenga fell sick weeks after his return from treatment in India in May and had to seek medical assistance in South Africa.

“Our Vice-President Cde Chiwenga is not well. He went to India for medical check-up and stayed there for a while. He returned home and reported for duty for some days, but he fell ill again and we had to send him to South Africa,” Mnangagwa said.

“He was very ill, but I am glad to let you know that he has improved in the past days. I talk to him almost on a daily basis and as when he is free. I am happy to know that he is now doing exercises on his own.”

The VP has been in and out of hospital in recent months and has visited India at least twice this year for medical attention. Informed government sources said Chiwenga was consulting oesophageal surgeons.

He was believed to have had difficulties eating and this was blamed for his dramatic weight loss.

Government spin doctors back then indicated that Chiwenga had gone to India for a minor surgery coupled with routine medical check-ups, but did not disclose his ailment.

Speculation was rife that the November 2017 coup architect was on his “death bed”.

Chiwenga has, for the duration of his illness, been billed to officiate at various government events, including yesterday where he was expected to make an address at the Zanu PF women’s assembly meeting together with his counterpart Kembo Mohadi and party chairperson Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri.

Yesterday, Mohadi and Muchinguri-Kashiri were absent, but Mnangagwa did not disclose to party supporters their whereabouts.-Newsday

Man Who Accused Walter Magaya Of Adultery Divorces Wife

By A Correspondent- Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers Association (CZRA) president Denford Mutashu has divorced his wife Nomusa Memory Ruvazhe following a 12-month separation.

The 5-year marriage was nullified by High Court judge Justice Alpheus Chitakunye after the couple separated citing irreconcilable differences.

Part of the couple’s court papers read,

…During the subsistence of the marriage, three children were born … The defendant (Ruvazhe) did not adopt the plaintiff’s surname.

The plaintiff (Mutashu) and the defendant (Ruvazhe) both agreed that the marriage has irretrievably broken down and consent to the granting of a decree of divorce subject to the terms herein alluded to being incorporated into the final order, which this honourable court may be inclined to grant.

…Plaintiff will provide maintenance for the minor children until each child reaches the age of 18 or become self-supportive, whichever occurs first. There shall be no maintenance obligation by either party to the other.

Mutashu made headlines back in 2014 when he sued controversial Prophetic Healing and Deliverance (PHD) Ministries founder, Walter Magaya for $500 000 accusing him of having an illicit se_xual relationship with his wife.

However, in a twist to the case, Mutashu later disowned the allegations and blamed lawyers for pushing him to lie against Magaya.

He went on to ask for forgiveness in front of thousands of congregants at Magaya’s church before withdrawing the adultery lawsuit,

However, in her affidavit, Ruvazhe claimed that the whole lawsuit was a ploy by her husband to extort the controversial preacher.

Throughout the whole time, Magaya insisted that he was innocent of the charges.

What ED Told Zanu PF Women About Ailing Chiwenga

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is recovering well from a South African hospital where he is receiving medical treatment, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing a Zanu PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party headquarters, President Mnangagwa said VP Chiwenga was now able to do physical exercises on his own, an indication that he was on the road to recovery.

President Mnangagwa said he was in constant communication with VP Chiwenga and was gratified that he was recovering well.

Magaya Confirms There’s A S_x Video Of Him With A Young Woman

By A Correspondent| The controversial preacher Walter Magaya has in a file video confessed he was once (video) recorded by a young woman he was in an affair with in 2015.

He describes the woman as “musikana,” meaning a young female.

The preacher has in recent days been named in discussions over pictures of a lookalike filmed raping a minor. VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

https://youtu.be/ao6URZ2MfGQ

“Zimbabwe Burns While Lights Are Out”

By Cathy Buckle- A red light or high pitched alarm are the two most dreaded things in our lives in Zimbabwe today. They mean that the car has almost run out of fuel, the prepaid electricity meter is about to run out of money, the phone battery is almost flat, the internet connection has gone, the inverter battery is dying. And when the red lights go off completely we just grind to a halt.
 
After weeks of twelve to seventeen hour a day power cuts we are worn don to a frazzle. Getting up in the middle of the night, every night, to cook, charge batteries and electronic equipment, catch up on domestic chores, work on computers, meet deadlines and keep any sort of production going, is taking a heavy toll on all of us.

People running businesses are forced to put prices up to cover costs of using generators. Others are cutting staff down to one or two days a week and others are just closing their doors altogether. We hear of farmers ploughing in winter wheat crops as they cannot irrigate without electricity and cannot afford the hundreds of litres of fuel needed every day to run generators and remain viable. In my home town and many others, the water situation is dire.

As I write the whole town has had no water for over a week. Local authorities apportion blame to different departments and either say there is no money to buy chemicals, no electricity to run pumps or that they are doing refurbishments. Which one is true we mutter as we bend, stoop, fill and carry buckets and boil unsafe water on open fires outside.
 
This week the official inflation rate for June 2019 was announced; jumping from 97% in May to 175% in June. According to ZIMSTATS the “prices of basic goods from sugar to cooking oil to building materials soared during the month by as much as 200%.” In the month since the government banned trading in anything except Zimbabwe dollars, the new but mostly non-existent Zimbabwe dollar has lost 27.9% of its value.

The ability to change US dollars cash into Zimbabwe dollars cash is all but impossible, despite being required by law. Going into a bank in my home town I asked if they could change US dollars to Zimbabwe dollars. Oh yes, they said and told me the rate of exchange for the day. Trying then and there to change US$10 cash into Z$ cash wasn’t going to happen however.

“I can only do it if we’ve got the cash,” the teller said and advised me to come back every day to check if they had cash. “You never know when you’ll be lucky,” he said and went on to try and persuade me to open an account there; an account which attracts a minimum balance, administration and ledger fees, 2% mandatory government tax on transactions over $10,  debit card fees etc, etc.

Outside in the sun scores of people were just waiting to “be lucky,” either to be able to withdraw their meager monthly government pension of Z$80 in cash or to get the US dollars cash that had been sent to them by their relations outside the country via Western Union, Mukuru or other international currency remitters.
 
Absurdly, ironically, while getting Zimbabwe dollars out of the banks is almost impossible, the Reserve Bank Governor, John Mangudya said they were just about to revise upwards the weekly withdrawal limit of Z$300. Revising the limit upwards at a time when you can’t withdraw any Z$ at all; how does that work? Not to mention the fact that the existing weekly limit of Z$300 is the equivalent of less than US$5 a day.
 
Equally absurd is the claim made at every opportunity by the Minister of Finance that Zimbabwe has been recording a budget surplus since December 2018 and continues to do so. The Minister doesn’t mention the fact that it is us, the people, who have to pay 2% tax on every electronic transaction over $10 and we assume that’s where much of the budget surplus came from.

We also assume the 2% tax is the reason why it’s almost impossible to get cash because if you pay in cash you don’t pay the 2% tax. The Minister also doesn’t explain why the budget surplus isn’t used to pay off electricity debts and resume power imports from South Africa and Mozambique.
 
Behind all of this absurdity are the countless numbers of people of all ages and races across the country who are simply falling through the cracks. A man told me about the mountain of medical bills waiting to be paid for his 83 year old Dad who had been in a car accident. Medical specialists, no longer allowed to charge in US dollars, have multiplied everything by ten or more.

An anaesthetist’s charge, quoted at US$850 is now Z$9,000. Rural teachers who were earning US$438 a month now find their salary only worth the equivalent of US$49. In a petition to the Ministry of Finance they said “We have been robbed of our dignity. We have been reduced to paupers.”
 
An appeal from an Old Age Home in Harare, in operation for 50 years, who say they have reached a crossroads and do not know how to continue without urgent assistance. They are crippled by huge fuel prices needed to run generators during 17 hour a day power cuts.

Generators for preserving food, cooking, lighting, heating water and providing oxygen to elderly residents with breathing difficulties. They say their food prices have quadrupled, that their staff are struggling to feed their families. The Chairman of the Home writes that they need a miracle to remain “standing strong in the winds of change.”
 
Heartbreaking stories are all around us from the young and old and everywhere you look, in every shop and supermarket people look dazed and bewildered, looking at prices of the most basic items and leaving without them. As I write this letter the late winter annual slash and burn environmental devastation is underway: unchecked, unstoppable: cut the trees, burn the grass, acquire a piece of wetland, or green belt and call it your own “self apportioned plot.”  Zimbabwe burns while the lights are out.

Progressive Dispensationalism Is Necessary But Undesirable

By Nick Mangwana| Very few people doubt that Zimbabwe has been in need of radical changes in its politics, culture and institutions, touching the very nationhood of the Republic.

The question one may ask is whether that change has started or not?

The problem with progressive dispensationalism is that it is not desirable, but clearly a necessity.

It means it is not something that is easily acceptable. It may temporarily appear to negatively affect people’s social conditions.

There will always be those that will deny that things have changed.  Some will even refuse to change. President Mnangagwa and his administration are contending with both kinds of people.

The writer will do a three-part series covering Political Reforms, Legislative Reforms and Economic Reforms.

This week we are covering Political Reforms.  In this context “political reform” means changes to the political system, political culture and the interaction between the citizens with the State.

It includes a change in the political decision making and changes in how the State exercises power. Again, it bears the question, has there been any change?

The simple answer is affirmative.  The major political reform in Zimbabwe started being witnessed by simple gestures, like Zimbabwean citizens who had not stepped their feet in the country for as much as 15 years being able to come to the motherland.

This saw people like music icon Thomas Mapfumo and a journalist who had been an acerbic critic of the Government being able to hold political chat shows (still) attacking the Government of Zimbabwe, with no retribution coming her way.

She even did a number of provocative stunts at State House, but the State refused to be baited.More in Home

This is indeed a New Dispensation.  There are many who landed in Zimbabwe for the first time after spending years in exile.

It is not only these who were able set foot in Zimbabwe without molestation.

Zimbabwe had not hosted foreign media such as the British Broadcasting Corporation, Sky News and their ilk who had been outlawed in the previous era.

In the new order, Zimbabwe does not only host these, it has gone to establish permanent bureaux for some. BBC no longer shouts news about Zimbabwe from across the Limpopo, in South Africa.

It has access to the President, who even hosts its correspondents at his official residence for tea.  This was the beginning of the reform in the media sector, which is a key cog underpinning the democratisation agenda.

Last year, as Zimbabwe conducted its crucial elections, foreign media houses were allowed to come and report.

But it is not only foreign media that has benefited from the opening up of the democratic space, election observers from all sorts of hitherto banned countries were also allowed to come and witness those elections, write their reports unimpeded.

When they presented their reports with recommendations, those recommendations were received and are being taken seriously as part of the reform agenda.

There is a Cabinet committee that extrapolated every single one of those recommendations and put in place time-bound implementation matrix for the delivery of every single one of these deliverables.

Not everything went well with the post-election period.  Not everyone wanted this Zimbabwe which was at this point the toast of the progressive world:  anarchy was unleashed onto the streets of Harare on the 1st of August 2018.

There was clear intent to undermine the outcome of the election — which showed that President Mnangagwa had won — and de-legitimise his standing in the eyes of the international community.

Six people died in the regrettable blot of a process that had won a lot of plaudits from observers.  To get to the bottom of the issue and remedy the situation, a highly-respectable internationally-recognised Commission of Enquiry was put in place.

Not only were the testimonies broadcast to the world, but the report on the findings was published and remains on the website today.

Now the recommendations made by the Motlanthe Commission are also being dealt with by the Cabinet Committee on Reform.

The writer can confirm that not a single recommendation has been discarded or ignored.

All are getting their due consideration and there is an action plan matrix against each recommendation and there is a time limit by which this has to be implemented.

We are already somewhere with each and every single one of these. There is no record of such a transparent approach to governance and accountability in the history of this country prior to this.

President Mnangagwa has always said we need every shoulder to the wheel to make Zimbabwe work.

We can contest each other at elections, but soon after, let’s all focus on building our country until the next elections when we contest each other again. It is within that matrix that President Mnangagwa began a process of broaching arguably the most unpleasant of taboos of our young nation — the Gukurahundi issue, that had long been spoken of in hushed tones.

Part of the change in Zimbabwe’s political approach under President Mnangagwa was him opening discussions about Gukurahundi (and related subjects such as marginalisation and underdevelopment).

With that single act of candour, President Mnangagwa opened the way for national discourse and introspection and a healing process that will ensure that the country is at peace with itself.

No longer will the subject be considered anathema.

Following up on his inauguration speech pledge of being a “Listening President”, The Head of State acceded to a request for meeting by a group of civic organisations under the banner of the Matabeleland Collective.

Following the meeting, the President through Government, immediately facilitated the following:

  • acquisition of identity documents for Gukurahundi victims,
  • legal exhumations of Gukurahundi victims upon request from families,
  • open discussion on Gukurahundi; and
  • provision of medical assistance to Gukurahundi victims.

The President’s move to finally address Gukurahundi and its surrounding trauma and controversies has been widely hailed as an important step in rebuilding the nation.

Regarding the issue of devolution, which has also been a contentious issue and fodder for opposition parties in past decades, President Mnangagwa’s Government has kick-started processes to devolve power and administration by prioritising local businesses in the award of tenders and giving locals first preference when filling in positions.

In the meeting with the Matabeleland Collective, the President committed to engaging on input towards crafting the kind of devolution of power that will take power from central Government to provinces for them to set their own development priorities.

Apart from the Matabeleland Collective, President Mnangagwa has been meeting with chiefs, civic society, churches, political parties, private media and captains of industry as part of a broad-based engagement drive.

The local engagement drive has been buttressed by international re-engagement efforts which have seen him travelling to countries previously snubbed by the old dispensation and mending bridges while cementing others.

For more than a decade and half, there had not been any formal contact between the European Union (EU) and the Government of Zimbabwe. But now the era of berating bellicose against the West is over.

Negotiations between the Zimbabwe and the EU have started off at the ministerial level and will soon escalate to further diplomatic heights.

This is the hallmark of the re-engagement policy; a foreign policy based on new frontiers being opened and old diplomatic frontiers being revitalised.

The vibrancy of international engagement and re-engagement has shone through these past few months and during our national grief occasioned by Cyclone Idai in March, there was a lot of symbolism in the assistance that was extended to the country.

China came in as the old and dependable friend. United Arab Emirates came in as a new frontier of friendship. (This month alone, the country has received medical equipment from the UAE, the first of three batches donated by that country after its leader engaged with President Mnangagwa.)

Even countries such as the United States of America, chose the delicate moment to send a message of re-engagement.

Relations with the US are thawing at a decent pace, resulting in increased cooperation in sectors that will benefit Zimbabweans at large.

President Mnangagwa’s domestic policy on the political front has been one of rapprochement and giving birth to the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) platform which was launched in February this year.

Polad brings together over 18 political leaders and parties that participated in the 2018 harmonised elections and is an equal no-holds-barred platform for stakeholders to share ideas on how best to move the country forward.

Polad also incorporated civic leaders whose voice President Mnangagwa is on record saying he listens to. The history-making dialogue is being co-convened by National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) Chairperson Retired Justice Selo Nare and Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) chairperson Mrs Margaret Sangarwe-Mukahanana.

Polad is not only a manifestation of President Mnangagwa’s inclusive brand of politics, but is also a fulfilment of one of the Mothlanthe Commission of Inquiry recommendations.

The commission was set following the 1 August 2018 violent demonstrations as opposition supporters demanded the immediate release of election results.

Part of the commission’s recommendations was “nation building and reconciliation, including an initiative for multi-party dialogue and cooperation and promotion of political tolerance, and responsible and accountable leadership and citizenry.”

To this end and beyond, President Mnangagwa has gone on record with a call for all progressive Zimbabweans to come together and build with him the Zimbabwe we want.

This call has been warmly received by political and civic society leaders, save for a few egomaniacs, witnessing the birth of a new culture of political tolerance.

President Mnangagwa has demonstrated proven zeal to fight the scourge of corruption.

In its 2019, Investment Climate Statement for Zimbabwe, the US Department of State noted that “the Mnangagwa Government has committed itself to eradicate corruption. Since December 2017, the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) has arrested and brought before the courts a number of high-ranking officials . . .”

The Government also created a policy to improve the accountability in the use of State resources through the introduction of the Public Finance Management Act in March 2010.”

Hate him or love him, President Mnangagwa has carved and continues to carve for himself, a unique plaque in Zimbabwe’s political history.

To all intents and purposes, he looks set to go down in history as Zimbabwe’s first inclusive leader who managed to unite a deeply polarised country and rally everyone towards nation building.

This is down to his character and temperament — he has said, correctly so, that he is “soft as wool” — and it is his temperament that has helped the country to move forward.

There is an indissoluble nexus between reform and the attainment of Vision 2030 — achieving Upper-Middle Income Status.

Whilst there are international commitments Zimbabwe made regarding reform, what is good for Zimbabwean people — that which makes them attain their aspirations — remains the bedrock and motivation for reforms.

The writer is Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services.

Mission: “Zanu PF Realise Link Between Z$, Knowledge And Production” – How, When Only They Know Best

By Wilbert Mukori: Last month the Mnangagwa government enacted the Statutory Instrument 142 (2019) in which the regime banish the use of the basketful of multi-foreign currencies as legal tender in Zimbabwe leaving the local currency in its multiplicity of formats and names; Bond Notes and coins, RTGS$ and Ecocash all to be known from hence forth as Zimbabwe Dollar (Z$). Zimbabwe is not the first nation to make such a bold move, one of the first to do so was the United States of America in 1862.

In an article “A currency backed by nothing”, a very simple explanation in the simplest language is given why USA’s bold move worked and why Zimbabwe’s is doomed to fail.

“On February 25, 1862, United States President Abraham Lincoln signed the Legal Tender Act, a brainchild of Elbridge Spaulding. Those were terrifying times. The republic was at war with itself and would be till 1865,” wrote eBusiness.

“Through the Act, Treasury would issue federal dollars backed by nothing. The new currency was quickly nicknamed “greenback”, The greenback was to be used for all local transactions except custom duties and interest on government bonds which were to be paid for in the old gold-backed dollars or gold. The National Banking Act in 1863 would make it clear that banks could still issue own banknotes only that now, with the Legal Tender Act, such notes had to be backed by the greenback and not gold as before.

“They were worried inflation would soar once the anchorless currency circulated. They were wrong. Why? Well, war can be good business. Factories keep running because a lot of stuff must be produced and moved quickly to make way for more stuff to be produced. With such activity, the anchorless currency did not chase few goods, it oiled industry.”

In Zimbabwe SI 142 has enacted in a huff, inflation was soaring and traders, workers and everyone with the economic clout to pick and choose which currency to be paid in was doing so to the detriment of the local currency. SI 142 was enacted to banish all foreign currency as legal tender and force everyone to use the local currency.

In a country with a skewed trade deficit and little local production, prices of goods and services are tied to foreign currency. Increasing the amount of local currency without increasing production and available foreign currency was bound to fuel inflation.

At the time SI 142 was passed inflation was already 97% and it opened the door for the regime to print more money to meet the lost buying power of the local currency. As slippery slope as this caused a new wave of price increases fuelled inflation. In the last four weeks inflation has already surged to 175% and is set to grow exponential as the latest price and wages increases of 40% and even 1 000% with zero and even negative increased production take effect.

“What made it (USA bold move) work? Hastily, some will say trust and confidence,” concluded eBusiness Weekly. “But, what we know and is irrefutable is that when the greenback was introduced in the early 1860s, industrial production, thanks in part to the war, made it work.

“We must, however, realise that production is an end, it is an outcome of peculiar knowledges and insights of what to produce and how to produce it. Zimbabwe and indeed Africa hasn’t quite figured that out. In this is the mission of our time.”

Well our mission is mission impossible in that power and authority to change anything is now invested and monopolized by those who believe they know best when in fact they know nothing.

“I know nothing and that is the only knowledge I have!” said the great Greek Philosopher Socrates (470 -399 BC). The Socratic paradox, given he is one of the “wisest”, as the Pythia, the Oracle of Delphi, readily acknowledged.

What made Socrates such a wise man is his humility to admit he does not know and thus opened his mind to learn and have everything questioned from all possible angles. “The unexamined life is not worth living,” he argued.

Socrates, like his fellow Greeks of his age, had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, embrace the need for freedom of expression and free speech and gave birth to democracy. Greece prospered and thrived. It was Greece’s golden age!

In Zimbabwe we are ruled by men and women who believe they have the divine right to rule and have been rigging elections to ensure they iron grip on power. They have stifled all meaningful debate there is no freedom of expression and no free media because they cannot bear being questioned much less held to democratic account.

SI 142 is doomed to fail; it is but one of the many Zanu PF voodoo economic policies to fail with disastrous economic consequences to the nation. Even after 39 years of gross mismanagement and rampant corruption and the national economy in ruins; Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies still believe they know best and are they only one competent to rule Zimbabwe.

Our mission is impress on these Zanu PF thugs that they are humans, like all humans, they do not have the monopoly of knowledge. And that after 39 years of blundering from pillar to post, proof their do not know best, they must accept they have failed to govern.

Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF cronies must accept they rigged last year’s elections, this Zanu PF regime is illegitimate and must step down.

As long as Zimbabwe remains a pariah state ruled by corrupt, incompetent and unaccountable thugs, the country will continue to sink into the abyss; is the one thing I do know for certain.

“Gvnt Committed To Quality, Affordable Health Care”: Health Minister Dr Obediah Moyo

By Own Correspondent- Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said government was committed to ensuring access to quality and affordable primary health care as a way of ensuring a healthy nation.

Dr Moyo said this in a speech read on his behalf by Health Services Board chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikhosana when he officiated at the 23rd Association of Medical Councils of Africa (AMCOA) annual conference here Friday.

Dr Moyo said Government was committed to delivering efficient health services at community level, in line with the grand vision for universal health care being advocated for at continental level.

“As Government, we pledge to offer support to councils in the attainment of universal health coverage by providing an enabling and conducive environment in which individuals and communities are empowered and engaged in maintaining and enhancing their health and well-being,” said Dr Moyo.

He said Government will decentralise primary health care to the remotest communities for easy access by all.

Dr Moyo said to achieve this, there should be attractive incentives to newly qualified personnel as one of the ways of making the health sector competitive.

“This is important if we are to attract these personnel to work in our rural hospitals,” he said. “This conference aims to provide a platform where African and international medical regulators, policy makers and academics share ideas, experiences and learn from each other.”

Dr Moyo said despite remarkable progress in the provision of quality health care in the last decades, Africa continued to face a plethora of challenges as far as the health sector was concerned.

“No single state can address health challenges on their own, hence the amalgamated need to ensure a shared and coordinated approach through which medical regulatory authorities can exchange information and best practices on how to address these challenges, and devise mechanisms to uniformly compact issues of common concern for the benefit of all Africans,” he said.

Health experts drawn from health associations of medical councils of Africa and beyond are attending the conference which was organised by the Health Professions Authority and Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe.

It is being held under the theme “The role of the health regulator in the delivery of universal health coverage”.

Chairman of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Council Dr Adolf Macheka said the main pillars of universal health care were availability, accessibility and affordability.

He called upon Government to remove the recruitment freeze on health workers, saying political will was needed for better health service in the country.

“A lot of African countries, including Zimbabwe, are working towards the establishment of such a system where you find human capital resources available at all healthcare centres,” said Dr Moyo.

AMCOA president Kgosi Letlape said the conference was aimed at activating member countries to come up with protocols that ensure equitable access to health service by all citizens regardless of social or political status.

He said countries should strive to minimise the number of citizens who sought healthcare in other countries by providing enough and affordable health services.

“We have a collective responsibility as countries and this is about vigilance, integrity across borders,” said Mr Letlape. “Without creating solidarity, we won’t be able to contain health risks. Countries should come up with legislated mechanisms on how to deal with litigation, which is becoming costly.”-StateMedia

First Lady Auxilia Mnangagwa Takes Cancer Awareness Campaign To Chikurubi Female Prison

By Own Correspondent- Health and Child Care Ambassador, First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday took her cancer screening awareness campaign to Chikurubi Female Prison where she expressed concern on how the silent killer continues to be on the increase in the country.

She pledged to continue advocating and conducting awareness campaigns through her Angel of Hope Foundation in addressing the health problems.

The First Lady, who was briefed of the challenges the institution was facing among them shortage of medications in the prison’s clinics, sourced an ambulance and medicines through the Ministry of Health and Child Care which would be used by both Chikurubi male and female prisons.

“I am here today because I have a passion for the empowerment of women and transforming livelihoods of the vulnerable society,” she said.

“My working theme is; ‘Leaving No one Behind’. I do not want you to be left behind. Today I have brought my team, together with support from our partners to offer you services of cervical cancer screening, HIV counselling and testing, BP checks, blood checks and sugar level checks amongst other things.

“One of the areas which has lagged behind in health service delivery has been the issue of marginalised groups. You are least likely to get the services which you need. This is why I felt that you cannot be left behind.”

The First Lady urged the inmates to take advantage of her foundation’s mobile clinic and get checked for cervical and breast cancer.

“This place is for correction and rehabilitation. It just means when you come out, you are better positioned to be reintegrated into the society. So my wish is for you to come out of here in good health, hence I have decided to have you receive the health services whilst you are here,” she said.

She then urged the private sector, partners and Government to support cancer awareness activities.

“Cancer treatment methods are known and available. Let us translate this into action, ensuring universal health coverage in regard to cancer treatment,” she said.

Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo gave credit to the First Lady for advocating good  health.

“We noted that on taking up her role as First Lady of the country, Amai Mnangagwa, hit the ground running raising awareness on social issues especially health and hygiene HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and non-communicable diseases like cancer, hypertension and diabetes mellitus,” he said.

“Noting this great work we have not only made the First Lady Ambassador for Health. We are now finalising a Strategic Framework for Engagement with the Office of the First Lady on HIV, Health and Development.”

Speaking at the same occasion, Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) Commissioner-General Paradzai Zimondi applauded the First Lady for her commitment in the health sector.

The inmates thanked Amai Mnangagwa and Angel of Hope partners for remembering them and were screened for cervical and breast cancer.-StateMedia

“Econet Faces Blackout Over Systems Failure?”

The Econet Network is facing a system failure that has seen the majority of its services completely unavailable.

At the time of writing, services that were down were:

Data/Internet services
USSD services
Steward Bank App
EcoCash Data App
Yomix

It was however not yet clear what caused this glitch.

Questions sent to Econet were not yet responded to by the time of publishing.

ED Could Have Blown USD200 Million On Travels Only

MDC deputy president and former Finance minister Tendai Biti told a party rally recently that Mnangagwa could have blown in excess of US$200 million in travelling expenses since coming into power in November 2017.

But Mnangagwa yesterday told the Zanu PF women league that his never-ending trips were good for Zimbabwe.

“The media is busy saying I travel a lot. But look (at) what I bring. On Monday or so, we shall be receiving more medicines from the Arabs. They are giving us

for free,” the President said yesterday.

According to flightware.com, the luxury Royal Jet A6-RJX left Abu Dhabi at 0930hrs on Tuesday and arrived at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport in Harare at 1420hrs.

It then left Harare for Victoria Falls on Thursday before departing the resort town on the same day at 1340hrs and arrived in Harare at 1643hrs.

Royal Jet, according to their website, offers luxury executive flight services and can provide their customers VIP treatment when necessary and can charter anyMore in Home

private jet anywhere in the world through their 24/7 charter brokerage service.

NewsDay Weekender understands that it costs between US$10 000 and US$30 000 per hour to fly the luxury jet.

From July 6 this month, the luxury jet has flown the President from Harare to Niger and Benin, and back before returning to its base in Abu Dhabi more than seven times, cloaking nearly US$1 million.

The country is currently facing massive electricity load-shedding lasting for as long as 18 hours a day, while most public hospitals are failing to dispense critical drugs, which many could not afford in pharmacies. Motorists are also spending days in fuel queues across the country.

Although Finance minister Mthuli Ncube has defended Mnangagwa’s frequent international trips, saying he had to travel to countries like China because deals could not be sealed over the phone, it is not clear whether such huge costs were necessary for local travel.

MDC secretary for international relations Gladys Hlatywayo said: “The extravagance displayed by Zanu PF in a sea of poverty, suffering and economic distress is deeply disconcerting. A thorough investigation must be made into these trips, something is just not adding up and there could be more than meets the eye! I fail to understand why Zanu PF would put in so much resources in traveling and get next to no returns for such an investment.”

-Newsday

Sad Announcement By MDC UK And Ireland

SAD ANNOUNCEMENT

We are very sad to announce the untimely death of Enock Ngandi, the son of MDC Derby-Nottingham Branch Secretary Mr Temba Ngandi here in the United Kingdom.

Enock was only a young man in his early 20s. A bright shining light taken away too soon, our thoughts and prayers are with the Ngandi family.

To those who wish to help the Ngandi family financially through this hard time, the following are Mr Temba Ngandi’s Bank and contact details:
T. Ngandi
Sort Code – 521035
A/C Number – 14514397

Mobile Number +447411495111

For those wishing to pay their respects and comfort the Ngandi family, mourners are gathered at:
21 Birchfield Road
Burton on Trent
DE15 9PT

Funeral plans will be confirmed as soon as all arrangements are completed.

Shelton Nhamoinesu
MDC Midlands North District Sec for Information and Publicity

Watch Video- Zimbabwe Netball Association President Leticia Chipandu Refuses To Disclose Why ZimGems Have Not Been Paid Their Allowances

“Poor Supervision Hampers Progress For Gvnt Programmes”

By A Correspondent- Zanu PF central committee and Manicaland provincial council member Moses Gutu said all the programmes that government had rolled out lacked supervision, hence the lack of progress, particularly in the agricultural and industrial sectors.

The government programmes and policies, including the much-hyped command agriculture, suffered a huge setback due to lack of supervision, monitoring and evaluation by Cabinet ministers and office bearers, a Zanu PF central committee member has said.

Addressing land-seekers in Nyanga recently, Gutu said only 35% of land redistributed in 2000 was being utilised in his district and the remainder, though
occupied, was unproductive because those allocated the farms had no interest in farming.

“Most farms here were given to tourists, who only come once in a while to visit their farms. The majority of the people on these farms are workers and some
owners have since abandoned the farms and workers. We have seen cases of human-wildlife conflict escalating in Nyanga because wild animals are now hibernating
in these unused farms,” he said.

The land redistribution exercise was widely condemned as many were allocated farms along political lines without taking into cognisance the ability of the
individual to utilise the land.

Approximately 70% of land that was grabbed from white commercial farmers is unproductive as current owners have no access to lines of credit to fund farming
activities. Some have no knowledge of the types of crops suitable for the areas where they were allocated land; neither do they know weather patterns or soil types, nor input requirements to ensure the lands yield more.

“I invited the Manicaland provincial lands officer, Clifford Mukoyi here, and went around the district. He was satisfied that most farms are vacant, but applicants are told everyday there is no land on offer. Since 2010, we have been told about rhe land audit, but nothing is coming out of it. Land should be given to those with the interest of farming, not selfish tourists,” Gutu said.

The Zimbabwe Land Commission is currently carrying out a comprehensive agricultural land audit. The audit is meant to identify land utilisation patterns and optimal farming activities which influence appropriate policies for increased agricultural productivity, poverty alleviation and sustainable utilisation of agricultural land. Gutu said the command agriculture programme, just like the land audit, had failed to meet its target because of lack of supervision.

“Yes, there is climate change, but in majority of the cases, besides corruption and misuse of inputs, farmers are ill advised by their Agritex officers, who also lack fundamental farming knowledge”

Zimbabwe, once the breadbasket of Africa before the turn of the century, has been reduced to begging for handouts from the international community to feed its
impoverished citizens. The country now also relies on grain imports to augment its poor harvests, blamed on the El Nino-induced droughts.

Manicaland is one of the provinces with vast tracts of unproductive farms, including those allocated to ministers and government officials, with some putting as much as 300 hectares to waste. The farms have farmhouses, tobacco barns, pivots and vast water sources, including dams, which if tapped into would benefit the nation.

“If the land audit was of great importance, the Chipinge farm wrangle (pitting Remembrance Mbudzana and former Swiss banker Richard Le Vieux) would not be an
issue at this particular time. But I have noticed that there is corruption and lack of seriousness. Land seekers should be given small pieces of land such as 20ha each. It’s enough to bring back the name of the country on the map as the bread basket of Africa,” Gutu said.

Nyanga district administrator Nyashadzashe Zindove said: “We can only comment after getting an official report from the land audit. Yes, some are utilising their pieces of land, but there are those who have completely failed and only an audit report can help those who have been applying for land to get an opportunity replacing those who have failed.”-StateMedia

Millers Donate To Cyclone Idai Affected Schools

By A Correspondent- The Grain Millers of Association of Zimbabwe (GMAZ) has so far procured food worthy $1 million to assist 10 schools that were affected by Cyclone Idai as part of its feeding programme.

Said GMAZ Chair Tafadzwa Musarara:

“The issue of transparency is very critical in this food aid programme. If there is transparency, this programme will go a very long way in feeding children affected by the cyclone.

We were deeply affected with the disaster. We never anticipated it. We asked for 10 schools for a start, but it’s not us who chose them.”

Local Government minister July Moyo and his Primary and Secondary Education counterpart, Paul Mavima, who helped identify schools to assist with food.

“We are not just providing food, but we are providing food that has nutritional requirements. In the morning, pupils will be given porridge and at around 10am, they will be given maheu, while at lunch they will get sadza and soya beans,” he said

Hangani Primary School headmaster Lovemore Timbira said the feeding project would go a long way in ending hunger at schools affected by the cyclone. “This is a good project and we are happy as school heads in Chimanimami, as we hope attendance will improve considerably,” he said.-StateMedia

“Discussing Gukurahundi Will Heal Wounds”: VP Mohadi

By A Correspondent- Vice President Kembo Mohadi says talking about Gukurahundi openly is going to assist in healing broken wounds and finding a lasting solution for the country to prosper.

He said peace has been and remains a permanent ideal and aspiration as well as a right and duty for Zimbabweans.

VP Mohadi said this recently as he met chiefs from the Midlands Province.

He said:

“We had Gukurahundi; it happened here in the Midlands and Matabeleland provinces. We can only talk about it because there is the need to find a lasting solution for the benefit of the country. We can’t afford not to talk about it (Gukurahundi). As leaders we must go out there and promote peace for each other and for our country. This is a topical issue.

I am very pleased to be here in the Midlands to have dialogue with you our traditional leaders from this province ye Nkabazwe, Rukuvhute, the navel of Zimbabwe, on peace building and conflict resolution in our beloved country, Zimbabwe.

The navel has some significance in our culture, kulemkuba yokulahla inkaba yomntwana. There are some rituals of disposing of the navel of a baby.”-StateMedia

Eto’o And Drogba Appointed As CAF President Assistants

Didier Drogba of Cote d’Ivoire and Samuel Eto’o

The president of CAF, Ahmad has named two African football legends, Didier Drogba of Cote d’Ivoire and Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon as his assistants.

According to state owned Egyptian publication, Al Ahram, the CAF President apologized to the CAF Executive Committee for not informing them earlier, but he assured the assembly that this will be a quick move in the rehabilitation process.

“Drogba and Eto’o will be my assistants, and they will be given the appropriate title for their positions later,” the CAF chief said.

“I won’t be CAF president forever. There are many heroes in Africa and we can’t forget about them,”

“The path of reform has to end quickly, because we seek to organize the team inside the board,” he concluded.

The two chosen legends, Drogba and Eto’o, had a big role in introducing African football to the world, and their glorious journey to the European stadiums, which is full of major individual and club titles.

The Champions League winner Drogba played for many clubs around the world, but his legacy was made during his time with Premier League’s Chelsea, where he spent his longest period from 2004 till 2012, and then returning to the club in 2014, staying for a single season. He was named African Footballer of the Year twice.

Meanwhile Barcelona and Inter Milan’s former star Eto’o was awarded the Young African Player of the Year in 2000, African Footballer of the Year four times, the 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, and is the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, with 18 goals.

Granvia Joins S.A. Club And Cancels Long Standing Debt Owed To Him By Highlanders

Gabriel Nyoni

Shortly after securing a move to Maritzburg United, a Zimbabwean player has written to his old team to tell them not to worry about the money they owed him.

Team of Choice’s new midfielder, Gabriel “Granvia” Nyoni, wrote an email to Highlanders in Zimbabwe to let them know that he was donating the money they owed him back into the team.

According to a report published by The Chronicle newspaper in Zimbabwe this week, the 26-year-old midfielder said he was writing off the debt as a recognition of Highlanders’ contribution to his career.

“In recognition of the contribution that Highlanders made to my career and as a contribution to its financial well-being and particularly its focus on young players. I have after conversations with the club CEO decided to donate any and all money owed to me by the club,” wrote Nyoni.

“Highlanders will always be close to my heart. I did not play for Highlanders only to get the love and support from its members and supporters but also to give the same back, which I now hereby do. Your son, Gabriel Nyoni,” reads the letter by Nyoni.

It is not clear how much Highlanders owed Nyoni who left them in December last year for Caps United.

Nyoni joined Maritzburg last week after a few days on trial. He has pledged to work hard to repay Maritzburg’s faith in him.

Constitutional Amendment On The Cards To Guarantee Women’s Quota In Parliament

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said that the government will soon amend the constitution to extend the provision which provides for the reservation of 60 seats for women. The provision is yet to expire in 2023.

The president was addressing the Zanu-PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting yesterday. He said that amending the Constitution would not be difficult since the ZANU PF had the majority in Parliament.

He said:

“In my meeting earlier on with your leadership, they raised a long standing grievance that of 50:50. Men also said I should not forget that women came from men’s rib. I said it is true because that is contained in the Bible, but I said women are 52 percent compared to man’s 48 percent, but they are prepared for a compromise of 50:50 percent.

In our Constitution as well, we agreed that for 10 years, women enjoy women’s quota. We thought that in those 10 years we would have achieved 50:50, but we did not, so their request is that the provision be extended. Men have not opposed the proposal.

So we can amend the Constitution to accommodate the concerns of women, as Zanu-PF we have two thirds majority (in Parliament) so it should not be a problem. But for the 50:50 principle to be implemented in the private sector it is problematic because Government has no equity in those firms. So we will commence a process to amend the Constitution.”-StateMedia

Algeria Win AFCON 2019 As Predicted

Algeria crowned AFCON champions

KickOff|Algeria were crowned African champions with a 1-0 win over Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Friday.

Salif Sane replaced the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly with Ismaila Sarri in for Krepin Diatta as Senegal’s only changes from the extra-time win over Tunisia, while Algeria were unchanged from the victory over Nigeria.

Two minutes was all it took for the opener as Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot deflected off Sane and sailed over the head of Alfred Gomis- sending the Algerians in to ecstasy.

Immediately after, Senegal struggled to adapt with little space coming from the Algerians who remained within their defensive parameters.

Sadio Mane looked to overturn their situation, whilst M’Baye Niang fired narrowly over the top on 38 minutes with a powerful strike.

No changes appeared during halftime, with the Senegalese opting for the same eleven despite trailing the North Africans. The Algerians looked promising on the break early on, with Senegal subjected to thorough tackling from their counterparts.

The first change of the evening arrived 58 minutes in on the Senegalese end, with Badou N’diaye sacrificed for Diatta.

Moments later, Senegal were given a penalty when Adlene Guedioura appeared to have handled inside the area. However, the set-play was overturned after the referee consulted with the Video Assistant Referee.

Rais M’Bolhi frustrated the Teranga Lions even further with a terrific save from Henri Saivet’s long-range drive on 68 minutes.

The Algerians threatened a second in the final quarter, but were unable to outmuscle the Senegalese defence, which saw Yacine Brahimi came on for Youcef Belaili in the attacking third for the final seven minutes.

The switch proved immaterial, as the Desert Foxes held on for their second Africa Cup of Nations title and first since 1990.

https://youtu.be/jYSAoLG1G_8

Just In: Chiwenga Recovering Well, Says ED

Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is recovering well from a South African hospital where he is receiving medical treatment, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing a Zanu PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party headquarters, President Mnangagwa said VP Chiwenga was now able to do physical exercises on his own, an indication that he was on the road to recovery. President Mnangagwa said he was in constant communication with VP Chiwenga and was gratified that he was recovering well.

-State Media

Zuma Best Friend Warned Him To Leave ANC Before They Threw Him To Jail

Hlaudi Motsoeneng

Hlaudi Motsoeneng claims he warned long-time friend Jacob Zuma some time ago that he would end up in jail if he didn’t leave the ANC.

Former SABC COO Hlaudi Motsoeneng was at the Zondo Commission to support Jacob Zuma and claims he told the former President to leave the African National Congress (ANC).

Motsoeneng was speaking to reporters shortly before it was announced that Zuma would, once again, be withdrawing from contributing to the commission. A move he will no doubt be in favour of.

He claimed that even though he left the ANC, he did not leave the people who were close to him even if they remained with the ruling party.

“Remember I left the ANC but I didn’t leave people that we have been together. There are many ANC people that we are still together, even today but I’m not an ANC person, I have my own movement because if you are unhappy, you move away,” he explained.

The African Content Movement leader (ACM) is himself a former member of the ANC, who left to form ACM after his goals began to diverge from that of the ruling party.

Motsoeneng claims he encouraged Zuma to do the same thing many years ago, but that his love for the ANC meant he stayed and now finds himself in the position that he does.

“I warned Zuma to leave the ANC. I told him these people were going to put him in jail,” he said.

“I warned him, but he still loves them. That’s fine, but I am supporting him. He is not a criminal or a thief.”

The former SABC executive then turned his sights on Public Protector Thuli Madonsela, who at the same time was busy delivering her findings on current President Cyril Ramaphosa, saying she was not someone to be trusted.

“You cannot trust her. She misled the country on several occasions. I have experienced that, that’s why I am taking her report on review,” he said.

Mnangagwa Justifies Foreign Travels

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has justified his frequent international trips claiming that his trips are yielding positive results.

Mnangagwa has been criticised for his globetrotting behaviour which some quarters of society have likened to that of his predecessor, Robert Mugabe.

Mnangagwa has come under fire particularly for hiring luxurious planes “when the country’s economy is at its knees”.

Addressing the ZANU PF’s Women’s League Friday, Mnangagwa defended his travels saying they had unlocked doors for partnership.

He said:

“The media is busy saying I travel a lot. But look (at) what I bring. On Monday or so, we shall be receiving more medicines from the Arabs. They are giving us for free.”

The luxurious jet Mnangagwa has been hiring, the luxury Royal Jet A6-RJX, is believed to cost between US$10 000 and US$30 000 per hour.

News Day observes that the president has since July the 6th this year travelled more than seven times. This brings the total expenses to about US$1 million.

Some analysts have argued that the president could save the money and invest in other bleeding sectors.

The opposition MDC which is not amused has called for investigations into the trips.

MDC secretary for international relations, Gladys Hlatywayo, said that it boggles the mind to think that it is actually happening considering the state of the economy.

She said:

“A thorough investigation must be made into these trips, something is just not adding up and there could be more than meets the eye!”-Newsday

Zuma’s Deal With Zondo Commission Could Back Fire – Expert

Jacob Zuma may not have had a choice but to reverse his decision to pull out of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, but if his subsequent address to his supporters is anything to go by, he still has plenty of fight left in him.

Zuma’s address outside the commission’s venue in Parktown yesterday suggested the gloves were off, as he appeared to be warning his accusers directly when he threatened to reveal apartheid-era secrets of those intent on speaking out against him.

Reacting to Zuma making a U-turn on his earlier decision to discontinue his testimony at the commission, constitutional expert Professor Pierre de Vos expressed concern that whatever deal was made for him to agree to return to the stand, could put the commission in an awkward position should others demand the same.

Judge Raymond Zondo announced yesterday that Zuma had agreed to continue testifying in the proceedings after deliberations between his legal team and that of the commission.

Zondo said Zuma would receive pre-warning on specific areas of interest from the statements and affidavits made against him, upon which he would be questioned.

This, De Vos suggested, was preferential treatment.

“If he had refused to continue, I suspect the commission might have been forced to summons him and then he would have had to answer questions under duress.

“It was probably not in his best interest to be summonsed as this might have reinforced the fact that he has been implicated by other witnesses,” he said.

De Vos added that whatever agreement was made in Zondo’s chambers needed to be clarified to rule out any elements of privilege being given to Zuma over other witnesses, especially those also implicated.

“If this agreement means that Zuma would not be asked unscripted questions to probe for truthfulness, this may amount to preferential treatment. Other witnesses were not given that privilege and it is not provided for in the regulations and the rules [of the Commissions Act]. It suggests that both Zondo and Zuma’s lawyers did not want to be seen to be uncooperative and so they came to this agreement.”

Speaking after proceedings were adjourned yesterday to a sizeable crowd of supporters, Zuma told his audience in isiZulu that his detractors would be taken out one by one.

He was referring specifically to those he claimed to have damning information on, and individuals he claimed were behind a conspiracy to kill him politically, and, in some cases, literally.

Zuma’s 30-minute rant to his supporters was laden with allusions to a pre-1994 conspiracy to silence him, ostensibly because he held incriminating information about those out to destroy him.

ANC alliance partner the South African Communist Party (SACP ) declined to comment immediately after Zuma’s latest statement. Party spokesperson Alex Mashilo said he would study Zuma’s address before making a comment.

On Thursday, the party joined the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation in suggesting Zuma’s allegations of a conspiracy against him were a diversion tactic.

Gospel Musician Rejects US$12m Per Year Payout Offer To Join Illuminati Society

GOSPEL artist Dr Tumi on Sunday took to Facebook to claim he had rejected an offer to join an illuminati society. The singer, whose real name is Tumishang Makweya, claimed he was offered $1 million (R14 million) a month to become a member. The illuminati is supposedly a secret society made up of people who rule society.

Dr Tumi wrote: “So early today they tried to recruit me to join an illuminati society. Got told I have been noticed and would be of value. Got promised $1 million a month and great fame.

Dr Tumi
Dr Tumi

“But we are not the type you can buy with money. I won’t leave Jesus for fame or fortune. I was already bought with the highest price when Christ gave his life for me.”

Dr Tumi

Some responses from his fans:

- Juliter: “It actually means not all gospel musicians around are doing the work of God. May God grant us the spirit of detecting such people.

- Njabulo: “Glory be to Jesus. I have received the offer more than two times in my life. It got so intense that the spirits tried to interfere with my life but Jesus came and saved me…

The SunTeam was not able to get comment from Dr Tumi by the time of going to print.

Source: Dailysun

Gems Players Picked Up By Overseas Clubs After Splendid Performance At World Cup

Joice Takaidza

By Chiedza Sabeta| Any World Cup is supposed to be a dream platform for a professional player.

For Zimbabwe netball team players, the ongoing tournament was a moment to cherish, and it has opened doors of opportunities.

Having made history by qualifying for their first ever Netball World Cup, winning three matches in the process at the finals in Liverpool, some Gems players are on the verge of securing lucrative deals to play in professional netball leagues following recent inquiries by top Australian side Melbourne Vixens Netball Club.

This publication can exclusively reveal that goal shooter Sharon Bwanali (22) and teenage defender Claris Kwaramba (19) are on the Australian league side’s radar following impressive performances at the World Cup finals.

Goal defender and vice-captain Felistus Kwangwa, who is leading with the most defensive interceptions at the ongoing netball fete, is also on demand, with England sides showing interest.

Bwanali and Kwaramba have played all matches for the Gems here and could only be returning to Zimbabwe to bid farewell to their respective families and teams.

Kwaramba plays for Platinum Queens, while Bwanali turns up for Harare City.

Kwaramba has been starting for the Gems while Bwanali has been used as an impact player.

Her game changing techniques have earned her respect from neutrals, while Vixens couldn’t resist taking the player’s details and making solid moves towards acquiring her.

Gems coach Lloyd Makunde confirmed Vixens’ formal enquiry about the duo.

“I can confirm that a number of scouts and coaches have been inquiring about our players. We came here as underdogs, but we are now the talk of the town.

“The girls have risen to the occasion and credit goes to them. Australian side Vixens have approached Sharon and Claris, but they haven’t finalised anything at the moment.

“I will be glad if it works for them and they join lucrative leagues in the world. It is such international exposure that gives them recognition and their hard work is slowly paying off.

“It will also benefit the Zimbabwe national team when we have netballers playing in professional leagues. One can see what the experience of the likes of Joice Takaidza, who is playing in Australia, brings,” Makunde said.

Bwanali and Kwaramba have age on their side and this would be beneficial for the Australian side to grab raw talent.

Bwanali has been used as an impact substitute and her selfless play has gained her respect from opponents.

She admitted that the Netball World Cup is her only chance and platform to help her find greener pastures.

“There are times when you don’t expect the coach to motivate you.

“This stage is enough for you to give it your all and make a name. I have not been starting many games, but my strength is reading and interpreting the game. It is a blessing in disguise that I start from the bench because it gives me an opportunity to come in as an impact player. I like it that way,” Bwanali said.

Regarding a potential move to Australia, she said it would be a dream come true.

“They engaged me after the encounter against Australia. They took all my details and made their intentions clear. I am praying that this deal goes through. It will be a dream come true and quite a life changing opportunity for me. Their team manager talked to me and I am confident that I will make the grade,” she said.

Besides goal shooter, Takaidza, who plays in Australia, and Adelaide Muskwe who plays for Sevens Stars in the Vitality Netball Super League in England, the rest of the Gems players turn up for teams in Zimbabwe.

H-Metro

Linda Masarira Testifies Against Own Son In Court

Linda Masarira

H-Metro|Controversial politician Linda Masarira was in court yesterday where she testified against her ‘drug addict’ son over theft of a cellphone.

Masarirs’s son, Kuzikwashe Mhlanga pleaded not guilty before Harare magistrate Madondo.

The State led by Strike Mutongerwa opened its case by leading evidence from Masarira who told the court that it was her husband, one Gilbert who noticed that the phone was missing.

“We began looking for him before his friends advised us to go to Greencroft Shopping Centre where they searched for houses till we bumped into an old neighbour Kudzanai Mushai who said he had seen him at a place commonly referred to as ‘pamadrugs’.

“We went to the place and found him, he tried to run away saying that he had left the phone at home but he later produced the phone from his pocket and had deleted all its contents, logging onto his social media accounts,” said Masarira.

When she was advised that in his defence, her son said he only used the phone to do an EcoCash transaction and returned it, she said:

“He’s a liar and the only true thing he says is his name, he is a serial drug addict and I have gone out of my way to help him but he refuses to reform and have withdrawn two theft cases before against this boy as I had felt sorry for him.”

The matter was deferred to today for the defence case.

ZANU PF Women Express Their Support On Corruption Probe And Back Mnangagwa

Mabel Chinomona

Zanu-PF Secretary for the Women’s League, Mabel Chinomona, says women in the party are solidly behind the decision by the Youth League to call for the investigation of individuals named for alleged corruption.

Addressing a Zanu-PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party headquarters, Chinomona said the women are happy that the people were exposed and they must now be fully investigated.

“As women, we support what the youth did. We know other people who were named are complaining. That is why there should be an investigation, as a result there is nothing for them to worry about. We would also want to commend you President for the decision to constitute a commission of inquiry into the allegations,” said Chinomona, who is also Senate president.

She said the Zanu-PF Women’s League was behind the President and wants him to represent the party as its Presidential candidate in 2023.

“We have agreed as the Women’s League that we will stand by President Mnangagwa.

“We have noted that there might be misguided elements, but they will not distract us; we are fully behind you,” she said.

Chinomona added that President Mnangagwa’s great work was manifesting itself through the support from rural women, who threw their weight behind him.

Govt To Obviously Rebuild Burnt Lupane Hospital But Says Auxilia Mnangagwa Will Do It

Auxilia Mnangagwa

In an obvious move to spruce up First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, the system has through her Angel of Hope Foundation, is mobilising resources to rebuild St Luke’s Hospital in Matabeleland North Province which was gutted by fire.

The Roman Catholic hospital, situated at Kenmaur in Lupane District, is the only referral hospital in Matabeleland North.

The inferno brought hospital operations to a halt as $250 000 worth of property comprising equipment, medicines and records were reduced to ashes.

Angel of Hope Foundation, in partnership with Matter Foundation of United States and Love for Africa from Victoria Falls, have so far mobilised $250 000 to re-equip the hospital after construction has been done, the foundation’s board chair Mrs Chipo Mtasa, has said.

She was speaking at handover of an innovation hub initiated by the three organisations at Victoria Falls Primary School on Wednesday.

“Angel of Hope Foundation has always worked at health centres to assist mostly on cancer, nutrition and equipment mobilisation projects,” she said. “After the sad tragedy that struck St Luke’s, Angel of Hope Foundation reached out to partners and Matter Foundation has come in to bring medical equipment worth $250 000.”

Mrs Mtasa said efforts are underway to identify other partners to help rebuild the hospital.

The foundation does humanitarian projects countrywide.

Mrs Mtasa said Angel of Hope Foundation came up with a three-year framework where they are targeting a number of hospitals in the country in every province, catering for the needs and challenges they face.

After initiating a nutritional garden which the First Lady commissioned at Victoria Falls Hospital on Wednesday, her foundation has set sights on United Bulawayo Hospitals and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals as the next port of call for starting similar projects. One of Love for Africa directors Mr Blessing Munyenyiwa told the Wednesday gathering that he alerted Matter Foundation about the St Luke’s inferno and proposed that something had to be done.

Matter Foundation president Mr Quenton Marty said his organisation did not directly do construction work, hence the choice of donating hospital equipment rather than engaging in the actual rebuilding of the institution.

“We are excited about the partnership we have in Zimbabwe and we intend to assist St Luke’s Hospital which was destroyed by fire,” he said. “We will bring $250 000 worth of medical equipment once construction is completed to get the hospital functioning again.”

Second Constitutional Amendment Ready To Be Effected, Women’s Quota Extended

President Emmerson Mnangagwa

State Media|Government will soon amend the Constitution to extend the provision which reserves 60 seats for women following the pending expiry of the subsistence of the 10-year legal framework in 2023, President Mnangagwa has said.

Addressing Zanu-PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting yesterday, President Mnangagwa said he was in agreement with a proposal from women to have the constitutional provision extended since attainment of the 50:50 had not yet been realised.

He said making such amendments would not be a challenge given that Zanu-PF commanded a two-thirds majority in Parliament.

“In my meeting earlier on with your leadership, they raised a long standing grievance that of 50:50. Men also said I should not forget that women came from men’s rib. I said it is true because that is contained in the Bible, but I said women are 52 percent compared to man’s 48 percent, but they are prepared for a compromise of 50:50 percent,” said President Mnangagwa.

“In our Constitution as well, we agreed that for 10 years, women enjoy women’s quota. We thought that in those 10 years we would have achieved 50:50, but we did not, so their request is that the provision be extended. Men have not opposed the proposal. So we can amend the Constitution to accommodate the concerns of women, as Zanu-PF we have two thirds majority (in Parliament) so it should not be a problem. But for the 50:50 principle to be implemented in the private sector it is problematic because Government has no equity in those firms. So we will commence a process to amend the Constitution.”

Turning to corruption, President Mnangagwa slammed the previous Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission led by Mr Job Hwabira for being ineffective

“The Commission that was there led by Hwabira, had no teeth. If they detect corruption they would look up to other institutions to have the culprit arrested. With respect to this one I gave it the necessary teeth. The Commission we recently constituted, it has nine commissioners headed by a woman. She is a no nonsense,” said the President.

Responding to a request from the Women’s League to have women candidates represent the party in the forthcoming by-elections, President Mnangagwa said women had not been forthcoming in terms of expressing interest in the said constituencies despite the fact that the constituencies fell vacant following death of another woman.More in Home

Vacant constituencies include Glen View South in Harare, Lupane East in Matabeleland North Province and Mangwe constituency in Matabeleland South province.

In Lupane East, the seat fell vacant early this year after the death of Sithembile Gumbo (Zanu-PF) while Glen View South was declared vacant when Mrs Vimbai Tsvangirai-Java (MDC-Alliance) passed on.

He, however, commended the Women’s League saying it was the pillar of the revolutionary party.

President Mnangagwa said Government would increase the number of buses in rural areas when he commissions other buses that were imported recently.

Turning to the economy, President Mnangagwa said Government remain committed to have it resuscitated.

“Our economy had fallen in a big way. For us to return to the global economy we are obliged to make economic reforms and modernise our industry so that we become competitive, if we want to be competitive in the world economy and even in the regional economy we felt we have to liberalise our economy, and rationalise indigenisation laws, have our own currency. Even small countries have their currencies. The austerity measures that we are making from a collapsed economy to a functioning economy, we need to have safety nets to cushion our people because incomes had been eroded by the austerity measures which we must walk through,” said President Mnangagwa.

He called for peace and unity among party members.

“It is that philosophy of Zanu-PF that have made me to create a political dialogue. We believe in it. Not only political parties have come to the table of peace, but I am happy that Zanu-PF is at a table of peace,” he said.

“However, despite our doctrine of peace you will still see individuals that are divisive in the party. We should be alert to such comrades in the party who are divisive. We do not chuck them out, but we must point out to them that unity gives strength to the party. Our revolutionary party is so strong that one individual person should not ever think that without him the party will fall,” said President Mnangagwa.

He said Government will support businesses that are aimed at enhancing lives of people.

“You must always think big, do not think small, plan big nothing is impossible, my administration will support you,” he said.

He said his engagement with development partners in various countries had borne fruit despite criticism from some sections of the media.

Poly Students Riot Over Sports Kits

Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic students yesterday staged a demonstration to protest failure by the institution to provide sporting kits which they paid for last year but were not delivered.

About 100 students who are part of those who started studying at the institution last year abandoned lectures and converged at the administration block demanding to be refunded US$60 each of them paid for track suits, caps and T-shirts.

A student from the college, Mr Mkhululi Ndlovu, said the college administration had failed to give them a reasonable explanation on why they had not been given their sports kits.
“We enrolled in September last year and paid a total of US$385 for fees and US$60 of that money was for a track suit, T-shirt and a cap.

“We were supposed to get this kit soon after paying but we completed our first term without getting anything. In March this year we sent our SRC to engage the administration over the matter and they promised to give us in a month’s time but they didn’t,” he said.

“In May we sent the SRC again and the administration said they were working on the procurement of the items and we would get them.

“They eventually told us that we had to purchase the sports kits ourselves without giving us an explanation where the money we had paid was.

“That was when we decided to hold this demonstration as we expect to be given the items we paid for or our money back.”

Addressing the students, Joshua Mqabuko Polytechnic Principal, Dr Ngoni Moyo, who had a torrid time calming the students down, said the institution had failed to give the students their sports kits upon payment as they were pre-occupied with registration.

She said the institution will now divert the money that had been paid by the students towards their fees.

“As an institution we have said for intake 49 we take full responsibility that between September and October last year there were delays as you were still being registered.

“We have also deliberated that if you are no longer patient with us in waiting for the tracksuits we will take your US$60 that you paid and cover your fees,” she said.

“This is the stance we have taken as an institution. I respect your voice so much as it’s always important for people to dialogue.

“Your tracksuits money will cover your fees. I can face you boldly because your US$60 is going towards your fees. We have heard your views and now I appeal to you to go back to your classrooms.”

Dr Moyo told the students that those who had cleared their fees were supposed to visit her office individually.

The disgruntled students however, refused to entertain Dr Moyo’s explanation as they broke into song and followed her to the administration block where they continued demonstrating.- state media

Kirsty Coventry Denies That Zim Cricket Is Controlled By ZANU PF Politicians | IS SHE TELLING THE TRUTH?

Kirsty Coventry

The Government of Zimbabwe has refuted claims by the International Cricket Council that there was political interference in the affairs of Zimbabwe Cricket that led to the immediate suspension of the country from ICC membership.

Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry took to her official Twitter account to refute government interference when news of the suspension was announced on Thursday which also came with the freezing of funding for the domestic game.

Minister Coventry said she was devastated that the ruling has badly affected players.

“There has been no Government Interference @ ICC .I am devastated that the @ICC ruling has affected our @ZimCricketv players. There is need for good governance at ZC for the international success we all want to see. Any decisions towards that should never affect the players.

“Minister of Sport elects SRC board (ICC do not see this as Gvt interference). SRC is not Government – they are a Public Body,” wrote Minister Coventry on her Twitter handle.

All international matches involving the country’s national teams have been put on hold.

The global cricket governing body said the suspended ZC board, led by Tavengwa Mukuhlani, should be reinstated within the next three months or pending a review of their decision at another meeting in October.

The country’s women’s national cricket team, the Lady Chevrons, now face the possibility of failing to play in the final round of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers next month in Scotland.

The Lady Chevrons won the qualifier at home in May this year after beating Namibia by 50 runs in the final.

The Chevrons’ participation in October’s Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier is also now hanging in the balance.

Mukuhlani and his board members were suspended by the Sports Commission for disregarding a directive to shelve their elective annual meeting in Victoria Falls on June 14 over electoral irregularities and accusations of alleged financial misappropriation.

However, after hearing submissions from Mukuhlani, who sat in the seat reserved for the ZC chairman at the ICC meeting in London, and members of the interim committee comprising acting chairman David Ellman-Brown and Retired Supreme Court Justice Ahmed Ebrahim, the ICC Board were unanimous in their decision to suspend Zimbabwe.

The global cricket governing body also cut off funding for Zimbabwe Cricket and ruled that the national cricket teams will not be allowed to participate in ICC sanctioned events.

The ICC yesterday said Zimbabwe were in breach of Article 2.4 (c) and (d) of the ICC Constitution and ordered the local authorities to reinstate the board that was suspended by the Sports Commission within the next three months pending review at the next board meeting set for October.

Sports Commission board chairman, Gerald Mlotshwa, said they were yet to receive official communication from the ICC.

‘‘The SRC and the Interim Committee is yet to be formally advised in writing of the ICC’s detailed reasons for its decision.

Once it is in receipt of the same, the SRC will activate the various emergency measures it had considered in the event of such a decision,’’ said Mlotshwa.

Questions however, have been raised on the sincerity of the ICC board to suspend Zimbabwe on the basis of ‘political interference’ while allowing the game to be led by a politician.

Suspended ZC board chairman Mukuhlani is a Member of Parliament. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe international cricketer Sikander Raza reacted with devastation at the suspension of the country which he said had rendered so many people unemployed while turning a team into literal strangers.

“How one decision has made a team, strangers. How one decision has made so many people unemployed.

How one decision affect so many families. How one decision has ended so many careers. Certainly not how I wanted to say goodbye to international cricket,” Raza posted on his Twitter handle. – state media

FULL TEXT: Wutaunashe Literally Owns FOG Church Properties, And Is Now Sharing The With His Wife

Andrew Wutawunashe

BELOW ARE MATRIMONIAL ASSETS TO BE SHARED BETWEEN ANDREW WUTAUNASHE AND WIFE, RUTENDO
A. Moveable Property.
1. Defendant to be awarded and retain as her sole and exclusive property the following moveable property: 1.1. All moveable property currently within her possession. 1.2. Household goods and ornaments left in the Plaintiff’s custody at the parties’ Johannesburg apartment. 1.3. Clothes and sewing machine left in the Plaintiff’s custody at the parties’ Johannesburg apartment.
2. Plaintiff to be awarded and retain and his sole and exclusive property all moveable property currently within his possession excluding moveable specifically referred to as being the Defendant’s sole and exclusive property above.
B. Immoveable Property
3. Defendant to be awarded and retain as her sole and exclusive property the following immoveable property: 3.1. No 36 Adylin Road, Marlborough, Harare 3.2. No 41 Lavenham Drive East, Bluff Hill, Harare 3.3. No 89 Celtenham Park Drive, Ruwa, 3.4. No 8 Sherwood Gate, 110 Rivionia Road, Sandton Johannesburg 3.5. Glenforest, Harare Property 3.6. East 24, Samora Machel Avenue, Harare. 3.7. Rutendo Hall, Chegutu 3.8. Bulawayo Property 3.9. Masvingo residential property 3.10 Teten Hall, 8th & Union 3.11 Fife Avenue, Harare-Surgery
4. Plaintiff to be awarded and retain as his sole and exclusive property the following immoveable property.
4.1. The rural home in Gutu; 4.2. Waterfalls Paddock, Marondera 4.3. Rusape Property 4.4. Masvingo Church property
5. No 2, Mushore Flats, Kambuzuma, Harare be sold and proceeds to be used to improve Kambuzuma Family of God Church.

Auxilia On Leaked Audio

In the leaked audio which is just over 8 minutes long, the First Lady launched a verbal attack on Colonel Samson Murumbo, the Commander of the 1 Presidential Guard Infantry Battalion for allegedly spying on her and plotting against President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Following the release of a leaked audio in which the First Lady, Auxillia Mnangagwa vented her fury at a senior army commander she is now reported to have apologised and resolved the issue with the Army.

Auxillia-Mnangagwa

Local publication Daily News now reports that the phone call was actually 42 minutes in total and took place on June 26 after she went to Bulawayo to visit the widows of the late Dumiso Dabenga and Canaan Sodindo Banana.

The publication goes on to say that the first lady later apologised after the matter was escalated by Murombo to higher offices.

Part of the report reads,

…after suffering a dressing down on the telephone at the hands of the acerbic Auxillia, a shaken Murombo escalated the issue to Brigadier-General Fidelis Mhonda, who took over as head of the Presidential Guard from Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe during the May top army brass reshuffle.

Mhonda reportedly presented the abridged recording to Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) commander lieutenant-general Edzai Chimonyo, who approached the commander of the Defence Forces Philip Valerio Sibanda, who later on engaged President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

A meeting of the top security bosses reportedly discussed the issue and resolved that the matter was a storm in a teacup. The first lady, confronted over the bust-up, reportedly apologised.

Contrary to pervasive speculation that the officers have since been relieved of their duties or transferred, the Daily News can report that the officers, who are stationed at the Presidential Battalion 1.1 which is next door to the State House, are still in their postings and free from harm or any danger.

ED jokes about marriage as pics of his alleged MSU mistress goes viral

ED jokes about marriage as pics of his alleged MSU mistress goes viral. President Mnangagwa was meeting executives of Russian mining firm, Alrosa, and the state-owned Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company (ZCDC), for the signing of a partnership to mine diamonds in eastern Zimbabwe.

Sikulekile Mapfumo

President Emmerson Mnangagwa threw a joke on marriage ironically on the same day the media revealed that his marriage to First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa is on the rocks…

Mnangagwa Breaks Silence On VP Chiwenga

Constantino Guvheya Chiwenga

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that his deputy, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga is recovering well from a South African hospital where he is receiving medical treatment.

President Mnangagwa made the revelation while addressing a Zanu PF Women’s League National Assembly meeting at the party headquarters on Friday.

He added that the indisposed former army commander was now able to do physical exercises on his own, an indication that he was on the road to recovery.-StateMedia

The President told party officials that he is in constant touch with VP Chiwenga and was buoyant that his number 2 is on the mend.

Mnangagwa’s Top Ally Dragged Into The ZIMDEF Saga


By A Correspondent| Professor Jonathan Moyo has published documents that reveal that the Central Intelligence Organisation and the Zimbabwe Republic Police benefited from the ZIMDEF money that he is alleged to have abused during his tenure as Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education. 

Said Moyo, “Owen Mudha Ncube, the CIO minister, and Isaac Moyo, the CIO Director General, are using the CIO mouthpiece, the Harare Post and Mnangagwa’s varakashi to do Rhodie-style dirty tricks perfected by Gukurahundists. On the ZimDef case, the CIO and ZRP in Tsholotsho also benefited!”

Moyo said the fact that the bicycles donated to chiefs were being scrutinised shows that there is a targeted onslaught against the community of Tsholotsho.

“The fact that bicycles and motorcycles for traditional leaders are demonised; while there’s total silence about computers given, under the same Initiative, to the CIO, ZRP, secondary schools and other government depts demonstrates hatred of a community!

“Directed by Owen Mudha Ncube and Isaac Moyo the Harare Post, the CIO publication, continues to peddle Goodson Nguni’s lie that the ZimDef case involved USD400K. Utter garbage. The Tsholotsho Initiative cost USD84K, approved in terms of the ZimDef Act!”

Man In Trouble For Sending “Juicy” WhatsApp Messages To A Married Woman

WhatsApp

Men shall always be men!

MARRIED MAN IN COURT FOR SENDING LOVE MESSAGES TO SOMEONE’S WIFE

“I wait my panties whenever I see you!” man writes on social media.

A 36 year old businessman of Mbabala in Choma District has dragged a Kalomo trader to the Choma Local Court claiming Thirty Thousand Kwacha compensation for marriage interference. Sylvester Kakumba has sued Sonani Mukuni for sending love messages to his wife on Facebook, an accusation which the defendant has denied.

Kakumba says Mukuni has been communicating with his wife on social media where he has been sending love messages and telling her he would love them to meet.

The Plaintiff also testified that the defendant admitted to sending messages when he was approached and claimed that he did not know what led him to write those messages.

Meanwhile, Hellen Mweene, the plaintiff’s wife denied having an affair with the defendant saying they were just chatting as friends on facebook, but she revealed Mukuni is married to her niece.

Mweene stated that she does not know why the defendant was making advances on her despite knowing she was married.

Magistrate Luyando Siachitema, sitting with Magistrate Bright Jalila has since adjourned the matter to 13th August, 2019 for defense.

Mthuli Ncube To Slash VAT And PAYE

Government has said it is considering lowering the income tax structure to stimulate demand for goods and services by reducing the Value Added Tax (VAT) and Pay As You Earn (PAYE) tax heads.

Finance and Economic Development Minister Mthuli Ncube, this week said the two tax heads were under consideration for downward adjustments.

He, however, emphasised that the Intermediate Money Transfer Tax (commonly referred to as the 2 percent tax), which was introduced last October is here to stay as it had clogged significant revenue leakages with regards to the taxation of corporates.

Indications from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (Zimra) — the main source of funding for the Government budget — are that out of around 300 000 registered tax payers, a mere 25 percent are compliant to their tax obligations.

This meant that the tax burden was weighing heavy on a few compliant companies and individuals.

“We introduced it (the 2 percent tax) because we had a gap to fill, and now it’s closed. Big companies in particular were not remitting all the VAT and all the PAYE tax that they collected from customers and employees.

“They were keeping it, to a point where right now they are still holding about $3,5 billion, it’s now higher with penalties reaching around $5 billion, so that was another gap,” said Minister Ncube.

He added that the significant tax leakages had compromised the country’s fiscus leading the previous Government to increase borrowings.

“And what happened was that in the previous dispensation, the Government started borrowing from the Reserve Bank to fill that hole because there was no money coming in from the taxpayers. $3 billion was borrowed, so we had a huge Government expenditure and there was this gap with the central bank, so we are still closing a few holes, things will stabilise and then eventually we will lower it.

“But at the same time we are reviewing as Treasury whether we can consider lowering other taxes other than this one (the 2 percent tax) because the advantage of the 2 percent tax is that it has 100 percent compliance. But things like VAT, even the PAYE we will look into those to see whether we can tweak and reduce these.

“But one thing we can do, for sure, in the next two weeks is to increase the threshold for income tax, at the moment its $350 per person, we are going to raise that, we are still fine-tuning the figures.”

Official figures show that in 2018 gross collections for VAT on Local Sales amounted to US$1,15 billion against a target of US$959 million.

VAT in Zimbabwe is charged at a standard rate of 15 percent.

PAYE falls under the ‘individual tax’ head, whose total collections amounted to US$860,41 million last year.  For 2018, that revenue head was the second highest contributor accounting for 17 percent of total revenue collections.

With regards to PAYE, the tax-free threshold for individual taxpayers currently stands at $300, while the rate of tax for individual taxpayers who earns remuneration of above $20 001,00 per month was set at 50 percent in 2014.

A tax reduction is likely to welcomes in several quarters as some observers perceive Zimbabwe’s taxation system to be on the high end. The tax burden is measured by taking the total tax revenues received as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP).

In respect of the tax revenue as a percent of GDP indicator, the World Bank provides data for Zimbabwe from 2009 to 2017.

And the average value for Zimbabwe during that period was 16,08 percent with a minimum of 9,2 percent in 2009 and a maximum of 18,06 percent in 2015.

Analysts contend that a lower income tax structure can act as an effective economic growth stimulant for the country insofar as it functions to drive up consumption demand in the economy.

They say the multiplier effect of a lower income tax rate on other taxes in the economy can be significant, for instance, low corporate tax is said to boost after-tax returns on investment thus encouraging more investment.

Marriages Bill As Gazetted Friday July 19 2019

Marriages Bill as Gazetted.
Section 40 Civil partnerships
(1) A relationship between a man and a woman who—
(a) are both over the age of eighteen years; and
(b) have lived together without legally being married to each other; and
(c) are not within the degrees of affinity or consanguinity as provided in section 7; and
(d) having regard to all the circumstances of their relationship, have a relationship as a couple living together on a genuine domestic basis;
shall be regarded as being in a civil partnership for the purposes of determining the rights and obligations of the parties on dissolution of the relationship and, for this
purpose, sections 7 to 11 of the Matrimonial Causes Act [Chapter 5:13] shall mutatis mutandis apply on the dissolution of any such relationship.
(2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (d) may include—
(a) the duration of the relationship;
(b) the nature and extent of their common residence;
(c) whether a sexual relationship exists;
(d) the degree of financial dependence or interdependence, and any
arrangements for financial support, between them;
(e) the ownership, use and acquisition of their property;
(f) the degree of mutual commitment to a shared life;
(g) the care and support of children;
(h) the reputation and public aspects of the relationship.
(3) No particular factor in relation to any circumstance may be regarded as necessary in determining whether or not the persons concerned have a civil partnership.
(4) A court determining whether a civil partnership exists is entitled to have regard to such matters and to attach such weight to any matter, as may seem appropriate to the court in the circumstances of the case.
(5) A civil partnership exists notwithstanding that one or both of the persons are legally married to someone else or are in another civil partnership.

ZANU PF Calls On Zimbabweans To Help Identify A Road To Name After Mnangagwa

Ministry of Information Permanent Secretary Nick Mangwana has requested Zimbabweans to assist in the identification of a road that should be named after the President of the country Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Writing on micro-blogging site Twitter Mangwana said, “Of course a sitting President(and former ) is the only living person who should have a road named after them. If we were to name a road after HE President Mnangagwa, which road would that be, and why? Which other deceased luminaries are still to be immortalised this way?”

The request invited lots of backlash from Twitter users who questioned whether it was a priority of the government to rename roads instead of constructing new ones.

“Nick this level of pettiness is astonishing, naming of roads will not bring bread to the citizen’s tables. Put your priorities right at the moment service delivery should be a priority subject. you and the government don’t take people seriously.”One Twitter user said.

Other users asked why the government wanted to rename existing roads created during the colonial era instead of constructing new ones.

18 Hour Power Cuts Forces Major Companies To Shut Down

Independent|Zimbabwe’s economy could grind to a halt if power outages gripping the nation persist as production plunges, exports decline, companies lay off staff and disposable incomes shrink, after it emerged that manufacturing companies are going for up to 18 hours without electricity.

Industry, already operating at half its installed capacity and reeling from low efficiencies associated with antiquated equipment and low production, is becoming even less competitive.

Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions president Peter Mutasa said workers are facing the threat of job losses as a result of power outages. “It is a real crisis. Many workers are facing job losses,” Mutasa told the Zimbabwe Independent last night. “Many workers are being forced to go on unpaid forced leave because there is nothing for them to do as a result of the power cuts. We are going to see widespread job losses unless the situation is mitigated.”

Although the introduction of a new currency that is relatively weak against the US dollar had given manufacturers an incentive to look for new export markets, the power blackouts are shrinking exports and worsen the forex crunch.

Apart from this, companies are incurring losses running into millions of dollars with some firms on the brink of closure in stark contrast to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s mantra that the country is open for business.

Foreign currency shortages, recurrent breakdown of aged equipment, debt and severe reduction of water levels at Kariba Power Station have contributed to the energy crisis in the past couple of months.

Zimbabwe imports electricity from neighbouring Mozambique and South Africa. Owing to an acute foreign exchange shortage, the country has failed to retire debts to South African power utility Eskom and Mozambican power entity Hidroeléctrica de Cahora Bassa.

Zesa Holdings’ failure to honour its obligations to the foreign suppliers has occasioned the drastic power cuts.

Eskom cut the power it sells to Zimbabwe from 450 megawatts to a mere 50 megawatts. Government recently paid US$10 million to Eskom to help facilitate talks for power supply to be restored.

Zimbabwe was producing 917 megawatts of power as of yesterday against a capacity of 1 800 megawatts.

Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Henry Ruzvidzo said the power cuts have crippled industry and are a major threat to its ability to export.

“The power cuts have affected business severely. The loss of revenue runs into millions,” Ruzvidzo said. “In some cases export orders are under threat due to lack of performance. The situation calls for urgent solutions before irreparable damage occurs to our fledgling industries. Discussions with Zesa and the Ministry of Energy are in progress to find both short and long-term solutions.”

Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers president Denford Mutashu painted a grim picture of the state of the retail sector as a result of the power cuts.

“The power outages are ravaging the sector. The impact has been so drastic especially for those retail outlets operating outside the central business district,” Mutashu said.

“Some retail outlets have generators but are struggling to find fuel. You cannot have a situation where both fuel and power are not available. This has affected machinery as well as the till points.”

Mutashu pointed out that some shops have closed their bakery and delicatessen departments as a result of the power outages. He revealed that shops have also reduced the purchase of perishables such as milk and cold meats for fear of incurring further losses.

“Retail outlets are incurring huge losses such that some are sending workers home until the situation improves as they come to work to just sit and do nothing,” Mutashu said. “We are now bearing the brunt of the corruption at Zesa and government’s failure to invest in alternative energy.”

Mutashu said they are still quantifying the total losses caused by the load shedding but said the losses would run into millions of dollars. He said negotiations with Zesa over the issue have not been helpful as they have not resulted in the immediate end of power cuts.

Employers Confederation of Zimbabwe acting president Israel Murefu said the power blackouts have had an adverse impact on business.

“The power outages have had a devastating effect on business. You get power at 10 in the evening and it goes around 4 in the morning, meaning we have to use generators but generators are supposed to be for emergencies and not for everyday use. It is not sustainable by any means,” Murefu said. “If a company was operating at 40% capacity before the power cuts, can you imagine at what capacity it is operating at now. We have noted that companies have reduced their head count and are operating well below capacity.”

Companies such as Waverley Blankets based in Graniteside are contemplating closure.

“There is no light at the end of the tunnel. We have been severely affected as a sector, and it (Zesa load-shedding) has affected our operations,” Waverley Blankets administration manager Doreen Eeson said.

“We are likely to be forced to close our doors.”

A printing company in the Graniteside industrial area in Harare has decided to shut shop until the electricity situation improves putting the jobs of more than 70 workers at risk.

“We cannot operate under these conditions. I cannot ask staff to start work at 10pm and finish at 4am when electricity is available,” the printing company owner said. “I cannot run a generator the whole day at a cost of 20 litres per day and service charges of ZW$4 300. It is just impossible, so we will have to close and wait until electricity is restored to an extent of allowing us to operate normally.”

He said it is not only the monetary loss but also the social implications of the power blackouts.

“The actual loss cannot be quantified just in monetary terms. I have two pregnant senior employees. How do I put a value on them failing to pay maternity fees?” he said.

Industry deputy minister Raj Modi came face-to-face with the impact of power cuts at cooking oil manufacturer, Surface Wilmar.

Ordinarily, the company produces 8 000 tonnes of cooking oil per month, but company executives told Modi this week during a tour of the company’s plant that output had slumped to 1 500 tonnes.

“There is no production. As you went through the factory, did you see workers there? Did you see the factory running? For the last 16 to 17 days, there has

been no production here,” Surface Wilmar executive chairperson Narottan Somani said during the tour.

Some companies are spending up to ZW$100 000 monthly on diesel for generators as the crisis worsens.

The farming sector has not been spared the impact of load shedding.

“We have not done a full analysis of this situation but I can confirm that there are heavy losses in the wheat sector which are being caused by these prolonged power cuts,” Zimbabwe Farmers’ Union executive director Paul Zakaria revealed.

“We had a meeting with our provincial and district officers and the situation on the ground is that farmers that rely on irrigation are really suffering due to persistent power outages and this is seriously decreasing production.”

The mining sector has also borne the brunt of the nationwide power deficit with production statistics for the first four months of 2019 showing that all key minerals recorded output declines of not less than 10% compared to the same period in 2018 due to power outages. Mining companies have bemoaned the power cuts, which have resulted in them going between four to seven days without power. This has increased the use of generators.

“The use of diesel generators, which are expensive to run, has led to an increase in the cost of production impacting negatively on the viability of the mining industry. The immediate implication of this is a decline in foreign exchange earnings from the mining industry and, if the situation is not resolved, we will witness some marginal mines closing their operations in the next few months,” immediate past president of the Chamber of Mines and Bindura Nickel Corporation managing director Batirai Manhando told the Zimbabwe Independent in a recent interview.

As a result of the dire state of affairs, the government has directed that the mining sector and hotels in Victoria Falls pay their Zesa bills in foreign currency despite phasing out the multi-currency regime last month through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.

Economist Prosper Chitambara said the current power outages will deter investment which the country desperately needs.

“The power outages are an increase on cost of doing business. Most businesses are relying on using generators which is expensive. There has been a significant reduction in production,” Chitambara said, “Investment prospects have been affected. Energy is attractive to investors. If there is no energy, who would want to invest?”

Mnangagwa Speaks On Ailing Chiwenga

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has revealed that his deputy Constantino Chiwenga, who has been away from spotlight in months, is recovering in a South African hospital.

Addressing his Zanu-PF party’s  women’s leagues in Harare on Friday,  Mnangagwa for the first time gave away the gravity of Chiwenga’s illness saying his deputy had started doing light exercises.

“Vice President Chiwenga is in South Africa receivi g treatment and I’m happy to say that he is recovering and has started doing light exercises on his own,” said Mnangagwa.

Chiwenga has in recent months been in and out of hospital over an undisclosed ailment that has seen him travel to India and South Africa.

There has been speculation around Chiwenga’s health close sources saying the former army General could be suffering from a liver related illness.

Malema Identifies Businessman Who Wants Floyd Shivambu Dead

Malema has also alleged that a female judge from Gauteng authorised surveillance on him.

Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema opened up about a planned hit on the party’s deputy president, Floyd Shivambu.

At a press conference in the parliamentary precinct on Thursday evening, Malema claimed that a businessman from Umhlanga in KwaZulu-Natal had been identified as the one who put a price on the party’s deputy president.

He said: “These people are on our case. These people have put a price tag on Floyd. An Indian owner of hotels in Umhlanga has put a price on Floyd’s head. Minister of police, intelligence compiled a report and the person who gave an instruction has been identified. We’re not doing those things of Zuma saying so and so said about this one being a spy. We’re giving you real stuff with reference.

“The assassin went to Floyd, we reported the matter to the minister, crime intelligence has investigated. It is confirmed and they even know the person.”

Malema further alleged that a female judge from Gauteng had authorised surveillance on him. This, according to Malema, had been going on since 2013 after the formation of the party. He alleged that people had been illegally listening to his phone calls.

“We have hardcore evidence of a judge who authorised my surveillance. I’m being listened to with a judge’s decision and I’m followed daily, and this has been authorised by a female judge in Gauteng. Every political plan that you’re having in your phone to strategise against your enemies, they’re given a leeway to listen to everything you’re doing.

“They’re now listening to me illegally and a judge has authorised it and it has been going on since 2013 after we formed the EFF.”

This, however, did not move the EFF because they had nothing to hide, he said.

“They’ve been sitting on this phone since 2013. If there was crime we’re committing, by now they would have used that against us. Till today there’s nothing because we’re not engaged in shenanigans, we’re engaged in an honest revolution to serve our people and if that is going to cost us life, so be it,” he said.

The EFF revealed earlier this year that there was a planned assassination on the party’s leader which was set to take place in parliament during President Cyril Ramaphosa’s Sona. According to the EFF, the alleged assassination was counting on the EFF being thrown out of parliament, like in the past year, which did not happen.

However, the party did not stop being suspicious, which is why they attacked the parliament security officer in “necessary self-defence”.

“We are told that the Parliamentary Security Service has been infiltrated by these groups and targeted the occasion of the Sona to execute the assassination. They hoped that the EFF caucus would be kicked out of the house using parliamentary security. The anticipated evil acts would then be carried out during these moments of chaos.

“When Malema and the EFF leadership were unreasonably stopped by these white shirts in parliament, after the house had been adjourned, we all thought this was the moment and reacted with the necessary self-defence. The event of a white security man in black and white, being pushed and clapped in the face, followed him violently pulling Malema from passing through the corridor doors of the national assembly,” said the party at the time.

Police Minister Bheki Cele’s office confirmed that they did indeed have information on such an attempt.

Spokesperson for the ministry of police, Reneilwe Serero, told TimesLive: “I can confirm that the ministry of police has received information on a threat on the CIC of the EFF [Malema]. I can only confirm the office receiving the threat. As for the timeline, I am not at liberty to say.”

Sudan Military And Civilians Agree To End Turmoil In The Country

Sudan protests

BBC|Sudan’s ruling military council and opposition leaders have signed a power-sharing accord after all-night talks.

It is a “historic moment” for the country, the deputy head of Sudan’s ruling military council, Mohamed Hamdan “Hemeti” Dagolo, is quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

Sudan has been in turmoil since the military ousted President Omar al-Bashir in April.

Protesters have been demanding the military hand power to civilians.

Those protests turned deadly in a crackdown on 3 June, when more than 100 people were reportedly killed. The two sides have agreed to rotate control of the sovereign council – the top tier of power – for just over three years.

That council will be made of five civilians, five military figures, and an 11th civilian, to be chosen by the 10 members.

State Capture Inquiry Takes New Twist As Zuma Reveals Details On Chris Hani Murder

Zuma dangled one of the most important pieces to the jigsaw puzzle around Chris Hani’s mysterious assassination.

Former president Jacob Zuma continues to give his testimony at the hearings of the judicial Commission of Inquiry in Allegations of State Capture, Corruption and Fraud in the Public Sector including Organs of State.

Shortly after he concluded his business at the State Capture Inquiry former president Jacob Zuma addressed his supporters outside the headquarters in Parktown, Johannesburg, and boy did he turn the knob on the ‘spy-infested’ ANC.

Jacob Zuma likens State Capture Inquiry to 1990 plot

After what seemed to be a bewildering restart to his testimony, Zuma doubled back on his intention to withdraw from testifying at the commission and told Deputy Chief Justice, Raymond Zondo that he would return to give his account once more in the near future.

Much of Zuma’s complaints were centred around this belief he has that the commission is somehow part of a plot to assassinate his character.

During his address to his supporters, he made correlations between former Public Protector, Thuli Madonsela’s move to establish the commission with the apparent 1990 plot to incinerate him politically.

Zuma charged that the term ‘State Capture’ was coined by Madonsela to signify her allegiance with the dark forces that have been on his trail for the past 29 years.

He further went on to state that the commission was a mere formality to draw him in so he could be treated as a suspect.

“Who sold out Chris Hani?” – Zuma

However, the most startling statement Zuma made came when he told a story about an assassination attempt against former leader of the SACP, Chris Hani.

Zuma revealed that if it was not for the then-General of the apartheid defence force, Hani’s home in Dawn Park, Boksburg, would have been bombed with him and his children in it.

“I’m asking a question. Who gave information about comrade Chris Hani’s house, that was saved by [the] General who said ‘no, if there are kids there‘? That is the question. Who has sold Chris Hani? Maybe one day the question will be answered, and I don’t want to get to many issues, ” Zuma said.

Zuma left the question hanging, perhaps purposefully so, to send a stern message to those it was intended for.

It is not clear when the president will return to the commission for further questioning.

When will the Zondo commission return?

The inquiry is expected to continue on Monday, 22 July, and will focus on the controversial Estina Empowerment Project.

Peter Moyo Hires Advocate Mpofu To Fight Old Mutual

Peter Moyo wearing a suit and tie
Peter Moyo

Fired Old Mutual chief executive Peter Moyo yesterday brought out legal heavyweights to challenge his dismissal from the company, charging that he was a victim of orchestrated machinations by the board and its chairperson, former finance minister Trevor Manuel. 

Moyo brought in EFF chairperson Dali Mpofu and advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi to lead his legal battle to get his job back after he was fired last month for alleged misconduct owing to the conflict of interest in his NMT Group. Even Judge Brian Mashile’s attempt to break the stalemate between Moyo and Old Mutual failed, because the legal teams could not find each other. Moyo was fired after he was found in breach of dividend payments of R115 million, of which the benefit to Moyo’s NMT, the investment company he founded, was about R31m. 

Moyo, who trained as a chartered accountant at KPMG in Zimbabwe, wants the company to temporarily reinstate him. Yesterday, he told the court that Old Mutual had abused its corporate power when he was unceremoniously fired last month after the board put him on suspension for weeks. Moyo accused the JSE-listed insurer of breaching its employment contract after firing him without following procedures as the company failed to lead neither a disciplinary nor an arbitration process. Mpofu said Moyo had been informed by a fellow director that Manuel was gunning for him for an inexplicable reason. 

He argued that the company broke its own conditions of employment. “That is a factor that shows this was about getting rid of a whistle-blower, Mr Moyo,” Mpofu argued. “It shows they rushed to a suspension only to victimise a man that raised impropriety.” Moyo accused Manuel of having a “triple conflict of interest” due to him overseeing the company’s separation of the South African business from its UK operations. Manuel was chairperson of Old Mutual Group SA, Old Mutual plc and advisory firm Rothschild & Co during the unbundling, which saw the company move the primary listing from the London Stock Exchange to the JSE. Moyo was handed a letter of termination a month after he was suspended in May.

 The board cited a breakdown in relation to trust and confidence. Mpofu said the claimed breakdown of the relations was artificially manufactured. “People refer their employers to the Commission for Conciliation Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) every day.” Mpofu said ahead of the termination, Moyo had requested for a moratorium of 48 hours on the termination, but the company ignored the request. “What kind of hate is that?” Mpofu asked. Manuel and Moyo were embroiled in a public spat with Moyo, saying that he was aggrieved his reputation had been decimated. Mpofu also asked the court to find the directors of the board delinquent under the Companies Act. 

“Delinquent is an understatement when it comes to the board,” Mpofu told Judge Brian Mashile. Old Mutual lawyer Hamilton Manjenje said the contract was based on confidence and trust. He said the compromise of its principles led to the breakdown in relations. “The contract places confidence and trust at the core of the contract,” said Manjenje. The case continues today.

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ZANU PF Picks Late MP’s Widow To Contest Same Constituency In By Election

ZANU-PF Matabeleland South Province has selected the widow of the late Mangwe MP, Obedingwa Mguni, Hlalani Mguni to represent the party in the upcoming by-election in the constituency.

The Nomination Court will sit on July 26 while the by-election will take place on September 7.

Mguni beat four other candidates that had submitted their applications for the post that was previously held by her husband who died last month at West End Clinic in Harare after a short illness.

Speaking in an interview after a Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting held yesterday, Zanu-PF Matabeleland South Chairman, Rabelani Choeni said the committee had deliberated and unanimously agreed that Mrs Mguni was the suitable candidate to represent the party.

“We had an emergency PCC meeting following the death of Obedingwa Mguni who was the MP for Mangwe Constituency.

A proclamation was made for us to select someone who will go to the nomination court and then represent us in the by election.

“We had five candidates namely Hlalani Madlala, Sindisiwe Nleya, Priscilla Moyo, Sikhalaza Ndlovu and Jabulani Edward Dube.

We went through their CVs and realised that three of them didn’t meet the necessary requirements which left us with two candidates Mrs Nleya and Mrs Mguni.

“We then discussed and came to a conclusion as the PCC that Mrs Mguni was the appropriate person to represent us in the by election,” he said.

Choeni said Nleya is currently Mangwe Rural District Council Chairperson and the committee concluded that this would interfere with her new role if selected.

He said the party was confident that Mguni would represent it well and ensure that Zanu-PF retains Mangwe Constituency seat.

“We will not be holding primaries as we have selected one candidate. From here we will wait for the nomination court and from there we move to the ground and campaign vigorously so that we retain the Mangwe seat.

“We have confidence in Mrs Madlala (Mguni) as she has been working closely with her late husband in the constituency as he was initiating development in the area.

“However, our success in retaining the seat doesn’t depend on her only but we will support her fully. In order for us to win we have to work tirelessly and that’s what we will do,” he said.

Also speaking in an interview after the meeting, Mguni expressed her gratitude to the party for entrusting her with such an important task.
She said she was committed to bringing development to the constituency just as her husband had done.

Warlords To Soon Take Over Running Of The Country

Colonel Samson Murombo

Zimbabwe will soon be run by War Lords who will drive the country to the level where Somalia is, political analysts have said.

South Africa based political analyst Fortune Mlalazi said the leaked audio between Auxilia Mnangagwa and Presidential Guard Commander Murombo clearly showed that the country was descending into a banana republic which is run by war lords instead of elected officials.

“If you listen analytically to the audio that was leaked by the army recently you will understand that you have a powerful clique of armed officials who are running politicians which is clearly against the constitution of the country which says they must be subservient to the civilian government. “Mlalazi said. “Remember that it is said when this Murombo guy was being moved from Dzivarasekwa to PG HQ he said he wants to go with his whole battalion of 5000 men. This shows you that there is a person who thinks he owns a battalion and can command them anytime which is typical of war lord system developing in the country.”

Constitutional lawyer Shephard Dube said what is peculiar about Zimbabwe’s war lords is that there are not only military leaders but there are political leaders running militias and have a command of some sections of the armed forces.

“You will have a person like Owen Mudha Ncube who runs an AlShabaab militia in Kwekwe that is responsible for terrorizing citizens and taking over mines. This powerful man in Midlands is known as the war lord of that area and nothing passes without his approval. And in their nature war lords run cartels that are for self-enrichment and not for the benefit of the state. So very soon we are going to see Zimbabwe fast sliding to the debris level of Somalia if the citizens do not stop these cartels from running down our motherland.”

“Highlanders FC Under Capture”

Ezra Tshisa Sibanda

By Ezra “Tshisa” Sibanda|Highlanders FC is captured, our club is being decayed while people are watching and doing nothing.

What has happened to our great club allowing dictaroial, bullying & divisive tendencies? We are Highlanders, we will never be threatened by the current Bosso leadership led by a chairman who is less than 5 years at the club.

Highlanders is the people’s team, supporters & members will always criticise when they see wrong things happening at this institution. When everything is going well, they also do likewise and praise the leadership. The current leadership is the worst ever and its just full of mediocrity.

Just read last Sunday’s minutes for the EGM. Former Bosso Secretary General Andrew Tapela requested the Executive to publish the perfomance of the flopping CEO. He asked them to furnish the house on whether bosso was now better off or worse ever since Dube took over.

Thandazani Zimbwa added that it was really not necessary to dwell on the matter since the executive had evaluated Dube’s perfomance which was shambolic and found him to be below what is expected of a CEO.

Mhlophe responded and said the CEO’s office had been a mess before Nhlanhla Dube arrived and said a lot of dirt was swept clean when Dube arrived.

The Chairman was loud & clear meaning Gumede was a failure and the biggest disaster at the club. We only had one CEO, which is Gumede, before Dube took over so lm shocked to hear that he was a flop.

To hide or cover up something or wrong doings at the club when you are in authority is a clear form of corruption and thats criminal. You dont deserve to lead that insititution and you are actually a danger to Bosso. What exactly was swept under the carpet? Be reminded that we are Highlanders, a football club and Bosso means a lot to our people.

Its not your private company and dirty needed to be exposed before sweeping it clean. However Mhlophe chose to sweep the dirty under the carpet, shocking, what wrong did Gumede do?

Finally about the so called aborted Egypt trip by Mhlophe & his Son. The chairman said he had withdrawn from the trip because his son had been “traumatised” by social media postings. He said he had no option but to abandon the trip but Thandazani again stood up and asked the chairman if he would abandon his leadership since there was bad publicity in social media about his part on the suspension of Modern Ngwenya and Israel Moyo.

Mhlophe then made a stunning summersault and said he had not abandoned the trip because of social media pressure but because of his son. The chairman even tried to mislead people by claiming he was buying his Son’s air ticket to Egypt. Some of the lies from this chairmam are embarrassing.

How do you buy an air ticket for someone on a chartered Plane yet its meant to carry the whole Zifa delegation for free and expenses covered by Zifa, why would your son of all the people pay, Retired General? Your lies and mismanagement are traumatising us baba Mhlophe!