Police have released names of 14 people who were killed in the Featherstone Bus Disaster last week. The 14 were part of the 19 who died in a head-on collision involving a commuter omnibus and a haulage truck at Wengezi Bridge last Friday.
The 14 are: Paidamoyo Dick, Nokutenda Nhau, Charity Chidende, Jesca Njanike, Gore Mujere, Sign Muteiwa, Francisca Madzamba, Munyaradzi Murwira, Webster Mutuimwe , Michael Zambuke, Patrick Chingwende and three children — Comfort Chirume (two months), Vanisa Kamabarami (two months) and Tinotenda Dudzai (0ne year).
The names were announced after the victims’ close relatives had been informed. Police are yet to publish names of the remaining five. All the 19 victims were travelling in the commuter omnibus.
Four others were seriously injured. Investigations are still in progress to establish the cause of the accident. No one has be charged yet.
On Friday, 16 people died on the spot, but the death toll rose on Saturday after three others succumbed to injuries while in hospital.State media
ZIFA yesterday issued an apology to Zimbabweans after the Warriors suffered a humiliating exit at the 2019 AFCON finals with the association saying bitter lessons have been picked from an adventure that promised so much but delivered very little.
The so-called Golden Generation, which was expected to become the first group of Warriors to reach the knockout stages of the Nations Cup after winning their qualifying group with ease, ended their campaign here bottom of the table with just a point to their credit.
A 0-4 mauling at the hands of the Democratic Republic of Congo, in their final match on Sunday, crushed the dreams of a nation which had backed its team to clear the final hurdle and book its place in the Round of 16.
That the Congolese had lost both their matches to Egypt and Uganda, conceding four goals, and had failed to score in either match, had boosted expectations among the Warriors, and their fans, that this was a mission the team would successfully complete.
Interestingly, the Warriors had taken four points, after beating the DRC 2-1 in Kinshasa, and drawing 1-1 in Harare, in the qualifiers but, when it came to the tournament, the Zimbabweans had no match for their Congolese counterparts on Sunday.
ZIFA, in a statement released by their spokesman Xolisani Gwesela, said they were sorry for what transpired here but said focus should be switched to building strong foundations to ensure success stories are written going forward.
‘’The Zimbabwe Football Association would like to apologise to all Zimbabweans following the Warriors’ unfortunate and painful group stage elimination from the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt,’’ the statement read.State media
The late Father Zimbabwe Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo invited to intervene in country’s economic woes
Zimbabweans should lobby the Catholic Church to declare Father Zimbabwe and former Vice President, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, a saint in honour of his contribution to humanity, an official said yesterday.
Yesterday marked 20 years since the death of Vice President Dr Nkomo. The Joshua Nkomo Legacy Restoration Trust (JNLRT) in partnership with Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) held a 20th anniversary celebration to mark his death.
The commemorations kicked off with a Dr Nkomo Legacy Walk which started in Mpopoma’s Mahomva shops, passing through Iminyela to his Pelandaba suburb house where there is the Joshua Nkomo Revolutionary House ending at White City Stadium where there was the main event.
The procession included drum majorettes and traditional dance ensemble groups among other members of the public.
The commemorations were running under the theme “I Am Because You Are” which was part of Dr Nkomo’s values to promote ubuntu.
Addressing delegates during the main event, acting ZTA chief executive officer Mrs Rita Likukuma said the country should write to Pope Francis requesting that Dr Nkomo be declared a saint.
She said Tanzanians have successfully lobbied for the same honour to be bestowed on their founding President, the late Julius Nyerere, because of his compassionate nature.
“This compassionate nature which he had is much alike that of the late Julius Nyerere, the late Tanzanian President who the Catholic Church is progressing into declaring a saint. And for a politician that is very unusual. But he is now in that category and just reading through the compassionate nature of Father Zimbabwe, I really think that someone must send word to Pope Francis, to say in him was a man of very good value. A family man, compassionate, peace maker, a person who had a lot of love for other people and I think these values need to be communicated further,” said Mrs Likukuma.
She said Dr Nkomo should be honoured for his belief as an embodiment of humanity hence ZTA’s partnership with the JNLRT to keep his works alive.
Mrs Likukuma said ZTA and the JNLRT are promoting the Joshua Nkomo Tourism Heritage Trails as a way of documenting and providing a narrative that will enhance Zimbabwe’s rich history as a nation.
He said the heritage could be a source of some of the country’s tourism income.
“Trails have become a new phenomenon not only in Africa but globally. As a nation we value our founding fathers for the role they played in liberating our great nation, hence our story as a nation can never be complete without their mention,” said Mrs Likukuma.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube said Dr Nkomo is an African revolutionary and a champion of peace whose values the public should continue aiming for.
She said the public should follow in the footsteps of Father Zimbabwe and his selfless nature.
“The heritage trail initiative seeks to trace the footprints and to pictorise the story of his life through heritage monuments for future generations to be able to trace the history of the revolution icon. This effort is part of the national heritage efforts to capture, remember and celebrate the totality of the Zimbabwean history, particularly those aspects of our history that inspire, motivate and educate future generations in order for them to be armed with their history and indeed be confident to face challenges of this day and the days to come,” said Cde Ncube.
She took a swipe at businesses that are profiteering through unjust price hikes of basic commodities and medicines.
JNLRT patron and Father Zimbabwe’s son, Mr Sibangilizwe Nkomo, lobbied that July 1 be declared a national holiday to honour Dr Nkomo and his compatriots who brought Zimbabwe’s independence.
“It’s been 10 years since we have been lobbying the Government to declare July 1 a public holiday. The day should be called the Joshua Nkomo and Liberators’ Day. This will be in honour of those who fought the armed struggle and those who assisted them because those who were armed were assisted by non-armed people as the liberation struggle was a collective effort. We will continue to lobby for this and we invite the public to join us in this,” said Mr Nkomo.
He said Dr Nkomo is the biblical light and salt of the nation whose contributions will never be erased.
Speaker after speaker praised Dr Nkomo as a founding father of Zimbabwe, with historian, war veteran and retired journalist Saul Gwakuba Ndlovu revealing that Father Zimbabwe was the first black man to leave his good job to pursue nationalist politics.-state media
The Chinese government is committed to ensuring that historical ties with Zimbabwe are mutually beneficial, Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Guo Shaochun has said.
He said China is making sure that businesses operating here do so within the confines of local laws.
“The Chinese government, in accordance with the laws and regulations, protects the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese enterprises and citizens. And at the same time, the government always requires them to abide by the laws and regulations of the host countries and respect local customs,” said Ambassador Guo in a statement.
The statement was in response to Norton legislator Temba Mliswa’s suggestion that the cooperation between Harare and Beijing was not beneficial to the latter in light of its economic challenges.
Mr Mliswa has been at war with Chinese company Sunny Yi Feng Tiles, which has a plant in his constituency.
On investment, Ambassador Guo said China was committed to investing in Zimbabwe in different facets of the country’s economy and cited the expansion of Victoria Falls International Airport, Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport, Kariba South Hydropower Station as some of the investments made by the Chinese government.
“In recent years, the Victoria Falls Airport Expansion Project, the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport Expansion Project, the Kariba South Hydropower Station Expansion Project, the Hwange Power Station Expansion Project and so on, which have been or are being built with concessional loans from China, have played an important role in improving infrastructure and self-sustaining capacity for the economic and social development of Zimbabwe. The projects involve more than $2 billion,” he said.
He added that China has extended a US$58 million to Zimbabwe to complete post cyclone re-construction and other projects.
“A few days ago, China decided to provide another new batch of grant of 400 million RMB (US$58 million) to Zimbabwe to help the country complete post-cyclone reconstruction and other important projects.
“It is not only logically absurd, but also morally untenable to simply blame that Zimbabwe’s economic difficulties can be attributed to China’s investment not being good for Zimbabwe. It is universally recognised that whether a country can get rid of poverty and achieve sustainable development mainly relies on its own efforts,” he said.
Responding to some accusation by Mliswa that during the construction of the new Parliament building, mineral extraction is the order of the day, the Ambassador said the parliament project in is financed by the grant from the Chinese Government.
“The New Parliament Project is a project financed by the grant from the Chinese government. It does not have any attached project, nor does it spend a single penny from the Zimbabwean government’s coffer.
“This project is a manifestation of the profound friendship between the two governments and the peoples of China and Zimbabwe and brooks no one’s smear or distorting,” he said.
He added that the two countries enjoy a profound traditional friendship.
“China-Zimbabwe relations will not be affected by slander or vilifying by any individual. The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe is firmly opposed to the move by certain individual or media to undermine the friendship and cooperation between the two countries through flinging abuses, fabricating rumours and malicious slander.
“This does no good to Zimbabwe’s own development. We sincerely hope that the Zimbabwean side will continue to create a more favourable environment for all foreign direct investment, including Chinese enterprises,” he added.
The two countries have always rendered each other strong support on issues concerning each other’s core interests.
On the tile plant Ambassador Shaochun said the Chinese embassy attaches importance to Mr Mliswa’s criticisms and proposals concerning the tiles factory and has since coordinated the two sides to solve the problem through dialogue and consultation on several occasions.
“With the facilitation of the Chinese embassy, the dialogue between the two sides is still going on and we expect it to produce positive results. If the relevant issues cannot be resolved through consultation, the two sides may settle them rationally through legal channels,” he said.-state media
Farai Dziva|In a tweet that has gone viral on social media Jonathan Moyo alleges that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all state universities in Zimbabwe, impregnated a university student.
Social Media platforms are awash with claims that Mnangagwa impregnated a university student who recently gave birth to a bouncing baby.
Moyo claimed that a student at one premier institution of higher learning was recently blessed with a child after she was impregnated by the Chancellor of her university.See tweet :
Farai Dziva|Reliable sources have exclusively disclosed that senior government officials- including CIO operatives have been implicated in the rampant looting of Cyclone Idai donations.
“Please don’t mention my name, I got the information from some government officials who need protection.
Theft of Cyclone Idai donations has landed CIOs in hot soup. So huge are the quantities allegedly stolen that Chimanimani residents call the scandal ‘ Cyclone Ibai’
A syndicate of government officials who stole Cyclone Idai relief in Chimanimani was busted.
Among the accused is a CIO operative called Marufu. The accused appeared in court. But their case is just a tip of the iceberg,”a source told Zim Eye.com yesterday.
” It is alleged that Marufu who used to be stationed in Chimanimani but is now in Chipinge teamed up with other government officials from the DA’ offices and on numerous occasions withdrew relief aid from Silverstream using fake names and converted them to personal use.
The syndicate used Mr Tsododo’ pick up truck to raid the warehouses. Tsododo hails from Biriiri in Chimanimani. Tsododo was given away by paper work at the warehouses.
When he was taken in for investigations he admitted he nailed the CIO guy and other government officials as the guys who withdrew the relief aid but never delivered it to the wards it was meant to go.
Lots of cover up attempts and intimidation from CIO but I am told Military Intelligence led the operation.”
Farai Dziva|A woman from Epworth has said she turned to thigh vending to save her sick mother.
The woman said she could not bear the pain of seeing her mother battling with illness.
” My mother is suffering from a kidney ailment so I cannot bear the pain of seeing her struggling,” said the woman.
Her mother is now visually impaired because she failed to access treatment in time.
“My mother needs nearly $2 000 (local currency) a month to undergo dialysis at public health institutions where there is always a queue and machines at times are either not working or are down because of current power shortages affecting the country,” she added.
Farai Dziva|Battle lines have been drawn for the Bikita East Ward 31 By-election.
The by-election will be held on 13 July 2019.
MDC and Zanu PF are seeking victory in the potentially explosive by-election.
Speaking on the by-election MDC national chairperson Tabitha Khumalo said :” We hope our candidate Mr Maphosa will will win.”
Zanu PF has also launched its campaign programme for the by-election.
“If the MDC wants to win the by-election, the party’s treasury must provide resources to buy regalia, money, fuel, vehicles, posters, food (for agents and campaign teams) and money to pay election agents,” said an MDC official.
Farai Dziva|Battle lines have been drawn for the Bikita East Ward 31 By-election.
The by-election will be held on 13 July 2019.
MDC and Zanu PF are seeking victory in the potentially explosive by-election.
Speaking on the by-election MDC national chairperson Tabitha Khumalo said :” We hope our candidate Mr Maphosa will will win.”
Zanu PF has also launched its campaign programme for the by-election.
“If the MDC wants to win the by-election, the party’s treasury must provide resources to buy regalia, money, fuel, vehicles, posters, food (for agents and campaign teams) and money to pay election agents,” said an MDC official.
By Own Correspondent- Zanu PF national political commissar and deputy defense minister, Victor Matemadanda, has said that there is a possibility that individuals who are being accused of conducting underhand dealings to sabotage efforts to revive the economy, were indeed corrupt.
He urged those on the list to prove their innocence.
Matemadanda’s remarks come after the ZANU PF youth league released a list of names of individuals including top party, business and government officials accusing them of choking president Mnangagwa’s efforts to resuscitate the economy through corrupt dealings including illegal forex trading.
The list which nearly caused a fist fight during a politburo meeting featured prominent names including Obert Mpofu, Prisca Mupfumira and Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe boss John Mangudya.
Addressing a Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Coordinating Committee (PCC) meeting recently, Matemadanda said that no one was supposed to get angry.
He said those implicated should instead clear their names since corruption is a decay to be dealt with.
He said:
Prove your innocence. Corruption is a rot which we need to get rid off. Chiripo chiripo imbwa haihukuri sadza. Where there is smoke there is fire.
How can we develop when we are corrupt? We need you to clear your names because right now no one has said you are guilty.
Our constitution is clear that everyone is innocent until proven guilty so all those who have been named should prove their innocence.
He called upon president Mnangagwa to relieve corrupt and under performing public officials of their duties.-ZimMorningPost
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) today responded to Tajamuka’s calls for a peaceful stay away by deploying armed and plain clothed security officers to thwart any violent demonstrations.
Unlike in January when security forces were largely caught unawares by spontaneous protests, this time they have seemingly been prepared for any riots.
Pressure group, Tajamuka had, since last week been sending messages on social media platforms calling for citizens to protests over the ever-deteriorating socio-economic situation in the country.
In a statement circulating on social media, Tajamuka wrote:Mnangagwa has two choices, (either) to resign or allow Zimbabwe to move forward or to convene an all-inclusive dialogue, encompassing all Zimbabweans with an independent mediator.
If Mnangagwa does not respect the orders, the people of Zimbabwe will have no choice, but to come out of their houses on July 6 and march to State House in Harare. For other cities, we will advise where to assemble.
The main labour body in the country, the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), which is credited with organising the January protests, distanced itself from Tajamuka’s latest calls.
By Nyasha Sengayi| We want to understand why the church is silent on the Walter Magaya rape allegations. Why haven’t they attempted to at least add their voice or investigate what is happening in that church.
Zimbabwe Council of churches ,where are you ? Evangelical Fellowship in Zimbabwe so this is it. .several allegations are raised concerning a church and we don’t hear from your organs?
Even other churches are not willing to castigate such practice publicly: unless of course they understand that , you can’t bring down someone’s hustle.
The silence of the church is very loud on this issue. For years we organised work around getting mapostori to end child marriages. Action which we eventually made milestones from. We are not yet there but child marriages are declining in the apostolic sect movement through work done by the UDACIZA – a group of apostolic churches. They were so intentional about correcting their mistake ..
I am therefore appalled by the way the Pentecostal movement in this country has deliberately avoided the regulatory route on a lot of things happening in their church including the issue of money laundering.
The sex scandals of the Pentecostal church leaves a lot to be desired. The body representing them must at least investigate such misconduct whether they have been spewed in rumor form or not.
We need these organs to fish out where the smoke on Magaya is coming from. An added responsibility to them would be for them to at least speak out against rife abuse in the church. Paul Kagame was right on state control of the church.. .
Whilst we are still searching for statistical evidence of women who have been abused in the church – (which was supposed to be their job) – we need action from these bodies. If anything this is what they should exist for.
By A Correspondent- Energy and Power Development minister, Fortune Chasi has proposed an increase in the tariffs of electricity arguing that there is a mismatch in the cost of electricity and the costs incurred by the parastatal during procurement.
Chasi who has been tasked with overseeing the energy situation, at a time when citizens are experiencing 18-hour power cuts per day has said that the current tariffs are too low and need to be raised to reasonable levels.
He warned that the days of free electricity for government entities and senior government officials are over.
He said:
Zesa has a legal obligation to cut its loses. It cannot continue to supply power to people who do not pay. Switching off non paying consumers is a real option. Be warned. This is regardless of what or who you are.
The tariff must be cost reflective. The current tariff bares no semblance whatsoever to the actual cost of procuring power. It must. There must be a new philosophy around the tariff. Cost reflectivity is an essential ingredient.
In the past, the government had turned down all proposals to hike the tariffs citing that it would create a burden on citizens.
By Nomusa Garikai: “If you look at the Zimbabwean crisis in the last 20 years, the Central Bank has been at the epicentre of the distortions. Some of you might not know that during the GNU we didn’t have the central bank.
Yes, it was there at number 180 Samora Machel (RBZ building) but in reality was not operational,” boasted MDC VP, Tendai Biti.
“Government accounts were kept at the CBZ who
treated us like a commercial client. So, I couldn’t run an overdraft facility
because John Mangudya (now RBZ Governor) would say ‘Minister you can’t do
that’.
“Government accounts were only moved to
Central Bank in April of 2014, but we survived, and we ran the economy well.
The figures speak for themselves.”
The truth is the Zimbabwe economy had ground to a halt because of the hyper inflation, political chaos and other reasons. Scrapping the Z$ brought down the hyperinflation from 500 billion % to single digit.
Sadly no meaningful political reforms were implemented in five years and hence the reason the economy never really recovered, companies did not reopen, for example.
The primary task of the GNU was to implement the democratic reforms and thus dismantle the Zanu PF dictatorship, the root cause of the political chaos.
Tendai Biti and company failed to get even one meaningful reform implemented in five years and the only reason for it was that MDC leaders sold-out.
It is no secret that Mugabe bribed the MDC leaders
with the trappings of high office, the ministerial limos, the generous salaries
and allowances, a $4 million Highlands mansion for Tsvangirai, etc. And in
return, MDC leaders kicked the reforms out of the window.
If MDC leaders had implemented the reforms during
the GNU the 2013 elections and last year’s elections would have been free, fair
and credible. Indeed, MDC leaders have continued to participate in elections
even when they knew Zanu PF was rigging the elections.
“The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree
a coalition was that both MDCs couldn’t now do the obvious – withdraw from the
(2013) elections,” wrote Senator David Coltart, in his book.
“The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal,
that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold
Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that
neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections,
winning seats and giving the process credibility.”
It was a feeble excuse because four of the main MDC factions did merge before last year’s elections and they still participated in these elections knowing fully well Zanu PF was rigging the elections.
Zanu PF did not even produce something as basic as a verified voters’ roll and still MDC participated regardless.
“Legitimacy is an issue – last year’s
elections were illegal, and not free and fair. All reasonable observers concede
that,” admitted David Coltart last week.
Nelson Chamisa, Tendai Biti, David Coltart and the
rest of the MDC leadership have been calling for the holding of a political
dialogue with Mnangagwa which culminate in power sharing transition authority,
comparable to the 2008 to 2013 GNU. Just another foolish idea from MDC for
three reasons:
If we agree that last year’s elections were “illegal, and not free and fair”, which is a historic fact, then an illegal process cannot produce a legitimate result. Neither Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF nor Chamisa and his MDC can claim to be legitimate ruling party or opposition party respectively. It is laughable that the two political parties can now be so presumptuous and arrogant as to believe they can declare themselves legitimate and share the spoils of political office, especial when it was them who had conspired to rig the elections and deny the people the vote.
Political legitimacy
is derived from winning the popular vote in a free, fair and credible
elections. This is a principle at the very heart of democratic elections and
one that must never ever be compromised particularly by those with the
propensity to rig elections.
Whilst there
were significant short-term improvements in the economic situation following
the formation of the 2008 GNU, there will be no such improvements this time
because economic realities are different. There were no medium and long term
economic recovery last time because the underlying political problems were
never addressed; the same will happen again this time.
Whilst MDC
leaders have said one of the tasks of the TA will be implement the reforms; it
must be noted that the two political parties were in the 2008 GNU and they
failed to get even one reform implemented; there is nothing to suggest this
will happen this time.
Zimbabwe is in this economic and political mess because the country has been stuck with a corrupt, incompetent and vote rigging Zanu PF complete with an equally corrupt and useless MDC.
The only sure way to get out of the mess is by making sure the country has a competent, accountable and legitimate government. Zanu PF must step down to allow the implementation of the reforms, the pre-requisite for free, fair and credible elections.
“We ran the economy well, the figures speak for
themselves!” For the umpteenth time Tendai Biti; Zimbabwe’s political and
economic mess will never be resolved by addressing the economic problems alone
whilst ignoring the underlying political problems of bad governance! You need
to look at the bigger picture, it tells a totally different reality – a nation
stuck in a vicious cycle and sinking deeper and deeper into the abyss. The
economic mess and political paralysis speak volumes for themselves!
By Own Correspondent- A warrant of arrest has been issued for a Bulawayo man who allegedly interfered with first lady Auxilia Mnangagwa’s motorcade in the city last month.
41-year-old Thulani Zibonele Sibanda was promptly arrested by two police officers at the traffic lights along Robert Mugabe Way where the incident took place.
Police documents show that Sibanda jumped on to the road carrying two stones and had the intention of hitting the motorcade which was on its way to the Joshua Nkomo International Airport.
He appeared in court on June 19 charged under the Criminal Law and Codification Act for “disorderly conduct” and was granted free bail.
Having failed to appear in court on June 21 as had been scheduled, regional magistrate Franklin Mkhwananzi issued the arrest warrant.
When Police officers visited Sibanda’s supplied address, the accused could not be located raising concerns that he has fled the country.-TimesLive
By Own Correspondent- The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe has issued a statement expressing concern over comments by Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, over Zimbabwe-China relations.
The state media reported that Mliswa is pushing for the deportation of a Chinese national at Sunny Yi Feng Tiles factory in Norton and he suggested that Sino-Zimbabwe relations were detrimental to Zimbabwe.
Below is the full statement, issued by the Embassy last night:
Recently, Temba P. Mliswa, the MP of Norton, has made a series of accusations against the Sunny Yi Feng Tiles Factory (Zimbabwe), a project by a Chinese company in Zimbabwe. The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe attaches importance to this and hereby makes the following statement:
The Chinese government, in accordance with the laws and regulations, protects the legitimate rights and interests of overseas Chinese enterprises and citizens. And at the same time, the Government always requires them to abide by the laws and regulations of the host countries and respect local customs.
The Chinese embassy attaches importance to MP Mliswa’s criticisms and proposals concerning the tiles factory and has since coordinated the two sides to solve the problem through dialogue and consultation on several occasions. With the facilitation of the Chinese embassy, the dialogue between the two sides is still going on and we expect it to produce positive results. If the relevant issues cannot be resolved through consultation, the two sides may settle them rationally through legal channels.
The Chinese embassy has also noted with serious concerns some remarks made by MP Mliswa concerning China-Zimbabwe cooperation. Mainly two points are: 1.If Chinese investment is so good for Zim, why is the Zimbabwean economy still struggling? 2. During the construction of the new Parly building, mineral extraction is the order of the day.
The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe solemnly makes the statements as follows in response:
To do its utmost to help Zimbabwe and its people is China’s foreign policy towards Zimbabwe. In recent years, The Victoria Falls Airport Expansion Project, the Mugabe International Airport Expansion Project, the Kariba South Hydro-power Station Expansion Project, the Hwange Power Station Expansion Project and so on, which have been or are being built with concessional loans from China, have played an important role in improving infrastructure and self-sustaining capacity for the economic and social development of Zimbabwe. The projects involve more than $2 billion.
A few days ago, China decided to provide another new batch of grant of 400 million RMB (58 million US dollars) to Zimbabwe to help the country complete post-cyclone reconstruction and other important projects. It is not only logically absurd, but also morally untenable to simply blame that Zimbabwe’s economic difficulty can be attributed to that China’s investment is not good for Zimbabwe. It is universally recognized that whether a country can get rid of poverty and achieve sustainable development mainly relies on its own efforts.
The New Parliament Project is a project financed by the grant from the Chinese government. It does not have any attached project, nor does it spend a single penny from the Zimbabwean government’s coffer. This project is a manifestation of the profound friendship between the two governments and the peoples of China and Zimbabwe and brooks no one’s smear or distorting.
China and Zimbabwe enjoy a profound traditional friendship. The two sides have always rendered each other strong support on issues concerning each other’s core interests. China-Zimbabwe relations will not be affected by slander or vilifying by any individual. The Chinese embassy in Zimbabwe is firmly opposed to the move by certain individual or media to undermine the friendship and cooperation between the two countries through flinging abuses, fabricating rumors and malicious slander. This does no good to Zimbabwe’s own development. We sincerely hope that the Zimbabwean side will continue to create a more favorable environment for all foreign direct investment, including Chinese enterprises.
By Nomusa Garikai: The Zanu PF propaganda machine has gone into
overdrive in a rearguard action to justify the regime’s decision to reverse the
2009 decision to allow a basket of foreign currencies as legal tender.
“These (foreign currency) controls allow countries to better manage their economies by controlling the in-flow and out-flow of currency, which may otherwise create exchange rate volatility.
Countries with weak and/or developing economies generally use foreign exchange controls to limit speculation against their currencies,” wrote Conway Tutani.
What the apologist is ignoring is that Zimbabwe experience its worst (so far, we have just started another phase and God only knows the new heights we will scale) local currency exchange rate volatility in the period 2000 to 2008. Hyper inflation peaked at a world record of 500 billion % and Z$ 35 quadrillion, ie 35×10^24 or 35 followed by 24 zeros, was worth US$1!
The Z$ was the only legal tender and so it was not the foreign currency that fuelled the hyper inflation but the Zimbabwe’s own voodoo economic policies such as the madness of printing of more Z$ in bigger and bigger denominations.
The people lost confidence in the Z$ because it was worthless and so most economic activities ground to a halt, companies closed, shop shelves were empty, people’s savings and pensions were wiped out and millions of Zimbabweans were thrown into abject poverty.
The Zimbabwe economy has never fully recovered from the economic chaos of the hyperinflation years ending November 2008; unemployment soared to 90% and has never fallen below 80% and millions of Zimbabwe still live in abject poverty to this day.
In November 2008 the worthless Z$ was scrapped and
people were allowed to trade freely using a basket of foreign currency.
Overnight inflation dropped to single digit, the shop shelves started to fill
up with imported goods (it required a lot more than relaxing trade in foreign
currency to kick start the collapse agricultural sector and industrial
production).
Zanu PF has stealthily re-introduced the local
currency to be used along side the basket of foreign currency. The regime has
slowly started to inject more and more of the local currency into the economy;
the regime has been straining on its leash, it temptation to revert to its old
way of printing money was too much, and now it has broken the leash.
In January the monthly inflation rate was 5% or so and today, six months latter, it has already soared to 100%! The days of hyper inflation are back alright. The local currency is now losing half its value every month and there is worse to come as the inflation rate is growing exponential.
It is not surprising that some people are already refusing to be paid in local currency and government’s own workers, teachers nurses and soldiers, have been demanding that their wages must be paid in US$!
Zanu PF has decided to banish the use of the
foreign currency as legal tender to force people to accept the local currency
as the only legal tender. Economic activities will slow down just as happened
during the 2000 to 2008 hyper inflation years; people would rather hang on to
what they have than sell and be paid in worthless money!
“Zimbabwe needs its own official currency, period.
This obsession with the US dollar is unsustainable from an economic point of
view. The US dollar should be traded in banks only. We need our own currency
going forward,” continued Tutani (foaming and frothing).
“The price madness should be stopped by market
forces as usage of the Zim dollar increases. It’s a process, not an event as
some sections of the media are making it out to be with headlines screaming
failure.
“It’s up to us to make the Zimbabwe dollar work —
it’s all in our hands.”
Who is “us”? Ordinary Zimbabweans did not have any
meaningful say in the imposition of this policy or anything else for that
matter. The imposition of a worthless currency is already having a disastrous
effect on the nation and is doomed to fail and all you are already blaming the
people for it!
Zimbabwe is not a healthy and functioning
democratic nation, in which the ordinary people have a meaningful say in the
governance of the country. Indeed, Zimbabwe would not be stuck in this mess
with this corrupt and incompetent Zanu PF dictatorship for 39 years if the
people had power to remove the regime in free, fair and credible elections. It
is a matter of public record that Zanu PF rigged last year’s years, even the
regime’s own partners in the vote rigging crime, the MDC Alliance are finally
openly admitting it.
“Legitimacy is an issue – last year’s
elections were illegal, and not free and fair. All reasonable observers concede
that,” admitted David Coltart, MDC Alliance Treasurer General.
It has taken Nelson Chamisa and his MDC Alliances
friend nearly a year before they finally admitted that last year’s elections
were indeed flawed and illegal and Mnangagwa and his Zanu PF are, per se,
illegitimate. Now the cat is out of the bag, all the other Zimbabwe opposition
minions who dutifully endorse Mnangagwa as legitimate are under pressure to
renege their cock and bull nonsense.
The people of Zimbabwe must do is to make sure
those responsible for this Z$ fiasco and the country’s economic mess – Minister
Mthuli Ncube, President Mnangagwa, Zanu PF apologists like Conway Tutani and
the rest of Zanu PF regime – are finally held to democratic account.
If we are ever to got out of this hell-on-earth of
worthless money, economic chaos and political paralysis of illegitimate
government Zanu PF has dragged us into; we are must end the curse of
rigged elections. We must make sure the next are free, fair and credible and
for that to happen Zanu PF must step down to allow the implementing of the
democratic reforms to dismantle the regime’s carte blanche dictatorial
powers.
“It’s up to us to make the Zimbabwe dollar work!”
So, the regime imposed the Z$ and we, the voiceless quadrillionaire victims of
the tyrannical regime’s corrupt and blundering incompetence, are to blame for
Z$’s doomed failure! How convenient!
By A Correspondent- A Zimbabwean man is under prosecution after he allegedly questioned some ruling ZANU PF party sympathisers’ support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a time when he stands accused of presiding over the collapse of the economy.
The Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights said:
“38 year-old Morgan Muchemwa of Rushinga in Mashonaland Central province recently appeared before Magistrate Tendai Chifamba at Mt Darwin Magistrates Court answering to charges of undermining authority of or insulting the president as defined in section 33(2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
In court, prosecutors claimed that Muchemwa publicly, unlawfully and intentionally made an abusive indecent or obscene statement about or concerning President Mnangagwa on 25 May 2019 at Marymount Business Centre in Rushinga by blaming him for presiding over the suffering being endured by Zimbabweans.
The unemployed Muchemwa, who is represented by Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), allegedly acted unlawfully when he told three ZANU PF party supporters namely Hazvinei Zhiwau, Chipo Chiunje and Natty Kajengo, who were on their way to attend a political party meeting at Bopoma Primary School, that they were wasting their time in lending support to President Mnangagwa and his ZANU PF party.
Muchemwa, who denies the charge returns to court on Monday 22 July 2019 after he was remanded out of custody to allow prosecutors to obtain authority to prosecute from Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi.
Meanwhile, Brian Kembo, an opposition MDC party Councillor for Ward 3 in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province, who was charged with disorderly conduct after he allegedly stated that President Mnangagwa is liable for causing stress among citizens and for authoring the country’s economic crisis, has been set free.
Kembo was set free after a Bindura Magistrate upheld his application for exception to the charges after her lawyer Idirashe Chikomba of ZLHR argued that the charge of disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act was inconsistent with the facts and the warned and cautioned statement recorded from him.
The Magistrate ordered the State to proceed by issuing summons if it intends to pursue the prosecution of Kembo.
To all Zimbabweans locally and abroad, Zapu, through the department of Mass Mobilisation and Organnisation advises former Zapu members, new members, the suffering masses, veterans of the struggle, the detainees, restrictees, collaborators and the new generation to come and join ZAPU to rescue our Country, which has been in the wrong hands since 1980.
We are under militarised administration instead of a civilian government since end of 2017.
We want to bring Zimbabwe to its once anticipated state of brilliance economically, socially and politically.
We urge all the suffering masses to come and join ZAPU which is a National Liberation and Rights movement of choice, one of the only five authentic liberation movements of the struggle times and start to free ourselves.
Let us join the struggle by belonging to ZAPU structures at Branch level, District and Provincial Level and start planning effectively for 2023 General Election which is our target.
Membership is open to all Zimbabweans who subscribes to our ideological programme and those who want to see good governance, zero tolerance to all forms of corruption, respect for, promotion and protection of human and people’s rights and sanctity of life, upholding of democratic processes and electoral integrity.
To the younger generation this is your time come and join the struggle, support and perpetuate the vision of Zapu which was highjacked and destroyed at independence by pretenders.
ZAPU is your hope and the future, complete with an ideology and policy to free and equalize every single citizen before law and creator.
We urge you where ever you are to come home to ZAPU. We also urge all eligible to register to vote at your local ZEC offices and mobile registration stations around the country.
Not only does registering to vote give right to cast ballots in an election but it also determines the percentage of the national resources our provinces get.
To those who continue to be fooled through the so called Unity Accord by pretenders and sellouts, ZAPU pulled out in 2009 through a resolution at the 2009 McDonald’s Hall Special Convention, Bulawayo and subsequent 2010 Congress at ZITF, also in Bulawayo. These political processes were requisite for a reversal of the 1987 so called unity pact, which we have always viewed as a surrender document. The processes were done above board and as a result even the pretenders in ZANU PF failed to find legal grounds to challenge the pullout.
As such ZAPU is a stand alone political party with no pact of any form with any other political party, institutions or individuals at the moment.
We only commemorate the end of a physical genocide on ZAPU supporters and followers on 22 December. We do not celebrate the so called unity that has never existed in this country. Unity in terms of the oppressor and genocidist is no unity at all. It is not worth celebrating.
Do not continue beleiving in lies of the pretending murderers, looters, corrupt liars, incompetent economists&administrators and thieves in government.
Come Join ZAPU today and belong to ZAPU a structure. Visit the ZAPU office or get in touch with any member near you.
*Inserted by – ZAPU Department of Information and Publicity.
By A Correspondent- Reliable sources have exclusively disclosed that senior government officials- including CIO operatives have been implicated in the rampant looting of Cyclone Idai donations.
“Please don’t mention my name, I got the information from some sources who need protection.
Theft of Cyclone Idai donations has landed CIOs in hot soup. So huge are the quantities allegedly stolen that Chimanimani residents call the scandal ‘ Cyclone Ibai’
A syndicate of government officials who stole Cyclone Idai relief in Chimanimani was busted.
Among the accused is a CIO operative called Marufu. The accused appeared in court. But their case is just a tip of the iceberg,”a source told Zim Eye.com yesterday.
” It is alleged that Marufu who used to be stationed in Chimanimani but is now in Chipinge teamed up with other government officials from the DA’ offices and on numerous occasions withdrew relief aid from Silverstream using fake names and converted them to personal use.
The syndicate used Mr Tsododo’ pick up truck to raid the warehouses. Tsododo hails from Biriiri in Chimanimani. Tsododo was given away by paper work at the warehouses.
When he was taken in for investigations he admitted he nailed the CIO guy and other government officials as the guys who withdrew the relief aid but never delivered it to the wards it was meant to go.
Lots of cover up attempts and intimidation from CIO but I am told Military Intelligence led the operation.”
It was actually a monumental mistake for the so called President to be involved in fundraising for the team and the cursed scarf that was auctioned during the fundraising was the reason why the team couldn’t perform well. What did you except to gain from a Ndunge scarf?
Some Zimbabweans without proper documentation were denied entry into Zambia last week as the neighbouring reacted to the confiscation of maize by Zimbabwean authorities following the introduction of Statutory Instrument 145 that gives the Grain Marketing Board the sole right to buy and sell maize.
Many Zimbabweans also flock to Zambia in order to receive cheaper healthcare.
But last week, some Zimbabweans were denied entry into Zambia where they wanted medical attention at Mutenderi Mission Hospital following the confiscation of maize destined to Zambia by Zimbabwe authorities who wanted to make the law work.
Most Zimbabweans have snubbed selling maize to the GMB, accusing the parastatal of underpaying them for their maize, resulting in most of the maize finding its way into Zambia, mostly in areas bordering Zimbabwe. Zambians also visit Zimbabwe to buy maize for resale in their country due to the fall in the RTGS$ value against the US dollar.
But after the introduction of the new law, Zimbabwe started confiscating the maize destined for Zambia, triggering a war, with Zambians retaliating by denying Zimbabweans without proper documentation entry into their country.
“We were denied entry into Zambia after we had hired a local taxi, as we used to do without hassles here. We were caught off guard as Zambians said they were also effecting their laws, without even a humanitarian face. They are not happy about what happened to their countrymen and women over the maize taken away by authorities,’ said Thomas Ranganai, who had accompanied his ailing brother, Edward Ranganai, for treatment.
The elder Ranganai had gone to Zambia for his tuberculosis review from rural Nyamakate.
Another woman, Sarudzai Chidenga of Hurungwe, who had a teenage daughter suffering from suspected cancer, said she had hoped for better medication at Mutenderi Hospital, in Zambia.
“We have been to several public hospitals without joy, and our last hope has been dashed following this standoff as Zambians are no longer lenient to us,” she narrated, as her taxi was turned away.
Of late, the majority of locals have been selling maize as well as oranges to Zambia, which is also facing a maize deficit following the drought that hit southern Africa.
An official at Chirundu border-post confirmed the “stand-off” which he said was unfortunate.
‘The challenge is that we have to implement the law, but it has challenges. As a country, we have poor social services for citizens,” said the official, speaking on condition that he was not named.
There was no immediate comment from both Zambian and Zimbabwean authorities at the time of going to print.
Last week, Lands, Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement minister retired Air Marshall Perrence Shiri enacted Statutory Instrument 145 of 2019 (Grain Marketing Control of Sale of Maize Regulations, 2019) that bans the buying and selling of maize among unauthorised persons in Zimbabwe.
The SI prohibits anyone or company or entity from buying and selling maize. Transportation of bulk maize from one area to another is also prohibited.
A warrant of arrest has been issued for a Bulawayo man who obstructed first lady Auxilia Mnangagwa’s motorcade in the city last month.
Thulani Zibonele Sibanda‚ 41‚ was initially arrested by two police officers at traffic lights along Robert Mugabe Way while the first lady and her team were driving towards the Joshua Nkomo International Airport.
According to police documents‚ Sibanda jumped on to the road carrying two stones and had the intention of hitting the motorcade.
He appeared in court on June 19 charged under the Criminal Law and Codification Act for “disorderly conduct” and was granted free bail. His next court date was set as June 21. However‚ he did not appear for the next hearing‚ prompting regional magistrate Franklin Mkhwananzi to issue the arrest warrant.
Police officers have since visited Sibanda’s supplied address but he is nowhere to be found. Fears are that he has skipped the country.
In Zimbabwe‚ obstructing a presidential motorcade carries a custodial sentence or fine.
Last month‚ the ministry of information and publicity was forced to issue a warning to motorists and pedestrians to fully co-operate with law enforcement agents when there is a presidential motorcade in motion. This was after President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s motorcade was involved in minor accidents.
“In the past week‚ there have been two incidents where two motorists have obstructed the presidential motorcade‚ therefore endangering the life of the principal (Mnangagwa)‚ the public‚ the escorting security and themselves. May we encourage commuting motorists to co-operate with law enforcement support teams‚” the ministry said.
Finance Permanent Secretary George Guvamatanga has said that the US$10 payment for Eskom will actually go through today. This comes a few days after Eskom humiliated the government by refuting the government’s claims that it had paid off the debt.
Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Finance, Guvamatanga said that Chasi had not lied because
…when a budget has been approved, from the Minister’s perspective, the payment has been done.
A few weeks ago, energy minister Fortune Chasi told a post-Cabinet press conference that government had paid Eskom US$10m towards its outstanding debt in an effort to unlock further power supplies amid a crippling power deficit.
But the money has reportedly not reached Eskom’s bank accounts, with the latter issuing a statement on its position late last week.
Zimbabwe, which according to power utility Zesa was producing 1200MW as of Sunday, needs at least 1700MW per day to meet demand. Over the years it has relied on Eskom and Mozambique’s HCB for additional power.
However, a combined debt of US$83m to the two entities had meant limited supply of just 50MW from each.
Eskom indicated in its recent statement that only once Eskom has received the funds, will it enter into further discussions with Zesa.
Ncube told a Zimbabwean Parliamentary committee on budget and finance that the payment would go through on Monday.
He added that the payment, however, still had to go through banking processes, which can take up to seven days.
The Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) has issued a sstatement following the national team’s early dismissal from the Afcon 2019.
The Warriors suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat to DRC on Sunday to crush out of the tournament with just one point and also finished at the bottom of Group A.
Here is the statement:
The Zimbabwe Football Association (ZIFA) would like to apologise to all Zimbabweans following the Warriors’ unfortunate and painful group stage elimination from the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.
ZIFA is equally heartbroken because the intention was for the team to go further than the group stage and make history for our country. All efforts had been harnessed towards that goal.
Further, ZIFA appreciates the commitment and efforts of all the players and the technical team during the tour of duty.
The Association believes that the technical team, players and the officials fell while trying their best and would like to thank them for being our ambassadors.
In addition, ZIFA would like to thank the nation, supporters and all stakeholders who contributed in many different ways towards the team’s participation in Africa’s most prestigious tournament.
As the team heads back home, ZIFA will take time to introspect and lay a foundation for a better football future in order to guarantee better performances at such high profile tournaments.
Furthermore, ZIFA would like to specifically thank His Excellency, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the entire government, our parent ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Recreation, the Sport and RecreationCommission, the Warriors fundraising committee chaired by the Hon. Minister Kazembe Kazembe, sponsors and partners for the roles they played to make this campaign possible.
In conclusion, it is ZIFA’s firm belief that the review exercise should take a sober approach that is not clouded by a lot of emotions.
Minister of Energy and Power Development Fortune Chasi (file photo).
Energy and Power Development Minister, Fortune Chasi has made it clear that Zimbabweans deserved to have their power disconnected as most of them have failed to service their electricity bills which has seen the power utility company, ZESA sinking into huge debts.
Posting on his twitter on Monday, Chasi raised the ire of Zimbabweans who have had to make do with more than 10 hours without power as ZESA says power generation at major power stations remains low due to a number of factors that include low water levels.
“ZESA has a legal obligation to cut its loses. It cannot continue to supply power to people who do not pay. Switching off non-paying consumers is a real option. Be warned. This is regardless of what or who you are,” Chasi said.
This raged a storm with some people claiming that they use pre-paid meters hence they do not deserve to be cut off.
Lawyer and former Member of Parliament, Jessie Majome replied: “… by the same token a’sekuru ZESA should deliver the power to us who pre-pay, the pre-paid public must cut its losses too – should it continue paying to a utility that does not supply and why please doesn’t ZESA simply apply the law of contract on non-payers – cease supply and sue?”
Linda Masarira, president of LEAD said ZESA was inept in its approach as it exonerates Zanu-PF big wigs fingered in non-payment of their bills.
“ZESA once produced a list of those who do not pay for electricity and most of them were @ZANUPF_Official senior members and government departments. Put your house in order and tell your bosses to pay their bills and stop being hypocritical about it,” she said.
The power situation in the country has threatened to derail the little business from a few industries who have stood firm in this economic quagmire.
Chasi recently caused a storm after he claimed that the power company had paid US$10 million to ESKOM of South Africa meant to service its debt only for the company to deny ever receiving the payments, a move which forced Chasi to apologise while shifting the blame on Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube and Reserve Bank Governor, John Mangudya.
The opposition MDC Youth Chairperson Obey Tererai Sithole has been involved in a traffic accident near Norton, 40 km outside the capital city Harare.
The fierce government critic was in the company of five other Youth Assembly leaders when his car was involved in a head-on collision with another vehicle whose driver quickly left the accident scene leaving Sithole to deal with police officers.
The MDC Youth Assembly is not ruling out an invisible hand in the accident, though there is no concrete evidence so far.
Sithole has had a brush with the law enforcement agents and a few weeks ago he was taken for questioning over his remarks that they will force President Emmerson Mnangagwa out of power.
Zimbabwean from all walks of life snubbed the #ShutdownZimbabwe call by Tajamuka/Sesijikile which was set to commence on Monday till Friday.
Reports coming from Harare indicate it is business as usual with all shops and transport operators conducting their day to day services. However, there was presence of heavily armed security forces patrolling the CBD.
All schools across Bulawayo and other provinces were open and it was business as usual throughout the city.
Promise Mkwananzi has blamed intimidation of citizens as the reason for the failure of the demonstration.
“You can’t intimidate the people forever. You have to fix the problems the people are highlighting. Stop wasting money buying arms and fuel to disperse people. Fix the economy. Fix the politics, “he said.
Entrepreneur Kuda Musasiwa says the Tajamuka leaders should read the mood of the people.
“I hope my brother and other #Tajamuka comrades learn 2 things after another flop stay away
1) this isn’t 2016
2) unilateral actions without others doesn’t work
3) people want a definitive outcome not just another public holiday
4) people are terrified after Feb.”
ZCTU,ARTUZ and other workers unions distanced themselves from the planned stayaway.
Ntabazinduna Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has extended a hand of invitation to Deputy Minister of Industry Rajesh Kumar Indukant Modi for a meal of Inhloko at the sacred Ntabazinduna mountain in recognition of his work in assisting Cherish Muchegwa who was mauled by five dogs in Bulawayo.
Modi had posted on Twitter that, “Cherish Muchegwa is in the final stages of recovery. She will be back home before mid July. She went to India on a wheelchair, she will come back on her feet.”
The controversial Chief Ndiweni responded, “Great work Mdawini!May the spirit you have shown in assisting Cherish manifest within the community and those around you(government). You must come eNtabazinduna for inhloko soon!”
Modi and Ndiweni then agreed that they will arrange the event outside Twitter.
Modi was very instrumental in fundraising for Muchegwa to get state of the art treatment in India.
The day before Muchegwa left for India Modi gave the following narration.
“The incident happened when I was in Australia on holiday with my family, I saw the pictures in the few WhatsApp groups I am in. The extent of the injuries pushed me to step forward and help. I started a social media campaign for her and I have not stopped ever since. When I came home I visited her in hospital and it was amazing to see her smile despite everything she was going through.
“After talking to her, I told myself I was going to do everything in my power to help her get the relevant treatment needed to heal her. I also made a silent promise that I was going to visit her in hospital again. The next time we will meet is when she is whole again, not a minute or second before she undergoes reconstructive surgery.”
Minister of Energy and Power Development, Fortune Chasi has called for an increase in the tariffs of electricity. Chasi who has been tasked with overseeing the energy situation, at a time when citizens are experiencing 18-hour power cuts per day has said that the current tariffs are too low and need to be raised to reasonable levels.
Chasi also warned that the days of free electricity for government entities and senior government officials are over.
Writing on social media, Chibabest as Chasi is affectionately called by his supporters, said
Zesa has a legal obligation to cut its loses. It cannot continue to supply power to people who do not pay. Switching off non paying consumers is a real option. Be warned. This is regardless of what or who you are.
…The tariff must be cost reflective. The current tariff bares no semblance whatsoever to the actual cost of procuring power. It must. There must be a new philosophy around the tariff. Cost reflectivity is an essential ingredient.
In the past, the government had turned down all proposals to hike the tariffs citing that it would create a burden on citizens.
With Zimbabweans both locally and abroad having parted with their hard earned money to donate to the National Netball team which is set to represent the country at the World Cup in Liverpool, England, the sad news they have to cope with is that all their investment into the girls will go towards footing bills for 27 officials who will go with the girls for the global jamboree.
VIDEOS LOADING BELOW…
A comment from the Sports And Recreation Commission and the Ministry was awaited at the time of writing.More details to follow. ..
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has apologized to the nation following Zimbabwe’s shambolic performance against Democratic Republic of Congo in a decisive Group A match on Sunday night that saw the Warriors booted out of the Total Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Needing nothing short of victory to progress to the round of 16, a feat they haven’t achieved yet, the Warriors were humiliated 0-4 by a previously winless and scoreless DRC with Chipezeze, who was not meant to start the game had it not been for a George Chigova injury moments before kickoff, putting up a lethargic performance which was unusual of his capabilities.
He took to his Twitter account to apologize to the country, his teammates as well as members of the technical bench.
“I am here today to again apologize for the mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused. I make this apology to my nation and my teammates also not forgetting the technical staff,” wrote Chipezeze.
Zimbabwe’s campaign here has been littered with all the bad things as the players now and again threatened to boycott their matches as they pressed for allowances, with Zifa eventually having to pay them US$17550 out of the agreed US$24 000.
Questions have however been raised on some of the players’ commitment to national cause amid disturbing indications that some outside forces were fueling the players’ militant attitude.
Farai Dziva| Senior government officials have been accused of “rampant looting” of donated funds mobilised to support the Zimbabwe Netball Team leaving players stranded.
Zimbabweans in the diaspora have threatened a demonstration against senior government officials amid revelations of looting of funds raised towards supporting the Zimbabwe Netball Team.
An investigation by ZimEye.com reveals how funds donated towards supporting 26 netball team players inclusive of their technical team were splashed on an additional number, 27 government officials whose travelling and accommodation expenses have been settled while the girls are yet to secure theirs.
[ZimEye is carrying out a full investigation – Refresh this page for the update which include a video roll]
Farai Dziva|A woman from Epworth has said she turned to thigh vending to save her sick mother.
The woman said she could not bear the pain of seeing her mother battling with illness.
” My mother is suffering from a kidney ailment so I cannot bear the pain of seeing her struggling,” said the woman.
Her mother is now visually impaired because she failed to access treatment in time.
“My mother needs nearly $2 000 (local currency) a month to undergo dialysis at public health institutions where there is always a queue and machines at times are either not working or are down because of current power shortages affecting the country,” she added.
By Own Correspondent| A Zimbabwean man is under prosecution after he allegedly questioned some ruling ZANU PF party sympathisers’ support for President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a time when he stands accused of presiding over the collapse of the economy.
38 year-old Morgan Muchemwa of Rushinga in Mashonaland Central province recently appeared before Magistrate Tendai Chifamba at Mt Darwin Magistrates Court answering to charges of undermining authority of or insulting the president as defined in section 33(2)(b) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
In court, prosecutors claimed that Muchemwa publicly, unlawfully and intentionally made an abusive indecent or obscene statement about or concerning President Mnangagwa on 25 May 2019 at Marymount Business Centre in Rushinga by blaming him for presiding over the suffering being endured by Zimbabweans.
The unemployed Muchemwa, who is represented by Tinomuda Shoko of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), allegedly acted unlawfully when he told three ZANU PF party supporters namely Hazvinei Zhiwau, Chipo Chiunje and Natty Kajengo, who were on their way to attend a political party meeting at Bopoma Primary School, that they were wasting their time in lending support to President Mnangagwa and his ZANU PF party.
Muchemwa, who denies the charge returns to court on Monday 22 July 2019 after he was remanded out of custody to allow prosecutors to obtain authority to prosecute from Prosecutor-General Kumbirai Hodzi.
Meanwhile, Brian Kembo, an opposition MDC party Councillor for Ward 3 in Bindura in Mashonaland Central province, who was charged with disorderly conduct after he allegedly stated that President Mnangagwa is liable for causing stress among citizens and for authoring the country’s economic crisis, has been set free.
Kembo was set free after a Bindura Magistrate upheld his application for exception to the charges after her lawyer Idirashe Chikomba of ZLHR argued that the charge of disorderly conduct as defined in section 41 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act was inconsistent with the facts and the warned and cautioned statement recorded from him.
The Magistrate ordered the State to proceed by issuing summons if it intends to pursue the prosecution of Kembo.
Farai Dziva|A Harare woman was shocked beyond belief when she allegedly caught her husband red-handed with his girlfriend in their matrimonial home.
According to H-Metro, Praise Ndlovu was deserted by her husband after she caught him with his girlfriend in their matrimonial home.
Ndlovu has since blamed her philandering husband for infecting her with HIV.
Appearing before Harare magistrate Tafadzwa Miti, applying for a protection order, Ndlovu told the court that she had been evicted from her house by her sister-in-law, Lorraine Mafa.
Ndlovu said her husband’s sister had no right to evict her from her house which she had built with her husband.
In response to the allegations, Mafa told the court that she was, in fact, the victim since Ndlovu constantly insulted her over her brother’s property.
The court dismissed the application saying that there was no longer any connection between the two since the applicant was no longer enjoying access to the property.
By Own Correspondent- Senior government officials here have been accused of looting donated funds mobilised to support the Zimbabwe Netball Team leaving them stranded.
A source told ZimEye.com that funds donated towards supporting 26 netball team players inclusive of their technical team were reportedly splashed on 27 government officials.
The source revealed that expenses for the government officials had already been settled while the fate of the players is not yet confirmed.
Said the source:
” Greetings I don’t know who to tell but I’m devastated in all my efforts to support our country.
There are planned demonstrations in the UK because officials took money from fundraising and paid for tickets, hotel and food for government officials.
Yet the government paid for the tickets for the team. Now we are being told they do not have hotel and food because it has been used by 53 officials coming from Zimbabwe .
The diaspora people are now going to the home office, British government and at the world netball cup to demonstrate against continued corrupt activities.
This might affect the travel for SB Moyo and Tourism Minister who are supposed to be visiting the UK and they want them to go and deal with corruption in netball.
” Honestly please please where is the anti corruption team to deal with all of them immediately so the girls can use those hotel reservations and food paid for them with the money from fundraising for netball girls and not them.
We cannot have demonstrations here while we are trying to rebuild a positive image for Zimbabwe .
Please can you help to have this matter dealt with immediately by investigating and exposing it.”
Farai Dziva|Callous government apparatchiks are feasting on netball funds, leaving players stranded, it has emerged.
A source told ZimEye.com that funds donated towards supporting 26 netball team players inclusive of their technical team were reportedly splashed on an additional number, 27 government officials whose travelling and accommodation expenses have been settled while the girls are yet to secure theirs.
[ZimEye is carrying out a full investigation – Refresh this page for the update which includes a video roll]
A source told ZimEye:
” Greetings I don’t know who to tell but I’m devastated in all my efforts to support our country.
There are planned demonstrations in the UK because officials took money from fundraising and paid for tickets, hotel and food for government officials.
Yet the government paid for the tickets ye team. Now we are being told havana mari ye hotel and food because it has been used by 53 officials coming from Zimbabwe .
The diaspora people are now going to the home office, British government and at the world netball cup to demonstrate against continued corrupt activities.
This might affect the travel ya SB Moyo and Tourism Minister who are supposed to be visiting the UK and they want them to go and deal with corruption in netball.
” Honestly please please where is the anti corruption team to deal with all of them immediately so the girls can use those hotel reservations and food paid for them nemari ye fundraising for netball girls and not them.
” It’s true because ikoko both the netball association and ministry of sports know who those officials are but are afraid to
“We cannot have demonstrations here while we are trying to rebuild a positive image for Zimbabwe.
“Please can you help to have this matter dealt with immediately by investigating and exposing it.”
A comment from the Sports And Recreation Commission and the Ministry was awaited at the time of writing.
[ZimEye is carrying out a full investigation – Refresh this page for the update which include a video roll]
By Mthuli Ncube| Zimbabwe is on a journey. A marathon. Indeed, sometimes it feels more of a steeplechase. As although the journey has just begun, we have faced a multitude of challenges to overcome already. This was not unexpected. And as responsible economists, you must always prepare to tackle these obstacles.
When
embarking on an arduous journey such as the complete reformation and rebuilding
of an economy, it is however crucial you know what your destination is. We know
what our destination is: It is middle income status. It is prosperity for the
people of Zimbabwe.
But
knowing your destination is not always enough. You must be willing to deal with
those hardships, those challenges, which inevitably crop up on any difficult
journey.
Most
importantly, you must take control of as many factors as possible. You must
have control over your destiny.
This
week, Zimbabwe took back control of its economic destiny.
In
fact, it had always been apparent to us that for true stability, stability upon
which economic growth can be built, our own currency was necessary.
The
multicurrency regime was holding us back. Like a headwind for a cyclist who is
already peddling up hill, the multicurrency regime had left us exposed to the
elements.
In
this case, the element was the aggressive inflation caused by the US Dollar
pricing. Put simply, we had to take our destiny back into our own hands; we had
to take back control of monetary policy to remove that element, and make it up
the hill.
Regaining
control will first and foremost benefit you, the hardworking Zimbabwean. Our
teachers and doctors, our entrepreneurs and cleaners; they don’t earn in US
dollars. So why sell in US dollars?
Prior
to this move, the vast majority of our hard working Zimbabweans were being
discriminated against in what had become a two tiered and unfair economy.
What we had was a
situation whereby there were stable and affordable prices for the fortunate
Zimbabweans who had access to dollars, and a paralysing high cost of living for
the rest of the country. This is not right, and we had to step in.
The
inevitable question posed by many therefore is why didn’t we act sooner?
Indeed, they would be right in noting that the multicurrency regime is not a
new phenomenon.
The
answer however lies once again in our journey metaphor. You don’t trek through
the desert without the necessary preparations.
You
don’t cycle up a mountain without the necessary training. And you don’t run a
marathon (or steeplechase!) without first making sure you are fit and healthy.
Thus
prior to making this big decision, it was crucial for us to ensure that our key
fundamentals were first put in place. The beating heart of these fundamentals
is our national budget.
Once
again it was vital that we gained control over our budget, over our spending;
what economists call ‘fiscal’ control. We decreased spending, increased
revenues and, for the first time in recent memory, the nation of Zimbabwe is
now enjoying budget surpluses.
With
the preparations complete and our body ready for the next stage of the race to
put Zimbabwe back on its feet, we took it upon ourselves to venture past the
next juncture, and move another step closer to our destination.
Abolishing
the use of multiple currencies, and making the Zimbabwe Dollar the sole legal
tender has always been a key component of our transitional stabilisation
programme, and a crucial step in restoring normalcy to our economy.
We
will work closely with our colleagues in the various ministries and the RBZ to
ensure the correct next steps are now taken to guarantee this move is a
success. We must continue to rapidly increase the flow of forex into the
interbank market. But this must not be for the few.
Forex must also be
made readily available to individuals and small businesses across our nation
through organised, regulated, and legal channels.
This
should also include the introduction of a new interest rate policy and a
monetary policy committee.
Despite
the reported complexity of this decision, day to day, not much will change.
Zimbabwean workers will still receive their wages in RTGS dollar and bond
notes, and when they go to the shops, the food on the shelves will be priced in
the same currency.
Government
also guarantees that those who do hold Nostro accounts will of course keep their
access to those accounts in the currency in which it is currently held.
We
therefore continue as a nation on the march forward on our path of progress,
quickening the pace to our destination of prosperity.
We
are under no illusions about the rough terrain we will face. There will be many
more obstacles to face. But by taking back control of our fiscal and monetary
mechanisms, by taking our fate firmly in our own hands, we are one step closer
to reaching our destination.
Hon.
Professor Mthuli Ncube is the Zimbabwe Finance and Economic Development
Minister
Farai Dziva|Elvis Chipezeze has retracted his earlier post about his performance in the Warriors ‘ humiliating 0-4 loss to DRC on Sunday.
The 29-year-old posted on Twitter hitting back at people who are criticising him for the mistakes he made which resulted in goals.
In the tweet, Chipezeze had said: “Even if people criticise or judge me, I have learnt from these incidents. We are humans and we make mistakes, but learning from them is what makes a difference… Gutted with the performance.”
The post showed no remorse in some ways and it left several fans agitated.
However Chipezeze has passionately appealed to Zimbabweans for forgiveness following his errors in the match.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabweans in the diaspora have threatened a demonstration against senior government officials amid revelations of looting of funds raised towards supporting the Zimbabwe Netball Team.
An investigation by ZimEye.com reveals how funds donated towards supporting 26 netball team players inclusive of their technical team were splashed on an additional number, 27 government officials whose travelling and accommodation expenses have been settled while the girls are yet to secure theirs.
[ZimEye is carrying out a full investigation – Refresh this page for the update which include a video roll]
Farai Dziva|Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa has conceded his charges put a poor show in the 4-0 loss at the hands of DRC on Sunday.
The defeat is Zimbabwe’s worst at the tournament in their four appearances.
Speaking after the game, a distraught Chidzambwa said: “We have had a very bad day in office, we didn’t play well in all the departments.
“We also had to change the goalkeeper because our first choice got injured, but it’s not an excuse as we played badly and conceded soft goals.
“It was a bad performance on our part in all departments, and I think we need to go home and find a way forward.”
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who was a last minute change in place of injured George Chigova had a horror evening, making two howlers which resulted in goals and also committed a foul on Cedric Bakambu to concede a penalty.
The absence of Alec Mudimu in defence was hugely felt as Teenage Hadebe and Lawrence Mhlanga were struggling to combine well.
In the midfield, Marshall Munetsi was given an attacking role but didn’t bring any spark while the attacking trio of Khama Billiat, Talent Chawapiwa and Knowledge Musona had a relatively quiet outing.
Farai Dziva|Warriors goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who earlier on hit back at people criticising him following his mistakes which resulted in goals during the 4-0 loss to DRC on Sunday, has changed his stance.
The 29-year-old was a last-minute change before the game after George Chigova suffered a hamstring injury during warm-up.
Chipezeze made his first mistake the 4th minute of the game when he spilled the ball from a free-kick into the path of Jonathan Bolingi who headed home effortlessly to give DRC an early lead.
The third goal was from the spot after he fouled Cedric Bakambu inside the box while the fourth one came as a result of another spill.
The Baroka FC goalie posted a tweet which he has since deleted from his account- saying everyone makes.
Farai Dziva| Deputy Information Minister Energy Mutodi has castigated the Zimbabwe Warriors following their embarrassing loss to DRC.
Mutodi claimed government sacrificed a lot of resources for the Warriors.
” Warriors of shame: after courting President ED to fundraise for the team, we are shocked and displeased by their dismal performance.
It’s clear the coach is a spent force. Players are weak and helpless. It’s time for new players, new coach…of all teams ndombolo hit us hardest,” thundered Mutodi.
Farai Dziva|In a tweet that has gone viral on social media Jonathan Moyo alleges that Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is the Chancellor of all state universities in Zimbabwe, impregnated a university student.
Social Media platforms are awash with claims that Mnangagwa impregnated a university student who recently gave birth to a bouncing baby.
Moyo claimed that a student at one premier institution of higher learning was recently blessed with a child after she was impregnated by the Chancellor of her university.See tweet :
Farai Dziva|Reliable sources have exclusively disclosed that senior government officials- including CIO operatives have been implicated in the rampant looting of Cyclone Idai donations.
“Please don’t mention my name, I got the information from sources who need protection.”
Theft of Cyclone Idai donations has landed CIOs in hot soup. So huge are the quantities allegedly stolen that Chimanimani residents call the scandal ‘Cyclone Ibai’.
The syndicate of government officials who allegedly stole Cyclone Idai relief in Chimanimani was however busted.
Among the accused is a CIO operative called Marufu. The accused appeared in court.
“But their case is just a tip of the iceberg,”a source told Zim Eye.com yesterday.
” It is alleged that Marufu who used to be stationed in Chimanimani but is now in Chipinge teamed up with other government officials from the DA’ offices and on numerous occasions withdrew relief aid from Silverstream using fake names and converted them to personal use.
The syndicate used Mr Tsododo’ pick up truck to raid the warehouses. Tsododo hails from Biriiri in Chimanimani. Tsododo was given away by paper work at the warehouses.
When he was taken in for investigations he admitted and nailed the CIO guy and other government officials as the guys who withdrew the relief aid but never delivered it to the wards it was meant to go.
Lots of cover up attempts and intimidation from CIO but I am told Military Intelligence led the operation.”
By Own Correspondent- Three African countries have approached Government to recruit Zimbabwean teachers who are on demand in those nations.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima revealed this last Friday during a public lecture held at the United College of Education in Bulawayo.
The public lecture, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu), was running under the theme: “Utilising teachers and education in achieving vision 2030,”
Prof Mavima said Government has suspended talks with South Sudan over exportation of graduates due to security threats in that country.
He said Government was in talks with Rwanda, Namibia and Botswana to export teachers to those countries.
“We have been approached by other countries wanting mainly teachers who can teach English. And we are exploring the possibility of bilateral arrangements, those teachers who are willing can then be employed outside the country. We are working on that.
“The first country which approached us was South Sudan but we suspended that programme because they went into some security problems. Rwanda has now also approached us, Namibia is talking to us and Botswana is talking to us,” Prof Mavima said.
It is estimated that nearly 20 000 teachers are unemployed while a job freeze has resulted in nearly 13 000 vacancies.
Prof Mavima said Government is serious about addressing teachers’ conditions of service.
He said in conjunction with teachers’ unions, his Ministry is pushing for non-monetary incentives for teachers.
“We are working on the provision of residential stands at low prices. We are looking at the possibility of having three children of teachers not paying fees in Government schools.
“We have to do the advocacy with other ministries to make sure that it is accepted. So there are a number of things that we are working on together. We are working on empowerment programmes where teachers can access loans and have income generation projects,” Prof Mavima said.
He said for the country’s education system to thrive, teachers have to be motivated.
Prof Mavima expressed satisfaction with the willingness of teachers unions to give negotiations a chance.
“Several of the unions including the biggest union Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) have come to me and said Honourable Minister we have seen the sincerity of His Excellency and we have seen the sincerity of the Government including your own willingness to engage us on an ongoing basis.
“Because of that we have embraced a path to dialogue instead of a path to conflict. So we are continuing to work with Zimta and other unions.
“But there are others maybe two of them who have maintained the orientation towards confrontation,” he said.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- AN epileptic 18-months old boy allegedly died from severe burns he sustained after he fell into a fire in his grandmother’s kitchen.
The incident that left the little boy with serious injuries on the abdomen, buttocks and legs resulting in his death moments later, occurred last Tuesday evening at Isla Farm Village 2, Lubangwe in Hwange District.
The boy had been left sitting near the fire where he was warming himself in a kitchen hut by his grandmother who had gone to take a bath at around 7PM. A report was made to the police and the body was taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary and then transfered to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for postmortem.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.A police source identified the victim as Sifiso Sibanda. The source said Ms Sikhangele Sibanda (53), who is the boy’s grandmother, reported the matter last Wednesday afternoon.
“On 25 June at around 7PM, Sikhangele Sibanda who is grandmother to Sifiso left him sitting in the kitchen near the fire warming himself when she went out to take a bath behind the kitchen hut. Ms Sibanda allegedly left a tin with boiling water on the fire.
“While she was still bathing, she heard the sound of a falling tin and rushed into the kitchen to check. She found her grandson convulsing while his lower body was in the fire. The tin had fallen on the boy and hot water spilt on him,” said the source.
The Chronicle was told that Ms Sibanda quickly pulled her grandson out of the fire and noticed that he was frothing from the mouth while his legs, abdomen and buttocks were burnt by fire and boiling water. She wrapped him with a blanket before phoning her husband, Mr Dumoluhle Masuku who had gone to Victoria Falls.
Mr Masuku arrived home at around 9PM when the little boy had died. The couple reported the matter to the police who attended the scene on Wednesday.
Ms Sibanda told police that her grandson first had an epileptic attack when he was three months old.
By Own Correspondent- The ban on buying and selling of maize among unauthorised persons in Zimbabwe has reportedly caused a stand-off between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
In a move perceived as retaliation to the introduction of Statutory Instrument 145, Zambia last week denied some Zimbabweans entry into that country citing lack of proper documentation.
The stand-off is said to have resulted from the confiscation of maize destined to Zambia by Zimbabwe authorities who wanted to make the law work. This comes after Zimbabwe introduced SI 145 that gives the Grain Marketing Board the sole right to buy and sell maize.
Most Zimbabweans were now selling maize to Zambia shunning the GMB which they accuse of underpaying them for their maize. Zambians have also been visiting Zimbabwe to buy maize for resale in their country due to the fall in the RTGS$ value against the US dollar.
Thomas Ranganai, one of those who were denied entry into Zambia said:We were denied entry into Zambia after we had hired a local taxi, as we used to do without hassles here.
We were caught off guard as Zambians said they were also effecting their laws, without even a humanitarian face. They are not happy about what happened to their countrymen and women over the maize taken away by authorities.
The stand-off was confirmed by an official at Chirundu border-post confirmed the “stand-off” which he said was unfortunate as it resulted in the suffering of Zimbabweans who seek social services from Zambia.-Newsday
By Own Correspondent- Energy Minister, advocate Fortune Chasi, has threatened to disconnect electricity for consumers who are defaulting payment of their bills.
Chasi was responding to some comments on twitter from concerned citizens who wanted to know what his ministry was doing to ease the electricity shortage crisis.
Chasi reiterated his call for everyone to honor their obligations by paying their debts and bills to local power utility, ZESA. Posting on Twitter, Chasi said:
Zesa has a legal obligation to cut its loses. It cannot continue to supply power to people who do not pay. Switching off non paying consumers is a real option. Be warned. This is regardless of what or who you are.
Responding to Chasi’s tweet, one twitter user, @valtanyaradzwa said:
this is sooo funny bcoz right now the people and organizations who are enjoying electricity are the untouchables who owe millions in unpaid debts. isuwo hedu takaisirwa maprepaid meter kare tisu tinokaura
The minister responded saying:
Loadshedding is not selective tete. But I agree that many who haven’t paid still enjoy zesa. It will come to an end.
Chasi was further accused by MDC Secretary-General, Chalton Hwende of not taking action against prominent people including Cabinet ministers who owe ZESA large sums of money. To that, Chasi responded and said:
Mr Hwende… the public owes 350… vanhu wo zvavo. Commerce 350 too. Local authorities ohh my god.! Ko wasiireyi MPS? Coz you are one? Let’s work together on this instead of grandstanding. Tino nyura tese!
By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwean goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze has apologised to the nation, technical staff and teammates, Warriors for his mistakes which robbed the team a chance to proceed to the 2019 Total AFCON knockout stages.
Zimbabwe lost that match with four goals to nil. Chipezeze was at fault in three out of all the goals. The fourth was a penalty awarded to the Leopards of the Democratic Republic of Congo after the referee said the Baroka goalkeeper had fouled a DRC striker.
His ‘heartfelt’ apology reads:
I am here today to again apologize for the mistakes I have made and the embarrassment I have caused. I make this apology to my nation n my teammates also nt 4getin the technical staff.
By a Correspondent- The opposition MDC has dismissed the Midlands provincial peace committee set by the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission (NPRC) chairperson, Justice Selo Nare, in Gweru on Friday, saying that it seems to be an extension of Zanu PF.
The committee was set to deal with mining disputes, Gukurahundi, politicisation of mining activities, politicisation of social services, lack of tolerance among political parties, and the underdevelopment of the province, given the amount of natural resources in the region.
It will be chaired by Musasa Project executive director and NPRC commissioner Netty Musanhu, while Zanu PF Midlands provincial spokesperson Cornelius Mpereri and provincial police spokesperson Ethel Mukwende will serve as her deputy chairpersons.
Other committee members are Florence Guzha, Titus Mangoma, Tawanda Sibanda and Victoria Koke.
Dismissing the commission, MDC Midlands provincial spokesperson, Dr Takavafira Zhou said:
It certainly seems to be an extension of Zanu PF. We would have loved to see an all-embracing stakeholder conference to agree on its modus operandi and depolitisation of its committee officials. But by appointing well-known Zanu PF officials to spearhead peace and bearing in mind their thuggery and brutality, it is like appointing a rapist to give psychological therapy to his victims.
Zhou was also pessimistic about the grouping’s capacity to succeed in carrying out its duties and responsibilities after leaving out key stakeholders such as the MDC.
But Zhou highlighted that President Emmerson Mnangagwa seemed insincere in dealing with the issues. He said that Mnangagwa cannot be the perpetrator of violence and peacemaker.-Newsday
State Media|A MAN from Gwanda was found dead in a 20-metre deep mine shaft after an explosion at the mine.
Matabeleland South acting provincial police spokesperson, Sergeant Stanford Mguni, confirmed the incident which occurred at Bina Mine in Gwanda on Wednesday at around 10PM.
He said Ndabezinhle Mpofu (20) of Thandanani Village was found dead in a shaft by mine workers. Sgt Mguni said the cause of the explosion was yet to be ascertained.
“I can confirm that we recorded a mine accident which occurred at Bina Mine in Gwanda on Wednesday at around 10PM.
“Kholwani Mpofu who works at the mine and his other co-workers completed their work on Wednesday at around 8PM and they retired for bed leaving no one at the mine shaft,” he said.
“While they were asleep at around 10PM, Mpofu and his workmates heard an explosion coming from the mine shaft and they went to inspect.
“They found a local Ndabezinhle Mpofu’s body in the 20-metre deep shaft.
“The matter was reported to the police who attended the scene and Ndabezinhle’s body was retrieved from the shaft and taken to Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
“Investigations are still underway to ascertain the cause of the explosion.”
JOHANNESBURG – Zimbabweans may have “grabbed” the land from the descendants of colonisers and those whose ancestors “stole” the land from indigenous blacks, but the consequences have been dire – food security has vanished along with any joy experienced after Robert Mugabe’s ouster.
The new government – led by 76-year-old Emmerson Mnangagwa, the man now in charge of Mugabe’s Zanu PF party – exhibits the same failed traits of using brute force to solve economic problems.
Many factories and businesses have closed even when commanded to remain open. Money and the lack of it continues to bedevil that country’s government. Rising prices and three tier payments – US dollar, bond and RTGS – have not only confused the market but have also eroded profits.
Since Mugabe’s ouster in a bloodless coup in November 2017, poverty and joblessness have increased. The economy has all but collapsed. The beleaguered government’s hopes are now pinned solely on the return of the Zimbabwe dollar.
The local currency, which was abandoned by authorities just over a decade ago, in 2008, after inflation reached an estimated 500 billion percent, made its return on Monday.
For four decades, the Zimbabwe government has acted with impunity regarding individual and property rights – they have even been so emboldened as to ignore court orders that they do not like. Accusations are that those in power only act when court rulings favour them.
Paramount Chief Ndiweni with Brian Davies. PHOTOS: Supplied.
It therefore comes as no surprise that in Zimbabwe, an initiative to set up a massive wildlife conservancy and historical tourism venture that would benefit the local community, as well as contributing to the revival of tourism and the economy by attracting international tourists, is on hold.
The combined farm and safari operation, which is integral to the project and would generate vital foreign currency, continues to be illegally occupied by members of the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) who took it over by force in July 2007.
Their ongoing occupation is in flagrant disregard of a confirmed court order of September 2007 compelling them to vacate the farm and return it to its lawful owner, Dave Joubert, a high profile Matabeleland farmer of approximately 50 years, and owner of Portwe Estate since 1982.
The failure of the government to remove the police from Joubert’s Portwe Estate and Bembesi conservancy demonstrates that Zimbabwe is not “open for business”, as President Mnangagwa claims.
This visionary project involves Paramount Chief Nhlanhla Felix Ndiweni, whose father, the late Paramount Chief Khayisa Ndiweni, endorsed the initiative, together with the then governor, Welshman Mahbene.
Chief Felix Ndiweni has risen rapidly to prominence in Zimbabwe since returning from the UK to take up the hereditary chieftainship.
The Bembesi Lodge before it was taken over by the police.
He was sent to London in 1981 to study for a degree in engineering technology and mechanical engineering, and lived there for more than 20 years.
Ndiweni also has degrees in management studies, specialising in local governance, and law.
The paramount chief is committed to bringing independence and an end to poverty to his people through individual property rights.
If the police and the Mnangagwa government continue to defy the law and the Zimbabwe constitution, there will be implications regarding the government’s re-engagement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank and the European Union.
With the economy in the grips of a meltdown, kilometre-long fuel queues, devastating power cuts and rapidly rising inflation, President Mnangagwa has said that restoring ties with the West and multilateral lenders, including the IMF, is one of his priorities.
As for the country itself, everything is going south and fast. South Africa’s Eskom has recently stopped supplying electricity to Zimbabwe which has run up a massive debt. Zimbabwe also owes Mozambique a substantial amount of money for electricity.
Unconfirmed reports said rolling blackouts that last up to a week have forced Zimbabwe to make a payment to Eskom. Zimbabwe’s Energy Minister Fortune Chasi this week said Zimbabwe had paid US $10 million to Eskom.
Damage to the Bembesi Lodge after the property was taken over illegally by the police.
Many urban areas are without tap water, and where it is available its cleanliness cannot be guaranteed. Hospitals long ran out of drugs and civil servants, including teachers, are threatening strike action.
The solutio, Mugabe’s successor says, lies in bring back the Zimbabwe dollar.
On Monday, Mnangagwa, who won a disputed election last year, outlawed the use of a multi-currency payment system, ostensibly to tackle the ever-rising black market exchange rate.
“The British pound, US dollar, South African Rand, Botswana pula and any other foreign currency whatsoever shall no longer be legal tender alongside the Zimbabwe dollar in any transaction in Zimbabwe,” said a notice in the government gazette.
The opposition MDC led by 41-year-old Nelson Chamisa have long warned of an economic melt-down.
Damage to the Bembesi Lodge after the property was taken over illegally by the police.
Commenting on the re-introduction of the Zimbabwe dollar, Chamisa likened the development to “guerrilla economics and ambush currency” measures which he said were “ill-advised, destructive and confidence-draining”.
Chamisa said any successful re-introduction of the local currency required that macroeconomic fundamentals, public confidence, trust, fiscal discipline, political stability and legitimacy be in place first.
Ken Yamamoto, the renowned Japanese researcher and commentator on Zimbabwe, has proferred a solution saying: “It is not rocket science to solve Zimbabwe’s problems. It requires honest, selfless and sincere leaders to build a culture of honesty and inspire everyone to work for the country.”
THE opposition MDC party says it will be grabbing “popcorn and chairs” for front row seats in what appears to be factional fights playing out in the ruling Zanu PF, where officials are tearing each other apart over alleged corruption.
Party leader Nelson Chamisa said the MDC would not disturb its opponents as they tear each other apart, and neither would they join the game, but instead watch and cheer from the terraces.
“We will not disturb our opponents as they tear each other apart, in what is clearly political and factional fights. These people are cruel and do not care about anything, but just power alone,” Chamisa said.
“This is not a fight against corruption, but a fight for political power within the party using the youth. If this was a genuine fight against corruption, where are the police? Do you mean the Zanu PF youth league has more intelligence than the police and Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission?”
The MDC joined Zanu PF in Parliament and on the streets for a march to oust then President Robert Mugabe from power through impeachment and mass demonstrations following the November 2017 coup.
After Mugabe was pushed out, Zanu PF claimed the spoils and kept the opposition at bay, saying this was an internal issue and had nothing to do with opposition political parties.
Chamisa said recent events in which the Zanu PF youth league fingered top party bosses and ministers in corruption was an attempt to divert the attention of the majority from the real issues.
“Ask yourself why some people known for being behind corrupt activities are missing from that list. It’s a high sounding nothing from an ostrich government which buries its head inthe sand at the sign of a crisis, but the problem with burying your head is you will hear or see nothing,” he said.
Chamisa said if President Emmerson Mnangagwa was serious about fighting corruption, he would let the police do a professional job while he concentrated on ending the economic crisis, which he said had its roots in political circles.
“This is a crisis too long. We do not deserve a day longer in this crisis and what hurts is the time wasted for the youth and hardworking people who lose pensions and savings to this
cruel government,” he said.
But Zanu PF deputy youth secretary Lewis Matutu said his team was just warming up and would soon name MDC leaders who were also part of the corruption bandwagon.
“This is not a Zanu PF fight. Everyone should be involved and we are going to name more. We are going after even the MDC leaders who are corrupt and even journalists who are receiving
money to cover up corrupt deeds,” he said.
However, MDC youth assembly boss Obey Sithole yesterday described the anti-corruption drive as nothing, but a diversionary tactic to stop Zimbabweans from focusing on the pressing
socio-economic issues.
Sithole said the country is reeling under the ever-worsening economic scourge, which has seen prices of basic commodities spiralling beyond the reach of many.
He accused Zanu PF of authoring and perpetuating corruption in Zimbabwe, while urging the country to resist being swayed from the main issue.
“It is an insult to the people of Zimbabwe for the Zanu PF youth league to name and shame officials in the corruption-laden party, leaving a big elephant in the house, for we all know
that a fish rots from the head,” Sithole said in a Press statement, adding that most Zanu PF officials had been implicated in some corruption cases. Sithole maintained the naming and shaming was nothing, but a ruse.
“It is clear that the anti-corruption facade by Zanu PF is meant to achieve two things, which are not in any way interlinked to the war against corruption.
“Firstly, the attention-seeking drama is bent on entertaining and diverting the long-suffering citizenry from focusing on souring prices and stinking poverty authored by the very sameparty. Secondly, and more importantly to Zanu PF, is that this is an internal detonation that is meant to purge remnants of the G40 and those aligned to Vice-President Constantano
Chiwenga’s factional camp,” Sithole said.
“In short, this is a factional battle at play which has nothing to do with the fight against corruption. If anything, the Zanu PF youth league’s so-called anti-corruption drive exposesand portrays the corrupt nature of State institutions like Zacc [Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission] and ZRP [Zimbabwe Republic Police].”
The opposition has been threatening to take to the streets to force the Zanu PF-led government to deal with the economic mess.
Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa has admitted his charges put a poor show in the 4-0 loss at the hands of DRC on Sunday to crush out of the 2019 Afcon.
The defeat is Zimbabwe’s worst at the tournament in their four appearances.
Speaking after the game, a distraught Chidzambwa said: “We have had a very bad day in office, we didn’t play well in all the departments.
“We also had to change the goalkeeper because our first choice got injured, but it’s not an excuse as we played badly and conceded soft goals.
“It was a bad performance on our part in all departments, and I think we need to go home and find a way forward.”
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze who was a last minute change in place of injured George Chigova had a horror evening, making two howlers which resulted in goals and also committed a foul on Cedric Bakambu to concede a penalty.
The absence of Alec Mudimu in defence was hugely felt as Teenage Hadebe and Lawrence Mhlanga were struggling to combine well.
In the midfield, Marshall Munetsi was given an attacking role but didn’t bring any spark while the attacking trio of Khama Billiat, Talent Chawapiwa and Knowledge Musona had a relatively quiet outing.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima
State Media|THREE African countries have approached Government to recruit Zimbabwean teachers who are on demand in those nations.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima revealed this last Friday during a public lecture held at the United College of Education in Bulawayo.
The public lecture, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu), was running under the theme: “Utilising teachers and education in achieving vision 2030,”
Prof Mavima said Government has suspended talks with South Sudan over exportation of graduates due to security threats in that country.
He said Government was in talks with Rwanda, Namibia and Botswana to export teachers to those countries.
“We have been approached by other countries wanting mainly teachers who can teach English. And we are exploring the possibility of bilateral arrangements, those teachers who are willing can then be employed outside the country. We are working on that.
“The first country which approached us was South Sudan but we suspended that programme because they went into some security problems. Rwanda has now also approached us, Namibia is talking to us and Botswana is talking to us,” Prof Mavima said.
It is estimated that nearly 20 000 teachers are unemployed while a job freeze has resulted in nearly 13 000 vacancies.
Prof Mavima said Government is serious about addressing teachers’ conditions of service.
He said in conjunction with teachers’ unions, his Ministry is pushing for non-monetary incentives for teachers.
“We are working on the provision of residential stands at low prices. We are looking at the possibility of having three children of teachers not paying fees in Government schools.
“We have to do the advocacy with other ministries to make sure that it is accepted. So there are a number of things that we are working on together. We are working on empowerment programmes where teachers can access loans and have income generation projects,” Prof Mavima said.
He said for the country’s education system to thrive, teachers have to be motivated.
Prof Mavima expressed satisfaction with the willingness of teachers unions to give negotiations a chance.
“Several of the unions including the biggest union Zimbabwe Teachers’ Association (Zimta) have come to me and said Honourable Minister we have seen the sincerity of His Excellency and we have seen the sincerity of the Government including your own willingness to engage us on an ongoing basis.
“Because of that we have embraced a path to dialogue instead of a path to conflict. So we are continuing to work with Zimta and other unions.
“But there are others maybe two of them who have maintained the orientation towards confrontation,” he said.
By Eddie Cross| SI 142 – Monday the 24th June 2019 will go down as one of those days you remember. I have just read the Independent for this week, it was all about the ‘return of the Zimbabwe dollar’.
Former BULAWAYO South MDC-T legislator, Eddie Cross
Since Monday this has been the only subject that is being discussed. It is a pity because SI 142 was about a whole raft of measures and not just the abandonment of the multi-currency system we have used since 2009.
The real target of these measures was the exchange rate. This was not an issue when we were living in a fairy tale land where the RTGS dollar and the Bond Note currencies were accepted as being 1:1 USD.
But when the Minister of Finance in October 2018 announced the obvious to all and sundry, that there was no relationship between what are local currencies and the US dollar, we all went into panic mode.
We are strange creatures – the Reserve Bank Governor was saying – ‘no, the Bond is not a currency and it is on a par with the US dollar’. We accepted that fiction because we could not imagine what would happen if this were not so. We all had piles of the stuff in our bank accounts and felt rich!!
A currency is simply a means of exchange and used for the accumulation of wealth and as a store of value – nothing else. The stuff we are using as an electronic means of exchange, the so called RTGS dollar, was just the electronic version of the real thing.
However, its value is what the economic players think it should be and if it is not backed by anything – it is just an entry in the books. If you cannot draw it out of your account in USD whenever you want – then it is not USD. If you cannot go to your bank and tender 1000 bond notes and ask for 1000 USD in return – then the one is not equal to the other.
But the situation was much worse than that – we had R$23 billion dollars in our bank accounts in various forms. We were borrowing money from the local money market to fill a huge hole in our budget – the ‘fiscal deficit’ was out of control. If allowed to continue, a collapse was inevitable.
Through the means of this artificial exchange rate we were taking half the earnings or more of the private sector and paying them in RTGS at the rate of 1:1. This meant we were taking billions of dollars in real money from the exporters and using this stream of real money to subsidise everything else – fuel, bread, cooking oil, cars for Ministers and MP’s, you name it. We were strangling our most productive and competitive industries and if this had continued they would have died and we would be left with nothing,
It could not continue and the new Government sworn in after the July 2018 elections was well aware of this. The new Minister of Finance, has approached these problems systematically – in my view too slowly, although what they did on Monday was certainly not slow – it was a big bang.
So what has he done to correct matters? He has confirmed that what we had in our accounts in July 2018, was not US dollars. He has accepted that the RTGS and the Bond Note are distinct currencies, operating in tandem with the other currencies in use.
He has widened the tax base and eliminated the fiscal deficit and he has allowed companies and individuals to hold any hard currency they have in a bank account and guaranteed that these balances will not be violated as they were in the past.
He has established an interbank market for foreign currency and our local currencies and has decreed that this will operate on a willing seller/willing buyer basis. He has determined that any foreign currency retained by the Reserve Bank for use, will be paid for in local currency at the interbank rate.
Under this program, the next step would be the reintroduction of a new local currency to facilitate market transactions. This new currency would be carefully managed and controlled by a ‘Monetary Policy Committee’ of persons of repute and experience and its value determined by market forces on the interbank exchange.
But a new crisis, of our own making, has intervened. When the interbank market was at first established, the RBZ Governor, fearing runaway inflation, felt that the rate of exchange should be at least managed and he tried to do the King Canute thing, and instructed banks not to trade at more than 2,50 RTGS/Bond to one USD.
They could not defend this position because they had virtually no reserves and when the open market rate moved, they were forced to follow – but very little money was attracted to the market and the gap between the interbank rates and the open market widened.
This created opportunities for a thing called arbitrage – a market system where players make a margin on sales of a commodity. Speculators started to trade the RTGS against the US dollar and as the rate rose, they were able to make money both on the margin and on the fact that the rates were climbing. With the great majority of money being traded on the open market and the interbank market failing to attract funds, it was the open market rate that dictated import prices.
The consequence was that prices began to rise very rapidly. Everybody was feeding on the system – exporters were receiving not just the bank rate for the funds relinquished to the Reserve Bank but they were selling surplus foreign exchange on the open market and making huge premiums. The Banks were also playing the game and there were constant allegations that the RBZ was part of the problem. The Diaspora and beneficiaries thought it was Christmas.
When the distinction was first drawn between the US dollar and the RTGS, the rate on the open market was 1,4 to 1. In weeks it went to 7 to 1. Then it fell back to 2,8 to 1. Once the speculators got into the game it started to move and by the 14th June 2019, the open market rate was 14 or even 16 to 1. Had it been allowed to continue our inflation rate would have accelerated to levels where it would have destroyed the value of the local currency and made life simply impossible for the average person. It had to stop.
So SI 142 on Monday this week. To reinforce these measures, the SI takes half of the foreign exchange the RBZ is receiving from all quarters and puts these funds on the Bank inter market – increasing supply. Overnight interest rates were raised to 50 per cent, economists wanted 80 to 100 per cent. The purpose being to stop speculators borrowing money and buying foreign currency in the open market.
Have these measures worked – very much so, as the open market rate of exchange has halved to 6 to 8 to 1 for the US dollar. This has a major impact on everyone who lives here – prices in the market will fall as cheaper imports arrive and the real value of every RTGS dollar earned will be doubled. Inflation should be halted in its tracks in the next few months. That is the real news.
The other thing that has received almost no publicity is the decision to ring fence what is called ‘legacy debts’ which the Bank estimates could reach US$1,2 billion. These are liabilities which had been incurred by companies in hard currency that they expected to be expunged by the Bank at 1:1.
Had these organisations had to go to the market – even the interbank market, they would be bankrupted. So the Reserve Bank has agreed to take over these liabilities in RTGS at 1 to 1 and to then ring fence these assets and liabilities to be expunged when the resources are available.
The eligible companies are asked to transfer the equivalent of their external liabilities in local RTGS at 1 to 1 when seeking relief through this mechanism. Not a good thing but at least it deals with the immediate problems.
Cedric Bakambu scored twice for the Democratic Republic of Congo in a comprehensive 4-0 win over Zimbabwe on Sunday.
It was a win which offers them the strong possibility of advancing to the knockout stages of the tournament.
Jonathan Bolingi and Britt Assombalonga scored the other goals as the win ensured third place in Group A for the Congolese.
They now have to wait to see whether they are one of the four best third-place finishers who go through to compete in the last 16.
They will only be sure when the group stage is completed on Tuesday but their three points, after losing their opening two games, could prove enough.
Zimbabwe are eliminated in bottom place with only a single point after paying a heavy price for a goalkeeping nightmare at a near-empty 30 June Stadium.
It took only four minutes for the Congolese to score after a slip from stand-in goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze.
He had only been drafted into the line-up when first-choice George Chigova hurt a hamstring in the warm-up.
Chipezeze let a free-kick slip through his hands and onto the crossbar and Bolingi, celebrating his 25th birthday, reacted quickest to head home the rebound.
Bakumbu beat the offside trap as Zimbabwe were caught pushing too far up, to double the lead in the 34th minute with an emphatic finish.
Zimbabwe had several good chances to get themselves back into the game after the break but their finishing proved wayward, with Knowledge Musona again proving wasteful.
He was heavily criticised for missing several chances in the draw with Uganda in their previous group game.
Chipezeze fouled Bakumbu in the 64th minute as he broke free of the offside trap again to concede a penalty kick which the Chinese-based striker then converted.
To make matters worse, Chipeze failed to hold onto a tame shot from Meshack Elia.
It allowed substitute Britt Assombalonga to snap up the rebound for the fourth goal in the 78th minute.
Egypt finished top of the group with a 100 percent record with Uganda runners-up.
Goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze had a night to forget as Zimbabwe were hammered 4-0 by DRC to crash out of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Chipezeze was brought in after number one George Chigova got injured in warmup.
And the horror show started in the fourth minute.
Jonathan Bolingi was on hand to head the ball in from close range after Chipezeze spilled an innocuous free kick which he should have collected easily.
Zimbabwe took their time to get into the match and while they created opportunities they rarely got any shots at goal never mind on targeted.
They were lackadaisical and paid for that when Cedric Bakambu was set free on the right. He bore down on goal and curled the ball round an advancing Chipezeze.
Zimbabwe attacked and created very little.
In the second half Chipezeze brought down Bakambu and the latter dusted himself down and converted the spot kick.
With 13 minutes to go Chipezeze spilled a regulation speculative cross and Britt Asombalonga.
DRC had chances to make it five as the shambolic Zimbabwean defence was carved open with ease.
In the end Zimbabwe just never pitched up for this match and you wonder how much the threats of strike action in the camp throughout the tournament had to do with what was quite simply, an absolutely piss poor performance.
As for Chipezeze, the less said, the better.
The Warriors now leave the tournament with their tails firmly shoved between their legs, having conceded seven goals and scored one.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese
AN epileptic 18-months old boy allegedly died from severe burns he sustained after he fell into a fire in his grandmother’s kitchen.
The incident that left the little boy with serious injuries on the abdomen, buttocks and legs resulting in his death moments later, occurred last Tuesday evening at Isla Farm Village 2, Lubangwe in Hwange District.
The boy had been left sitting near the fire where he was warming himself in a kitchen hut by his grandmother who had gone to take a bath at around 7PM. A report was made to the police and the body was taken to Hwange Colliery Hospital mortuary and then transfered to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for postmortem.
Matabeleland North police spokesperson Chief Inspector Siphiwe Makonese could not be reached for comment.A police source identified the victim as Sifiso Sibanda. The source said Ms Sikhangele Sibanda (53), who is the boy’s grandmother, reported the matter last Wednesday afternoon.
“On 25 June at around 7PM, Sikhangele Sibanda who is grandmother to Sifiso left him sitting in the kitchen near the fire warming himself when she went out to take a bath behind the kitchen hut. Ms Sibanda allegedly left a tin with boiling water on the fire.
“While she was still bathing, she heard the sound of a falling tin and rushed into the kitchen to check. She found her grandson convulsing while his lower body was in the fire. The tin had fallen on the boy and hot water spilt on him,” said the source.
The Chronicle was told that Ms Sibanda quickly pulled her grandson out of the fire and noticed that he was frothing from the mouth while his legs, abdomen and buttocks were burnt by fire and boiling water. She wrapped him with a blanket before phoning her husband, Mr Dumoluhle Masuku who had gone to Victoria Falls.
Mr Masuku arrived home at around 9PM when the little boy had died. The couple reported the matter to the police who attended the scene on Wednesday.
Ms Sibanda told police that her grandson first had an epileptic attack when he was three months old.
State Media|THE expectations and hopes of building bridges between warring camps in the beleaguered Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Portland Oregon church in Southern Africa have faded as the factions continue plotting against each other in a series of legal battles.
The AFM of Portland Oregon, one of the country’s biggest churches which is headquartered in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb, was formed by the late Reverend Morgan Sengwayo in 1955 and later affiliated to the parent church based in Portland, Oregon in the United States of America.
The church has since 1985 been plagued by numerous divisions which resulted in splinter groups.
Reverend Richard Sibanda, who is on suspension, has been at the helm of the church in the Sadc region since 1985 until he broke ranks with the parent church leadership and subsequently replaced by Reverend Gumbo.
Rev Gumbo’s administration took over control of the church buildings and properties following a protracted legal battle, which spilled into the Supreme Court.
According to the Supreme Court judgment delivered by Justice Ben Hlatshwayo, who was sitting with Justices Marie-Anne Gowora and Tendai Uchena, Rev Sibanda was ordered to immediately relinquish possession and use of all church properties both movable and immovable by virtue of his suspension.
Other church members allegedly aligned to Rev Sibanda have since launched a fresh legal battle at the Bulawayo High Court challenging their evictions from church buildings across the country.
Prior to his departure to the United States for the church’s annual international camp meeting, Rev Gumbo directed the Sheriff of the High Court to execute eviction orders against church members deemed loyal to Rev Sibanda.
When The Chronicle visited the Pelandaba church yesterday, church members deemed to be loyal to Rev Sibanda were milling outside the empty church building after they were barred from accessing the premises by security guards hired from a local security firm.
Writs of ejectment were also issued against occupants in Kwekwe, Gweru, Masvingo, Beitbridge, Kadoma, Chinhoyi and Triangle.
Twelve members including pastors, affected by the eviction order, have through their lawyers Majoko and Majoko Legal Practitioners, filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court challenging their ejectment. They cited the Deputy Sheriff of the High Court, the AFM of Portland of Oregon, Rev Sibanda, Rev Oniyas Gumbo and his two senior pastors Reverends Kwaziso Bosha and Jameson Nkiwane, as respondents.
The 12 applicants, who are led by Mr Assa Chimeri of Masvingo, are seeking a court order staying execution of the writ of ejectment under case number HC2106/19 barring respondents from interfering with their worship, occupation, use and enjoyment of church premises in the affected cities and towns.
In his founding affidavit, Mr Assa Chimeri said: “I am a member and minister in charge of the Apostolic Faith Mission of Portland Oregon in Masvingo. I have been a member since 1975 and thus have been aware of sad divisions within the church, which started soon after the death of the founder in Zimbabwe, Rev Morgan Sengwayo in March 1982.”
He said despite the divisions, which have played out in the open, he has continued to be a loyal member of the church.
“Notwithstanding the disputes, I remain a loyal member of the church despite differences with other members in terms of upholding traditional church practices. I am not a party to the wrangles but the first respondent (Deputy Sheriff of the High Court) came to the church premises in Masvingo, Beitbridge, Chinhoyi, Kwekwe, Kadoma and Triangle carrying notices of removal to evict us,” said Mr Chimeri.
He argued that the evictions were being carried out under the guise of Supreme Court and High Court judgments, which only barred Rev Sibanda from controlling the church properties.
“The writ or eviction order does not specifically cite me or any of my co-applicants as respondents and directing our evictions but we note that the same writs have been used in Bulawayo and Gweru against perceived enemies of the church spuriously represented by Reverends Gumbo, Bosha and Nkiwane who are known to belong to a faction that left the church 14 years ago. They have been fighting Rev Sibanda over his conservative ideas on customs shared by the majority of members,” he said.
Mr Chimeri argued that although Rev Sibanda was the leader prior to his suspension, he never claimed any right to worship or access church premises through him.
“For the protection of our rights as applicants, I pray that a provisional order be issued interdicting our access, possession and enjoyment of the church property,” he said.
The eviction orders follow a recent judgment by consent under HC2106/19 of March 4, 2019 by Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Thompson Mabhikwa, which dismissed an interim order granted in favour of Rev Sibanda in August last year.
State Media|At least 70 local authorities did not submit financial statements for the Auditor-General’s 2018 audit, with only three having records audited for the year.
This was revealed by Auditor-General Mildred Chiri in her annual report on the performance of local authorities for the year 2018, that was tabled in Parliament last week.
“I note with concern that for the 2018 financial year, out of 92 local authorities, only three (Bindura Municipality, Tongogara Rural District Council and Marondera Rural District Council) had current [2018] financial statements audited and reported on, whilst 19 were in progress or at finalisation stage,” she said.
“Seventy local authorities had not submitted their financial statements for audit as at May 31, 2019.”
Some of the local authorities have not submitted financial statements since 2016, with Kusile Rural District Council (Lupane) failing to present its statements since 2014.
Mrs Chiri said the failure to submit the statements had made it difficult for her office to follow up on issues raised in previous reports.
“I, therefore, found it difficult to review and assess whether or not my prior recommendations including outstanding issues had been regularised,” she said.
Mrs Chiri noted that lack of good governance continued to dog most councils, with Chitungwiza Municipality, Karoi Town Council and Bubi Rural District Council operating without key policy and procedure manuals.
“Non-payment of statutory obligations continues to be an issue in my reports,” she said. “Notable cases were Kariba Municipality ($5 309 208), Redcliff Municipality ($2 916 365) and Karoi Town Council ($1 936 329).
“Gweru City Council could not reconcile rates and water accounts amounts of $12 738 875 and $7 312 445 to bank statements balances of $303 942 and $70 582 respectively. Its employees have accumulated excess leave days which effectively imply that some of them have not been on leave for at least 17 years and others 24 years.
Mrs Chiri castigated Harare City Council for wasting money after hiring equipment for $222 950 when it could have repaired its own for $159 969.
“The council also borrowed an aggregate of $32 500 000 to fund salaries and terminal benefits of employees without ministerial approval,” she said.
“Only six out of the 32 required ambulances were available. There were no documented procedures in place to handle some operational and veterinary issues, for instance the case where council recorded cattle deaths averaging 36 per month (433 for the year under review).”
Mrs Chiri said 67 percent of Mutare City Council treated water was not billed due to leakages, non-metered connections and accounts not created in the system.
The local authority had 5 872 non-functional water meters.
THE expectations and hopes of building bridges between warring camps in the beleaguered Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) of Portland Oregon church in Southern Africa have faded as the factions continue plotting against each other in a series of legal battles.
The AFM of Portland Oregon, one of the country’s biggest churches which is headquartered in Bulawayo’s Pelandaba suburb, was formed by the late Reverend Morgan Sengwayo in 1955 and later affiliated to the parent church based in Portland, Oregon in the United States of America.
The church has since 1985 been plagued by numerous divisions which resulted in splinter groups. Reverend Richard Sibanda, who is on suspension, has been at the helm of the church in the Sadc region since 1985 until he broke ranks with the parent church leadership and subsequently replaced by Reverend Gumbo.
Rev Gumbo’s administration took over control of the church buildings and properties following a protracted legal battle, which spilled into the Supreme Court.
According to the Supreme Court judgment delivered by Justice Ben Hlatshwayo, who was sitting with Justices Marie-Anne Gowora and Tendai Uchena, Rev Sibanda was ordered to immediately relinquish possession and use of all church properties both movable and immovable by virtue of his suspension.
Other church members allegedly aligned to Rev Sibanda have since launched a fresh legal battle at the Bulawayo High Court challenging their evictions from church buildings across the country.
Prior to his departure to the United States for the church’s annual international camp meeting, Rev Gumbo directed the Sheriff of the High Court to execute eviction orders against church members deemed loyal to Rev Sibanda.State media
In a direct copy of former President Robert Mugabe’s Fort Hare University presidential scholarship, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to also establish his own scholarship programme to support Zimbabwean students to further their studies at the University of Zambia (UNZA).
Speaking after his conferment with a Special Honorary PhD Degree by UNZA on Saturday, Mnangagwa said his Government regards education as a key ingredient in driving the industrialisation agenda and establishing a middle-income economy by 2030.
President Mnangagwa, who expressed deep graduate for the recognition and honour given to him 44 years after he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws Degree from the same university, said he was inspired to do more in support of the education sector in the country, including establishing synergies with regional and international universities.
“As a proud alumnus of this university, I am aware that this is the highest recognition that a university can award an individual. To give other young people the opportunity to experience learning at this great institution, I will be awarding Presidential Scholarships to deserving candidates to study at the University of Zambia,” said the President.
“We should encourage our people to benefit from each other’s education systems. My Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology Development (Prof Amon Murwira) is here with me and I have directed that we see more collaboration between the universities in our two countries.”
Like Mnangagwa, Mugabe graduated from the South African Fort Hare University, was conferred with an honorary degree after which he established his presidential scholarship for young Zimbabweans to the university.
President Mnangagwa applauded the close bond between Zambia and Zimbabwe, popularly described as “Siamese twins” as the two states have shared cordial bilateral relations since pre-colonial times and worked closely together during the liberation struggle up to date.
Equally, President Mnangagwa said his personal life experience testifies the solidarity between the two neighbouring states. He said Zambia will always remain dear to him as he personally associated with the country as far back as the 1950s when he arrived as a lad from the then Southern Rhodesia.
“It was here in Zambia where my political awareness was nurtured through involvement in student anti-colonial politics, while serving as one of the youth league leaders of UNIP, here in Lusaka,” he recalled.
“My years at UNZA further enhanced my capacity to play a meaningful role, both in the liberation of my beloved country and in the post-independent Zimbabwe. My foundational years here in Zambia and at UNZA remain invaluable.”
THE Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (Zesa) is insolvent with its liabilities outstripping its assets by over US$92 million, a report by the Auditor General Mrs Mildred Chiri reveals.
The report was tabled in Parliament last week. “I draw your attention to the fact that the company’s current liabilities exceed its current assets by US$92 118 178, this indicates that a material uncertainty exists that may cast significant doubt on the company’s ability to continue operating as a going concern,” Mrs Chiri said.
In 2017 the company’s liabilities exceeded its assets by US$84 167 798. The AG also said the company’s financial were in shambles.
“Because of the significance of the matter described in the basis for the adverse opinion section of our report, the financial statements do not present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Zesa Holdigs Private Limited as at 31 December 2018, and its financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards,” she reported.
Zesa has attributed the challenges it faces to the sub-economic tariffs it charges resulting in production costs of electricity to remain higher than the sale costs.State media
The Warriors suffered a first blow minutes before kickoff when first choice goalkeeper George Chigova was ruled out of the game due to a hamstring injury sustained during warm up.
And after just four minutes played, the Southern Africans were already behind after Elvis Chipezeze spilled the ball into the path of Jonathan Bolingi who headed home following a free-kick.
The early goal derailed the team’s plans as they struggled to create an real threats in moments after.
In the 32nd minute, Knowledge Musona got Zimbabwe’s first real opportunity to restore parity but his effort was skied high from the inside edge of the box.
However, a minute later,DRC doubled their lead with Cedric Bakambu scoring into the top left corner off an assist from Issama Mpeko.
Halftime came with the DRC firmly in control and leading 2-0.
The Warriors never threatened at goal in the opening moments of the second period and the coming in of Nyasha Mushekwi never brought any change upfront.
DRC made it three just moments after the hour with Bakambu getting his brace from the spot after Chipezeze hacked him down inside the box.
The keeper made another howler ten minutes later which gifted the Leopards with their fourth goal which was scored by Assombalonga.
The goal proved to be the final nail on the Zimbabwe’s coffin as it ended in an embarrassing way for Sunday Chidzambwa’s charges.Socer24Zimbabwe
A Greenside woman last week drowned in Chikanga Extension water reservoir where she had allegedly gone to perform traditional rituals with friends.
Bridget Mangazi’s body was discovered floating in the dam by Joseph Mutimudye, a Chikanga resident, who alerted the police. Manicaland police spokesperson Inspector Tavhiringwa Kakohwa confirmed the incident.
He said Mangazi (28) had gone to the dam with five friends for traditional rituals, but fell into the reservoir while relieving herself.
“Instead of helping her, her friends left her and rushed to Himalaya Village, under Chief Zimunya to look for her parents as they believed she had been taken by a mermaid,” said Insp Kakohwa.
Mangazi’s body was discovered by a passer-by before her friends returned. The Police Sub Aqua Unit was called in to retrieve the body.State media
THREE African countries have approached Government to recruit Zimbabwean teachers who are on demand in those nations.
Primary and Secondary Education Minister Professor Paul Mavima revealed this last Friday, during a public lecture held at the United College of Education in Bulawayo.
The public lecture, which was organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Students Union (Zicosu), was running under the theme “Utilising teachers and education in achieving Vision 2030.”
Prof Mavima said Government has suspended talks with South Sudan over exportation of graduates due to security threats in that country. He said Government was in talks with Rwanda, Namibia and Botswana to export teachers to those countries. “We have been approached by other countries wanting mainly teachers who can teach English.
“And we are exploring the possibility of bilateral arrangements. Those teachers who are willing can then be employed outside the country. “We are working on that.
“The first country which approached us was South Sudan, but we suspended that programme because they went into some security problems.
“Rwanda has now also approached us, Namibia is talking to us and Botswana is talking to us,” Prof Mavima said.State media
Late Vice President and founding nationalist Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo was a national leader who played a leading role in fostering unity in the country.
This was said by Zanu-PF spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo in a statement to mark 20 years of the passing on of Father Zimbabwe.
“He was not only a nationalist of national standing, but a leader of immense courage who hated tribalism, regionalism and racism to the marrow. He led from the front with precision, throughout the years of the protracted liberation struggle until victory in 1980,’’ Khaya Moyo said.
Khaya Moyo said Zimbabweans cherished the good works of Dr Nkomo, describing him as a man of purpose who was determined to achieve peace, humanity and national unity by always putting the interests of the nation above his own.
“He was never power-hungry hence his signing of the Unity Accord between the two former liberation movements, Zapu and Zanu, in December 1987 to speed the process of unity and peace. He loved humanity, we miss the mountain, we miss the shade, and we miss a man of purpose, principle, perseverance, charisma and prayer,” Khaya Moyo said.State media
A NIGHTMARISH performance by stand-in goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze dominated a horror show for the Warriors as they crashed out of the 2019 AFCON finals, under a cloud of humiliation with Sunday Chidzambwa’s men suffering their worst defeat at this tournament at the June 30 Stadium here last night.
Cedrick Bakambu scored twice, including a penalty, Jonathan Bolingi opened the scoring and Middlesborough striker Britt Assombalonga netted the other for the Congolese on their Independence Day.
Needing a victory to have a chance of squeezing into the group stages, for only the first time in history, the Warriors somehow produced a performance plucked from hell with their defence, a rock on which they had built their recent success stories, in a state of shambles all night.
‘Keeper Chipezeze, playing only because George Chigova pulled out injured shortly before the game while Edmore Sibanda had also been sidelined by injury, was the fall guy with an early howler, which set the tone for a night to forget for the Warriors who now return home as villains.
Although the Class of 2004 conceded five goals against Cameroon, they scored three, and two years ago in Gabon, the Warriors conceded four goals against Tunisia but scored twice in that match to give the contest some respectability.
Chipezeze was a bundle of nerves all night and gifted the Democratic Republic of Congo their first goal with a shocking schoolboy error, with Bolingi scoring, was penalised for a penalty for the opponents’ third and then made another fumble for the fourth.
A win for the Warriors, given the events at the Cairo International Stadium where hosts Egypt beat Uganda 2-0, would have seen them make history by booking a place in the last 16, as the runners-up in the group, but a limp show – when they needed to flex their muscles – will now see them heading home.
Maybe, the days of turmoil, which saw their camp being devilled by a series of rows over pay leading even to consideration being made by ZIFA to pull the team out of this tournament a few days ago, finally took their toll on them and the spark they had shown against Egypt and Uganda disappeared.
With just one point, from three games, and bottom of the table, it means the so-called Golden Generation will also be remembered for all the wrong reasons after suffering the worst defeat by Zimbabwe at the AFCON finals while the issues related to their financial demands will also be debated for weeks.
And, after scoring only once in 270 minutes, this is officially the worst campaign by the Warriors at the AFCON finals.State media
AC Milan have been barred from participating in the Europa League next season.
The Serie A giants were hit by the ban after the Court of Arbitration for Sport found them guilty of breaching UEFA’s Financial Fair Play rules.
The seven-time European Cup winners have reached an agreement with UEFA that sees them officially withdrawn from the competition, despite finishing fifth in Serie A last season.
A statement from CAS read: “AC Milan is excluded from participating in the UEFA Club Competitions of the sporting season 2019/2020 as a consequence of the breach of its FFP break-even obligations during the 2015/2016/2017 and the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring periods.
“The Adjudicatory Chamber of the UEFA Club Financial Control Body is invited to issue a Procedural Order, acknowledging the outcome of the present arbitration(s) and terminating the AC-01/2019 proceedings relating to the 2016/2017/2018 monitoring period, which have become moot.”Soccer24Zimbabwe
Farai Dziva| MDC Masvingo Provincial chairperson James Chafungamoyo Gumbi is eyeing the Zaka East Parliamentary Seat following the death of Zanu PF Member of Parliament for the constituency, Caston Gumbwanda on Tuesday, June 25.
Gumbwanda died at a medical centre in Harare where he had been admitted after suffering from pneumonia.
In 2018, Gumbwanda beat Gumbi in the race for the parliamentary seat.Gumbi also lost to Zanu PF’ s Samson Mukanduri in 2013.
“If Zaka East MDC members elect me, l am ready to serve them. Additionally, l want to be chosen through a primary election. I am a democrat,” said Gumbi.
However, there are other Zaka East district members who feel that Advocate Derrick Charamba, the current MDC Masvingo provincial information and publicity secretary should be given a chance to contest Zanu PF in Zaka East.
