By Own Correspondent- Remigious Matangira who is the sitting Bindura South legislator has hailed the recently announced SI 142 adding that the policy measure was important as it ensured that “thieves” or money changers would relocate to their rural homes.
Contributing to debate in parliament on Tuesday, the Zanu Pf legislator accused the people on the street of possessing more forex than the country’s central bank.
He said:
“….I stand on a point of privilege to raise issues that bother people outside and inside this country regarding this Statutory Instrument 142:2019 which was gazetted by the Minister of Finance. If we are a family that has no totem we are lost.
A country without its own currency has no roots and has no ancestral spirits. More-so, if a country that has imposed economic sanctions on you and you go on to use their currency, that country does not want you to develop.
Those on the left are saying we should continue being in this situation; old people are dying in the communal lands due to lack of drugs. What type of a country are we Zimbabweans. All countries are saying we must use our own currency.
The Minister of Finance and Economic Development says despite the fact that you want the American Dollar, use the American Dollar and use it at the inter-bank rate but people on the streets have more US dollars than the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, why should that be the case?
What has been done is good. Thieves that have been involved in money changing should go to their communal homes.”
By Own Correspondent- MDC Vice President and former Finance minister Tendai Biti has urged government to urgently repeal Statutory Instrument 142 arguing that the policy directive was not only illegal but disastrous.
Biti said this in parliament (Tuesday).
He said:
“… My point of privilege relates to the enactment by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) (Legal Tender Regulations) published as Statutory Instrument (SI) 142:2019.
The native fact of this SI is to officially de-dollarise and adopt in Zimbabwe as the sole legal tender, the Zimbabwean Dollar (Z$). This is such a matter of public importance in that it touches on the political economy of our country; that is the politics of our country, the economics of our country and indeed the law of our country.
On the law, I want to bring your attention to the provision of Section 44 (2) of the Reserve Bank Act of Zimbabwe which introduced the regime of multiple currencies in 2009. Section 44A (2) makes it clear that the tender in Zimbabwe of the British Pound, the Euro, the United States Dollar, the South African Rand and the Botswana Pula in any transaction shall be deemed to be legal tender.
That being so Hon. Speaker Sir, and Section 44A (2) being an Act of Parliament, the Minister of Finance cannot in a Statutory Instrument repeal an Act of Parliament.
So quite clearly Hon. Speaker Sir, Statutory Instrument 142:2019 is ultra vires the provisions of Section 44A (2) of the RBZ Act, so it is wrong on the law.
On economics, a currency is a relationship between your exports and your imports. As long as you have got a deficit in your current account, I submit that we do not have the current account; we do not have the reserves that are necessary to support our own currency.
Thirdly, more than anything else, a currency is subject to political confidence. This country suffers from kwashiorkor of political confidence.
There is absolutely no confidence in this currency. So, I submit Hon. Speaker, that SI 142:2019 is a disaster; that the attempt to de-dollarise this country is a disaster. The Minister must as a matter of urgency repeal SI 142:2019.”
By Own Correspondent- Addressing legislators on Tuesday, Wedza North member of parliament David Musabayana said the return of the Zimbabwean dollar marked the beginning of monetary sovereignity and presented the RBZ with the opportunity to control money supply
He hailed the introduction of the local currency saying the adoption of the basket of currencies had brought untold suffering to the majority of Zimbabweans.
Said Musabayana:
“…..in January, 2009, Zimbabwe undertook what we call currency substitution where a multi currency system was adopted and this multi currency system had a basket of currencies with the United States dollar and some of the SADC currencies were also in that basket, including the Euro and many other currencies.
Unfortunately the United States dollar slowly became the defacto currency as it bullied out the rest of the currencies from the basket. This made it very difficult for most of the Zimbabweans because it was a defacto currency, it was not a de jure currency where it was legal in terms of its procurement – [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] – Mr. Speaker Sir, this created untold suffering to the rest of the Zimbabweans, because the Reserve Bank could not supply…
….. this made it very difficult for the Zimbabweans because the RBZ could not control the money supply. So in terms of monetary sovereignty, the nation lost its monetary sovereignty because of the adoption of this basket of currencies.
…… because of that there were also a lot of distortions that were created in the market, because the flow of this currency was not efficient. Some areas could not get this currency creating unnecessary distortions and it also fuelled the parallel market. Because of this Mr. Speaker Sir, the economy of Zimbabwe stagnated.
Mr. Speaker, in this light I would like to applaud the Minister of Finance and Economic Development through the Government of Zimbabwe for the adoption of the new currency– [HON. MEMBERS: Inaudible interjections.] –
Why our own currency? Mr. Speaker, foreign currency is only important for the payment of imports and payment of foreign debt, but for local transactions or day to day transactions, we need our local currency. So, the return of the Zimbabwean dollar means the return of monetary sovereignty, it also means the return of national sovereignty.
Mr. Speaker Sir, this means that our imports are going to be competitive even on the foreign market. The rest of the world is now rejecting the United States dollar. Why are people rejecting the United States dollar, Mr. Speaker Sir? The United States dollar is just a fiat currency, it is not backed by anything, and it is not backed by gold.”
By Own Correspondent- A HWANGE woman miscarried after being attacked by her neighbour who owed her RTGS$6.
Gracious Moyo (24) of E20 Sinderela Village owed a six-weeks pregnant Thandolwenkosi Ndlovu but seemed to be taking too long to pay back.
As such, Ndlovu’s constant demand for her money became an annoying jingle in Moyo’s ears and she beat her up leading to the miscarriage.
For that, Moyo appeared before Hwange provincial magistrate Gift Ntando Dube facing assault charges.
“Your worship, I did not mean to hurt the complainant. I was angered by the words she spoke to me when I tried to reason with her over the money I owed her. I got upset and lost control, resulting in my assaulting her. I’m really sorry,” she pleaded. The court heard that on 24 December 2018 at around 8pm, Ndlovu proceeded to house number E20, Sinderela Village where Moyo stays intending to collect $6 which she owed her. Moyo refused to give her the money and a misunderstanding arose between the two.
She then began to slap a stunned Ndlovu with open hands several times all over the face before assaulting her further with fists all over the body. As if it was not enough Moyo lurched for Ndlovu’s chest before sinking her teeth into her right breast.
She was restrained from further assaulting Ndlovu who was now lying on the floor by other neighbours who had been alerted by the commotion. The incident was reported to the police leading to Moyo’s arrest. Ndlovu sustained bruises on the face as a result of the assault and revealed in court that she had miscarried her six-weeks old pregnancy.
Sithandweyinkosi Sithole prosecuted for the State.-StateMedia
By A Correspondent- In a spine-chilling murder case that left villagers under Chief Chiduku shell-shocked, a newly recruited domestic worker axed his two employers to death in unclear circumstances.
The slain victims Elson Mberi (74) and his wife Finah Mberi (72) were both struck on their heads in the gruesome attack.
Finah died on the spot while her husband later on June 1 upon his admission at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
After allegedly committing the grisly murder, Elvas Makono (27) of Samanyai Village under Chief Chiduku fled from the village. He was, however, apprehended by police in Zimunya after he committed a petty offence. District Criminal Investigations Officer for Rusape and Nyanga districts, Superintendent Shepherd Tachiona confirmed the arrest of Makono.
He said the suspect was now in police custody assisting detectives with investigations.
Makono is set to appear in court facing two counts of murder.
“Elson and Finah Mberi of Chiduku Village under Chief Chiduku sent a word in the village that they were looking for a domestic worker. The suspect was referred to them by a neighbour. On May 21, 2019, he was engaged by the now deceased couple.
“On May 24 in the morning Elson was in the kitchen when he was attacked by Makono. He struck him once with an axe on the forehead. Makono proceeded to the bedroom where Finah was and struck her on the right side of the head with the same weapon.
“She died on the spot. A neighbour arrived at the homestead and found Finah dead. Elson was alive but wreathing in pain. A truck was immediately hired to ferry him to Rusape General Hospital where upon arrival he was immediately transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare. A police report was made and detectives attended the scene,” said Supt Tachiona.
He said the suspect fled from the scene after committing the offence. Police launched a manhunt. Two cell phones belonging to the deceased and unverified amount of money were also missing at the homestead after the incident.
On June Makono was arrested by Zimunya police for a petty crime he had committed there.
The cops then established that the person they had in custody was on the wanted list by Rusape police for murder.
“We do not have proof that he is not mentally stable, he looked very normal when we interacted with him during investigations,” said Superintendent Tachiona.-ManicaPost
By Own Correspondent- The boarders reportedly stormed Mabelreign police station today morning to report the school authorities over allegations of verbal and physical abuse and a poor diet.
The students, who were marching and chanting their grievances alleged that some of their teachers verbally and physically abuse them.
Said one of the students:
“We are told to go to the garden during school hours and are sometimes delegated duties for the administration such as killing rabbits for the deputy head. This is done during lesson time and we end up missing lessons.
We hardly have water although there is a borehole at the school and a generator. We are fed up and if they continue doing this to us, this is howw we will react, we will rise up.”
Mabelreign Girls High kids march to Police Station to report their own deputy head… pic.twitter.com/XLGhL4nLFz
By Own Correspondent- Justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi has scoffed at the former Finance minister Tendai Biti saying that it was still premature to clasify the recently announced SI 142 as a legal nullity.
Ziyambi’s remarks come in the wake of Biti telling parliament that Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019, which re-introduced the Zimbabwean Dollar and scrapped the multi-currency system, is illegal and a disaster to the country.
Biti was speaking in Parliament on Tuesday after a ZANU MP had lauded Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube for bringing back the Zimbabwean Dollar.
Said Biti:
The SI 142 (2019) touches on our political economy, the economy of our country and the laws of our country.
Section 44(2) of the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe Act, which introduced the multi-currency regime in 2009, makes it clear that the British pound, euro, South African rand and Botswana pula shall be legal tender, and section 44(a)(2) — it is an Act of Parliament means that the Finance minister cannot repeal that provision.
Quite clearly, SI 142 (2019) is ultra vires the provisions of section 44(a)(2) of the RBZ Act and it is wrong at law and on the economy.
As long as there is a deficit in your current account, I submit that we do not have a current account and reserves necessary to support our own currency.
A currency is a subject of political confidence and in this country, as far as I am concerned, there is kwashiorkor of political confidence and, therefore, I submit that SI 142 is a disaster.
However, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi scoffed at Biti’s remarks saying that it was premature to say that SI 142 was a legal nullity.
Said Ziyambi:
I would like to make a correction that all statutory instruments stand deferred to Parliament, which will scrutinise them through the Parliamentary Legal Committee (PLC).
If the PLC feels there is something wrong with the SI, they will issue an adverse report and then Parliament will debate it.
I am surprised because MPs are very much aware of the process and they want to debate it. An SI takes effect the moment it is published and I submit that it is very premature to start attacking it before it is scrutinised by the PLC.-Newsday
By A Correspondent- The body of a beheaded man, whose head was found in a Funcargo at a roadblock search, is still to be buried six months after his grisly murder.
David Arendi was murdered in December last year in Workington Industries and the accused was arrested at a roadblock in Belvedere.
Family members feel they should have the body of their relative for burial but bureaucracy has been stalling their efforts for the past six months.
The family member, who opted to have her name protected, said Harare Central Hospital where the body was in mortuary was waiting for a doctor’s report.
“That we are still to bury our relative has caused more grief to relatives and friends demanding to know answers from responsible authorities.-HMetro
Reports indicate that banks are still refusing to allow individuals’ withdrawals of cash from Nostro Foreign Currency Accounts.
A certain bank has reportedly sent an email to its management, saying that individuals should not be allowed to withdraw foreign cash until the authorities send a different circular or directive in the normal manner.
Reads the correspondence:
Dear All
This update seeks to give clarity to the issue of cash withdrawals for individuals as follows.
The current policy being referred to is simply allowing withdrawal of foreign cash for permissible transactions under the new dispensation for example travel allowance outside Zimbabwe, prepaid cards for international use, etc; for which the bank will apply the normal KYC; AML/CFT standards before allowing such withdrawals to happen on a case by case basis.
Foreign cash withdrawal for domestic use is not permissible.
Should there be any further clarifications or amendments to the SI 142 by the authorities, you will be advised as soon as such directives or circulars are issued and received in the normal manner.
Regards
The development however comes amid revelations by the RBZ Governor John Mangudya that cash withdrawals for individuals and nostro account holders was above board and depositors were guaranteed of the availability of their forex from banks.
Cash withdrawals Further to our Directive, the Reserve Bank wishes to advise that contrary to certain information being circulated on social media, cash withdrawals by individuals are still permissible and the policy position hasn’t changed.
— Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (@ReserveBankZIM) June 26, 2019
The Warriors drew 1-1 draw with Uganda in a Group A AFCON match this evening.
Uganda took the lead in the 12th minute of the game with Emmaneul Okwi finding the back of the net from close range after George Chigova had saved an earlier shot into his path.
Despite the set-back the Warriors increased the tempo and had more urgency as the looked for the equaliser with Khama Billiat central in the attacks.
Billiat and Karuru combined well and continued to force Uganda into defence.
In the 23rd minute Knowledge Musona had a great chance to with his shot going way to high.
Six minutes before Halftime the Warriors had their equaliers when Musona chested to Ovidy Karuru who crossed into the box for Billiat to score with a delightful finish.
The Halftime break came with the score level.The Warriors continued where they left as the continued to attack in the second half.
In the 50th minute Musona missed a glorious chance to give Zimbabwe the lead when hit the bar despite having an empty goal at his mercy.
Sunday Chidzambwa made two changes to brining in Evans Rusike for Talent Chawapiwa while Marshall Munesti replaced Thabani Kamusoko as he sought the winner.
However the Warriors continued to be wasteful as the game progressed. In the 91st minute Musona had a chance to grab the winner but could only shoot wide as the Warriors settled for only a point.
The results leave Zimbabwe needing other results to potentially go in their favour and needing to win the final group game against DRC. DRC will face Egypt later this evening. Soccer24Zimbabwe
By A Correspondent- An apostolic sect leader was allegegedly assaulted by a suspected CIO operative for “sympathizing” with Apostle Talent Chiwenga.
Apostolic sect leader from Johanne Masowe Chishanu, Madzibaba Spenlodge Madenyika, was allegedly assaulted at his shrine by a man who claimed to be an intelligence officer.
Madzibaba Spenlodge told H-Metro, that a man only identified as Jimmy Dzamu went to his shrine, shouting and telling him to close the sanctuary.
The outspoken cleric further told the publication that his life was no longer safe since there had been several break-in attempts at his house.
”Last Saturday Jimmy Dzamu came to my shrine shouting at me- telling me to close the shrine. He claimed to be working in the President’s office.
They are persecuting me for commenting on Apostle Talent Chiwenga’s story. I didn’t know basa raMwari rikakura you develop more enemies than friends.”-H Metro
By Own Correspondnt- A Harare Polytechnic College lecturer here has been suspended by authorities for misconduct over utterances alleging that President Emmerson Mnangagwa had failed to manage the economy.
Amos Dauzen reportedly accused Mnangagwa of economic mismanagement adding that this had resulted in poor remuneration for civil servants.
This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Lawyer for Human Rights (ZLHR) in a statement.
It said:
At Harare Polytechnic College, authorities have suspended Amos Dauzeni, a lecturer, after he was accused of misconduct for allegedly denigrating President Mnangagwa by stating that he had mismanaged the country’s economy resulting in the payment of poor salaries to government workers.
This video is sparking outrage on social media, as it shows a Metro Transit Police officer using a taser on a man who was speaking to officers who had detained several juveniles in the U St. Metro. https://t.co/iAr0qnUgWSpic.twitter.com/dSqpJLGNHK
By Own Correspondent- Former ZANU PF politburo member and Higher and Tertiary Education Minister, Jonathan Moyo has accused the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) members of being driven by the love for money and nothing else.
Moyo expressed his sentiments on microblogging site Twitter, where he said:
One stinking scandal that is waiting to be told is about PAC patronage. It’s a PAC of self-enriching two-timers whose love for the USD is scandalous.
They claim to be doing national service when in point of fact they are lining up their pockets big time. Let them say nywee!
Gokwe-Nembudziya Member of Parliament Mayor Justice Wadyajena has challenged the Youth League led by Deputy Secretary for Youth Affairs Lewis Matutu to first clear corruption allegations levelled at them before pointing fingers at other people.
The firebrand Wadyajena on Tuesday said, “We are all against corruption. If you (Matutu) are genuine about addressing corruption go to ZRP/ZACC and report. Not grandstanding with meaningless pressers and all because makanyimwa mari. You should start by addressing charges of corruption laid against you and your team. Pathetic!”
In a clear sign that there are divisions within the party, Matutu told Wadyajena that the Youth League will deal with him.
“We are aware of what Justice Mayor Wadyajena and team are planning to sabotage our anti corruption campaign, we are ready for all of you.” Earlier this year ZANU PF Youth league members suspended Matutu and other officials over corruption allegations. The suspension was overturned by the Politiburo.
There has been a protracted succession fight within ZANU PF which developed few months after the ousting of former iron ruler Robert Mugabe through a bloody coup that claimed the life of CIO District Officer Peter Munetsi on November 2017.
The recent corruption accusations levelled against senior ranking ZANU PF officials including Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu further gave rise to speculation that the fights are intensifying.
On Tuesday the War Veterans said they are firmly behind the anti-corruption crusade which is being fronted by the Youth League.
Uganda has taken an early lead against the Warriors of Zimbabwe.
Brilliant work in midfield saw Uganda break down the flank and the shot came in with George Chigova only able to parry the ball straight to Emmanuel Okwi who made it 1-0.
ZBC|Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor, Dr John Mangudya has allayed fears that the introducing a domestic currency will see the country returning to 2008.
Dr Mangudya exclusively explained to the ZBC News the huge difference of economics between 2008 and 2019.
Dr John Mangudya said the country is nowhere near 2008 which was characterised by empty shelves explaining that measures already in place will guard against runaway inflation as the RBZ will not print money carelessly but will strictly be guided by economic principles around monetary economics.
“The process of introducing the domestic currency was well thought and we will not be careless with how we manage monetary issues,” he said.
The central bank chief reiterated that unlike in 2008 where virtually all the companies were at zero production capacity, the scenario in 2019 is such that there is more than enough economic productivity to support the recent introduction of the domestic currency.
“The country is witnessing a lot of production hence there is a support mechanism for Zimbabwe to introduce its own currency,” he said.
The country’s monetary authorities will further tighten the exchange control regulations to ensure the domestic currency finds the traction that is necessary to oil the operations of the inter-bank market to support foreign currency demand by corporates.
Below is the full unedited announcement from the politburo on Wednesday evening:
ZANU PF Politburo has resolved that while the Youth League may not have followed procedure, however corruption must be denounced at all levels. There must be Zero tolerance to corruption.
330th Politburo Highlights
His Excellency President ED Mnangagwa will constitute a commission of enquiry to investigate the allegations presented by the National Youth League. This was unanimously endorsed by the Politburo.
330th Politburo Highlights
However the Youth League has been reminded to stick to procedure. The Youth League apologised for flouting procedure but has said it will be bringing more allegations.
ZIMBABWE National Road Administration (Zinara) finance director Simon Taranhike has been arrested on allegations of criminal abuse of office and attempts to conceal corruption.
Sources close to the investigations said Taranhike released 1 800 litres of fuel to some members of the local media and abused the parastatal’s petty cash.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the arrest and said the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (ZACC) was handling the matter.
“We can confirm that Simon Taranhike was arrested yesterday (Monday), but he is currently with ZACC officers for further investigations,” he said.
Sources said investigations were in progress.
The latest developments come amid reports that Taranhike had been sucked into a fuel scandal that he reportedly intended to use to “grease media friends” and others who were not connected to the parastatal.
According to the reports, a junior ZINARA employee stated in his report that he was bullied into releasing 1 800 litres of fuel by Taranhike.
At that time, Taranhike was not prosecuted, but was asked to reimburse.
It was further alleged that an electronic mail sent by Zinara administration manager Mr Peter Boterere to acting chief executive officer Mathlene Mujokoro revealed that Taranhike ordered one Jaricha to issue the 1 800 litres of fuel to an unnamed local journalist.
Last month, Zinara’s former acting chief executive officer Ms Mathlene Mujokoro and former audit manager Mr Shadreck Matengabadza resigned, while 19 employees were arrested for fraud cases involving more than US$210 000.
Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza has appointed a new board for the Zimbabwe National Road Administration chaired by Engineer Michael Madanha to deal with the rot at the parastatal.
The new board was appointed following the dissolution of the Mr Wilfred Ramwi-led board last year, which was accused of covering up corruption at the parastatal.
The board is also expected to implement recommendations of the Grant Thornton audit report which unearthed serious corruption at the parastatal.
Taranhike is not new to the criminal justice system.
He was once arrested for criminal abuse of office, together with former executives, Precious Murove (director administration and human resources), Shadreck Matengabadza (finance manager), Stephen Matute (accountant) and Givemore Tendai Kufa (regional engineer).
They were accused of fraudulently engaging third party companies to source foreign currency on the informal market on behalf of Zinara.
However, the courts cleared them of the charges in May last year.
MDC Treasurer General David Coltart says the MDC will not allow a person who stole an election to dictate the terms of the much needed national dialogue.
In a Twitter conversation with Mnangagwa’s advisor Shingi Munyeza and Business Tycoon Mutumwa Mawere he said, “I would just add we need a dialogue arbitrated by a neutral democratic peer. We cannot have one person, who even on his own figures, in a fraudulent unconstitutional election, won by a tiny margin, dictate the terms, pace, venue and structure of the dialogue.”
Coltart said the gap between legitimacy and illegitimacy of President Emmerson Mnanaggwa’s Presidency needs to be bridged so that the dialogue can be done in good faith.
“The gap has to be bridged or else our nation will continue to plunge. In South Africa in 1990 there was also a large gulf but it was bridged. Good faith can overcome massive obstacles. But we have a serious deficit of good faith.
“Legitimacy is an issue – last year’s elections were illegal, and not free and fair. All reasonable observers concede that.”
The lawyer added that the judiciary system has contributed to the national crisis in the country.
“It is also no use relying on the Constitutional Court judgment because any lawyer worth his or her salt will explain how fundamentally flawed both the procedure and judgment were. So in a dialogue it is unhelpful trying to argue that a discredited process must just be accepted.
“Clearly in the Zimbabwean context the judiciary is part of the problem, particularly since the election and this year when it has acted systematically in a manner which disrespects the rule of law and the Constitution.”
Willard Katsande (l) and Knowledge Musona (r) during training at the 2017 African Cup of Nations Finals Afcon at the Libreville training venue in Gabon on 21 January 2017
The Warriors are back in action in their second Group A encounter at Cairo International Stadium this evening.
Zimbabwe will come against Uganda in a match they need to avoid a loss as to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout round alive.
The Cranes, on their side, just need maximum points in the encounter to book a place in the next stage.
Broadcast Details & Kick-off Time The game will be live on SuperSport 4A (Ch. 224) at 7 pm while build-up starts at 6:30 pm. You can also follow live updates of the game here on Soccer24.
Head-to-head There have been four meetings between these two sides since 2010 and Uganda only managed two draws while Zimbabwe have won twice in the other games of the tie. The most recently meeting was in 2016 where the Warriors won 2-0 in a friendly match played in Harare.
Team News Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is out of the tie through an injury with striker Nyasha Mushekwi and Edmore Sibanda also missing due to knocks they suffered in the last game against Egypt.
Warriors winger Kudakwashe Mahachi has received a backlash after showing disrespect to coach Sunday Chidzambwa in a live video on Social Media.
According to sports reporter Yvonne Mangunda, the recently wedded Mahachi went live on Instagram, blasting the coach for his decision to drop him to the bench and give the starting berth to Talent Chawapiwa in today’s match against Uganda.
The Orlando Pirates winger, who hasn’t shared the replay of the live video, allegedly said that he was better off at his honeymoon than being on the bench at Afcon.
Mahachi didn’t feature in the tournament’s opener against Egypt last Friday.
The 25-year old was also on the bench in most games in the qualifying campaign and at some point failed to make it into the final squad.
Meanwhile, Chidzambwa has made four changes to the team that played on Friday with goalkeeper George Chigova replacing injured Edmore Sibanda while Chawapiwa while Chawapiwa comes in for Nyasha Mushekwi.
Thabani Kamusoka got the nod ahead of Marshall Munetsi and Danny Phiri for injured Marvelous Nakamba.
Farai Dziva|An apostolic sect leader was allegegedly assaulted by a suspected CIO operative for “sympathizing” with Apostle Talent Chiwenga.
Apostolic sect leader from Johanne Masowe Chishanu, Madzibaba Spenlodge Madenyika, was allegedly assaulted at his shrine by a man who claimed to be an intelligence officer.
Madzibaba Spenlodge told H-Metro, that a man only identified as Jimmy Dzamu went to his shrine, shouting and telling him to close the sanctuary.
The outspoken cleric further told the publication that his life was no longer safe since there had been several break-in attempts at his house.
”Last Saturday Jimmy Dzamu came to my shrine shouting at me- telling me to close the shrine. He claimed to be working in the President’s office.
They are persecuting me for commenting on Apostle Talent Chiwenga’s story. I didn’t know basa raMwari rikakura you develop more enemies than friends.”
Farai Dziva|Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored Zimbabweans to celebrate the reintroduction of the Zimbabwean dollar.
The government has banned the use of the United States dollar -abandoning the multi-currency regime in the process.
Analysts say the move is disastrous as the country does not have enough foreign currency reserves.
Mnangagwa has urged Zimbabweans to rejoice because the Zim Dollar is back.
Speaking to reporters in Victoria Falls Mnangagwa declared that his government must be given credit for bringing back normalcy.
“Zimbabwe has gone back to normalcy and the normalcy is that a country must have its own currency. We were living in an abnormal situation and you must congratulate us for becoming normal again.”
The Zim dollar, however, has been met with scepticism all over Zimbabwe with banks hiking interest rates and individuals withholding their cash.
By A Correspondent: A Harare Polytechnic College lecturer has been suspended by authorities for misconduct over his utterances.
Amos Dauzen reportedly said that President Emmerson Mnangagwa has mismanaged the country’s economy resulting in poor remuneration for civil servants.
This was revealed by the Zimbabwe Lawyer for Human Rights (ZLHR) in a statement.
It said:
At Harare Polytechnic College, authorities have suspended Amos Dauzeni, a lecturer, after he was accused of misconduct for allegedly denigrating President Mnangagwa by stating that he had mismanaged the country’s economy resulting in the payment of poor salaries to government workers.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambga has named the team to face the Cranes of Uganda in tonight’s match at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Here is the line-up: G.Chigova, T. Darikwa, A.Mudimu, T.Hadebe, D. Lunga, D. Phiri, T. Kamusoko, O. Karuru, T. Chawapihwa, K. Billiat, K. Musona. The match is to be played at the Cairo International Stadium and kick-off is 7 PM Zimbabwean Time.Soccer24Zimbabwe
Farai Dziva|MDC deputy spokesperson Luke Tamborinyoka has scoffed at claims by Zanu PF leader Emmerson Mnangagwa that Zimbabwe has returned to normalcy.
In a statement Luke Tamborinyoka took a swipe at Mnangagwa for relaying information totally divorced from reality.
“Mr Mnangagwa says Zimbabwe has returned to normalcy. Is he in the same country with all of us? Has this man acquired permanent resident status in Cloud Cuckooland?”
He added:” The death of Cephas Kanyai, the head of St. Ludger Primary school just outside Marondera who fell from an avocado tree tragically showcases the magnitude of Zimbabwe’s crisis.
Kanyai died while fetching avocados he intended to sell at his school to augment his meager salary.”
Farai Dziva|A ZANU PF MP has been rushed to hospital after collapsing in Parliament.
The MP collapsed while attending to parliament business, according to a daily publication.
Josephine Shava, the Mashonaland West Proportional Representation Member of Parliament collapsed on Wednesday afternoon and was rushed to a hospital in the capital.
She is said to be in a stable condition.
Clerk of Parliament Kennedy Chokuda said : “She was attending parliament business and fell sick, we had to rush her to hospital.”
Farai Dziva| Zanu PF has allegedly caused the suspension of a senior medical doctor for refusing to donate money towards a ruling party programme.
Dr Edmore Zvidzai, the medical superintendent at Gutu Mission Hospital was suspended for allegedly refusing to donate funds towards Independence celebrations during a fundraising campaign by the Zanu PF youth league.
Zvidzai was not at liberty to comment on the matter.
“Dr Zvidzai requested a transfer from Masvingo Province but I don’t know his reasons for making the move,” said a government official.
Farai Dziva|Zimbabwe Warriors will take on Uganda in a match they need to avoid a loss to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout round alive.
The Cranes, on their side, just need maximum points in the encounter to book a place in the next stage.
The game will be live on SuperSport 4A (Ch. 224) at 7 pm while build-up will start at 6:30 pm.
Midfielder Marvelous Nakamba is out of the tie through an injury with striker Nyasha Mushekwi and Edmore Sibanda also missing due to knocks they suffered in the last game against Egypt.
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has condemned police brutality against Kwekwe Polytechnic students.
See the youth assembly statement below:
The MDC Youth Assembly is riled by the state repressive machinery, Riot Police’s use of chemical weapons on innocent and defenceless Kwekwe Poly students.
As an Assembly we strongly condemn such inhumane and barbaric practice which left one of the students, Tinashe Gwenzi battling for his life.
Use of chemical weapons on citizens is prohibited by the international law and is regarded as crimes against humanity.
As young leaders, we have a mandate to serve, save and safeguard fellow citizens from merchants of repression and destruction and as such we will not watch as state agents willy nilly trample on citizens rights.
We would like to warn the regime that a repeat of such barbaric acts on citizens will be met by equal resistance and force it deserves.
Never again can we allow an illegitimate regime to pull a Halabja or a Syrian moment on our defenseless brothers and sisters!
It is our take that the state should take full responsibility of Tinashe Gwenzi’s medical bills or else suffer the full wrath and retribution of angry young people of Zimbabwe.
As young social democrats, we will always stand in solidarity with the down trodden.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
By A Correspondent- Bond notes and bond coins were introduced in 2014 and since then they have lived 5 lives compared to the 9 lives cats are proverbial for. Without further ado, lets trace the incredible journey they have made thus far.
Bond coins as change
After multicurrency system everything was good currency-wise . We were in paradise. We were using the South African rand and US dollars for our day-to-day transactions.
However, there was a minor problem of shortages of change. When one bought stuff they were given things like sweets as change because we didn’t have the smallest denominations of multiple foreign currencies we used. That’s when the government found a backdoor to introduce Bond coins.advertisement
On 18 December Bond coins got into circulation “to buttress the multiple currency system through the provision of change”.
Bond notes as export incentive
Bond coins didn’t really change the currency market, particularly the informal currency market (black market) which was virtually dormant those days.
But two years later, on 16 November 2016 the government made a fatal mistake of introducing Bond notes. The bond notes were introduced on the pretext that they acted as an export incentive. That meant exporters and remittance receivers were given Bond notes (and coins) for every foreign currency they generated. As the government put it, ” it increased exports” and simultaneously increased forex generation for the country.
But the export incentive also increased the bond notes and coins in circulation. And since Bond notes was not real money, Gresham’s law kicked in: Bad money drives out good money. Money changers (the informal currency market/black market) entered business.
You may ask why Bond notes gave life to the black market and not the bond coins. The thing is bond notes are paper and they are easy to trade rather than trade coins. Are you cool with swapping USD $100 with bond coins worth $200? Nope. But with Bond notes that’s a no brainer, you can accept.
And again, the ever increasing supply of bond notes (which some say was beyond the quantity that was promised by the government) fueled the black market- so more bad money was taking over and pushing out good money.
Bond notes and coins as now electronic money ( RTGS)
Fast forward to 2018 and after the controversial elections, the Reserve bank separated real money( US dollars) from fake money (bond notes, coins and RTGS balances) in the form of Nostro Foreign Currency Accounts and RTGS Accounts.
By definition, RTGS stands for Real Time Gross Money which is an electronic form of funds transfer where the transmission takes place on a real time basis. But here we were calling coins and papers electronic money.
Bond notes and and coins as RTGS dollars- the unofficial currency
Enter February 2019, an epiphany comes down on the government to make it realize that bond notes and coins are not at par with the US dollar. It abandons the fixed exchange rate of 1:1 and leaves the invisible hand to determine the rate of exchange between the two currencies. That time we wrote that:
…..the way the RTGS dollars are being treated on the currency market overwhelmingly suggest that RTGS dollars are Zimbabwe’s new currency. So officially RTGS dollars are not Zimbabwe’s new currency but unofficially they are our new currency.
Bond notes as the official currency
After the President had given us a heads up that we are going to have a new currency in some months, we woke up on Monday with a new currency- the RTGS dollars was dressed in new clothes that made it the new official currency called Zimbabwe Dollars. That effectively ended the multicurrency system as the Zim dollar was made the sole legal tender of the land. We hope this is the final stop.-TechZim
Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa has narrated how Chinese officials allegedly attempted to block his vehicle as he was driving out of the company yard.
In an interview with ZimEye.com Mliswa said:”I had gone to the company’s offices to attend a function where the Chinese Ambassador was officiating.
As I was driving out of the yard, two vehicles blocked my way and I managed to escape.
BREAKING: Police called in as Mliswa nearly kidnapped by Chinese in Norton
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY @TembaMliswa had traveled to the contentious Norton factory for a function briefing with this morning, when while driving out, his car was surrounded pic.twitter.com/giKE8fJTdB
BREAKING: Police called in as Mliswa nearly kidnapped by Chinese in Norton
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY @TembaMliswa had traveled to the contentious Norton factory for a function briefing with this morning, when while driving out, his car was surrounded pic.twitter.com/giKE8fJTdB
Farai Dziva|Zinasu has strongly condemned police brutality against a student at Kwekwe Polytechnic.
Read the Zinasu satatement below:
A student at Kwekwe Student has been seriously affected by the modus operandi of the government over its citizens. This student was sprayed by some unknown chemicals by the securocratic forces that were invited by the Principal at Kwekwe Poly.
We condemn in the strongest terms the manner in which the government is responding to its citizens particularly the students. This is one of many cases that are to come if we don’t unite against the oppressive system.
Many students and citizens are being victimized in various forms but all owing their origins from the same system. A system that is designed to oppress and suffocate the voices of our people.
As Zinasu while we are doing all we can to assist students facing the wrath of the state, we are calling for peaceful methods of engagement from the administrations and government. We call for the total demilitarization and decolonization of academic institutions.
Farai Dziva|The ruling party Zanu PF has ordered the Ministry of Health and Child Care to transfer a medical doctor from Gutu District with immediate effect.
Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial Youth chairperson Brian Munyoro claimed Dr Edmore Zvidzai “threatened to kill party members” in Gutu District should they seek medical attention under his supervision.
Munyoro alleged that Dr Zvidzai threatened to kill Zanu PF patients at Gutu Mission Hospital.
“We made a recommendation for his transfer after he clashed with our councillor for Ward 37 last week at the hospital. He told our councillor that all Zanu PF supporters who will visit the hospital will not leave alive since they do not deserve to live,” claimed Munyoro.
Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Amadeus Shamu said Dr Zvidzai requested a transfer but would not disclose the reason for doing so.
“He (Dr Zvidzai) requested a transfer but he did not state the reasons behind his intention to leave the place. “
Dr Zvidzai was not at liberty to comment on the matter.
The Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe has dismissed information circulating on social media that banks have been instructed to stop any cash withdrawal of forex by clients.
Zimbabwe was abuzz with information alleging that the forex in clients’ nostro accounts has been converted to the local currency.
“Further to our Directive, the Reserve Bank wishes to advise that contrary to certain information being circulated on social media, cash withdrawals by individuals are still permissible and the policy position hasn’t changed.” The Central Bank said.
The further clarified that the daily withdrawal limit has not changed.
For corporates, banks shall apply the KYC principle for any intended cash withdrawals and current withdrawal limit for individuals remains US$1000 per day.
“Individuals are still able to withdraw their cash from their individual accounts and banks are, in line with international best practice, expected to apply the AML/CFT principles.”
On Monday Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube gazetted a Statutory Instrument that prohibits the use of foreign currency as legal tender.
By Own Correspondent| The Central Bank Governor, John Panonetsa Mangudya has swiftly moved to clarify several issues on a directive the Bank issued on Tuesday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the state media from China on Wednesday morning, Mangudya said:
Individuals will continue withdrawing their foreign currency from their FCA accounts but will have to change it through the interbank market and bureaux de change in order for them to be able to transact locally.
Non-governmental organisations, embassies and other foreign organisations can still pay their employees in foreign currency.
No one is being deprived of their money, only that the government is ensuring the preservation of foreign currency for foreign payments. Local companies are supposed to charge in local currency.
Zimbabwe is just doing what all other countries are doing regards foreigners/ tourists coming into the country with foreign currency.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent| Independent legislator for Norton Temba Mliswa had to ask the police to quickly come to his rescue after Chinese nationals at a factory in Norton allegedly attempted to kidnap him.
Mliswa, narrated to ZimEye how two vehicles allegedly belonging to the Chinese circled his vehicle as soon as he was leaving an event at the factory attended by the Chinese ambassador to Zimbabwe.
He told this publication that he had to call the police following the alleged kidnapping attempt and he is since reporting the matter to the police.
This is a developing story. Refresh this page for latest updates.
“We have not banned the possession of any other currency except you cannot transact in any shop. If you want to buy your USD or Euro, you go to a Bureau de Change, that’s what is normal and that is what should be done,” President Mnangagwa.
ARTUZ have noted with great pain that the government is heartless about Teacher’s plight for better living wage. The ban of the use of US by the Government of Zimbabwe we view it as a direct attack to the ARTUZ which was on the track record of demanding salaries in US.
ARTUZ demand a living wage not slave wage . Our demands came on the back drop of erosion of our salaries in bond notes and skyrocketing of basic goods prices which were pegged or rated in US dollar hence the demand of salaries in a currency which is stable. After all the pushing and shoving our battle is thrown into abyss just by a word of mouth.
Our government is taking us for a ride and we shall not give in until something is done. In all honesty prices are unbearable and with the peanuts we are getting we can’t afford a decent meal for ourselves and let alone our innocent children. Shall we remain a wasted generation cdes or we are our own liberators? We shall not bow in or give a nod to the banning of USD transactions in Zimbabwe until a time when all is set.
We cannot sit and pretend everything is well when Marxisim is what the Government is advocating for. We are tired of the continous harrassment of our members by state agents and we are appealing to cdes to be more united than ever. We are no more leaping in darkness but in a tunnel with rays of hope shining from outside. Cdes the struggle is real.
State Media|PREDICTABLY, there has been some toxicity, which is part of our game’s DNA, regrettably there has been a tsunami of negativity, which is part of its tortured soul and, refreshingly, there has been a rainbow of positivity, which has provided a filter of hope, in the gloom of hopelessness.
The ugly headlines across the globe, provoked by industrial action on the eve of their opening game, explosive, and in most cases largely exaggerated social media reports of the Armageddon that swept their tumultuous camp, sensational reports of an implosion, and a meltdown, like has never been seen before.
It’s not that there were no issues in their camp.
Of course, there were a lot of them, and on Thursday night the Warriors were furious their US$9 000 payouts per individual hadn’t reflected in their bank accounts and, if that was the case the following day, they would not play against the Pharaohs.
But, at least, the Warriors were here.
The defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the first team to break the barriers of mediocrity for African teams at the World Cup, the first to make dancing such a fashionable act at the global football show, were not even here.
An ugly standoff with their football leaders, over unpaid dues, meant they refused to board the plane that was meant to bring them here and, in that moment, ensured the narrative of their Egyptian adventure would not be about the defence of their title, but the chaos in their camp. But, football has a way of converting its chaos into chemistry.
And, the same Indomitable Lions were the toast of their nation, just two years ago, when they powered to another Afcon title after beating the Pharaohs in the final in Gabon.
The same Pharaohs, who, on Friday night, were also the opponents as the Warriors sang their redemption song with a strong performance, the same Egyptians, who today will also be part of the double-header show at the Cairo International Stadium when Group A explodes once again.
The Warriors will start the ball rolling at 7PM against the Cranes of Uganda where a defeat will complicate, if not virtually end their 2019 Afcon dreams, in a tournament where only eight of the 24 teams will go home after the group stages.
And four of the six third-placed teams will also get a ticket into the knockout stages.
Sunday Chidzambwa’s men charmed the world in the first game, especially in the second half, and they now have to convince the globe it wasn’t all a fluke.
That is why they need, unlike in the first game, to find a way to convert their industry into goals and a victory tonight, which will provide a major boost to their campaign, or, in the worst case scenario, fight for a point.
The last time Mhofu was in this position, at the 2004 Afcon finals, after an opening day defeat at the hands of the Pharaohs, the coach made just two changes to his team, bringing in Dickson Choto for Kaitano Tembo and Joel Luphahla for Agent Sawu.
Those Warriors responded by scoring three goals against the Indomitable Lions, with their skipper Peter Ndlovu scoring twice in a 3-5 defeat.
If the Warriors’ skipper Knowledge Musona, the team’s most influential player since King Peter retired, finds his touch, and a similar impact, the expectation would be that these Warriors can fish something from this make-or-break battle against the Cranes.
Sometimes, there is sense that, whatever it is, this script was written a long time ago.
After all, how do we reconcile the fact that, just like in 2004, it had to be the Pharaohs in the first game, it had to be a one-goal victory margin for the Egyptians, it had to be Mhofu in charge, and the Indomitable Lions, who the Warriors met in their second match 15 years ago, would also feature prominently in their tale here?
How can Mhofu rally his men for this huge battle against the Cranes, who will play with the freedom that even if they lose, they are still firmly in the race for the knockout stages, while the Warriors don’t have the luxury of any margin of error which, in this game, comes with a heavy load?
How can he inspire a team that hasn’t won a game at this level of football, since a 2-1 win over Ghana in 2006, find a way to post a victory?
Maybe, as a Manchester United fan himself, he requires to borrow a leaf from a historic speech made by a former MP of his team’s home city, who later became British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which dragged his country from the edge of defeat in World War II, to the green fields of success against the Germans.
“What the world called the Battle against the Pharaohs is over, the Battle against the Cranes is about to begin and, upon this battle, depends the survival of the Warriors at this Afcon tournament,” Mhofu should, probably, say.
“The whole fury and might of the Cranes will very soon be turned on us, the Ugandans know they will have to break us or lose the right to qualify from our group.
“If we can stand up to them, all of our people back home can draw a sense of appreciation for our efforts and our quest, to stay longer in this tournament, will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands.
“But, if we fail, then all our dreams, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science.
“Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the Warriors Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘THIS WAS THEIR FINEST HOUR.’”
By Own Correspondent| Harare Magistrate Barbra Mateko on Tuesday 25 June 2019 dismissed the State’s bid to revoke the bail granted to Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (ARTUZ) President Obert Masaraure and to commit him to prison for allegedly violating his bail conditions.
The State had petitioned the Harare Magistrates Court seeking to revoke the bail granted to Masaraure, who is out of custody on bail on charges of subverting constitutional government, after claiming that the trade unionist had breached his bail conditions by not reporting at Zimbabwe Republic Police station in Hwedza and by not residing at Chemhanza High School in Hwedza in Mashonaland East province, where he is employed as a teacher, as ordered by the High Court.
But Masaraure’s lawyers Jeremiah Bamu and Doug Coltart of Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) opposed the State’s application arguing that the ARTUZ leader, who was arrested and detained on Friday 21 June 2019, had not breached any of his bail conditions and had religiously reported to the police and was staying at his given residential address.
Magistrate Mateko on Tuesday 25 June 2019 dismissed the State’s application for revocation of Masaraure’s bail conditions and ordered that the ARTUZ leader should regain his liberty which had been curtailed after he was arrested and detained at Harare Remand Prison.
Meanwhile, Harare Magistrate Jessie Kufa on Tuesday 25 June 2019 ordered that His Generation Church leader Pastor Evan Mawarire and Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) President Peter Mutasa should remain on remand after ruling that the passage of five months without placing the two pro-democracy campaigners on trial was not an inordinate delay to warrant their removal from remand.
Pastor Mawarire’s and Mutasa’s lawyers Alec Muchadehama and Tonderai Bhatasara of ZLHR had opposed the continued placement of the duo on remand arguing that the State had taken long in commencing with their trial.
Pastor Mawarire and Mutasa were arrested in January and charged with subverting constitutional government as defined in section 22 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act after they allegedly organised anti-government protests in January with the aim of overthrowing President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration from power.
Former Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko is set to get his terminal benefits after engagements with the pension departments have progressed well.
This was revealed by Mphoko’s lawyer Welshman Ncube, in an interview with the Daily News on Tuesday. Said Ncube:
It’s almost resolved, he (Mphoko) was to engage with relevant departments so that they could see the most expeditious way of resolving the issue.
In my last conversation with him, he was so happy with the progress they were making in resolving the issue. I hope it would be settled to finality in that direct dialogue between him and the relevant pension departments.
Mphoko was appointed Vice President in 2014 by the then President Robert Mugabe.
He lost his post in November 2017 when Mugabe was ousted through a military coup.
According to the Daily News, Mphoko, who was a diplomat before he was appointed Vice President, is demanding that government pay him a salary equivalent to a sitting Vice President for life, get access to State security, an office, a government vehicle, telephone, secretary and domestic workers in line with the national charter.
It has been suggested that a sticking point in Mphoko getting his pension has been Statutory Instrument 86 of 2015 which states that a Vice President who served at least one term in office can enjoy exit packages such as a security officer, two drivers, and domestic workers.
Meanwhile, Mphoko did not serve a full term. He was in office between 2014 and 2017.
ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu yesterday said Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni is in the habit of making false allegations against Government and the ruling party due to ignorance since he spent many years out of the country.
Testifying before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Gladmore Mushove in a matter in which Chief Ndiweni and his 13 subjects are accused of destroying a villager’s property, Mpofu said Chief Ndiweni was out of touch with reality.
The former Home Affairs and Culture Minister came to testify after Chief Ndiweni alleged that Mpofu was behind his arrest and had influenced the complainant in their matter, Mr Fetti Mbele, to file criminal charges.
“The first accused person (Chief Ndiweni) has been raising false allegations against Zanu-PF and the Government. His problem is that he has been out of the country for a long time hence he has lost touch with the goings on in the country” Mpofu said.
He said he didn’t even know the complainant in the matter, saying when the incident happened he was in Harare.
“I was actually in Harare when the incident happened and in addition to that I don’t even know Mr Mbele (the complainant) and even if the court asks me to identify him, I won’t be able to positively identify him,” Mpofu said.
He also denied having held a meeting with Chief Ndiweni whom he described as a “political foe.”
“I have never had any meeting with the first accused person. Other than that we are not related in any way except that he is a political foe who could issue statement after statement about me. He makes a lot of anti-Government and Zanu-PF statements and that is what I know,” Cde Mpofu said.
He also denied allegations that he flexed his political muscle by using his position as Home Affairs Minister to influence police at Mbembesi Police Station to arrest the accused.
“I have never spoken to any police officer at Mbembesi Police Station in the last five years. It is through the Ntabazinduna leadership that I got to know of the matter after they had notified me as their MP. I then referred them to women lawyers associations since the case involved a woman,” Mpofu said.
Chief Ndiweni told the court that the charges they were facing stemmed from Mpofu’s efforts to fix him after he filed criminal charges against him alleging that he stole his late father, Chief Khayisa’s 200 head of cattle.
He said he reported the theft at Mbembesi Police Station but Mpofu, who was then Home Affairs and Culture Minister, allegedly facilitated the docket’s disappearance.
Mpofu has since filed a $300 000 lawsuit against Chief Ndiweni over the allegations and the matter is pending.
According to court papers, Mr Mbele of Ntabazinduna was banished from the village by the chief after his wife Ms Nonkangelo Mpengesi was allegedly caught having sex with another villager.
In July last year, Chief Ndiweni ruled that Mr Mbele and his “adulterous” wife should be banished from Sifelani village, saying “prostitution” will not be tolerated in his area.
Mr Dumisani Dube, early last year, asked the court to subpoena Mpofu to testify in court following allegations by the traditional leader implicating him in their arrest.
However, Mpofu, through an affidavit dated July 6, 2018, which was brought to court by his lawyer Mr Byron Sengweni, declined to testify saying he knew nothing about the matter.
Mr Dube then sought a court order compelling Mpofu to attend court after which the latter was served with the summons.
Chief Ndiweni and the other accused persons are denying the violence charges levelled against them by Mr Mbele.
The prosecutor, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, said on July 26 last year at around 4PM, Mbele and his wife arrived from Bulawayo to find some villagers standing outside their homestead.
Kimpton Sibanda (72), a village head and two other villagers, claimed they were ordered by Chief Ndiweni to destroy Mbele’s garden fence and the kraal.
“Sibanda instructed the villagers to destroy the fence and kraal. At around 5PM, Chief Ndiweni arrived and ordered the villagers to continue destroying Mr Mbele’s fence and kraal,” said Mr Jaravaza.
The order followed Mr Mbele’s alleged defiance of Chief Ndiweni’s verdict to divorce his wife.
Chief Ndiweni had given a ruling that Mr Mbele’s wife should vacate her husband’s home, but she did not comply with the order since they had resolved the matter as a couple, prompting the chief to order the destruction of his fence and kraal. The trial continues on July 3.
“I can confirm that we received reports that Cde Gumbwanda was admitted at Chiredzi Hospital after suffering from pneumonia,” said Zanu PF Masvingo Provincial chairperson.
Zanu PF Member of Parliament (MP) for Zaka East constituency, Caston Ringisai Gumbwanda has died. He was 67.
Gumbwanda died today at Cooporate 24 private hospital in Harare where he had been admitted after suffering from pneumonia.
Minister of Sate for Masvingo province who is also Zanu-PF provinvial Chair Ezra Chadzamira confirmed the loss.
“I can confirm that we received reports that Cde Gumbwanda was admitted at Chiredzi Hospital after suffering from pneumonia. He was then transferred to Harare where he died today . This is a big blow to us as a party and a big loss to the people of Masvingo province and Zimbabwe as a whole,” said Chadzamira.
Sources within the ruling party indicated that Gumbwanda contracted Pneumonia a couple of weeks ago after he got a lift on the back of a pick up truck while hiking from Harare to Masvingo.
Parliamentarians in the current parliament have not been provided with vehicles as has been the norm. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube was reluctant to buy the expensive top of the range vehicles for the over three hundred legislators as a government expenditure cutting measure.
ZANU PF parliamentarians made the job easier for Mthuli Ncube when they declared that they did not want the parliament vehicles as the country was going through tough austerity measures.
Gumbwanda took over the seat from his ZANU PF colleague the late MP Samson Mukanduri who died last year.
As Zimbabwe and Uganda national soccer teams clash in the Total Africa Cup of Nations tonight, supporters from both countries have been engaged in a Twitter war in what has raised the stakes for the do or die match for the warriors.
Warriors of Zimbabwe who fell to the Pharaohs of Egypt in the opening match are looking for nothing but victory to entertain any hopes of proceeding to the knock out stages.
On the other hand Uganda who won their first March against Congo are looking for nothing but three points to seal a place in the next round of the tournament.
With the match proving a crucial encounter for both sides, fans have not been left out as they have created different harsh-tags including #Iwoundntvisitugandabecause which was created by Zimbabweans to mock their Ugandan fellows.
Ugandans have not been short of things to mock Zimbabweans and could have won as they have not left anything from the hyper-inflation, shortage of bread, and poverty in the country.
Some of the interesting tweets in the ongoing Twitter war include the following below:
The Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services has announced that when Zimbabweans in Diaspora send money to a recipient in Zimbabwe there is an option to collect it in the same currency that it was sent in.
Please note that Diaspora remittances shall continue to be received in foreign currency. Recipients shall have 3 options to receive remittances:
In cash Sell their remittances on a willing seller willing buyer basis to Bureaux de Change, or Deposit into Individual Nostro FCA
The message was sent after Zimbabweans said they were confused over what happens to their money when it is sent from Diaspora.
MDC Vice President had earlier on allege that the money is collected as local currency using the interbank rate.
On Monday Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube outlawed the use of multiple currency in Zimbabwe.
“Nothing much has happened. We have normalised. We shall continue to have pronouncements to inform people. What is critical is . . . ukavona tofamba zvinenge zvagadzirika,” he said.
Jubilant President Emmerson Mnangagwa
State Media| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thrown his weight behind the scrapping of the multi-currency system and adoption of a single domestic transactional unit, explaining the development will help the economy to grow out of the bog of the previous regime.
Further, the President said conditions for the introduction of a new currency are in place as key fundamentals such as decreased spending, increased revenues and budget surpluses, have been achieved through sweeping reforms embarked upon since October last year.
He said the use of multiple currencies since 2009, denied the country control of monetary policy and left the economy at the mercy of US dollar pricing, which brought inflation.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the African Union – United Nations Wildlife Economy Summit in Victoria Falls yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Government has not banned possession of foreign currency, but its use for domestic transactions, buttressing the policy announced by fiscal and monetary authorities on Monday.Watch Mnangagwa speak on the new currency
He also said by having its own currency, the country has returned to “normalcy”.
“Zimbabwe has gone back to normalcy; the normalcy is the country must have its own currency. We have been living in an abnormal situation.
“We have removed a basket of currencies we had. Our currency is denominated by coins, notes and RTGS, all that is domestic currency and can be used for (local) transactions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said those with foreign currency would have to exchange for the Zimbabwe dollar at bureaux de change for them to transact, while foreigners could still bring their Visa cards and swipe.
“Nothing much has happened. We have normalised. We shall continue to have pronouncements to inform people. What is critical is . . . ukavona tofamba zvinenge zvagadzirika,” he said.
On Monday, Government removed the multi-currency regime and restricted domestic transactions to the local currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, to enhance the affordability of goods and services by the majority.
The currency reforms were done through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.
Government took the route on realising that the market was choosing to price most goods and services in US dollars when the majority of citizens were earning the local unit.
Posting on his Twitter handle yesterday, President Mnangagwa conceded economic growth remained a mirage, hence the need to introduce a local currency.
“It has always been clear that for our economy to truly take-off, we need our own currency. While the multi-currency regime helped to stabilise the economy, it did not give us control of monetary policy and left us at the mercy of US dollar pricing which has been a root cause of inflation.
“When the majority earn in the local unit, but goods are priced in US dollars, the outcome will only ever be a two-tiered economy: stable and affordable prices for those with access to (US) dollars, while the majority face an unrealistically high cost of living. This is unfair and unsustainable,” said President Mnangagwa.
He explained that before the introduction of a local currency, it was important that “key fundamentals” were first put in place.
“Central to this was regaining control of our budget through decreased spending, increased revenues and, for the first time in recent memory, budget surpluses.
“Under the careful guidance of (Finance Minister) Professor (Mthuli) Ncube, this has been achieved. As a result, yesterday (Monday) we passed a Statutory Instrument to abolish the use of multiple currencies, and make the Zimbabwe dollar the sole legal tender with immediate effect.
“This is a key component of our Transitional Stabilisation Programme, and an important step in restoring normalcy to our economy. Government and the RBZ are taking the necessary steps to ensure this move is a success, through increasing the flow of forex into the interbank market while also making forex available to individuals and small businesses through bureau de changes,” said President Mnangagwa.
Apart from increasing efficiency of the interbank, the RBZ has put in place letters of credit (LCs) amounting to US$330 million for importation of critical commodities such as fuel, cooking oil and wheat, to buttressing removal of the multi-currency system.
The central bank has also directed banks to transfer to it, the RTGS$/ZWL$s they are holding as counterpart funds for the foreign currency historical or legacy debt that Government, through the Reserve Bank, is assuming at the rate of 1: 1 between the RTGS$ and the US$.
This measure is set to mop up about ZLW$1,2 billion from the market by end of this week.
The interest rate on the RBZ overnight window has also been increased to 50 percent per year from the current 15 percent, to cushion bankers from the vagaries of inflation.
President Mnangagwa reiterated yesterday that on a day-to-day basis, SI 142 of 2019 will “change very little” as people will still be paid in RTGS dollar and bond notes, while goods and services will be priced in that currency.
“Those holding Nostro (foreign currency) accounts will still have access to those accounts in the currency they held,” he said, adding that the only way forward is to reform so as to build a country in which “all have the opportunity to prosper”.
“We cannot be fearful of change, but must boldly embrace it as we move forward. The conditions are in place for Zimbabwe to have its own currency.
“Let us work together, as one people, to make it a success,” he said.
The reforms appeared to have an immediate positive impact as forex parallel market rates tumbled on low demand as citizens can now purchase products in the local currency.
Before the intervention, US dollar prices were ridiculously lower that local currency prices, a move that pushed consumers to the parallel market to buy forex.
The Ministry of Information Publicity and Broadcasting Services has announced that when Zimbabweans in Diaspora send money to a recipient in Zimbabwe there is an option to collect it in the same currency that it was sent in.
Please note that Diaspora remittances shall continue to be received in foreign currency. Recipients shall have 3 options to receive remittances:
In cash Sell their remittances on a willing seller willing buyer basis to Bureaux de Change, or Deposit into Individual Nostro FCA
The message was sent after Zimbabweans said they were confused over what happens to their money when it is sent from Diaspora.
The MDC Vice President Tendai Biti had earlier on allege that the money is collected as local currency using the interbank rate.
On Monday Minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube outlawed the use of multiple currency in Zimbabwe. See the below discourse on Twitter:
Below is the letter to Bank CEO’s from the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe regarding the re-introduced Zim dollar and the banning of forex
ATTENTION: CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Dear Sir/Madam,
Introduction
1.1 Reference is made to the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (Legal Tender)Regulations, Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 issued by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development and the Press Statement announced by the Governor of the Reserve Bank on 24 June 2019 on Strengthening the Interbank Foreign Exchange Market. In order to operationalize these measures, Authorised Dealers are advised as follows: –
Removal of the Multi-currency System
2.1 Authorised Dealers are advised of the discontinuation of the multi-currency system with effect from 24 June 2019. All domestic transactions shall now be settled in Zimbabwe dollars, the sole legal tender in Zimbabwe which is represented by bond notes and coins and electronic currency i.e. RTGS dollars.
2.2 Effectively, the use of foreign currency to settle domestic transactions has been removed and the basket of multi-currencies, that is, USD, GBP, ZAR, EUR, BWP, JPY, CNY, AU$ and Indian Rupee shall only be used to settle international payments or those services exempt from this requirement as per Section 3 of Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.
2.3 Similarly, the pricing on all domestic contracts, including the displaying of prices in all outlets in Zimbabwe, shall be effected and/ or displayed in the local unit of account.
3. Administration of Foreign Currency Accounts
3.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the operation of Nostro FCAs shall remain in place for purposes of receiving offshore funds and to facilitate foreign payments. The following Foreign Currency Accounts shall remain in operation;
3.2 The Nostro FCA (Domestic) was funded from local foreign exchange transactions. In view of these new policy measures where the Zimbabwe dollar shall be the sole legal tender, existing Nostro FCA (Domestic) shall be allowed to receive deposits up to 30 June 2019 to enable account holders to deposit their cash holdings realised from trade undertaken before 24 June 2019.
3.3 In cases where local service providers e.g. transporters, consulting firms, etc,are paid from offshore sources for services rendered locally, such funds shall continue to be deposited into the Nostro FCA (Domestic).
3.4 Funds in all these accounts listed in Table 1 above will retain their foreign currency status and shall continue to be utilised for the settlement of international transactions. In cases where the holder of such an account intends to settle domestic transactions, they shall be required to liquidate their foreign currency account balances to the interbank on a willing seller willing buyer basis.
4. Foreign Currency Cash withdrawals
4.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that unconditional authorization for foreign currency cash withdrawals by corporates has now been removed. However, withdrawals by the same on deserving cases such as road toll fees are now permissible only on a case by case basis subject to the application of Know Your Customer (KYC) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) principles on the withdrawer. These principles to be applied should be in line with Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Finance of Terrorism AML/CFT regulatory requirements and best practice.
4.2 Authorised Dealers are reminded of the limit of export of cash in person or baggage which remains at US$2 000 per exit as per Exchange Control Directive RS119 dated 04 August 2017.
4.3 For individuals, the current policy shall remain in force with Authorised Dealers also required to apply the usual KYC and AML/CFT standards.
5. Administration of Legacy Debts
5.1 Authorised Dealers are hereby directed to transfer to the Reserve Bank, all RTGS Dollar balances in relation to legacy debts registered with the Reserve Bank in fulfillment of Exchange Control Directive RU28 dated 22 February 2019.Measures to Enhance the Interbank Market
6.Retention Thresholds and Period for Export Receipts
6.1.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the retention thresholds for export receipts and tobacco and cotton offshore loan drawdowns shall remain in place as previously communicated under Exchange Control Directive RU28 dated 22 February 2019. For ease of administration, the retention thresholds are restated as follows;
6.1.2 Authorised Dealers are also reminded that the retention period within which an exporter is entitled to utilize their retained export receipts remains within 30 days from the date of receipt. As per Exchange Control Directive RU28 dated 22 February 2019, all unutilized balances shall after the 30 day retention period, be offloaded into the interbank market at the prevailing market exchange rate and reported to Exchange Control on the Daily Return on Interbank Trading Transactions.
6.2Foreign currency for the interbank market
6.2.1 In order to enhance interbank market trading, Authorised Dealers are advised that the Reserve Bank shall sell 50% of the export retention due to the Central Bank to the interbank market. Letters of Credit shall continue to be utilised for importation of essential commodities that include fuel, cooking oil and wheat.
6.3 Removal of US$10,000 limit on Bureaux de Change transactions
6.3.1 In order to deepen the operations of the interbank foreign exchange market and to enhance the operations of Bureaux de Change, with effect from 25 June 2019, Bureaux de Change are now permitted to buy and sell foreign currency without any limit in terms of the amount.
6.4 Removal of the 2.5% Margin for Interbank Market Transactions
6.4.1 Exchange Control advises of the immediate removal of the 2.5% margin on foreign exchange trades in the interbank market which was previously communicated under Exchange Control Directive RU80 dated 22 May 2019.
7.Payment of Small Scale Gold Producers
7.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the current gold marketing framework for small scale gold producers shall continue to apply. For those small scale gold producers with Nostro FCAs, the funds shall not be subjected to the 30 day retention period.
8.Payment of Large Scale Gold Producers
8.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the current payment arrangements for large scale gold producers shall continue to apply and the retention thresholds have remained the same as previously communicated by Exchange Control in Exchange Control Directive RU28 dated 22 February 2019.
9. Administration of Nostro FCAs for Tobacco Growers
9.1 In terms of Exchange Control Circular Number 5, dated 16 April 2019, tobacco growers are entitled to receive part of their sales proceeds in United States Dollars, deposited into their Nostro FCAs. 9.2 Authorised Dealers are advised that this arrangement shall continue and the accounts shall continue to be administered as per the current arrangements, where tobacco growers are paid 50% of sale proceeds in foreign currency into their FCA. However, in the event that the tobacco grower intends to meet local obligations, the sale proceeds must first be converted to Zimbabwe Dollars through the interbank foreign exchange market.
10. Treatment of Offshore Loans Drawdowns for Financing Tobacco Production
10.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that tobacco merchants shall retain 100% of funds drawn down for the purpose of financing tobacco production. 10.2 Where there is need for disbursement of working capital to the contracted farmer, the proceeds shall be deposited into the grower’s Nostro FCA (Special) which can be opened with a bank of their choice. The tobacco grower shall then liquidate the proceeds from the Nostro FCA (Special) to meet local obligations.
11. Administration of Payments to Cotton Growers
11.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the current cotton marketing arrangements shall continue to operate.
12.Downstream Payments by Exporters
12.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that the operation of transitory accounts shall be maintained. These accounts are, however, not transacting accounts, but shall be used for distribution of export proceeds to respective downstream beneficiaries.
12.2 In order to maintain or operate transitory accounts for exporters, Authorised Dealers shall seek prior Exchange Control authority.
12.3 In light of the above, Authorised Dealers are advised that producers who sell their produce for consolidation for export e.g. fresh cut flowers and macadamia nuts shall be eligible to access their foreign currency through the Special FCA framework. Funds in these accounts, shall be utilised for the settlement of international transactions. In cases where the holder of such an account intends to settle domestic transactions, they shall be required to liquidate their foreign currency account balances to the interbank on a willing seller willing buyer basis.
13.Review of Export Documentation charges
13.1 In order to promote ease of doing business and reduce cost of export, Authorised Dealers are advised that all export documentation shall be available free of charge.
14. Trading of Dual Listed Shares
14.1 Authorised Dealers are advised that with effect from 25 June 2019, any investor who shall purchase a dual listed share on the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) shall only be allowed to sell the share on the ZSE or on an external stock exchange after a vesting period of ninety (90) days from the date of initial purchase.
14.2 For investors wishing to uplift dual listed shares from external bourses for purposes of selling the shares on the ZSE, such sales shall only be allowed to be executed after a period of ninety (90) days from the date of registration on the ZSE.
14.3 For investors who have already acquired dual listed shares on the ZSE and are desirous of disposing of such shares, Exchange Control directs that such sales can only be allowed in instances where the shares have been purchased on or before 20 March 2019.
14.4 The procedures for trading in dual listed shares on the ZSE as previously communicated by Exchange Control on 26 May 2016 shall remain operational.
15.Disbursement of International Remittances
15.1 In order to encourage and facilitate the flow of foreign currency, diaspora remittances shall continue to be received in foreign currency. The recipients shall have the option to receive remittances in cash or sell their remittances on a willing seller willing buyer basis to Bureaux de Change and Authorised Dealers or deposit into Individual Nostro FCA.
16.Exchange Control Returns
16.1 Authorised Dealers are reminded of the need to ensure compliance with this Directive and to continue submission of Exchange Control Returns as required. Non-compliance with any of the afore-stated provisions is a violation of the provisions of Section 5 (i) and (ii) of the Exchange Control Act (Chapter 22:05) which require persons to comply with, among others, the terms or conditions of any permit, authority, permission, direction, notice, order or other instrument made or issued under or by virtue of the Act.
The EFF leader accuses the president of turning back on the resolutions the ANC made.
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Economic Freedom Fighters leader Julius Malema has ripped apart President Cyril Ramaphosa’s state of the nation address, saying he gave opposition parties nothing to debate on.
Malema started off by thanking EFF voters and vowed to make it worthwhile.
“You have not wasted your vote. We will make sure parliament remains a house with teeth that bite, particularly at incompetent, mediocre, and corrupt fat cats who are permanently sleeping on duty and only wake up on payday or the day of stealing. As expected, we’re starting today to hold the executive accountable,” he said.
He then moved on to Ramaphosa’s Sona, expressing disappointment at an address that came from a man “who held the ambition to be president for almost three decades”.
“We really have no Sona to debate. What we have is a misguided, incoherent, contradictory, and proven-to-be-futile ideas mixed in a bag of fantasies.”
Malema said that even though American media mogul Oprah Winfrey spoke for Ramaphosa before the elections, the president failed to represent himself during his Sona and consequently disappointed those who voted for him.
“We were abused here during the election campaign that saw people like Oprah Winfrey rented and sneaked into the country in the name of the Global Citizen Festival to come and tell us how Madiba wanted you, Mr President, to be president. After your speech, we now ask ourselves ‘what did Madiba see in you that we can’t see?’
“Your speech did not inspire confidence and hope among poor, young and old people of South Africa. Your own benches here were not moved at all, hence they couldn’t sing a song in salutation of your tired speech. You didn’t recover any of the lost votes. If anything, those who voted for you are now regretting because they wasted their votes on a president without a plan.”
The EFF leader criticised the president for failing to speak to the African continent. This despite the massacre in Sudan, the economic crisis in Zimbabwe, and the terrorism in Kenya.
“You couldn’t render a message of solidarity and hope to the Palestinian people who live under apartheid Israel and to the people of Venezuela who are fighting against imperialism,” he said.
According to Malema, Ramaphosa failed to tell South Africans what he would do differently from the ANC of the past 25 years and was not brave enough to repeat his manifesto promises.
“Your speech was limited to four points: Fighting corruption, fighting crime, and asking black people to pay electricity and getting 10-year-olds to read to understand.”
He further slated Ramaphosa’s response – or lack of – to the incident in which he was stuck on a train during when he was campaigning. Instead of coming with “real” solutions, “the billionaire president was so traumatised that he now fantasised about a bullet train from Musina to Cape Town”.
He accused Ramaphosa of turning back on the resolutions his party made.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa with the EU officials at his offices in Harare
Deputy Secretary General of the European External Action Service Christian Leffler has further extended the call for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to expand his political parties dialogue and make conducive environment for the opposition MDC to be part of the talks.
Speaking after paying a courtesy call on President Mnangagwa at his Munhumutapa Offices in Harare yesterday, Mr Leffler described the progress outlined by the President on the nation’s political dialogue during their meeting as encouraging.
“We had today, a detailed account from the President on the national dialogue, which I found to be very encouraging and we are confident that by the time we have the next political dialogue at the level of EU and the Zimbabwean authorities, there will be progress to report in this respect and that would help us define the future paths forward for closer cooperation,” said Mr Leffler.
Mr Leffler, whose engagement with President Mnangagwa lasted close to an hour, said the European Union was committed to seeing progress in Zimbabwe.
“I was very honoured to have this meeting with His Excellency, the President. The length of the meeting reflects the strong engagement between Zimbabwe and the commitment the European Union has to Zimbabwe, the nation, the people, to see how we can accomplish progress in this country,” he said.
He said there was also need for a broad national dialogue to anchor the Government’s reform project.
Mr Leffler said this broad national dialogue should include different groupings, which include political groupings in Parliament, the churches, the youths and other sections of the society.
“We indicated our determination to continue to work with this country at all levels, the dialogue and to find ways forward to support the key reform processes in the interest of a stronger and more stable cohesion Zimbabwe that can then bring the economic, social and political benefits to the people,” he said.
Apart from the country’s reform agenda, Mr Leffler said they also discussed post-election disturbances and demonstrations that rocked the country.
Early this month Zimbabwe and the EU launched an historic formal dialogue which was based on Article 8 of the Cotonou Partnership Agreement which governs relations between member states of the African-Carribean-Pacific regions and the EU.
The development was a major realisation of President Mnangagwa’s re-engagement policy which seeks to reintegrate Zimbabwe into the international community following previous sour relations.
The next such meeting is expected to be held in November this year following the parties’ agreement to meet twice a year.
“Nothing much has happened. We have normalised. We shall continue to have pronouncements to inform people. What is critical is . . . ukavona tofamba zvinenge zvagadzirika,” he said.
Jubilant President Emmerson Mnangagwa
State Media| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has thrown his weight behind the scrapping of the multi-currency system and adoption of a single domestic transactional unit, explaining the development will help the economy to grow out of the bog of the previous regime.
Further, the President said conditions for the introduction of a new currency are in place as key fundamentals such as decreased spending, increased revenues and budget surpluses, have been achieved through sweeping reforms embarked upon since October last year.
He said the use of multiple currencies since 2009, denied the country control of monetary policy and left the economy at the mercy of US dollar pricing, which brought inflation.
Addressing journalists on the sidelines of the African Union – United Nations Wildlife Economy Summit in Victoria Falls yesterday, President Mnangagwa said Government has not banned possession of foreign currency, but its use for domestic transactions, buttressing the policy announced by fiscal and monetary authorities on Monday.
Watch Mnangagwa speak on the new currency
He also said by having its own currency, the country has returned to “normalcy”.
“Zimbabwe has gone back to normalcy; the normalcy is the country must have its own currency. We have been living in an abnormal situation.
“We have removed a basket of currencies we had. Our currency is denominated by coins, notes and RTGS, all that is domestic currency and can be used for (local) transactions,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said those with foreign currency would have to exchange for the Zimbabwe dollar at bureaux de change for them to transact, while foreigners could still bring their Visa cards and swipe.
“Nothing much has happened. We have normalised. We shall continue to have pronouncements to inform people. What is critical is . . . ukavona tofamba zvinenge zvagadzirika,” he said.
On Monday, Government removed the multi-currency regime and restricted domestic transactions to the local currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, to enhance the affordability of goods and services by the majority.
The currency reforms were done through Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019.
Government took the route on realising that the market was choosing to price most goods and services in US dollars when the majority of citizens were earning the local unit.
Posting on his Twitter handle yesterday, President Mnangagwa conceded economic growth remained a mirage, hence the need to introduce a local currency.
“It has always been clear that for our economy to truly take-off, we need our own currency. While the multi-currency regime helped to stabilise the economy, it did not give us control of monetary policy and left us at the mercy of US dollar pricing which has been a root cause of inflation.
“When the majority earn in the local unit, but goods are priced in US dollars, the outcome will only ever be a two-tiered economy: stable and affordable prices for those with access to (US) dollars, while the majority face an unrealistically high cost of living. This is unfair and unsustainable,” said President Mnangagwa.
He explained that before the introduction of a local currency, it was important that “key fundamentals” were first put in place.
“Central to this was regaining control of our budget through decreased spending, increased revenues and, for the first time in recent memory, budget surpluses.
“Under the careful guidance of (Finance Minister) Professor (Mthuli) Ncube, this has been achieved. As a result, yesterday (Monday) we passed a Statutory Instrument to abolish the use of multiple currencies, and make the Zimbabwe dollar the sole legal tender with immediate effect.
“This is a key component of our Transitional Stabilisation Programme, and an important step in restoring normalcy to our economy. Government and the RBZ are taking the necessary steps to ensure this move is a success, through increasing the flow of forex into the interbank market while also making forex available to individuals and small businesses through bureau de changes,” said President Mnangagwa.
Apart from increasing efficiency of the interbank, the RBZ has put in place letters of credit (LCs) amounting to US$330 million for importation of critical commodities such as fuel, cooking oil and wheat, to buttressing removal of the multi-currency system.
The central bank has also directed banks to transfer to it, the RTGS$/ZWL$s they are holding as counterpart funds for the foreign currency historical or legacy debt that Government, through the Reserve Bank, is assuming at the rate of 1: 1 between the RTGS$ and the US$.
This measure is set to mop up about ZLW$1,2 billion from the market by end of this week.
The interest rate on the RBZ overnight window has also been increased to 50 percent per year from the current 15 percent, to cushion bankers from the vagaries of inflation.
President Mnangagwa reiterated yesterday that on a day-to-day basis, SI 142 of 2019 will “change very little” as people will still be paid in RTGS dollar and bond notes, while goods and services will be priced in that currency.
“Those holding Nostro (foreign currency) accounts will still have access to those accounts in the currency they held,” he said, adding that the only way forward is to reform so as to build a country in which “all have the opportunity to prosper”.
“We cannot be fearful of change, but must boldly embrace it as we move forward. The conditions are in place for Zimbabwe to have its own currency.
“Let us work together, as one people, to make it a success,” he said.
The reforms appeared to have an immediate positive impact as forex parallel market rates tumbled on low demand as citizens can now purchase products in the local currency.
Before the intervention, US dollar prices were ridiculously lower that local currency prices, a move that pushed consumers to the parallel market to buy forex.
“I can confirm that we received reports that Cde Gumbwanda was admitted at Chiredzi Hospital after suffering from pneumonia.
Zanu PF Member of Parliament (MP) for Zaka East constituency, Caston Ringisai Gumbwanda has died.He was 67.
Gumbwanda died today at Cooporate 24 private hospital in Harare where he had been admitted after suffering from pneumonia.
Minister of Sate for Masvingo province who is also Zanu-PF provinvial Chair Ezra Chadzamira confirmed the loss.
“I can confirm that we received reports that Cde Gumbwanda was admitted at Chiredzi Hospital after suffering from pneumonia. He was then transferred to Harare where he died today . This is a big blow to us as a party and a big loss to the people of Masvingo province and Zimbabwe as a whole,” said Chadzamira.
Sources within the ruling party indicated that Gumbwanda contracted Pneumonia a couple of weeks ago after he got a lift on the back of a pick up truck while hiking from Harare to Masvingo.
Parliamentarians in the current parliament have not been provided with vehicles as has been the norm. Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube was reluctant to buy the expensive top of the range vehicles for the over three hundred legislators as a government expenditure cutting measure.
ZANU PF parliamentarians made the job easier for Mthuli Ncube when they declared that they did not want the parliament vehicles as the country was going through tough austerity measures.
Gumbwanda took over the seat from his ZANU PF colleague the late MP Samson Mukanduri who died last year.
Sunday Chidzambwa’s men charmed the world in the first game, especially in the second half, and they now have to convince the globe it wasn’t all a fluke.
Coach Sunday Chidzambwa
State Media|PREDICTABLY, there has been some toxicity, which is part of our game’s DNA, regrettably there has been a tsunami of negativity, which is part of its tortured soul and, refreshingly, there has been a rainbow of positivity, which has provided a filter of hope, in the gloom of hopelessness.
The ugly headlines across the globe, provoked by industrial action on the eve of their opening game, explosive, and in most cases largely exaggerated social media reports of the Armageddon that swept their tumultuous camp, sensational reports of an implosion, and a meltdown, like has never been seen before.
It’s not that there were no issues in their camp.
Of course, there were a lot of them, and on Thursday night the Warriors were furious their US$9 000 payouts per individual hadn’t reflected in their bank accounts and, if that was the case the following day, they would not play against the Pharaohs.
But, at least, the Warriors were here.
The defending champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the first team to break the barriers of mediocrity for African teams at the World Cup, the first to make dancing such a fashionable act at the global football show, were not even here.
An ugly standoff with their football leaders, over unpaid dues, meant they refused to board the plane that was meant to bring them here and, in that moment, ensured the narrative of their Egyptian adventure would not be about the defence of their title, but the chaos in their camp.
But, football has a way of converting its chaos into chemistry.
And, the same Indomitable Lions were the toast of their nation, just two years ago, when they powered to another Afcon title after beating the Pharaohs in the final in Gabon.
The same Pharaohs, who, on Friday night, were also the opponents as the Warriors sang their redemption song with a strong performance, the same Egyptians, who today will also be part of the double-header show at the Cairo International Stadium when Group A explodes once again.
The Warriors will start the ball rolling at 7PM against the Cranes of Uganda where a defeat will complicate, if not virtually end their 2019 Afcon dreams, in a tournament where only eight of the 24 teams will go home after the group stages.
And four of the six third-placed teams will also get a ticket into the knockout stages.
Sunday Chidzambwa’s men charmed the world in the first game, especially in the second half, and they now have to convince the globe it wasn’t all a fluke.
That is why they need, unlike in the first game, to find a way to convert their industry into goals and a victory tonight, which will provide a major boost to their campaign, or, in the worst case scenario, fight for a point.
The last time Mhofu was in this position, at the 2004 Afcon finals, after an opening day defeat at the hands of the Pharaohs, the coach made just two changes to his team, bringing in Dickson Choto for Kaitano Tembo and Joel Luphahla for Agent Sawu.
Those Warriors responded by scoring three goals against the Indomitable Lions, with their skipper Peter Ndlovu scoring twice in a 3-5 defeat.
If the Warriors’ skipper Knowledge Musona, the team’s most influential player since King Peter retired, finds his touch, and a similar impact, the expectation would be that these Warriors can fish something from this make-or-break battle against the Cranes.
Sometimes, there is sense that, whatever it is, this script was written a long time ago.
After all, how do we reconcile the fact that, just like in 2004, it had to be the Pharaohs in the first game, it had to be a one-goal victory margin for the Egyptians, it had to be Mhofu in charge, and the Indomitable Lions, who the Warriors met in their second match 15 years ago, would also feature prominently in their tale here?
How can Mhofu rally his men for this huge battle against the Cranes, who will play with the freedom that even if they lose, they are still firmly in the race for the knockout stages, while the Warriors don’t have the luxury of any margin of error which, in this game, comes with a heavy load?
How can he inspire a team that hasn’t won a game at this level of football, since a 2-1 win over Ghana in 2006, find a way to post a victory?
Maybe, as a Manchester United fan himself, he requires to borrow a leaf from a historic speech made by a former MP of his team’s home city, who later became British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, which dragged his country from the edge of defeat in World War II, to the green fields of success against the Germans.
“What the world called the Battle against the Pharaohs is over, the Battle against the Cranes is about to begin and, upon this battle, depends the survival of the Warriors at this Afcon tournament,” Mhofu should, probably, say.
“The whole fury and might of the Cranes will very soon be turned on us, the Ugandans know they will have to break us or lose the right to qualify from our group.
“If we can stand up to them, all of our people back home can draw a sense of appreciation for our efforts and our quest, to stay longer in this tournament, will move forward into broad, sunlit uplands.
“But, if we fail, then all our dreams, including all that we have known and cared for, will sink into the abyss of a new dark age made more sinister, and perhaps more protracted, by the lights of perverted science.
“Let us, therefore, brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves, that if the Warriors Empire last for a thousand years, men will still say, ‘THIS WAS THEIR FINEST HOUR.’”
Deputy Police Commissioner-General (Human Resources) Mind Ngirandi revealed yesterday that the newly acquired expensive anti riot gear and training are a fulfilment of recommendations made by a Commission of Inquiry led by former South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe late last year.
The newly acquired police anti riot gear
Evidently in fear of possible civil unrest likely to erupt in the country as a result of an unexpected reintroduction of the Zimbabwe dollar and government continuously fails to address the economic situation, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has started equipping police and training police officers to deal heavy handedly with rioters.
Deputy Police Commissioner-General (Human Resources) Mind Ngirandi revealed yesterday that the newly acquired expensive anti riot gear and training are a fulfilment of recommendations made by a Commission of Inquiry led by former South Africa President Kgalema Motlanthe late last year.
The seven-member Commission of Inquiry was appointed by President Mnangagwa last year to look into post-election violence that broke out in Harare resulting in the death of six people.
Officially opening the 6th Rebranding and Refresher Training Programme for junior officers at Ntabazinduna Training Depot in Matabeleland North, Deputy Commissioner-General Ngirandi revealed that police are now being equipped to be able to deal with any future riots.
The week-long training is being attended by 68 junior officers who hold ranks of Inspector, Chief Inspector and CID officers from Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South.
“In the same vein we have already begun implementing recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 2018 post-election violence, which was chaired by His Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe, which include equipping the police with necessary skills and capacity for dealing with rioters and further training of the police in order to be professional and non-partisan in the interests of national cohesion and the protection of all citizens,” said Dep Comm-Gen Ngirandi.
“Resultantly, training and supervision of police officers shall be ongoing in order to ensure that strategies to rebrand and transform the organisation dovetails with Government’s national trajectory and above all people’s expectations and needs.”
The Motlanthe Commission also recommended that police should aim to prevent corporal failings in the future.
Dep Comm-Gen Ngirandi said police officers should strive to gain the public’s trust. He said officers should be cognisant that in whatever they do they are under public scrutiny while executing their duties.
“Remember that this is a critical moment for all of you because the eyes and ears of the nation are upon your next step as you seek to discharge your duties. You must therefore embed yourselves in the people, engage them, understand their daily challenges and social ills. The old villager in Zezani must have peace of mind knowing that his cattle in the kraal are safe from rustlers,” Dep Comm-Gen Ngirandi said.
“In the same breadth the middle-aged vendor in Chinotimba must also have confidence that her teenage girl can safely walk from school without fear that she might be raped or kidnapped. Find out how people want to be policed.”
“A Central Committee meeting which was set to be held at the party headquarters main hall at 10AM on Friday has been postponed,”
In trouble, President Emmerson Mnangagwa
THE Zanu-PF Politburo will convene an urgent meeting at the party’s headquarters in Harare today following what party insiders say is as a result of the sudden unprecedented announcement of the return of the Zimbabwe dollar outside the ruling party’s supreme decision making body between congresses.
In a statement yesterday, party spokesperson Simon Khaya Moyo said a Central Committee meeting which had been scheduled for Friday had been postponed to a date to be advised.
“The Zanu-PF secretary for administration Cde Obert Mpofu wishes to advise all members that there shall be a Politburo meeting on Wednesday June 26, 2019 at the party headquarters at 10AM.
“A Central Committee meeting which was set to be held at the party headquarters main hall at 10AM on Friday has been postponed,” said Khaya Moyo.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa and Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube reportedly met in Maputo Mozambique after gruelling meetings with some potential investors and funders where they decided to prematurely scrap out the multi currency regime and reintroduce the Zimbabwe dollar before extensively consulting within the ruling party.
The urgent Politiburo Meeting today is expected to be filled with fireworks as the ruling party top leadership seeks understanding on how the move is going to be sustained.
THE Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Professor Mthuli Ncube, yesterday announced the appointment of senior executives to oversee the smooth running of key parastatals under his ministry.
The appointments were made after consultations with President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mr Vusilizwe Vuma has been appointed chief executive officer of the Deposit Protection Corporation (DPC) while Mrs Grace Muradzikwa is now a commissioner of the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC).
Professor Ncube also announced the appointment of other IPEC board members who include Mr Albert Nduna (chairman), Mr David Mureriwa, Ms Annah Mashingaidze, Mr Godwin Nyangadza and Ms Judith Rusike.
The Minister also appointed Mr Joe Mutizwa as the new board chair for the Infrastructural Development Bank of Zimbabwe with board members being Dr Khupukile Mlambo, Mr Luke Ngwerume, Ms Sibusisiwe Bango, Mr Reginald Mugwara, Mr Jeremiah Mutonga, Mr Tadious Muzorora, Mr Nobert Mugwagwa, Mr Zvikomborero Hoko and Mr Leonard Magara.
Mr Taguma Mahonde has been appointed director general of the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat).
State Media|A MAN from Magwegwe suburb in Bulawayo hanged himself from a roof truss at his rented home after his self-confessed sex worker wife of two years allegedly fell in love and ran off with one of her clients.
The incident happened on Monday.
Residents of the suburb yesterday said Anele Titosi Moyo (23) met his wife, Simelinkosi Luphahla (19), at a bar in the city centre when she was six months pregnant with a client’s baby and married her.
They alleged he was pimping her out to other men for a living.
In an interview, Ms Luphahla said she left home because her late husband was abusive. She also confirmed that she was the breadwinner and worked as a prostitute.
“On Sunday in the afternoon, Anele contacted me and told me to collect my belongings at his sister’s home in Hillside.
“His sister squabbled with me. Anele assaulted me on the same day at Hillside. I told him that I can’t stay with him and I’m no longer interested in our relationship because he was abusive. The deceased was unemployed and I was the breadwinner of the family”.
She said Anele would inexplicably complain that their 18-month-old son was not his.
“I’m not fully employed. I do some piece jobs in town and also work at night as a prostitute in order to make a living. I was responsible for rent and basic needs because we were renting in New Magwegwe suburb. I had separated with him by the time of his death,” said Ms Luphahla.
Moyo was found by a fellow tenant who only identified herself as NaShantel who was checking up on him as she had not heard from him or his wife for the whole day, which she said was unusual.
Another fellow tenant Ms Patience Moyo said the couple did not keep their source of income a secret.
“They met at a night club in town and he married her when she was six months pregnant with another man’s child but he loved her still. She told us that he did not mind that she was a sex worker and the money sustained them as a family.
“He would escort her to the bus stop every night when she was going for ‘her shift’ and he would do all household chores during the day when she was asleep after shifts as she would be tired from working all night,” said Ms Moyo.
The fellow tenants said problems started between the couple after Ms Luphahla started getting fond of one of her clients who became a regular.
They said the couple fought over the said client, leading to Ms Luphahla running off with the man.
“I can confirm that we are dealing with a case of sudden death where a man was found hanging from a roof truss in his bedroom in Magwegwe suburb. The matter is being treated as suicide by hanging. He was hanging from a roof truss and had used an electric cord,” said Insp Ncube.
Police attended the scene and the body was taken to Mpilo Central Hospital at around 7PM on Monday.
The late Anele’s sister, Ms Tapiwa Moyo, narrated the events which led to the tragic incident and expressed her shock at her brother’s decision to end his life.
“My brother was a quiet person and a man of few words. He had a dispute with his wife. They were always fighting. Their domestic problems started when the wife told him that the child they were raising did not belong to my brother after living together customarily for almost three years. My brother was greatly troubled because the wife had left him claiming to have found someone better. My brother loved his wife and I think he was heartbroken and this led him probably to commit suicide because he was lonely and felt rejected,” said a sobbing Ms Moyo.
MDC Alliance vice president Mr Tendai Biti says the Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 is illegal since it sought to amend Section 44 (a) (ii) of the RBZ Act which established the multi-currency regime.
He argued that an SI could not amend a parent Act.
Zanu PF’s Hwedza North legislator Cde David Musabayana had commended Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube for repealing the use of multiple currencies.
“There were a lot of distortions in the market because of the multi-currency regime.
“The return of the Zimbabwe dollar means the return of national sovereignty,” Cde Musabayana said.
But Speaker of the National Assembly Advocate Mudenda yesterday stopped parliamentarians from debating the S1 after concurring with leader of Government business in the House, Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, saying the SI needed to first go through the Parliamentary Legal Committee for scrutiny.
Meanwhile, foreign currency retention thresholds for exporters have not changed following the proclamation of Statutory Instrument 142 of 2019 that scrapped the multi-currency system and replaced it with a local currency, the Zimbabwe dollar.
This was said by Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) Governor Dr John Mangudya in response to enquiries on the fate of foreign currency retention thresholds for exporters such as tobacco farmers and gold producers, among others, following Monday’s proclamation.
“Nothing has changed on the foreign currency retentions for all exporters including for tobacco growers.
“The same is true for Diaspora remittances, which can still be paid in cash or through nostro accounts,” said Dr Mangudya.
Under an agreement between the RBZ and the Tobacco industry Marketing Board at the beginning of the marketing season, tobacco farmers are entitled to 50 percent of their earnings in foreign currency deposited in their Nostro accounts while the remainder would be deposited into RTGS dollar accounts.
Small-scale tobacco farmers growing tobacco on two hectares and below are entitled to retain sales proceeds in their Nostro FCA for an indefinite period as free funds.
Large-scale tobacco growers with more than two hectares of the crop, are entitled to retain sales proceeds in their Nostro FCA for a period of 180 days, after which it would be offloaded onto the market at the ruling interbank market exchange rate.
Mining houses are allowed to retain 55 percent of their foreign currency earnings while manufacturers retain 80 percent of their proceeds.
Miners of “other minerals” retain 50 percent; tobacco and cotton merchants for input schemes (80 percent); cotton growers (30 percent) while horticulture, transport, and tourism retain 80 percent.-agencies
Last Friday, Africa and the global community witnessed the implosion and explosion of football extravaganza in land of Pyramids with our very own Zimbabwe Warriors being part of the proceedings.
Closer home, in the land of houses of stones, there was a seismic political implosion and explosion of greater magnitude and proportions by those illegitimately occupying the corridors of power at Munhumutapa Offices and the country’s state house.
Not only pyramids and football events in Egypt catches attention, but the country’s rich ancient civilization proverbs catches imagination and aptly sums up events on our shores that unfolded at the beginning of this very week.
Very much in use is an Egyptian proverb, ‘Asham iblis fi el gannah’ which when translated to English means ‘The devil’s hope for paradise’.
Simply put, the wise Egyptian saying simply means not a chance. The chance that this matter at hand will work out is just as dim as Lucifer’s hope of going to heaven.
This Egyptian proverb pose a classic interpretation to Mthuli Ncube’s so called economic reforms and the ZANU PF Youth League’s much ado about nothing press conference.
That both events and proclamations unraveled yesterday is not by sheer coincidence but rather a clear indication of the implosion and explosion in ZANU PF, or the devil’s paradise if we are to borrow from the ancient Egyptian wisdom.
There are two critical issues here that are worthy unpacking, with the first being implications of Mthuli Ncube’s banning of foreign currency use and the expected impact of the reintroduction of Zimdollar.
The second subject speaks to the meaning and implications of ZANU PF Youth League statements as far as politics and economics of this country is concerned.
It is crystal clear and common knowledge that Mthuli Ncube has failed and expecting his current manoeuvres to proffer solutions to current economic malaise is akin to the devil’s hope for paradise.
In the same wave length, the ZANU PF Youth league statements just but epitomizes implosion and explosion of factional battles in the former liberation party.
It is an internal detonation that is meant to purge remnants of G40 as well as those fighting in Constantine Chiwenga’s factional corner.
Never mind about sugar coated lies that this is meant to cleanse the country of corruption for we all know hotbeds of corruption.
Emmerson Mnangagwa and his factional acolytes are not saints too!
Only a party and government with clean hands like the MDC has the probity to lead the cleansing exercise against corruption and the economic meltdown.
Stephen Sarkozy Chuma
MDC Youth Assembly National Spokesperson
ZANU-PF Secretary for Administration Obert Mpofu yesterday said Chief Felix Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni is in the habit of making false allegations against Government and the ruling party due to ignorance since he spent many years out of the country.
Testifying before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Gladmore Mushove in a matter in which Chief Ndiweni and his 13 subjects are accused of destroying a villager’s property, Mpofu said Chief Ndiweni was out of touch with reality.
The former Home Affairs and Culture Minister came to testify after Chief Ndiweni alleged that Mpofu was behind his arrest and had influenced the complainant in their matter, Mr Fetti Mbele, to file criminal charges.
“The first accused person (Chief Ndiweni) has been raising false allegations against Zanu-PF and the Government. His problem is that he has been out of the country for a long time hence he has lost touch with the goings on in the country” Mpofu said.
He said he didn’t even know the complainant in the matter, saying when the incident happened he was in Harare.
“I was actually in Harare when the incident happened and in addition to that I don’t even know Mr Mbele (the complainant) and even if the court asks me to identify him, I won’t be able to positively identify him,” Mpofu said.
He also denied having held a meeting with Chief Ndiweni whom he described as a “political foe.”
“I have never had any meeting with the first accused person. Other than that we are not related in any way except that he is a political foe who could issue statement after statement about me. He makes a lot of anti-Government and Zanu-PF statements and that is what I know,” Cde Mpofu said.
He also denied allegations that he flexed his political muscle by using his position as Home Affairs Minister to influence police at Mbembesi Police Station to arrest the accused.
“I have never spoken to any police officer at Mbembesi Police Station in the last five years. It is through the Ntabazinduna leadership that I got to know of the matter after they had notified me as their MP. I then referred them to women lawyers associations since the case involved a woman,” Mpofu said.
Chief Ndiweni told the court that the charges they were facing stemmed from Mpofu’s efforts to fix him after he filed criminal charges against him alleging that he stole his late father, Chief Khayisa’s 200 head of cattle.
He said he reported the theft at Mbembesi Police Station but Mpofu, who was then Home Affairs and Culture Minister, allegedly facilitated the docket’s disappearance.
Mpofu has since filed a $300 000 lawsuit against Chief Ndiweni over the allegations and the matter is pending.
According to court papers, Mr Mbele of Ntabazinduna was banished from the village by the chief after his wife Ms Nonkangelo Mpengesi was allegedly caught having sex with another villager.
In July last year, Chief Ndiweni ruled that Mr Mbele and his “adulterous” wife should be banished from Sifelani village, saying “prostitution” will not be tolerated in his area.
Mr Dumisani Dube, early last year, asked the court to subpoena Mpofu to testify in court following allegations by the traditional leader implicating him in their arrest.
However, Mpofu, through an affidavit dated July 6, 2018, which was brought to court by his lawyer Mr Byron Sengweni, declined to testify saying he knew nothing about the matter.
Mr Dube then sought a court order compelling Mpofu to attend court after which the latter was served with the summons.
Chief Ndiweni and the other accused persons are denying the violence charges levelled against them by Mr Mbele.
The prosecutor, Mr Kudakwashe Jaravaza, said on July 26 last year at around 4PM, Mbele and his wife arrived from Bulawayo to find some villagers standing outside their homestead.
Kimpton Sibanda (72), a village head and two other villagers, claimed they were ordered by Chief Ndiweni to destroy Mbele’s garden fence and the kraal.
“Sibanda instructed the villagers to destroy the fence and kraal. At around 5PM, Chief Ndiweni arrived and ordered the villagers to continue destroying Mr Mbele’s fence and kraal,” said Mr Jaravaza.
The order followed Mr Mbele’s alleged defiance of Chief Ndiweni’s verdict to divorce his wife.
Chief Ndiweni had given a ruling that Mr Mbele’s wife should vacate her husband’s home, but she did not comply with the order since they had resolved the matter as a couple, prompting the chief to order the destruction of his fence and kraal.
The trial continues on July 3- state media
Power utility, Zesa Holdings, has announced that it will implement load shedding outside the official schedule following a breakdown at Hwange Power Station.
“Due to a technical fault at Hwange Power Station, local generation is now depressed,” Fullard Gwasira, the spokesperson of Zesa said in a tweet yesterday, adding that “load shedding is now being implemented outside the published schedule”.
In an interview, Mr Gwasira said two units at the power station broke down yesterday, reducing output by about 200 megawatts. “We have, however, embarked on a phased restoration of the units but it will take time due to the nature of technology.”
Mr Gwasira Zimbabwe is largely depending on thermal power from Hwange in light of reduced electricity production at Kariba Power plant due to low water levels at Lake Kariba.
Zimbabwe is experiencing severe power cuts that have seen consumers enduring long periods without electricity.
Business, including industrialists and miners has since raised concerns, warning the rolling power cuts would severely erode viability.
Zesa has since approached the Treasury seeking support to continue optimum production of electricity at its thermal power stations amid rising expenses coal price increases.
Apart from Hwange, Zesa operates three small thermal plants in Harare, Bulawayo and Kwekwe.State media
Farai Dziva|Warriors midfielder Marvelous Nakamba thinks the Warriors still have a chance to progress to the knockout round of the 2019 AFCON despite losing their first match of the campaign.
Zimbabwe lost 1-0 to hosts Egypt on Friday in a match the Southern Africans put a great performance with Nakamba himself starring splendidly in the midfield.
The Warriors face table-toppers Uganda on Wednesday and the Belgium based player believes there is still a possibility to reach the next round.
“I think it’s possible for us to go to the next stage in the tournament,” Nakamba told H-Metro.
“With the team that we have, with the way that we are playing, I think if we can give everything and try our best, nothing can stop us.”
“We have done it in the qualifying stages where a lot of people thought we wouldn’t qualify. And now we are here, anything is possible in football.”
Zimbabwe, meanwhile, will need to avoid a loss as to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout round alive.
Farai Dziva|MDC leader Nelson Chamisa has accused Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube of taking the people for granted through voodoo economics.
See Chamisa’ s statement:
GUERRILLA ECONOMICS and ambush currency measures are ill-advised, destructive and confidence-draining.
Zim-dollarization requires that macroeconomic fundamentals,public confidence, trust,fiscal discipline, political stability and legitimacy to be in place for it to be meaningfully sustainable.
Our economics suffers from too much state
control and excessive politics otherwise known as economic dirigisme.
It is my considered view that certain key benchmarks need to be achieved before the local currency can be sustainably introduced in order to anchor the local currency.
These benchmarks include: attaining a sustainable GDP growth rate of at least 7%; low and stable inflation; reducing the high debt ratios to very low and sustainable levels; increasing the level of savings and investments to at least 25% of GDP; reducing the balance-of-payments deficit to less than 5% of GDP; increasing the export level to at least 25% of GDP; high levels of productive capacity; political stability and legitimacy.
More importantly, foreign-currency reserves need to be built up to sustainable levels to anchor the Zimbabwe dollar and to defend it in the event of a currency or speculative attack.
We have the SMART economic blueprint as our alternative to the current voodoo approach to economics, think differently.
Farai Dziva|The MDC Youth Assembly has vowed to take on Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government over the prompt ban on the use of the United States dollar as legal tender.
In an interview with ZimEye.com MDC Youth Assembly spokesperson Stephen Chuma said:
“It is unfortunate that the Emmerson Mnangagwa believes he can fix the economy through command economics.
Even an Ordinary level economics student can clearly see that the root of our problems is political.
The economic meltdown is just a symptom of a legitimacy crisis emanating from a disputed election hence banning of foreign currency as a way to fix economy can only make sense to cow boys.”
He added:” It is quite clear that the move to ban foreign currency is a short circuit decision to silence the military and other civil servants who are demanding to be paid in forex since basic prices of goods are being charged in forex.
Unfortunately, it will not work because the people through mass action will in turn ban from Munhumutapa offices those who ban the use of forex.”
Uganda goalkeeper and captain Denis Onyango has shared his thoughts in regards to the Cranes’ opponents tomorrow, the Warriors, whom he described as a group with quality players.
The Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper made the remarks while addressing the media ahead of tomorrow evening’s encounter which if the Ugandans win, assures them of a place in the next round.
“Personally, I will admit that I know most of the Zimbabwe players. I have played with some of them in the same clubs and majority play in the PSL. We are set and determined to face Zimbabwe,” said Onyango
“There is no need to underrate them because they have quality players,” he added.
Onyango played alongside Warriors star forward Khama Billiat at Sundowns and is fully aware of the threat possed by the diminutive winger-Soccer24Zimbabwe
Farai Dziva| Former First Lady Grace Mugabe and her firstborn son Russell Goreraza have been slapped with a ” damaging lawsuit.”
Mrs Mugabe, her son Russell and senior police officers have been dragged to the High Court facing a damaging US $3, 922 million lawsuit.
According to court documents the lawsuit was filed by Lebanese businessman Jamal Hamed.
Hamed is claiming the following damages:
US$2 000 000 for defamation,
US$1 000 000 for loss of income that could have been realised in rentals.
US$375 000 for unlawful interference with contractual relations
US$342 000 for unlawful occupation
US$205 000 for damages to his properties and furniture.
The businessman is also suing one Kennedy Fero, an officer with the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) police protection unit and Nyambo Viera an officer with ZRP at Harare Central, law and order section for assisting Grace and Russel in the illegal occupation of the houses.
ZRP Boss Commissioner General Godwin Matanga has been named as the fifth respondent in the matter.
Farai Dziva|ZCTU has accused Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube of “sheer hypocrisy.”
Government yesterday banned the use of the United States dollar as legal tender.
“We have been taken aback by the fact that two days ago Mr Mthuli Ncube assured the nation that the Zim dollar would be reintroduced after wide consultations.
We do not why the government has decided to ambush its key partners.
The move has all but affected all critical dialogue processes,”said ZCTU in a statement at a news conference in Harare today.
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers fully embraces the introduction of our own currency, the Zimbabwean dollar (Zimdollar$) by the Minister of Finance Professor Mthuli Ncube and the support measures to stabilise the interbank foreign currency market by the Governor of the Reserve Bank Dr John P Mangudya through SI142 of 2019.
This comes as President Emmerson Mnangagwa recently announced the impending introduction as the market was already warming up to that reality .
The pricing distortions arising from the inflated and stage managed parallel market had left most Zimbabweans reeling and on the brink of total poverty as incomes ,wages and salaries were eroded daily by the fictitious and fallacious black market exchange rate.
The dilemma was exacerbated by the demand for USD$ for domestic transactions even for goods ordinarily manufactured in Zimbabwe yet about 96% of the workforce earn their wages and salaries in local currency. Many had to offload the RTGS$ or Bond Notes as soon as they laid their hands on it.
The country has got to move on and embrace it’s own currency and have independence in monetary policy formulation and implementation with the RBZ playing the lender of last resort role in sync with the ongoing fiscal policy reforms.
Retailers and Wholesalers are urged to changeover forthwith and immediately abandon selling goods and services in USD$ or any foreign currency as it has been outlawed . Non-compliance will attract unnecessary and unwanted attention to one’s brand by authorities.
In pursuit of full compliance, the CZR urges manufacturers, millers , bakers, all suppliers and manufacturers and other service providers to comply with the law and stop forthwith demanding payment for goods and services from retailers, wholesalers and traders in foreign currency.
The CZR further urges the RBZ to exercise restraint and prudence with the printing machine to safeguard the value of the Zimdollar while the Min of Finance should desist from inconsistent policy pronouncements that has dented trust and confidence in the past . Further measures should be a product of continued consultations and engagement while the inclusive approach is encouraged forthwith .
The introduction of the Zimdollar will further improve competetiveness and effort should be made to ensure importation of essential raw materials, capital goods , drugs and medicines, fuel , energy and power , is not impeded or hamstrung by policy change over.
The interbank should be fully operationalised and ensure companies that have to import, only out of necessity, will receive maxim support.
The government should move in to act on the forex parallel market and arrest not only the street boys as lip service but the financiers of that market . It’s easy as all these tracks sections are electronic one way or the other.
It is also critical to tame the rapid rise of informalization of the economy to eliminate distortions and the long arm of the law should also be capacitated to deal with the impending non-compliance in this sector .
There is need to quickly work on confidence building measures around the new currency and also deal with the political side of the economy by putting national interests ahead of our own personal aggrandisement , egos and gains/benefits. Zimbabwe first .
The Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers will continue to make government accountable, promote transparency while interrogating policy measures without fear or favor .
The CZR expects politically , economically connected to stay away from the Zimdollar as this will create more cartels and corruption which will have a negative effect of dampening its value and confidence around it.
The business sector who have been reportedly removing goods from shelves are warned to desist from such malicious malpractice and comply with the law.
Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers
President
Denford Mutashu
By A Correspondent| Zanu PF Member of Parliament (MP) for Zaka East constituency, Caston Ringisai Gumbwanda has died.
He was 67.
Gumbwanda died today at Cooporate 24 private hospital in Harare where he had been admitted after suffering from pneumonia.
Minister of Sate for Masvingo province who is also Zanu-PF provincial Chair Ezra Chadzamira confirmed the death.
He said:
“I can confirm that we received reports that Gumbwanda was admitted at Chiredzi Hospital after suffering from pneumonia. He was then transferred to Harare where he died today . This is a big blow to us as a party and a big loss to the people of Masvingo province and Zimbabwe as a whole.”
The late Gumbwanda replaced the late MP Samson Mukanduri who died last year.
