THE body of liberation war stalwart and former Home Affairs Minister Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, will arrive this afternoon at the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport, in Bulawayo.
Dr Dabengwa, 79, died on Thursday in Nairobi, Kenya on his way back home from India where he had gone for medical treatment. The Zipra intelligence supremo succumbed to a liver ailment.
Family spokesman Mr Freeman Dr Dabengwa, who is the Zapu leader’s last born son, said the body was expected at around midday. It will be accompanied by Dr Dabengwa’s wife, Zodwa.
The family has provisionally planned to bury Dr Dabengwa this Saturday at his rural home in Ntabazinduna – about 40km outside Bulawayo. “Nyaradzo (funeral parlour) buses will ferry mourners from the Large City Hall to the airport at 10.30am tomorrow (today),” said Mr Dabengwa.
“We are grateful for the assistance received from the Government through provision of food for the scores of mourners.”
Zanu-PF Secretary for Administration Cde Obert Mpofu said the party’s decision on Dr Dabengwa’s hero’s status will be announced soon. “We will make pronouncements and then the nation will know,” he said.
The Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Cde Judith Ncube said Dr Dabengwa deserved to be honoured in recognition of the pivotal role he played towards the liberation of Zimbabwe from the colonial yoke.
“A leader is gone; a commander is no more. We hope that he gets the respect and honour he deserves. I encourage the Bulawayo community to welcome Dr Dabengwa’s body back home today,” she said.State media
Information : Stephen ‘Sarkozy’ Chuma (Harare)
Deputy : Womberai Nhende( Mat South)
One of the contestants councillor Denford Madhuku Ngadziore said: “… Youth elections were free and fair…” on the other hand, former youth Secretary General Lovemore Chinoputsa accepted the outcome of election and vowed to support the newly elected youth leadership.
By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) on Saturday announced a Stage 2 load shedding schedule.
Stage 2 load shedding entails that areas will experience longer periods of power cuts than the original timetable that was published over two weeks ago.
The move was necessitated by a technical fault which developed at the country’s biggest power producer, the coal-fired Hwange Thermal Power Station.
In a statement on microblogging site Twitter, ZEDTC said:
Kindly note that generation at Hwange is depressed due to a technical fault. Load shedding is now on Stage 2. Load shedding may be above [for longer periods than] the publicized schedules. We apologize for any inconveniences caused.
Currently, Zimbabweans are experiencing 8 hours of load shedding. Authorities have claimed that the debilitating power cuts resulted from low power generation at Kariba hydropower plant due to low water levels caused by an unusual drought.
The country’s power utility has also failed to pay for power imports already consumed from neighbouring South Africa and Mozambique.
Zimbabwe owe the two countries over US$80 million for power imports.
Zambia has also been affected by low generation capacity at Kariba Power Station.
Zimbabwe and Zambia, through the Zambezi Water Authority, ZESA and ZESCO are set to negotiate with Mozambique’s power utility to be availed with up to 500 megawatts of electricity for free.
The proposed deal has been necessitated by Mozambique’s need to reduce water inflows from Lake Kariba into Lake Cahorra Bassa, which is close to overflowing due to Cyclone Idai rainfall.-FinancialGazette
By Own Correspondent- Addressing MDC delegates at the ongoing MDC National Congress Saturday in Gweru, Chief Ndiweni implored citizens to understand the role of traditional leaders.
He said:
What is a leader… they must be clean… they must not be involved in corruption. The people have a misunderstanding of a chief. They believe that the chief is only there to hide himself in the corner, someone who does not speak.
My job title in the Constitution is to maintain and protect tradition and the norms of your people. That means Chief Ndiweni, when there is a child in your area, you must be concerned, when there is a funeral, you must be concerned, when the clinic in your area is not working, you should be concerned, when the roads are not working properly, you must be concerned. A traditional leader must speak about everything at anytime whatsoever, there is no subject that a traditional leader cannot speak about.”
By Own Correspondent- Addressing delegates at the ongoing MDC National Congress in Gweru, party President Nelson Chamisa said his party will push for an early election and will not wait for the expiry of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s tenure of office in 2023.
Chamisa accused Mnangagwa of rigging the elections adding that failure for Mnangagwa to accept election defeat was the reason why the country was in its current economic mess.
Said Chamisa, at an event graced by Uganda’s youthful opposition leader Bobi Wine:
“It is not about power sharing….I am ready to stay at home as long as the country is being run well. Mnangagwa has failed to unite the people and I have to do it. We do not want political dialogue to share power but a vision.
We will resolve the issues in this country. We will have an election not as expected in 2023 but earlier. But if they are not willing, we will force them.”
By Own Correspondent- Opposition leader of Ideal Zimbabwe Party, Tinashe Jonas who is on record wanting to effect an arrest on President Emmerson Mnangagwa says that he was tortured whilst he was under arrest.
A South African publication reported that Jonas was seized at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare in March and thereafter spent a month in prison where he passed through “hell”.
Jonas said he was given electric shocks on 4 to 5 parts of his body. He said:
I have gone through all the suffering of this world!
I don’t know whether I’m still a man as I was also injected with something.
He further claimed that he was denied medication for an ulcer ailment while he was caged. He collapsed twice due to lack of medication.
After his release from the cells on bail last month, he crossed the Limpopo River into South Africa on foot, with Central Intelligence Agents hot on his trail.
Jonas disclosed that he was to report to court twice a week but he would not return to Zimbabwe until the country was free.-DailySun
Day 4: Without Freedom, A weekend at Chikurubi Remand
Ndatora mucheka ndikasunga dumbu…meaning i took a cloth and tied it around my stomach
The lawyers are working on her bail application to the High Court. Its crucial to understand her own narrative. She has never ever been to Serbia!!
Fari was visited by family and friends today, was in good spirit. Keeping the strength and courage. Your messages, your prayers lifted her spirit. Just knowing the world cares lifted her up. We are not forgetting the indignities she experienced
The pain is deep for me. I cannot read some of news headlines. This is not my daughter they are referring to. She should NOT and can never be defined as subversive activist…honestly!
She is innocent, she is innocent, the TRUTH will set her free.
Light a candle in prayer for Fari and for girls in your own life.
Hug your own child tonight, for the unknown could be around the corner!!
Thank you, thank you, thank you for standing with Farirai!
Farirai Gumbonzvanda is a volunteer at Rozaria Memorial Trust since 2012. She is a vibrant young woman whose only true aspiration is empowerment of girls and women’s rights through education and health. #freedomforfarirai#FreeFariraipic.twitter.com/RbYoqX3tyX
— Rozaria Memorial Trust (@RozariaConnects) May 23, 2019
Farirai Gumbonzvanda is not a threat to any government. She is just a vibrant young woman advocating for the right of a girl child. Farirai is a women’s rights advocate. Release Farirai Now. An injustice to one is an injustice to all.#Freedom4Farirai#FreeFariraiGumbonzvandapic.twitter.com/MPB4ude5Np
— Linda Tsungirirai Masarira (@lilomatic) May 24, 2019
Farirai Gumbonzvanda of Rosaria Trust was arrested for attending a workshop. This girl loves her country. Stop turning the hearts of those who love their country Since when does attending a workshop become a crime. #justiceforfariraipic.twitter.com/RB9RjJqbdM
Earlier this week 5 Zimbabwean activists were arrested & accused of plotting to overthrow the Govt. Gamuchirai Mukura, Nyasha Mpahlo George Makoni, Farirai Gumbonzvanda & Tatenda Mombeyarara have been remanded till 6th June, a bail application has been filed today.
My heart is bleeding. Spent the afternoon with Our Farirai at Chikurubi today.
I died inside seeing her in the green prison uniform garb. Have prison the… https://t.co/TAAKJwARAx
— Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (@vanyaradzayi) May 25, 2019
Just been hit by sickening news that dear friend & women & girls' activist @FariraiG has been in Zimbabwe's max security prison for 4 nights & counting. Attending a workshop is not a crime. Defending human rights is not a crime. Sending love to @vanyaradzayi ❤ #FreedomForFariraipic.twitter.com/eGLQoPJxsE
@Farirai is a vocalist and passionate about gender issues especially oppressed women. She is not capable of hurting a soul and if she has the power to overthrow the government that oppress women than we are behind her. We say no to any gov’t that oppress women.#FreedomForFariraipic.twitter.com/h1n8qACzS3
— nyakongmariam ?? ?? (@nyakongmariam) May 24, 2019
I know @vanyaradzayi as a great leader. As i grew up in Murewa she was a house hold name due to her community voluntary works.
— Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda (@vanyaradzayi) May 24, 2019
I continue to stand with @vanyaradzayi Farirai and others must be released. DEVELOPMENT WORK is not a crime. NON-VIOLENT ACTION resulted in the end to apartheid is South Africa, fired up the fcivilight for womens rights worldwide & rights movement in America ITS NOT A CRIME! https://t.co/OpijKABPjc
— Temitopwe Samantha Chiwara Sanangurai ?????? (@tendosana) May 23, 2019
Own Correspondent|Deputy Minister of Information and Zanu PF MP Energy Mutodi claims the ongoing MDC congress is of no significance.
Mutodi who appears terrified by the opposition party’s congress has been shooting down the congress for a long time before it even kicked off.
Wrote Mutodi on Facebook:
“MDC-A CONGRESS: it’s surprising & heartbreaking to note that some Zimbabweans are seeing hope where there is no hope, a future where there is no future & a light where there is darkness. For Nelson, it’s time to busk in the glory of false beliefs and deceiving comfort.”
…and I know your team here will be looking at that. I know they will be focusing at that I know they're trying to sort it out currently in our country we have a constitutional president but here right here we have the popular president – Chief Ndiweni pic.twitter.com/lOjPNUbf1P
Neetu Shuttern Wala cries as he leaves the polling station.
An independent candidate from Punjab who contested the Lok Sabha elections was in tears after claiming he he had received just five votes despite having nine voters in his family. Neetu Shuttern Wala, who contested from Jalandhar constituency, admitted on air that even his family members had betrayed him.
Wala, in an interview to Punjabi daily Jag Bani, broke down before the camera while expressing his disappointment with his family. He also alleged that EVMs had been tampered with ahead of results.
The interview clip went viral, with some calling it the “biggest election story” of the day.In the interview, the anchor asked if he had received just five votes, to which Wala replied “Sir there are 9 votes from my family but I have only received 5.”
Own Correspondent|Opposition MDC has elected 27 year old Tererai Obey Sithole as its new Youth Wing Chairman in comparison to ruling ZANU PF’s chairman Pupurai Togarepi who is 55 years old.
Pupurai Togarepi
The election of Sithole clearly difference between the two main political parties in the country.
Analysts have indicated that the result shows that while one party is investing in the future by giving the young a chance, the other is rooted in the past and blocking the young.
President Peter Mutharika will be sworn in likely tonight for the second term after the Malawi Electoral Commission (MEC) declares him winner of the presidential election this evening.
Preparations for the swearing in ceremony are underway at Blantyre Civic Centre offices being led by Blantyre City Council Chief Executive Officer Alfred Chanza.
A trip to the civic offices found high presence of both police and Malawi Army officers together with officials from Public Events.
Red carpets are being rolled and flowers and some DPP balloons, flags together with the national flags are being raised.
The place has been cordoned off to civilians.
“We have an important function this evening and noone is allowed inside,” said a guard at the gate when we wanted to get inside to appreciate what was going on.
Inside sources said soon after MEC declares Mutharika win of the irregularities infested elections, the President will drive to Civic Centre for the ceremony.
“The Chief Justice and others have been told not to leave Blantyre and should be available at Civic Centre to swear in the President, ” said sources.
Africa made history on the 25th of May 1963 by establishing the Organisation of African Union (OAU), which was later, in 2002, renamed the African Union. The coming together of African countries was historic in many ways as it provided a continental platform to achieve greater unity, cohesion and solidarity between the African countries and African nations, defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States and accelerate the political and social-economic integration of the continent. Thus, as we commemorate Africa Day we are indeed celebrating African unity.
NANGO recognizes the numerous instruments that have been developed by the continent in a bid to address economic, political, social, trade and governance issues. Of note are the Agenda 2063, Agenda 2030, Comprehensive African Agricultural Development Programme (CAADP), Programme for Infrastructural Development in Africa (PIDA), African Mining Vision (AMV), Science Technology Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA), Boosting Intra African Trade (BIAT), Accelerated Industrial Development for Africa (AIDA) amongst other agreements and action plans. These are critical in addressing extreme poverty, inequalities, disease and conflict in the continent. We therefore, wish to echo the voices of the marginalised and disenfranchised communities across Africa on the need to work together towards the Africa We Want. Africa that has improvement in the standards of living, inclusive and sustained economies; increased levels of regional and continental integration; a population of empowered women and youth and a society in which children are cared for and protected; societies that are peaceful, demonstrate good democratic values and practice good governance principles and which preserve and enhance Africa’s cultural identity. On behalf of civil society, NANGO encourages effective implementation of these policies and alignment to regional legal frameworks that are aimed at attaining sustainable development in Africa.
We note that Africa continues to experience extreme poverty, high inequalities, human rights abuses, rapid urbanisation, food insecurity, violent conflict, health threats, increased vulnerability to natural disasters, high corruption, poor policy implementation, political fragmentation, gender inequality, acute illicit financial outflows, huge debt overhang and many other economic, social, environmental and governance ills. As we celebrate Africa Day, we also take cognizant of these challenges that ravage our societies resulting in socially, economically, politically and environmentally dysfunctional societies. The unity that was demonstrated by our founding fathers, which set the foundation of the AU and inclusivity are still as important today as they were back then. We encourage our governments to accelerate implementation of the continental instruments, which are critical in transforming our continent into the Africa We Want.
Africa is heavily endowed and blessed with key natural and human resources that are key in contributing towards inclusive and sustainable development where all segments of society realize their social, economic, political rights in a progressive manner. We continue to call for more inclusive democratic processes that ensure that ‘No One is Left Behind’ by including women, youths, children, persons with disabilities, indigenes, elderly, amongst other disenfranchised groups.
As civil society organisations we are concerned about heavy police and military presence, stifling legal frameworks targeting civic organisations, politicization of public offices, media polarization as well as lack of trust between governments and civ society organisations. These factors contribute significantly to shrinkage of civic space across Africa. The continent should ensure that there is a conducive civil society operating environment and strengthened synergies between government and civil society as the two stakeholders are key in driving development in Africa.
Africa is our home and no other do we have so let us superintend it well for the current and future generations.
NANGO is the officially recognised coordinating body of NGOs operating in Zimbabwe. It is a non-partisan, non-profit making organisation and non-denominational coordinating body of NGOs in Zimbabwe. It is mandated by its membership to coordinate the activities of NGOs, represent the NGO sector and strengthen the voice of NGOs in Zimbabwe.
EFF leader Julius Malema has warned Cyril Ramaphosa that he and his Cabinet should respect the Constitution and that no one is above the law.
Malema was speaking at the sidelines of the President-elect Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
In what could be described as a message for Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan who on Friday was found by the public protector to have violated the Constitution when he approved the early retirement of former acting SARS commissioner Ivan Pillay.
Gordhan said he would challenge the public protector’s finding.
The EFF has been calling for Gordhan to be held accountable for his involvement in awarding the early retirement. It has also accused him of acting as if he is above the law.
Malema said on Saturday that Ramaphosa should respect the Constitution and especially Chapter Nine institutions.
“The president and his Cabinet should respect the constitution, should respect Chapter 9 institutions. They will not have enemies. Anyone that exists outside the Constitution, outside the Constitution, outside Chapter 9 institutions, that person thinks he’s above the law and we will bring you down,” Malema said.
He warned that the EFF would not allow “dishonourable” individuals to remain as MPs.
“Respect the laws of South Africa, respect the courts of SA, respect Parliament then the EFF will respect you. We don’t care who’s the president, all we care about is are you honourable enough to sit with us in Parliament as honourable members. Once you’re dishonourable like Pravin, you can’t sit in that parliament because the EFF will not allow constitutional delinquents to sit in Parliament,” said Malema.
Chief Nhlanhla Ndiweni arrives at the MDC congress.
Ntabazinduna Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni has blasted Supreme Court judge Justice Chief Malaba’s ruling on the 2018 election results appeal by the MDC leader Nelson Chamisa.
The firebrand traditional leader, who recently torched a storm when he declared that the West must exert more sanctions on Zimbabwe after government evicted a white commercial farmer from his area.
Addressing the on going MDC congress in Gweru, Ndiweni castigated Supreme Court judge Justice Malaba for his ruling against Chamisa claiming that his headmen pass better judgement
Ndiweni called for “proper dialogue” and declared Chief Justice Luke Malaba’s judgment after last year’s electoral petition by Chamisa challenging the results of last year’s elections as a charade.
“Our country is going through a terrible, terrible time. Everything that can go wrong has gone wrong.
“We have a serious problem in our country. We have a problem of failure of democracy and when democracy fails everything fails,” said Chief Ndiweni.
In a thinly veiled attack on President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s legitimacy, Chief Ndiweni added: “Currently in our country we have a constitutional President and a popular president right here (in Gweru). We have not started yet. Things will get much worse.”
Chief Ndiweni called for dialogue and an honest arbitrator in an analogy about a boxing match in which a referee is required.
“This country needs a third person. We can’t have one boxer who wants to be both a player and referees. We need an arbitrator who is honest, someone who can judge fairly and give proper timelines.
“Any dialogue without these prerequisites is a waste of your time and my time. I know people will say Chief Justice Malaba made a ruling but my Headmen in Ntabazinduna every week give better judgments than that one,” said the traditional leader to rapturous applause.
“Our judiciary has failed this country. We are in this mess because our judiciary has let us down profoundly.”
Chief Ndiweni said the legitimacy issues around Mnangagwa’s leadership have resulted in investor confidence failing.
This he added will continue unless there is a genuine willingness to resolve the country’s political problems.
The traditional leader has also been in the news recently after demanding a more open and practical way of resolving the Gukurahundi issue.
By Own Correspondent- Latest LIVE flight details reveal Emmerson Mnangagwa’s deputy Constantino Chiwenga flew away from his medicals’ destination in India and has landed in Dubai.
As ZimEye tracks Chiwenga, the general who removed former President Robert Mugabe is believed to be now in Dubai.
Previous flight route details suggest that Dubai is stop over for Harare, since it is the same route Chiwenga took while traveling to New Delhi for a medical “review”.
While it was not clear at the time of writing who is funding Chiwenga’s medicals, indications suggested it is the government purse.
The development comes after several weeks of absence from public appearances. ZimEye last week exclusively revealed that the former army general, was not well and was obtaining medical attention within the confines of his home.
The development followed investigations showing how a number of ambulances took several routine trips to Chiwenga’s residence.
Zimbabwe’s Vice President was also conspicously absent from government business with legislators raising the issue during parliament sittings.
During the launch of the political parties National Dialogue last week Friday, President Emmerson Mnangagwa acknowledged Chiwenga in absentia but did not disclose his whereabouts.
Soon afterwards, Chiwenga left for India aboard a chartered flight according to the spokesman for the presidency, George Charamba.
And I follow the law to the letter , to the teeth what I'm doing here before you is engaging in current affairs fact finding, for when you come to my jurisdiction when you come to my jurisdiction you will find all political parties there … pic.twitter.com/Kkigo5M5QV
By Own Correspondent- Maverick opposition leader of Ideal Zimbabwe Party, Tinashe Jonas, says that he was tortured whilst he was under arrest.
According to South African publication, Jonas was seized at Cresta Jameson Hotel in Harare in March and thereafter spent a month in prison where he passed through “hell”.
Jonas told the South African publication that he was given electric shocks on 4 to 5 parts of his body.
He said:
I have gone through all the suffering of this world!
I don’t know whether I’m still a man as I was also injected with something.
He further claimed that he was denied medication for an ulcer ailment while he was caged. He collapsed twice due to lack of medication.”
After his release from the cells on bail last month, he crossed the Limpopo River into South Africa on foot, with Central Intelligence Agents hot on his trail.
Jonas disclosed that he was to report to court twice a week but he would not return to Zimbabwe until the country was free.-DailySun
Farai Dziva|Norton MP Temba Mliswa was humiliated at the MDC A Congress in Gweru as he attempted to persuade party leader Nelson Chamisa to resolve political differences with Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Mliswa was booed as he tried to explain the need for dialogue between the two political rivals.
“I respect your views but the truth of the matter is that dialogue is the only solution to the current crisis.
I also acknowledge the fact that Nelson Chamisa has his concerns but I hope one day the two will sit down and map the way forward,” said Mliswa as his voice was eventually drowned by the noise from thousands of MDC A members.
By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa said that Africa Day is a day for Africans to celebrate the values of brotherhood and sisterhood in unity.
A short statement on his official Twitter handle read:
This Africa Day, let us celebrate the values of brotherhood, sisterhood and unity across our great continent. Each and every nation struggled for their freedom and sovereignty. Now we must work together to build a brighter future of progress and prosperity for all.
Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the foundation of the Organisation of African Unity on 25 May 1963. It is celebrated in various countries on the African continent, as well as around the world.
By Own Correspondent- Cristiano Ronaldo is due to be served a summons to face rape claims after lawyers for his accuser finally tracked down his address in Italy, according to reports.
The Juventus striker vehemently denies claims he attacked ex-model Kathryn Mayorga at a Las Vegas hotel ten years ago.
Attorneys representing former teacher Ms Mayorga are apparently expected to send the court summons document in the coming weeks once it is translated. A spokesperson for Ronaldo declined to comment last night – but insisted that claims he would be issued with a summons were “entirely false.”
It comes after a US judge last month allowed more time to track down the Portugal national captain’s address – a necessary step in beginning court proceedings. Ms Mayorga met Ronaldo – then a 24-year-old Manchester United ace – at a nightclub in Las Vegas in 2009.
Footage showed them dancing in the VIP area of Rain nightclub – inside the glamorous Palms Casino Resort – where then 25-year-old Ms Mayorga worked. She claims the £100million star then raped her in his luxury suite before paying her £295,000 in “hush money” – which she accepted because she “felt intimidated.”
But police reopened their investigation last year after she came forward with the identity of her alleged attacker. Ronaldo emphatically denies the explosive claims.
At the time they emerged, the footballer Tweeted: “I firmly deny the accusations being issued against me. “Rape is an abominable crime that goes against everything that I am and believe in.
“Keen as I may be to clear my name, I refuse to feed the media spectacle created by people seeking to promote themselves at my expense.” He followed that tweet with a further message saying he had a completely “clear conscience.”
It is now official that President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika has won the presidential election.
The final presidential tally shows that Mutharika has 1,940,709 votes while Malawi Congress Party presidential candidate Lazarus Chakwera 1,817,740 and Saulos Chilima of UTM 1,028,187 and Atupele Muluzi of United Democratic Front 239,258.
Malawi Electoral Commission is expected to officially announce the results on Sunday or Monday.
The inauguration ceremony will follow soon after the swearing in ceremony.
Mutharika will then be inaugurated in Blantyre.
Malawians have voted for Mutharika for his visionary leadership. Malawians want the Democratic Progressive Party to continue with development projects under way.
Malawians have voted for Mutharika because he is also a father who cares for every Malawian, he does not believe in politics of vengeance.
By Own Correspondent| The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has impored government to invest in passengers safety arguing that the government run ZUPCO buses are the preferred choice for the majority of the commuting public because they are affordable.
Tafadzwa Goliath, President of the PAZ said:
“The commuting public is preferring to travel on affordable ZUPCO buses. Prior to their introduction most were spending 35% of their salaries on transport.
However, we note that some of these buses do not have passenger liability cover. They must comply, after all, other operators are arrested for not having passenger liability cover.
ZUPCO must prioritize passenger safety first. They are overloading and picking up people from undesignated points.”
By Own Correspondent| Outgoing MDC National Chairperson Tabitha Khumalo has revealed that more chiefs in the country will be attending the party’s 5th National Elective Congress.
In her official opening remarks in Gweru, Khumalo said the traditional leaders will be gracing the party’s event in solidarity with the principles and values for which the party stands for.
…and I know your team here will be looking at that. I know they will be focusing at that I know they're trying to sort it out currently in our country we have a constitutional president but here right here we have the popular president – Chief Ndiweni pic.twitter.com/lOjPNUbf1P
1/ Today I’ll be attending @CongressMdc by invitation. As I’ve always maintained as an Independent, I remain balanced. I take in views from ruling party @ZANUPF_Official views from main opposition @MDCAllianceZW take in the good of each, point out the bad&formulate my own opinion
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) May 25, 2019
2/Contrary to popular belief it’s not the 1st @mdczimbabwe event I’ve attended. The late Tsvangirai has before invited me to address in Wedza, the March for jobs etc, I’m part of progressive initiatives. I also work well with many @MDCAllianceZW MPs as I believe in their capacity
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) May 25, 2019
3/ Norton is a mixed bag & it would be folly of me not to take in the divergent views of all to effectively represent the aspirations of the people of Norton
— Sabhuku Temba P. Mliswa (@TembaMliswa) May 25, 2019
By Own Correspondent| In a highly contested election race for the MDC National Youth Organising Secretary post, Godfrey Kurauone romped to victory bagging 415 votes ahead of Denford Ngadziore who garnered 316 votes.
Said Ngadziore accepting his defeat:
“I respect the People’s wishes and in my view the election was free and fair. Let’s all remain united.”
Watch ZimEye as we give you the live coverage and on the spot updates at the MDC party congress in Gweru where the prolific Ugandan MP Bobi Wine is heading. Today is set to be the day of Histories when Africa’s most powerful politicians Wine and Nelson Chamisa will stage side by side. WATCH LIVE UPDATES BELOW
By Luke Batsirai Tamborinyoka| Today, our beloved continent celebrates Africa Day as the Movement for Democratic Change, itself a political behemoth on the continent, holds its 5th Congress under the theme: Defining a new course for Zimbabwe.
It is always cold here in Gweru but the democracy currently unraveling in this cold Midlands city is warm enough to de-scarf the nation’s chequered politics.
The contestation for positions has reached fever pitch here as candidates jostle to capture the hearts and minds of the electorate. Yet for us, the bigger issue is not the positions but the propositions that will emerge from this Congress.
Yes, this Congress is largely set to be a festival of ideas.
The candidates are set for last ditch campaign efforts. They will parade themselves here in Gweru one after the other to make their case before the delegates from the remaining provinces of Mashonaland West, Manicaland and Masvingo.
The other provinces caucuses were held the respective provinces prior to the main Congress here. The “beauty contests”, as they are referred to within the MDC circles is a reference to the beauty of the ideas and propositions that the various candidates are proffering to make the case of their electability.
The beauty contests are contests of ideas and the candidates are being given a chance to openly, freely and democratically convince the delegates about how they will execute their respective mandates.
In what has been a first in Zimbabwe’s politics, all candidates vying for the same post have been afforded time to pitch their propositions and programmes to the provinces in an open forum.
In this whole Congress from the branches upwards, we have seen true democracy at play. Even the President’s position was open to contestation; only that Advocate Nelson Chamisa was nominated by all the 13 provinces, meaning his position will no longer be contested. But everyone had a chance to stand against him if they were nominated by the provinces.
In the MDC, personal ambition for a position is not enough. You are deployed by the people through a nomination. You do not self-deploy, or get deployed by a Court to lead the party. Such is the people-centred politics that runs through political parties and movements that are truly democratic.
It appears there has been consensus within the party that Chamisa gets a fresh mandate as his tenure has sonorously exuded vibrancy since he took the mantle from the party’s late icon, Dr. Morgan Richard Tsvangirai.
Chamisa is a vibrant testament of the demographic reality of our beloved continent where the youth now constitute more than 60 percent of Africa’s population. It was because of this actuality that the Africa Day theme for 2017 was “Harnessing the Demographic through Investments in the Youth.
And the MDC has already invested in this generation by entrusting it with national leadership. In his wisdom, the iconic Morgan Tsvangirai appointed Advocate Nelson Chamisa as one of his deputies in August 2016.
Addressing the party’s National Council, the party’s supreme decision-making body between Congresses, on 3 August 2016, President Tsvangirai explained why Chamisa, one of the founder members of the party, had been his choice for appointment.
“I took into consideration the fact that my visits across the country have revealed that the party has lost young voters, whether consciously or unconsciously.
I had to respond to that key constituency which now constitutes about 60 percent of the country’s voting population. I had to project the MDC as a modern, 21st century political party in which the youth are not the leaders of tomorrow but are the leaders of today.”
I know that Tsvangirai’s spirit will now rest in peace because he personally told me of his succession preference. I can restate without equivocation that this Congress has just affirmed, through a democratic process, the doyen of democracy’s choice for President after his demise.
My only word of caution to the party faithful is that this party has never been about personalities but values and propositions. While loyalty to our leaders is important, we must ascribe more reverence to the party and its sacred values.
Thought is endemic in the MDC as is evidenced by the abundance of talent and the spread of competences at all levels of the party. Some may not know that the span of the party’s talent is well beyond lawyers and lawyer-ship.
The MDC is a political behemoth bristling with flair and capacity from culturally-rich Binga in the Zambezi escarpment to Rushinga, well beyond the narrow precincts of Gutu where the people’s President hails from.
At this Congress, we are affirming and electing a leadership that confirms the MDC as a thriving political factory of ideas, thought, ingenuity, deftness, creativity and innovation.
This Congress has also been an eye-opener in terms of the extent to which ordinary party members and their leadership can go in defending the people’s project.
The twin values of service and sacrifice have been showcased in a big way as delegates sacrificed their small savings and their assets to fund this Congress. The people’s project was under siege and the people themselves have stood firm in defending this sacred repository of their collective aspiration.
In this cold city of Gweru, we are witnessing true democracy at play, with the delegates openly mingling and interacting regardless of their different choices of those to be deployed into the party’s national leadership. The huge crowd here, kaleidoscopically emblazoned in diverse apparels with our distinct totemic red colour, is testimony that this is indeed a people’s party.
At play here in Gweru is true democracy that melts away the murderous politics that has brought this country down to its knees.
The people of Zimbabwe have chosen this Congress to de-scarf our politics and to usher democratically-elected deployees into the searing cockpit furnace that demands thought, leadership and delivery.
From this congress, the fight-arena has been infested with a thought leadership endowed with the craft competence and deftness of mind that will overwhelm the militarized shenanigans of this scarfed lot that brazenly pick-pocketed the people’s vote.
This is a propositional and not a positional Congress and seven thematic committees are currently engaged in rigorous debate after which they will table before the Congress plenary the outcome of their robust deliberations.
Guiding the deliberations currently underway is the input from ordinary Zimbabweans into the relevant thematic areas that was gathered in an involving nationwide consultation process that has been taking place in the last three months.
The seven thematic committees will feed into and inform the internal and external resolutions that will be debated and adopted by this Congress.
The thematic sectors comprise the Strategies and Tactics committee, the Ethics and Leadership committee, the committee on Ideology and Communication, the Finance and Administration committee, Constitutional Review committee, Organizational Review committee and the committee on International Relations.
Finally, as we leave this Congress venue tomorrow, the delegates are putting this scarfed regime on notice.
Anytime in the not-so-distant future, Zimbabweans shall be duly exercising their democratic right enshrined in the national Constitution to express their displeasure at the challenging hardships spawned by the gross mismanagement of the country’s economy.
The last time this regime nocturnally raised the price fuel, which triggers price hikes elsewhere in the economy, Zimbabweans went into the streets. And developments this past week show that the regime has just incentivized and invited Zimbabweans to occupy the streets once again.
Indeed, the people will heed the regime’s frantic invitation for action and the timing, nature, form and substance of the citizens’ confrontation with the authors of their plight will be revealed at the appropriate time.
The monthly token salary of the average Zimbabwean, for those still receiving wages, can barely buy 40 litres of fuel on the very rare occasions that the fuel is available while whole families are surviving on less than one dollar a day.
With the party leadership that will come out of this Congress, Zimbabweans should have a legitimate reason to hope again!
The people’s project remains in safe hands.
Ascot Racecourse, located in East Berkshire, England, is one of the famous horse-racing venues in the world. Fresh from our 5th Congress at our own Ascot Stadium in here Gweru, the dynamic and vibrant horses in the name of our unsullied, freshly-minted leadership can only gallop this nation to the commanding heights of opportunity, prosperity and hope.
Behold the new!
Luke Tamborinyoka is the Director of Communications in the MDC. He writes here in his personal capacity.
The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) in the below note announces that load shedding has entered phase 2 as power generation remains depressed at Hwange.
The company attributes this is due to a technical fault at the plant.
A notice by ZETDC reads: “Kindly note that generation at Hwange is depressed due to a technical fault. Load-shedding is now on Stage 2. Load shedding maybe above the publicised schedules. We apologize for any inconveniences caused.“
A FORMER John Radcliffe medical secretary, who claimed he was racially abused by colleagues and security officers ‘broke his arms and legs’ while removing him from the hospital, has had his case dismissed.
Martin Shaba, who is from Zimbabwe, brought a case against the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the Headington hospital, accusing the trust of allowing racial discrimination and harassment during his 11-month employment from May 31, 2016.
He also alleged security staff and a police officer used excessive force, motivated by his race, while removing him from the John Radcliffe in April last year after he was banned from the building.
According to a judgement published this month after a three-day employment tribunal in Reading in March, Mr Shaba claimed his case could not be adjudicated by Judge Andrew Gumbiti-Zimuto as: “A Zimbabwean Judge considering a Zimbabwean case twice is not fair.”
When the tribunal rejected this argument Mr Shaba left the hearing and it continued without him.
The tribunal heard from witnesses and saw bodycam footage from Mr Shaba being removed from the hospital after he took his son to A&E.
The full reason for the ban was not disclosed but the judgement stated it came “from the claimant’s behaviour at the hospital on 3 April 2018”.
Judge Gumbiti-Zimuto said though Mr Shaba was held down several times it was because he had ‘become a dead weight’ and then ‘lashed out’ at security officers from the ground.
Judge Gumbiti-Zimuto said though Mr Shaba was held down several times it was because he had ‘become a dead weight’ and then ‘lashed out’ at security officers from the ground.
He added: “The claimant [Mr Shaba] shouted at the security officers who held him that they had broken his hands, that they had broken his arms, that they had broken his elbow, and that they had broken his legs.”
However, bodycam footage and a medical examination following the incident contradicted this and the judge described Mr Shaba as an ‘unreliable narrator’.
His other claim of racist abuse and discrimination came from his time as a medical secretary working in the Vascular Surgery Department between May and September 2016.
The first in a series of incidents he described was a colleague asking where he came from and when he responded Zimbabwe she said: “Your president is a dictator” and added: “You people from abroad bring diseases like AIDS to the UK”.
He said as a result he felt lower than everybody else, “an intruder who was not part of the team”.
The staff member, however, said she had not said the second thing at all.
She added she had since become aware of an Oxford Mail article in which Mr Shaba was described as somebody who has fled Zimbabwe and shown celebrating at a party that he organised when Robert Mugabe was removed from office.
Evidence from staff said rather than discrimination Mr Shaba was ‘struggling with the job’ and there were ‘constant problems’ with his work.
He was also called ‘aggressive and intimidating’ during a meeting. — Oxford Mail
By Dr Masimba Mavaza| Africa emerged from the dark cruel days of colonialism. The inspiration to find itself and shake the shackles of bondage came from the soup of Africa day. Africa day has brought about different vibes. In some countries it is a public holiday.
In Zimbabwe, May 25 is a public holiday, while on Senegal’s former slave port, Goree Island, a new movement dubbed “Africans Rising,” is being launched to reclaim peace, dignity and justice for Africans on the continent and the diaspora. Africans are raised from the death jaw of cruel racism and colonialism but still bound. It is very sad that Africa day has been reduced to a ceremonial day. It has lost its meaning and its purpose. Africans are still taken for a ride. They are undermined oppressed and surely down trodden. They spend the special day feasting without sorting their future.
Elsewhere, there are concerts and ceremonies to mark the day. Africa Day is also celebrated by Africans abroad, as diaspora communities of different nationalities come together in cultural attires and swap traditional recipes. There is no longer a meaningful strategic plan for Africans from the Africa day. Africans just assemble so that they can eat talk and go home.
It is clear that the point and history of the Africa Day celebration has been lost. We are independent but bound.
The sad thing is the efforts of the founding fathers is being put to waste. The spirit of April 15, 1958 has been exorcised. when the first Conference of Independent African States brought the fathers of Africa’s liberation movements together. They never believed that or even thought that they are removing the chains of colonialism replacing it with new mode of disrespect and oppression. At the time, there were few independent African states, whose goal was to see total emancipation of the continent they call their own in the whole world. There were few leaders in attendance—from Ghana, Ethiopia, Sudan, Liberia and others—were there as a collective platform to reject colonialism and find a common interest in the best interest of their people.
Africa day was an interstate organization with a shared objective. It sowed the seeds of what would become the Organization of African Unity (later rebranded in 2001 as the African Union) launched on May 25, 1963 by 32 free nations, led by Tanzania’s Julius Nyerere, Ghana’s Kwame Nkrumah, Sékou Touré of Guinea and Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia. Every year since, Africa Day has been celebrated on May 25.
More than half a century later, colonialism is no longer the common enemy, and finding a clear message from a community of states has become more difficult. The African Union uses Africa Day to highlight certain development themes but they had never forged a way forward. While personal development remains the objective, achieving that goal is not possible.
It is not a mistake that all leaders who championed an agenda of an united Africa were killed like Kadhafi or toppled like Nkwame Nkurumah. Issues like common borders common currency and free movement of goods and persons were undermined.
Free travel, and by extension free trade, between countries remains a tall order despite the very obvious advantages it promises.
A strong united Africa is not permitted at all.
AFRICAN BUSINESS
A 2014 IATA study projects that opening up to 12 key air routes between countries on the continent will create “an extra 155,000 jobs and $1.3 billion in annual GDP.” At the moment, up to five million passengers a year face difficulties traveling between African countries due to “unnecessary restrictions on establishing air routes.” Zimbabwe has been sabotaged and its airline faces anti flying economic guns pointed at it. Very lucrative routes routes are congested by airlines which do not benefit the individual African nation. Africans in this new mental oppression have become their worst enemies. They promote xenophobia they restrict free movement. Throughout the continent, only 10 out of 55 countries allow visa-free entry for Africans or grant visas on arrival.
In comparison, Americans can travel to at least 20 African countries without similar restrictions face d by Africans.Instead Africans make Africa a foreign land to themselves. Slaves in their own backyard. Last year, it finally launched its continental passport but so far, the passport has only been made available to heads of state and high-ranking officials. Some countries have recently relaxed their entry requirements for Africans, as such some progress was recorded last year across the continent. Over the coming years, trade between African countries could also improve, especially given Trump’s isolationist “America First” stance. At the moment, intra-Africa trade accounts for a small share of trade on the continent but Trump’s policies could see more African countries forced to trade with each other.
It’s unfortunate that just getting together to celebrate Africa Day is more ceremonial and swims in confusion.
As Africans are still trying to figure out how exactly to use this cross-continental holiday, perhaps it’s time to get back to the original message behind this day and figure out what it means today. Unity is still a relevant and honorable goal, but making it practical means removing the barriers between nations.
Africa is still destabilised it is not a wonder that every rich African state is reeling in conflicts. The enemies of Africa brew problems in Africa so that they can steal Africas resources.
Africans are being used to fight themselves while the gluttons take our resources.
Africa day is a total failure and a real embarrassment to Africa.
Our leaders are allowing themselves to be abused at the detriment of the people.
In the excitement of freedom Africa is sadly bound.
African leaders have been hauled before international courts. No European or American leader was ever brought before the international Criminal Court Of Justice. Why?
African leaders never sit to forge a way towards African freedom.
There are issues where African leaders have their own accounts frozen. The wealth taken by the international community. Billions of dollars have been taken and never repatriated back to Africa.
Africans are not benefiting from Africa.
Africa day should change its course and it should be pro active.
It is a pity that even today Africa is bleeding and its blood is watering the wealth of its enemies.
Africa day we must cry NOT YET UHURU.
By Own Correspondent- MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe has said that her party is preparing to hold an extraordinary Congress in line with a recent High Court ruling by Justice Edith Mushore.
The High Court ruled that the late MDC founding president Morgan Tsvangirai acted unlawfully when he appointed Nelson Chamisa and Elias Mudzuri as deputies alongside Khupe.
As such, Chamisa’s ascendancy to the MDC presidency was declared null and void.
In a statement issued through her spokesperson Khaliphani Phugeni, Khupe said:
The preparations for the MDC-T extraordinary congress are at an advanced in line with the High Court Judgment.
Very soon all the delegates of our 2014 congress will have an opportunity to once again regain our movement to its former glory days of steadfastness to the culture, character, values and principles of Social Democracy.
There is, therefore, no need to panic or even employ money and energy in stopping some gathering purported to be our congress; as such a gathering is null and void and only amounts to a jamboree.
I will soon be visiting all the districts and wards of our Movement in preparation for the MDC-T legitimate Extra-Ordinary Congress.
It’s a real life football script that even the most revered fiction writers would battle to put it together into a novel.
While some local coaches are battling to find a job, Rodwell Dhlakama is allegedly employed by two clubs in Zimbabwe and Swaziland.
At Chapungu, Dhlakama is the official head coach, sits on the team’s technical bench and attends post match press conferences whenever the team plays, or at least when he is available.
The Premier Soccer League also lists Dhlakama as the Chapungu gaffer and their books attest to that, according to the PSL spokesperson Kudzai Bare.
“He is listed as the 2019 season Chapungu head coach. For further inquiries speak to the Chapungu bosses since he is their employee,” said Bare.
Thousands of kilometres from the Chapungu base in Gweru, another club — Matsapha United — in Swaziland, says Dhlakama is officially their head coach.
As is also the case in Zimbabwe, Dhlakama reportedly sits on the Matsapha United technical bench in addition to speaking to sports journalists after games.
Just last week, a Swaziland newspaper, The Observer, quoted Dhlakama after Matsapha played a one-all draw against Mbabane Swallows.
“It was an important result for us, as we needed to secure this point ahead of our last match game. I’m very proud of my players for the effort they put in the whole time I was here,” he reportedly said.
According to the newspaper Dhlakama even dreams of better fortunes next season.
“Our aim is to build a strong and competitive team for next season. I believe with the right approach we can achieve great things at this team.”
How is it possible that Dhlakama can dribble two clubs at the same time?
According to another eSwatini publication — Times of Swaziland — Dhlakama was recently not available when Matsapha United lost 1-2 to Royal Leopard in the Eswatini Bank Cup because his wife was critically ill back in Zimbabwe.
That same day, Sunday 7 April, Chapungu drew 2-2 with Black Rhinos and Dhlakama was in charge of the Air Force of Zimbabwe-owned team.
Back in Swaziland, Matsapha United were under the impression that Dhlakama was attending to his ailing spouse.
Club public relations officer Bheka Magagula was quoted saying:
“He (Dhlakama) was supposed to have been back yesterday but his wife is not too well at home. We cannot expect him here too soon if his wife’s condition is critical.”
Last month, media in Swaziland had already begun questioning why Dhlakama seemed to be conveniently absent for Matsapha United games.
The Zimbabwean league had kicked off and Dhlakama was away “sorting out family issues” when Chapungu beat Bulawayo Chiefs 5-0 in their first game of the season.
At Chapungu the coach requested for official leave to “bury his brother’s two kids that were killed during Cyclone Idai”, according to club chairman Doubt Ncube.
“On the occasions that he was not at work, he asked for official leave to attend to family issues. He requested for some time off to bury family members in Chipinge that died during Cyclone Idai.
“He also took some days off to sort out a family issue and again when he fell ill in Shurugwi,” said Ncube.
The Chapungu boss said he would take time to read the Swaziland media reports before the club could act.
Matsapha United chairman Sibusiso “Scorpion” Nxumalo was adamant Dhlakama was their coach.
“We have an agreement with the coach. He is our coach and it would be very unethical and unprofessional for a coach to work for two different clubs at the same time,” Nxumalo told B-Metro Sport from Swaziland.
Cyril Ramaphosa to be sworn in as SA President today.
Own Correspondent|More than 32,000 people are expected to make their way to Loftus Stadium in Pretoria, South Africa, this morning to witness Cyril Ramaphosa being sworn in as president of the 6th democratic administration.
South Africans – who want to be part of the historic moment – will be bussed in from other parts of Gauteng as well as Limpopo, Mpumalanga, the North West and Free State.
Security is tight with police and metro police officers deployed in the streets while no one will be able to gain access to the venue without accreditation.
The gates are expected to open to the public where thousands of South Africans will stream into the stadium to take their seats hoping to capture the historic moment which will unfold before them.
A mother says she is bringing her 8 year old daughter to the stadium today to experience the electric mood.
“I feel excited and I’m looking for a selfie.”
A graduate – who has been unemployed for two years – says she’s also going to make her way into the stadium hoping with Ramaphosa at the helm more work opportunities will be created.
“It’s been 25 years of freedom and I’m looking forward to celebrate it.”
For those not able to attend the ceremony, you will be able to go to the different public viewing sites across the country where proceedings will be broadcast live.
While the thousands of South Africans will be following the event, former president Jacob Zuma has indicated that he won’t have time to attend Ramaphosa’s inauguration because he is busy fighting to stay out of jail.
Zuma addressed his supporters outside the Pietermaritzburg High Court yesterday, after his lawyers argued in favour of a permanent stay of prosecution.
The former president says it will be tricky for him to attend today’s inauguration.
“My time to go is tricky, there is no time. I am fighting to stay out of jail.”
Zuma says there are people who want him in jail, while a new president is being inaugurated.
“There will be people, heads of state, the president will be inaugurated but as that happens, people want me to be in jail.”
It’s unclear if the former president officially confirmed his attendance at the inauguration today.
President Mnangagwa congratulates best overall officer cadet Nobesuthu Moyo who also received a sword of honour at the Zimbabwe Military Academy commissioning parade in Gweru on Thursday.
Battling with stabilising the economy, President Emmerson Mnangagwa has incessantly thanked members of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for not kicking him out of power by remaining loyal to his battling government.
Speaking during the commissioning parade for 149 officer cadets at the 35th Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru yesterday, the President commended the ZDF for remaining vigilant and loyal as Government tries to work towards finding solutions to the current economic challenges.
“I further, recognize the unflinching resilience of the Defence Forces in general, who have remained loyal, focused and dedicated as my Government seeks to find lasting solutions to the currents challenges facing the forces.
Mnangagwa promised to pay back the soldiers’ loyalty and that of other civil servants by providing them with houses.
“I assure you all that my government remains seized with the need to address the housing backlog among other issues affecting our public service, including the uniformed forces.”
Mnangagwa himself took over power from former President Robert Mugabe through a military coup in November 2017. Rumours have been spreading throughout the last year that the army is getting impatient with Mnangagwa who is battling to revive the country’s economy since taking over from Mugabe.
Some sectors have indicated that, Mnangagwa has been given up to the end of next year to revive the economy or be kicked out by the army which put him in power in the first place.
Of the 149 officers graduated with a Diploma in Military Training and Education in association with Midlands State University, 35 were female.
Overall best cadet Nobesuthu Moyo, a female, got a sword of honour and US$500 from the President. Second best cadet Itai Katsega got US$300, and third placed Lloyd Mbonisi US$200.
President Mnangagwa said his government offers many opportunities for women.
“I encourage them (female cadet officers) to always draw strength and inspiration, throughout their professional journey, from the resolve and determination that saw them completes this demanding course.
“Under the second republic, my Government will continue to ensure that women reach their full potential, with no glass ceilings. With hard work, zeal and perseverance anything is achievable, regardless of one’s gender.
“I commend the Zimbabwe Defence Forces for continuing to strive for gender equity in line with our country’s gender policy which calls for equal opportunities,” he said.
President Mnangagwa praised the marriage between the military and MSU for churning out officers who are able to deal with contemporary threats.
“Academic partnerships of this nature must always ensure that the graduates of this academy are equipped to deal with a broad spectrum of contemporary threats and opportunities within the security architecture.
“Hence, bold, astute, innovative and entrepreneurial mindsets must equally be inculcated within the military domain.
“Wide ranging capabilities and talents of our cadets must therefore be constantly explored as we quest to build a stronger and modern defence forces.
“I commend the academy for its resource fullness and persistence in the fulfilment of the institutions mandate and set objectives, in spite of various constraints,” he said.
At least 215 officer cadets were enrolled at ZMA in September 2017 and of those, 149 were commissioned yesterday after 63 dropped for various reasons while three died during the period of the course.
After the parade ceremony, the President also commissioned the new state-of-the-art cadet accommodation and messing facilities.
Present at the graduation ceremony were Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Larry Mavima, Minister of State for National Security Owen Ncube, ZDF commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda, Deputy Chief Secretary in the office of the President George Charamba, war veterans chairman Ambassador Christopher Mutsvangwa, and senior Government officials.
Zimbabweans experiencing difficult economic times and getting frustrated with the government. Government responds by visible army patrols in the cities.
Own Correspondent|RESIDENT Mnangagwa has urged the nation to remain resilient and support him and his government besides the difficult economic conditions prevailing in the country.
Speaking during the commissioning parade for 149 officer cadets at the 35th Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru yesterday, Mnangagwa begged the nation to continue being patient with his government policies he claimed were aimed at ensuring sustainable economic growth.
“My Government is presently in a phase of transition which is geared to put our country back on the rails of development.
“In our politics, economy and society in general, our country has been stuck in the old way of doing things. This has held us back as a nation for too long. We must embrace the new, to ensure sustainable economic growth that will develop our country and speedily improve the standard of living of all people,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the road to recovery will be bumpy but through resilience and unity, Zimbabweans will enjoy the fruits as a country.
“The journey towards the attainment of Vision 2030, requires us to have common ideals, convictions and unity of purpose.
“As I have said the road will not be easy and requires sacrifices by all of us. Let us collectively determine to build a modern, industrialised, stronger and more prosperous Zimbabwe, for both present and future generations,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said even if the road to recovery gets bumpy, Government will not take short cuts to prosperity. He urged all progressive forces to pull in one direction and have the interests of the country at heart.
“We cannot and should not take short cuts for political expediency. Our economics and politics must be that which puts national interests above individual or group interests.
“My Government will continue to put in place an environment that ensures the long term benefits of all citizens of our great country.
“As we implement the broad economic reform policies, we will also put in place the appropriate safety nets to cushion the most vulnerable members of society.
“I, therefore, urge all of us to remain resolute and play our part in line with the Transitional Stabilization Programme and our quest to attain vision 2030,” he said.
Former president Robert Mugabe preached the same message in futility for ten years up to the time of the Government of National Unity in 2013 as the massive corruption culture in ZANU PF continued to plunder the country.
Mnangagwa’s call, comes in the wake of spiralling prices of basic commodities, fuel shortages and fall of the Zimbabwean RTGS Dollar against the U.S. Dollar. The difficult economic period is causing serious despondency in the citizens with sporadic threats of uncoordinated citizens protests being raised.
Five civil society activists who were arrested on allegations of undergoing training to violently overthrow President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government are reported to be undergoing cruel and inhumane conditions at the Remand Prison.
According to one of the lawyers representing the five, Rose Hanzi from the Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), the five were denied warm jerseys at the prison despite the fact that Zimbabwe is now in its winter season.
Four of the human rights campaigners namely George Makoni aged 38 years, Tatenda Mombeyarara aged 37 years, Gamuchirai Mukura aged 31 years, Nyasha Mpahlo aged 35 years were arrested on Monday 20 May 2019 upon disembarking from a South African Airways while Farirai Gumbonzvanda aged 26 years, was arrested on Tuesday 21 May at Robert Mugabe International Airport.
According to the ZRP, Makoni, an Advocacy Officer with Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe, Mombeyerara of International Socialist Organisation, Mukura of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development, Mpahlo of Green Governance Zimbabwe and Gumbonzvanda, a volunteer at Rosaria Memorial Trust, allegedly connived with their accomplices, who are still at large and travelled to Maldives on 13 May 2019, where they attended a training workshop organised by Centre for Applied Non Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS), a Serbian non-governmental organisation, with the intention of subverting a constitutionally elected government.
Harare Magistrate Hosea Mujaya remanded the five human rights activists in custody to 6 June 2019. Their lawyers have since said that they will be appealing the judgement at the High Court- iHarare.com
WHILE other women are complaining that their husbands are not satisfying them in bed, a Bulawayo woman is grumbling that she’s having sleepless nights because of her husband who has turned into a poking monster by allegedly demanding sex the whole night.
Grace Tembo from Pumula South suburb said her husband Tendai Kasambira loves sex too much. And to make matters worse, he would attack her when she refused his demand for sex.
A seemingly exhausted Tembo begged a Bulawayo magistrate Rachael Mukanga to grant her a protection order against her husband based on the fact that he was physically and sexually abusing her.
The mother of two told the court that her husband harassed her for sex non-stop since they got married in 2008.
“Tendai Kasambira and I have been customarily married since 2008. He is abusive. He is a very violent man and he beat me up with fists and a belt.
“After beating me up, he forced me to have sexual intercourse with him the whole night when I will be in pain because of his severe beatings. The demands started when my first pregnancy was one month old and that child is now nine years old. My life and that of my children he is refusing with are in danger. He is also threatening people that I work with,” complained Tembo.B-Metro
A 19-YEAR-OLD maid who worked for a family from Nkulumane suburb in Bulawayo has been arrested after she strangled and slit her newborn baby’s throat.
Happiness Ndebele worked for Ms Typhania Ngwenya who suspected that she was pregnant.
The maid pleaded guilty to a charge of infanticide when she appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Mr Stephen Ndlovu.
Ndebele was sentenced to 36 months in jail which were suspended on condition that she performs 210 hours of community service at a local primary school.
The maid told the court that she didn’t know why she killed her baby. “I don’t know what really made me kill the baby,” she said.
The court heard that Ndebele has a two-year-old child. Prosecuting, Mr Tony Kamudyariwa said on April 15, Ndebele was asked by Ms Ngwenya if she was pregnant. “Ndebele denied being pregnant. On Friday last week during the night, she gave birth to a baby and strangled it before cutting its neck,” he said.
While Ms Ngwenya was escorting her mother to the toilet, she noticed blood stains in the house, the court heard. She went to her maid’s bedroom and there was blood all over the room and a funny smell.
Mr Kamudyariwa said Ms Ngwenya asked her maid what was happening and she said she was on her monthly period.
“Ms Ngwenya threatened Ndebele that if she did not tell her the truth she would call the police. Ndebele told her that she had given birth and killed the baby,” said the prosecutor.
Ndebele was taken to the police station where she was arrested. A post mortem report was produced in court as an exhibit.State media
By Own Correspondent- A praise and worship team- member at Prophetic Healing and Deliverance Ministries who lied to her husband that she was going for music practice while she went for trysts at her churchmate’s house was caught pants down by the husband.
The husband, from Kwekwe, has since dragged his wife’s boyfriend to court to answer to adultery charges after he caught the pair in the act at the boyfriend’s house following a tip-off.
Taurai Mutoti was incensed after he caught his wife, Naomi Utete with Simon Mutemeri and broke windows before he filed adultery charges against the lover.
The three are all members of the Prophet Walter Magaya’s PHD Ministries, Kwekwe Branch.
The matter was heard before Kwekwe magistrate Miss Vimbai Mtukwa who postponed it to 28 May.
According to State papers, Mutoti caught the lovers red handed at Mutemeri’s Amaveni residence after being alerted by church members.
“I went to his house at the Amaveni Flats after I was told that my wife was seen visiting him. I approached his bedroom window since it was open and I pulled the curtain and was shocked to see both of them naked — stark naked. I was shocked and I have been hearing stories about the two,” Mutoti told the court.
He said police had to intervene as he went berserk and started breaking windows demanding that his wife be released from the house.
“I went berserk because I was angered by what I saw. Police had to intervene and begged me to be calm. We were taken to the police camp where our matter was heard,” he said.
Mutoti said Mutemeri would take advantage of Utete, a member of the PHD Ministries Praise and Worship team as she went for practice at their parish in Mbizo.
He said he was still in love with his wife of five years and no one was going to come between them.-BMetro
THE Dr Thokozani Khupe-led MDC-T has said preparations for its extraordinary congress are at an advanced in line with a recent High Court judgment, which nullified MDC leader Nelson Chamisa’s appointment as president of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T).
Justice Edith Mushore ruled that the decision by the late former MDC-T president Morgan Tsvangirai to handpick two additional vice presidents, Mr Chamisa and Engineer Elias Mudzuri, was illegal and that the party should hold an extraordinary congress within a month using 2014 structures.
Mr Chamisa, however, filed a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court on Thursday.
In a statement yesterday, Dr Khupe said the party was confident of victory and retaining its former glory. “I have had extensive consultations with different stakeholders and constituencies and all are determined to take our party back from the toxic claws of the infamous ‘G40’.
“Very soon all the delegates of our 2014 congress will have an opportunity to once again retain our movement to its former glorious days of steadfastness to the culture, character, values and principles of social democracy,” said Dr Khupe.State media
A Zhombe man who was caught having sex with his uncle’s wife has claimed the woman was a dynamite in bed and has vowed to marry her.
Juda Muketiwa of Village 18 Bobs under Chief Gwesela in Zhombe was caught pants down with the woman in question, Letwin Masvaure, who is wife to his uncle Unity Nduku.
Muketiwa is son to Nduku’s elder sister. The matter has since been heard before Chief Weight Gwesela’s court where Muketiwa was fined five head of cattle for adultery.
Nduku who is a gold dealer, was shocked when he returned home unannounced only to find his wife and his sister’s son having sex in his matrimonial bedroom.
Muketiwa is married to another woman with whom he has one child while Masvaure has two children with Nduku.
Chief Weight Gwesela confirmed that his court handled the matter and the man had since been fined.
“It is true we handled such a matter and the man was fined five beasts for the taboo. This is unheard of and we do not condone such activities. We have since fined the man and warned him against such actions,” said Chief Gwesela.
A source who also attended the court session said Muketiwa had since vowed to marry Masvaure whom he claimed was better than his wife in bed.
“He was heard after the court vowing that he was not going to let her go as ordered by the court saying the woman is good in bed. He vowed to pay lobola for the woman,” said the source.
The source said Muketiwa said the fine was a form of lobola and had since cemented their relationship. “He said now that he has paid the five beasts, the relationship has been legalised and nothing was going to stop him from seeing her anytime he wanted,” the source further revealed. — BMetro
The City of Harare has issued a statement advising residents and business of scheduled water cut over the weekend. The statement read:
PRESS NOTICE ON THE COMPLETE SHUTDOWN OF MORTON JAFFRAY WATER TREATMENT PLANT Harare residents and business enterprises are by this notice advised of a complete shutdown of the Morton Jaffray Water Treatment Plant on Friday 24 May, 2019 (1800hrs) to Sunday 26 May 2019 (1800hrs). The shutdown is to allow programmed maintenance at Morton Jaffray and Warren Control Stations. The shutdown will affect all suburbs and satelite towns. Our machinery periodically requires servicing as all other pieces of machinery. Water consumers are urged to use available water sparingly. The hosepipe ban remains in effect. HARARE TO ACHIEVE A WORLD-CLASS CITY STATUS BY 2025 Report any unusual conduct on hotline numbers: 0242-774141-3, 0242.753330-2
By Own Correspondent- A BULAWAYO man was severely assaulted and subsequently lost his teeth after asking a fellow vendor what happened to cabbage leaves that he left at a vending bay to run errands.
Lewis Ngwenya and Kwanele Ndlovu both run vending stalls at a vegetable market along George Silundika Street and Sixth Avenue.
Ngwenya is said to have asked Ndlovu to check on his vegetable bay while he attended to personal business.
On his return Ngwenya allegedly discovered that cabbage leaves, that he intended to use as stock feed, had disappeared.
Ndlovu allegedly turned violent when asked on the whereabouts of the cabbage leaves.
An argument ensued and de-generated into a fist fight.
Ndlovu is alleged to have overpowered his rival before repeatedly smashing Ngwenya’s head against a push cart.
The complainant lost five teeth.
He reported the matter at Bulawayo Central Police Station leading to Ndlovu’s arrest
“When I asked him why he took my cabbage leaves meant for stock feed, he charged at me and smashed my head against a push cart. He also punched me several times in the face and as a result I Iost five teeth,” Ngwenya told magistrate Ulukile Mlea-Ndlovu at the Bulawayo Magistrates Court while answering to assault charges.
In his defence Ndlovu said: “He got injured while we were fighting. I was trying to defend myself because the complainant was the first to assault me with fists and I retaliated in self defence.”
A medical report will be produced in court as an exhibit.
The defendant was remanded out of custody to next week on Monday.-BMetro
A MAN from Hwange who fatally struck his neighbour with an iron bar 10 years ago during New Year celebrations following a dispute over a missing identity card, has been sentenced to an effective 12 years in jail.
Worried Ncube (33) fatally attacked Mr Godfrey Tshuma (28) of Tshingababili in Plumtree in January 2009 after he was accused of stealing an identity card belonging to the deceased.
Bulawayo High Court judge Justice Maxwell Takuva convicted Ncube of murder with constructive intent.
In passing the sentence, Justice Takuva took into consideration the delay by the State in bringing Ncube to trial and other mitigatory factors. “There was an inordinate delay of almost 10 years, which the State failed to explain and that in itself is a mitigatory factor.
“The picking of the iron bar by the accused person was by chance and it was not premeditated and the court also noted that the accused was provoked by the deceased’s conduct which shows that he was drunk,” said the judge.
Justice Takuva however, condemned Ncube’s conduct, saying the courts have a duty to protect the sanctity of human life.
“In aggravation, we note that a life was unnecessarily lost and the courts have a duty to protect the sanctity of human life.
“An appropriate sentence should strike a balance between the interests of justice and of society.
“In casu, there were strong mitigatory factors that warrant lenience and accordingly, you are sentenced to 12 years in jail,” ruled the judge.State media
By Own Correspondent- Villagers in Lupane had the shock of their lives when they caught a woman digging up the grave of her recently deceased child.
Grace Ncube, 28, gave birth to a baby boy about three months ago and was constantly seen by family members breast feeding him.
But her joy was short lived as the baby soon succumbed to an illness and was buried in the homestead.
“After the baby was buried Grace kept on telling us that she has problems sleeping as she always saw the baby in her dreams. We were then shocked to see her one early morning digging by the child’s grave,” said a reliable source.
She added: “When we asked her what she was doing she said she was only clearing the grass which was on the grave. Her response left tongues wagging as people came up with various theories as to what her intentions could be. We know it was her child but now we fear she wants the baby’s remains for witchcraft purposes.”
The area’s councillor Kevin Ncube said he heard about the issue and that Grace’s actions did not sit well with some residents as what she did is taboo in the community.
“Most villagers think she wanted to tamper with the baby’s body and they keep wondering what she wanted to do with the remains. It is rather sad because we have stayed with her for a long time and she seemed like a good person so we don’t really know what led her to do such an evil thing. Her actions are definitely disturbing and we hope we will get proper answers for her actions, that’s if she is not mentally disturbed at all,” said the councillor.-BMetro
NGEZI Platinum Stars coach Erol Akbay says his side increased the intensity of their training this week to try and turn around their fortunes.
They meet stricken giants Dynamos at Rufaro tomorrow. The platinum miners disappointed their fans in the last two games after a defeat to ZPC Kariba and a home draw against Yadah.
“We have been training hard this week, we have trained two times a day on very high tempo. We also played a friendly match on Thursday and the boys did well,’’ said the Dutchman.
“I hope we can show people this weekend that the boys are coming up and demonstrate how Ngezi Platinum wants to play football.
“Of course, the most important thing is that we have to win and we want to win.
“We have been creating chances but we haven’t been scoring. “Since the season started we have had close to 40-50 chances but we only scored seven goals.
“We have good strikers and the only thing we have to do is score goals. “We have changed our style of playing football this week and the boys are surprisingly very happy with the new style.’’
The Mhondoro-side will be without key forwards Donald Teguru, Tichaona Mabvura and Kelvin Bulaji through injuries.
“It’s a big blow, especially with Ticha (Mabvura). We have a different style that we want to play and Ticha was actually good on the pitch. “When he was doing well that’s when he was injured. Sometimes it’s hard life in football,” said Akbay. Leftback Tinotenda Muringai is back for DeMbare after missing last week’s 0-2 defeat to Bulawayo Chiefs through suspension.
Utility man, Emmanuel Jalai, has also recovered fully from an injury he sustained in that game.State media
By Own Correspondent- Members of the Johanne Masowe Echishanu Apostolic sect are not allowed to advertise their work through media channels such as radio, television and newspapers, a senior member has warned.
The warning comes at a time unsuspecting people are being fleeced of their valuables or even raped by ‘fake’ prophets who advertise.
However, the issue has been received with mixed feelings with some saying advertising helps in attracting people seeking deliverance while others say the work of God does not require marketing.
The sect is made up of the big five comprising Edward, Israel, Katsiru, Mathias and Gibson.
Some members of the church refused to comment on the issue.
One of the big five, Madzibaba Katsiru distanced the church from members who purport to be real Madzibaba going against the doctrine.
“The first thing is that the doctrine doesn’t allow members to advertise and no one should pay for being helped by our members.
“Anyone who is asked to pay should tell us, but they are doing it secretly.
“Some are not even part of us, like anaMasango avo, we differ on the doctrine,” said Katsiru
He added:
“Some are not even the real Madzibaba, they just come from nowhere and you guys (journalists) are taught the wrong things mototanga kufamba nevanhu ivavo.”
Madzibaba Katsiru’s sentiments were echoed by Madzibaba Mose who said:
“The good name of the church was made by our elders, zita rakagadzirwa izita rakanaka zvekuti munhu wese anongofara kuti Johanne Masowe.
“So we have some people who end up having Johanne Masowe Zambuko , chakati chakati but ours is called Johanne Masowe eChishanu no other additions.
“And those who come to advertise is not our culture, they have their own agendas.”
He added:
“If we look at churches in Zimbabwe, our church has many branches and if you look at your backyard, there is our church, so if people have problems and are looking for help from Masowe, they can go anywhere.
“If there is need for further assistance they then be referred to seniors, so it’s not even a way of quick advertising.
“If you look at our elders they don’t do such but vamwe vanhu vanenge vane madeals avo.
“Members from Johanne Masowe should follow the doctrine of the church, we can’t say names but some are disturbing the name of the church. God won’t be happy and some results are not good, so people shouldn’t play with the name of the church.”
Below is what some members of the sect said:
Madzibaba Spenlodge – I don’t advertise, because I can’t say to people come I will help you because God’s work can’t be advertised.-HMetro
By Own Correspondent- While other women are complaining that their husbands are not satisfying them in bed, a Bulawayo woman is grumbling that she’s having sleepless nights because of her husband who has turned into a poking monster by allegedly demanding sex the whole night.
Grace Tembo from Pumula South suburb said her husband Tendai Kasambira loves sex too much. And to make matters worse, he would attack her when she refused his demand for sex.
A seemingly exhausted Tembo begged a Bulawayo magistrate Rachael Mukanga to grant her a protection order against her husband based on the fact that he was physically and sexually abusing her.
The mother of two told the court that her husband harassed her for sex non-stop since they got married in 2008.
“Tendai Kasambira and I have been customarily married since 2008. He is abusive. He is a very violent man and he beat me up with fists and a belt.
“After beating me up, he forced me to have sexual intercourse with him the whole night when I will be in pain because of his severe beatings. The demands started when my first pregnancy was one month old and that child is now nine years old. My life and that of my children he is refusing with are in danger. He is also threatening people that I work with,” complained Tembo.
She said her husband has made her life intolerable with his “cruel behaviour” and his insatiable desire for sex made it impossible for them to live together under one roof.
“I ended up leaving the matrimonial house and I do not want him to come where I am staying now to harass me,” she said, adding that she was “too young” to live a miserable life.
She insisted that when she tried to resist his advances, he would abuse her so she would always end up succumbing to his persistent demands.
Her husband, however, accused her of cheating saying she deserted their matrimonial home so that she could look for action outside without being bothered.
“The problem is that she used to come home late especially at around 11pm claiming she would be at work. She is a cheat. I caught her three times with a boyfriend. It is not true that I refuse her to take the children but I just told her it was not possible since she is staying with a boyfriend. She boasted that she had a boyfriend because my relatives didn’t like her.
“It is also not true that I forced her to have sexual intercourse, we engage in it with her consent and after every encounter she would ask me if I’m satisfied. She is always bragging about her boyfriend saying he was better than me,” said Kasambira.
For the purpose of maintaining peace between the two estranged parties the magistrate ordered Kasambira not to verbally, emotionally and physically abuse Tembo.
Kasambira was also ordered not to visit Tembo where she is now staying and to allow her to collect her property she left at their matrimonial home.-BMetro
Violence is not part of the Zimbabwe culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected, President Mnangagwa has said.
Speaking during the commissioning parade of 149 officer cadets at the 35rd Commissioners’ Cadet Ceremony at the Zimbabwe Military Academy (ZMA) in Gweru yesterday, the President said Zimbabwe is a peace-loving nation.
He said dialogue must be entrenched to promote peace.
“Let us always uphold our cultural values and ensure that our unique, tangible and intangible cultural heritage is not only embraced, but respected, safeguarded and celebrated.
“Violence is not part of our culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected. The culture of dialogue should be preserved and entrenched. Each one of us must value and maintain peace, the peace that we are enjoying as it is the springboard that will help us attain upper and middle income economy status by 2030,” he said. President Mnangagwa urged officers to be loyal and committed to their country.
“Now that you have attained this first major step in your chosen career path. I urge you to be loyal, disciplined and committed to your country. Be vigilant and watchful, avoid conduct and company that may defile your love for our great country,” he said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Zimbabwe Defence Forces urged officers to measure up to their training.
“The academy is renowned for producing high grade officers, of sound professional and moral character. You must therefore, measure up to the expectation that comes with being a graduate of this premier military institution,” he said.State media
Emmerson Mnangagwa at his national Dialogue meeting in the HICC
While being affordable for all Harare based citizens, women and children are now being disadvantaged when it comes to boarding especially during peak hours.
The slashing of ZUPCO bus fares has caused havoc at bus termini as all people are now opting for the busses causing chaos on boarding.
Speaking to H-Metro a Harare based citizen identified as Chipo Gwasira said the situation was unbearable, “Yesterday there was pressure at the bus, I was trying to enter the bus and ended up being fondled on my private parts but never saw the person who did it.
“As women we do not have to be victims of bus pressure but we do not have control over it since the bus is the only affordable means of transportation because kombis are now expensive,” she said.
Travel time negatively affects pupils going to and from school. Children are now prone to getting injured as they tend to be more vulnerable.
Students who use public transport in Harare are facing many problems including conflict with conductors and passengers.
Another Harare based citizen said the conductors are not willing to allow students to board the buses because of the little amount of bus fare they pay.
“Children are now in danger as some of them end up getting home late because of transport chaos, yesterday I saw some child in school uniform trying to force himself into the bus but ended up being pushed away by the conductor.
“The government should allocate buses only meant for children in school uniforms for the safety of our children,” he said. — HMetro
By Own Correspondent- China has expressed willingness to assist Zimbabwe in dealing with its power shortage crisis.
The state media reported that this could be done through increased private sector investment towards the particular sector.
This is reported to have unfolded when visiting Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce Dr. Qiang Kenning paid a courtesy call on Vice President Kembo Mohadi at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday.
The government, therefore, intends to engage its Chinese counterparts to lure them into investing in Zimbabwe’s energy and power sector, especially the Hwange Thermal Power Station.
Zimbabwe is having a crippling power shortage that is threatening production and economic resuscitation. The power utility, ZESA Holdings has reported that the shortage is caused by the reduction of volumes of power being produced as water levels are dwindling Kariba dam.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- An emotionally scarred woman made shocking revelations that she was impregnated because of her step-father who was always making demands that she should bring groceries home.
Rethabile Ncube (24) claimed she didn’t complete her Advanced Level studies after she was apparently forced into the “flesh trade” by her step-father Robert Nkhata.
She revealed this after her stepfather had approached the court seeking her eviction from his house claiming she was disrespecting him as her father.
“I am no longer able to live with my step-daughter Rethabile Ncube whom I have been taking care of since she was three years old. She is now 24 years old. She is very rude and arrogant towards me. She backbites me and won’t take instructions from me. She insults me and her mother supports her. I once engaged my in-laws to no avail.
“I now fear for my life that I can be poisoned or accused of rape because most of the time when schools open her mother won’t be around and we spend most of the time together at home. She has vowed not to leave my house and I want her evicted as she is also alleging that I abuse her. I no longer want anything to do with her as she does not regard me as her father,” explained Nkhata.
He said he had tried to create an environment where as a family they all respect each other but his step-daughter was making his life miserable.
Giving her evidence, Rethabile said her step-father was the one emotionally abusing her.
“He is the one who is emotionally abusing me. My father is overseas and has not been maintaining me. I was impregnated because he (Nkhata) was making demands that I should bring groceries home. I did not finish my Advanced Levels because of that (pregnancy),” said Rethabile.
In a bid to make the two (Nkhata and Rethabile) smoke the peace pipe, the presiding magistrate Rachael Mukanga suggested that they should go for counselling but Nkhata refused saying he had had enough of his step-daughter’s subversive behaviour.
“She refused to apologise and both of them with her mother are not talking to me,” he said.
Nkhata’s further submissions led the magistrate to grant an order which requires her (Rethabile) to vacate his house in Magwegwe North with the assistance of a police officer.-StateMedia
By Dr Masimba Mavaza| Africa emerged from the dark cruel days of colonialism. The inspiration to find itself and shake the shackles of bondage came from the soup of Africa day. Africa day has brought about different vibes. In some countries it is a public holiday.
