By Own Correspondent- The High Court of Kenya on Friday upheld a law banning gay sex, keeping same-sex relations punishable by 14 years in jail.

Giving verdict, Justice Roselyn Aburili said:

We hereby decline the relief sought and dismiss the combined petition.

We find that the impugned sections are not unconstitutional, accordingly the combined petitions have no merit.

Campaigners who filed the petition to decriminalize gay sex have since promised that they will appeal the ruling which they described as erroneous and very biased.

The petition was thrown out on grounds that the ban on gay sex dovetailed with broader, traditional moral values encapsulated in Kenya’s constitution. The verdict left some gay rights activists weeping outside the courtroom.

Speaking to Reuters, Alfred Rotich a Catholic bishop said:

We cannot be another Sodom and Gomorrah.

Most African countries have criminalised same-sex relationships. Only South Africa has legalised gay marriage. Globally,  more than 70 countries have banned homosexuality.-Reuters

By Own Corespondent- The Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans Association (ZNLWVA) has described the way in which the late ZIPRA Commander and intelligence supremo, Dumiso Dabengwa was treated during the Gukurahundi as a mistake.

Dabengwa was together with fellow ZIPRA Commander Lookout Masuku incarcerated in 1983 at the height of Gukurahundi massacres for four years on alleged treason. He was later released and installed the Home Affairs Minister in President Robert Mugabe’s administration.

Douglas Mahiya, the spokesperson of the war veterans’ representative body said that the organisation sympathised with the way Dabengwa was treated.

He said:

We do sympathize, you cannot have a process where no mistakes are made. Whatever is perfect today is out of a lot of mistakes in the process, so whatever mistake was done is not what we should always highlight and forgetting the good things that would have been done. So we are talking about Dabengwa’s personal life commitment and result which is political independence for the people of Zimbabwe.

When you do not make mistakes you are not doing anything. People who do not do anything do not make mistakes.

Mahiya added that Dabengwa’s national hero status was an obvious thing. He, however, entreated the ZNLWVA Bulawayo Province to formally write to the ZANU PF Politburo requesting the former ZIPRA commander be declared a national hero.

The former Home Affairs Minister passed away yesterday in Kenya on his way back home from India where he was seeking treatment for a liver ailment.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the officials to hang not his portrait in their offices, but the pictures of their children and look into their eyes before making any decision. He said it in his inauguration speech, broadcasted by Ukraine TV.

“I would like that you don’t have my portraits in your offices. Please, because the President is not an icon, not an idol. The President is not an icon. Hang there the pictures of your children, and look into their eyes before every decision,” Zelensky urged.

The inauguration of Volodymyr Zelensky to the post of president of Ukraine took place today, on May 20 at 10:00 Kyiv time.

Zelensky dismissed Ukrainian Parliament at his inauguration and announced early elections after he took an oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people.

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.

Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR) has learnt with deep sadness of the passing on of Dr Dumiso Dabengwa, the leader of ZAPU party and liberation war stalwart on Thursday 23 May 2019.

Dr Dabengwa’s death is a great loss not only to his family but also to the nation, the African region and the world as a whole.

Dr Dabengwa was and shall remain a leading icon of the nationalist struggle for liberation from the oppression of the people of Zimbabwe by the colonial regime prior to the gaining of the country’s national Independence in 1980.

ZLHR will always value the contribution to fostering a culture of human rights that Dr Dabengwa made. As a client of ZLHR, we salute him for actively litigating to protect the political rights of citizens.

Through several legal cases that he brought in court, he sought to foster a culture of human rights, democracy and constitutionalism in Zimbabwe.

ZLHR extends its deepest condolences to his wife, the Dabengwa family, friends and the nation at large.

We thank him and his family for all they have done for Zimbabwe, Africa and the world.

Dr Dabengwa will be greatly missed and may the Dabengwa family and the nation take comfort in that he fought a good fight and his legacy of a tolerant, open and just society.

May His Soul Rest in Eternal Peace.

By Own Correspondent- Since time immemorial, Zimbabwe has been churning out stars who have touched hearts of many with their amazing talent.

Some have gone on to conquer the world while others dominated locally and regionally.

However, it is their departure to the other world which has exposed most of them for their planning boobs.

It also appears that some don’t invest in the future when they are at their peak.

This follows the death of mbira grandmaster Sekuru David Tafanei Gweshe whose family is desperately looking for help to give him a dignified send-off.

Nicholas Moyo (National Arts Council of Zimbabwe director)- You will remember that NACZ did introduce the Cell-brity Funeral Plan through Cell Funeral and there were no takers. It was a sad response from the sector.

Muwengwa was the first artist to be covered then.

It is important that artists should view themselves as equal citizens to others. Zimbabweans are generally known for embracing social schemes like burial societies.

This has been a culture from the communities that we come from and these had nothing to do with status.  An artists should therefore not be an exception.

Artists like any other professionals should embrace social services schemes like funeral and medical policies.

The Council however has been engaging insurance companies to design packages for special groups that do not have regular income. Tailor made schemes may be more attractive to the sector.-HMetro

By Own Correspondent- State Broadcaster, the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC) has denied allegations that it is politically biased in favour of the ruling ZANU PF party.

Appearing before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media chaired by Prince Dubeko Sibanda on Thursday, the ZBC head of news and current affairs Gilbert Nyambabvu said:

There is an inherent perception by certain individuals that they will not be covered by ZBC.

When I was an editor of a certain media organisation before going to ZBC, I was in regular communication with some members of the MDC and they gave me their diaries.

However, after I joined the ZBC, I have not had any request from MDC members to cover any of their events and perhaps they think that they are not going to be covered

Musician Tocky Vibes, real name Obey Makamure, was forced to change the name for his newborn baby after irate nurses refused to sanction the name that he had chosen.

Tocky had named his son, Chamakuvangu, after an album he did last year. However, the nurses at the clinic protested against the name and informed the musician that they were not going to write the name on the baby’s card.

The affable musician did not take this to heart and renamed the baby after himself, calling him Obey Junior.

Speaking to online publication, 263chat, the musician said,

I had named him Chamakuvangu but manurse akabva azviramba ndikazongomuti Obey Junior Makamure (nurses denied the name and I had to settle for Obey Junior Makamure).

By Own Correspondent- MDC-T president Thokozani Khupe 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 retain 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.”

By Own Correspondent- Self proclaimed spiritual consultant Diana “Mangwenya” Samkange has urged people to uphold their culture especially in these trying days.

Mangwenya, who is billed to share the stage with Good Child and Dziva Rembira on Saturday at Solomons Lifestyle Café in Glen View said people should know where they are standing spiritually.

“People should go back to their traditions and spirituality and know where they are standing.

“Sometimes we should stop blaming top officials for failing us and seek spiritual guidance ourselves.

“People should also know that not having a culture is just the same as not having and an identity card, it means you cannot be recognised.

“Without culture there is no belonging,” she said

Mangwenya said traditional bira ceremonies were still relevant in our life.

“Our Zimbabwean culture is being diluted and as a nation we no longer have something to point as our very own.

“We are standing in the middle of nowhere as far as culture is concerned.

“There reason of having this African Gig or Bira on Africa Day is to revive our culture and help others know its worth.

“As Africans, as Zimbabwean we should be proud of who we are and stop people from taking advantage of us, of what we believe in,” she said.

“I am here to help my fellow Zimbabweans to uphold our culture.

“People should know that culture has nothing to do with wealth, uptown or down town lifestyle, culture is culture and that is why we are having this gig in Glen View,” added Mangwenya.

Her show comes at a time when Mangwenya has been doing on the showbiz.

She is one of the few active female artistes who has managed to stay afloat.

Buoyed by the success of her latest album Kumandinde, Mangwenya has vowed to fight for the girl-child.

Her album, produced by the country’s top producers, carries seven tracks.

These include the title track Kumandinde followed by Tovera Mudzimu Dzoka, Tsitsi Rudo Neunyararo, Hondo, Mudiwa John, Ndine Rudo, Chandinoda and Gara Pedyo.

Mangwenya went full circle in search of quality sound which saw her engaging the services of Maselo, Oskid, Walter Mabayi and Casper Beatz of Bazooka Studios in the capital.

It is being distributed by Spinalong. -HMetro

Farai Dziva|Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development(COTRAD) has condemned the harassment, persecution and detention of human rights activists by Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

See the COTRAD statetement below:

COTRAD CALLS FOR THE RELEASE OF HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS

Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) calls for the release of Human Rights Defenders Gamuchirai Mukura (COTRAD) Director, Tatenda Mombeyarara of the Citizen Manifesto, George Makoni Center for Community Development Zimbabwe ( CCDZ) Advocacy officer, Nyasha Frank Mpahlo of Transparency International-Zimbabwe (TIZ), and Farirai Gumbonzvanda of Rosaria Trust.

The Human rights Defenders were arrested at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Monday night on allegations of plotting to subvert President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government. The State alleges that the Human Rights Defenders allegedly participated in a meeting held in Maldives last week, where they hatched a plot to topple Mnangagwa’s government through civil disobedience.

The Human Rights Defenders were denied bail when they appeared before a Harare magistrate yesterday (23/May/2019.

Farai Dziva|A respected African Statesman is expected to grace the MDC A Congress in Gweru, party leader Nelson Chamisa has said.

“Gweru is lit and painted MDC, painted red…the colour of love, freedom and people power.I love the mood and atmosphere.

Democracy never fails. Expecting a revolutionary
@HEBobiwine of Uganda as one of the special guests from the African continent,”tweeted Chamisa.

By Own Correspondent- Chiefs here have been identified as important players in peace building and conflict resolution in their communities to promote family values and facilitate development.

Addressing chiefs from Matabeleland North during a meeting in Bulawayo recently, Vice President Kembo Mohadi, who is responsible for national healing and reconciliation, said the role of traditional leaders is vital and recognised by the Constitution.

Said Mohadi:

“Chiefs should guide us in resolving conflicts in their communities so that their people live in peace and harmony, in accordance with customary law. They should promote and uphold cultural values of their communities and in particular to promote sound family values.

Chiefs also preserve culture, traditions, history and heritage of their communities, including sacred shrines. They also play a role in facilitating development.

This is the second meeting I am holding with chiefs in the provinces, having held the first one in Mashonaland Central last month.

This is a crucial programme that I am engaged in, consulting and involving all chiefs in their areas of jurisdiction on how to build and sustain peace in our country.

By making our cultural approach the foundation of our peace-building architecture, I’m not ignoring or playing down other institutions that are involved in peace building and conflict resolution like the church, civic society and constitutional commissions. “However, these other institutions complement this fundamental cultural approach to peace-building and conflict resolution,” said VP Mohadi.

The VP challenged young chiefs to follow traditional values so that they earn the respect of their people.

“I’m aware that we have a good number of our chiefs who are young. They should realise that they have a challenge of earning the respect of their people. They should also know that wisdom comes with age and experience,” said VP Mohadi.

By Own Correspondent- 90% of Zimbabweans are not paying radio and TV licences to the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation (ZBC), Parliament was told.

ZBC chief executive officer Patrick Mavhura appeared before the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Media on Thursday where he made the sensational claim.

Mavhura claimed that the public broadcaster has therefore been prejudiced of hundreds of millions of dollars in unpaid fees. Said Mavhura:

The forecasted budget for 2019 is $45 million and we expect $34 million from advertising revenue and $10 million from licencing.

The potential licence revenue we are supposed to collect is around $220 million per annum, but the compliance rate is very low at less than 10%, and what it means is that less than 10% of the country’s population is paying licences.

The ZBC official said nonpayment was attributable to poor TV and radio signals in many areas.-Newsday

Farai Dziva| A woman from Dulivhadzimu, Beitbridge has appeared in court for attempting to trade her daughter for three cars to a Zimbabwean businessman based in South Africa- in a suspected ritual case .

Agness Sheron Teverashe Pedzisai(19 ) was charged with conspiracy to murder, when she appeared before Beitbridge Regional Magistrate Crispen Mberewere on Wednesday.

The court heard that that sometime in April, Pedzisai obtained contacts of Brian Musekiwa Mungofa, who is based in South Africa and started communicating with him through text messages.

Pedzisai allegedly told Mungofa that she was offering her child, who was staying in Chivi, so that he would kill her and obtain body parts for the enhancement of his transport business.

She demanded a Nissan Caravan, Honda Fit and Altezza in exchange for the child.

Pedzisai was then arrested and investigations established that she had a daughter who was staying with her grandmother at Mbavare village in Chivi, who she reportedly wanted to trade for the cars.She was remanded in custody.

By Own Correspondent- The first group of Chinese tourists under the Touch Road Project arrived in the country recently, for a four day tour of Zimbabwe.

This follows the successful signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between Zimbabwe and China recently. 

The delegates, the first batch of the expected 10 000 tourists set to visit Zimbabwe under the “Touch Road project” arrived aboard a chartered Air Ethiopian Airways and were received at the Robert Mugabe International Airport by Environment, Tourism and Hospitality Industry Minister Prisca Mupfumira and other senior government officials.

In her welcoming remarks, Mupfumira said the arrival of the delegation is the beginning of the implementation of the agreed areas of cooperation between Zimbabwe and its all weather friend, China.

She said:

“We are happy to note that our cooperation with China Touch Road International Group has contributed to the growth of tourists arrivals in Zimbabwe. There will definitely be a marked increase as we want to draw all our Chinese visits to Zimbabwe to a meaningful number.”

Before coming to Zimbabwe the group went through Djibouti and Tanzania as part of their 10-Day African journey.

Mupfumira also revealed that the grand group will tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Great Zimbabwe, the National Monument and the majestic Victoria Falls.

She added:

“Our delegates will get a chance to experience our wonderful  people, our culture, our heritage and our rich history. They will also see Zimbabwe’s pristine wildlife and nature, the mythical Kariba Dam, the mighty Zambezi and not forgetting the mountainous areas of the Eastern Highlands.

This visit will not be a once off visit from such groups since we are expecting more Chinese groups to come to Zimbabwe. Through this initiative, we are expecting about 10 000 Chinese tourists.

Our country has not been performing well as a tourism destination for the Chinese market since the closure of the Zimbabwe Tourist Office in Beijing and the withdrawal of Air Zimbabwe flights in September 2011. These negative market developments saw tourists’ arrivals from China declining from 30 549 arrivals in 2011 to 11 439 in 2018.”

The Tour Africa- The New Horizon Tourism Project has been identified as one of the opportunities meant to open the Chinese market to destination Zimbabwe considering that tourism is one of the key pillars of economic revival in Zimbabwe.

Farai Dziva |Zimbabweans strongly feel Emmerson Mnangagwa is feigning concern about Dumiso Dabengwa’s death.

See below comments on Mnangagwa’s statement about Dabengwa’s death:

Sijabulisiwe Masilela: He is so good when it comes to condolences. Thus what he knows best.

Tafadzwa Makuwarara:
Dabengwa was a better man than him,that’s why he insulted him,but at the end of the day respect to Cde Dabengwa .MHDSRIP.Tazz Dee Siba:May Dabengwa’s soul rest in peace.

Lovemore Gowe:It’s natural, those are crocodile tears.Portia Mar: Anofarira zvitunha quote by R.G Mugabe.

Wayne Mrengwe:President ED is a mature leader who knows how to forgive and forget, thank you President.
Flabba Flabba: crocodile tears.Poisson Muchetura: That’s politics isu tinopinda papiko.

Farai Dziva|Several Zimbabweans have said the Marondera woman who was arrested after being found in possession of mbanje should not be prosecuted as she was only trying to fend for her family.

The woman was arrested after being found in possession of 52 kilograms of mbanje.

Sandra Rusenza said: Don’t blame her, the situation is bad ari kuedza kurarama. Better pane kuba.

Cathew Manyani commented:It’s very unfortunate. She needs a good lawyer. I don’t believe the weed is hers. She could have been used by someone. If she doesn’t get legal representation she will definitely go to jail.

Prosper Chibvura:Please this is not fair. A woman of her calibre should be cautioned and given another chance and supported with a legal project so that she continues to do the best for her family. Haana kuba haana kuuraya haana kumukira hurumende haana kuita chitadzo kunaMwari. REGERERAYI VAKADAYI VANOITIRA ZVINHU FOR A REAL CAUSE!!!

Shepherd Mukuta:God bless her she is doing this for her living.
Pana Pana:Hupenyu hwakaoma arikutsvagawo yefood neyevana yexul fees ….may God bless her family.

By Own Correspondent- A Mabvazuva Primary School headmaster who violated tenets of good corporate governance by single handedly picking a company to supply an assortment of ICT equipment, instead of going to tender, was last Thursday convicted of criminal abuse of office and jailed for three years.

Benson Matare, (59), was posted to the school by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education three years ago following his demotion from the position of Makoni district deputy schools inspector due to a number of alleged scandals.

He was found guilty of violating tender procedures and his incarceration has send jitters in the education sector in the district.

He will, however, serve an effective two years behind bars after the magistrate Mr Shane Kubonera suspended one year of the initial sentence on condition that he does not commit a similar offence and good behaviour.

Matare, who was represented by an unnamed Harare-based lawyer, had pleaded not guilty to the charges.

He has since instructed his lawyer to lodge an appeal against both conviction and sentence at the High Court.

Matare was convicted after a full trial which saw incriminating evidence being adduced from his subordinates and officials from the parent ministry.

Matare awarded a contract worth $42 837, 00 to Lifemark Computers Pvt without following proper tender procedures.

Prosecutor Mr Gift Mtigwa told the court that Matare was supposed to source for three competitive quotations from different suppliers.

He instead hand-picked Lifemark Computers Pvt.

In so doing he usurped the powers of the sub-procurement of the School Development Committee (SDC) which is mandated at law to preside over the supplier selection process and compile a comparative schedule justifying its decision.

“Sometime in October 2017, the parents with students enrolled at Mabvazuva Primary school resolved to acquire computer laboratory equipment comprising of 40 modern computers and nine interactive smart boards affixed with projectors.

“Matare, as the headmaster had the mandate to spearhead the process of acquiring the said computer laboratory equipment. Instead of advertising for at least three competitive quotations from different suppliers for the supply of the equipment, since the purchases were above the $10 000 stipulated at law, Matare hand-picked and entered into a contract with Lifemark Computers Pvt to supply the equipment at a cost of $42 837, 00.

“This was contrary or inconsistent with accused’s duties as a public officer. The offence came to light sometime in April 2018 when numerous complaints of misappropriation of funds at the school were received by the Makoni district schools inspector Nathaniel Machini,” said Mr Mtigwa.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- The Zanu-PF Youth League executive will address inter-district meetings in all provinces beginning with Mashonaland Central, in a bid to lure young people to participate in national development, an official has said.

The meetings, will run till June 8 and will also see the launch of the “10-hectare project”, an initiative that will see party youth create employment in farming and retail.

In an interview, Zanu-PF secretary for Youth Pupurai Togarepi (55) said the national leadership was also going to appraise members on prevailing economic developments.

“We are starting in Mash Central and the leadership is going to meet the membership to explain the vision of President Mnangagwa and activities they can engage in to participate in the economic development of the country.

“We will also explain the prevailing economic challenges and talk about the youth about their issues,” Togarepi said.-StateMedia

The day we lost the best son of the soil. This is one of the grieved day for Mthwakazi nation and Africa as a whole.

We remember you Dr Dumuso Dabengwa, the Zipra intelligence supremo. The worthy and courageous Black Russian. The militant of the great revolution. The one who gave his life for the freedom of our people.

 Crushing down imperialism and colonialism was the duty you assigned yourself to. You were prepared to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of the armed struggle against white colonial regime. You chose duty and the struggle against blind submission. Your magnificence a hundred times will be exalted, and glorified will be your unique contribution in liberating Zimbabwe.

Incarcerated alongside with the late military general Lookout Khalisabantu Vumindaba Masuku on trumped-up charges of treason by Mugabe, Mnangagwa and cronies. The Zimbabwe regime master planned this conspiracy to make the Mthwakazi nation talentless and crippled, by killing her people in most heinous way possible through Gukurahundi. For love of country you accepted pain, torture and isolation. Those who attempted to humiliate you only succeeded in glorifying you. Your enemies shall forever harvest shame.

Your name is scribed in the story of Africa’s quest for freedom. Indeed, time can neither soil your work nor tarnish your great and proud image. Your courage, resilience and determination shall forever be our inspiring guidance in the struggle to liberate Mthwakazi nation. Your spirit of heroism shall forever strengthen our souls so that the weakening instinct of self-preservation, which may besets us in our struggle, shall not blind us of our duty to set Mthwakazi free.

Oh! Beloved son of our People. You will never be forgotten. Lala ngokuthula qhawe lama qhawe!

We Carry On! 
Vuka Mthwakazi Sizwe

The Supreme Court appeal by MDC leader Nelson Chamisa against a High Court ruling which nullified his presidency has left his rivals confused. The application was made on the eve of the MDC elective congress which opens today in Gweru.

According to Tonderai Bhatasara, a Harare lawyer, the appeal suspends the judgment of the lower court.

Speaking to the Daily News, Bhatasara said:If you note an appeal, it suspends the judgment of the lower court. In this case, the noting of an appeal by the appellants will have the effect of suspending the judgment by Justice Mushore.

He added that implementing the High court ruling was not a walk in the park. Bhatasara added:
The problem in this case, however, is that the judgment itself is difficult to enforce. It ordered the conducting of an extraordinary congress after 30 days; I don’t think the 30 days have elapsed.

So the applicants in the Supreme Court appeal are not yet in contempt. The order has got so many terms but the most critical one is the holding of an extraordinary congress, which is not yet ripe.

The remarks by Bhatasara are preceded by a High court ruling yesterday afternoon which dismissed an application by Maureen Tavengwa which sought to bar Chamisa’s party from conducting the elective congress.Daily News

By Own Correspondent- The Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) yesterday made recommendations to President Mnangagwa and Cabinet ministers on how to fight corruption, in a development expected to add impetus to Government’s commitment to combat the vice.

President Mnangagwa and several Cabinet ministers held a three-hour meeting in which the PAC tabled a comprehensive report of recommendations on how to turn around the economy with measures to fight corruption taking centre stage.

In an interview after the meeting, PAC acting coordinator Mr Edwin Manikai said: “We presented our PAC fourth advisory note to His Excellency the President and he invited some of his Government ministers and officials. The fight against corruption was top on the agenda and we made some recommendations on how we believe we can improve and accelerate the fight against corruption,” said Mr Manikai.

He said President Mnangagwa accepted most of their recommendations as his Government had already been contemplating implementing some of them.

“The President agreed with us. I cannot tell you the exact nature of the input we made but we had two resolutions to support the fight against corruption which we believe are not only positive for the fight in order to improve the business environment but tried and tested in other jurisdictions. So we are not going into uncharted territories, we have examples. In fact, one of the things we recommended we have done it in this country successfully before,” said Mr Manikai.

“The President was actually supportive and he said it was not new, it was something that his Government was contemplating and our endorsement confirms that it is the right direction. So we hope to see virtually immediate traction and velocity in the fight against corruption. We have proposed to fortify the capacity to do the job, we have also proposed to utilise local but experienced qualified people to assist the Government.”

On the economy, Mr Manikai said the PAC had long advised that Government liberalise the foreign exchange and fuel markets, which he said Government had embraced recently.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- A commercial farmer from Chipinge, who shot and injured his security guard while shooting dogs that had strayed into his cattle pens, was last week convicted of the crime.

Joubert Francois Johannes, (36), of Lushon Farm appeared before senior Chipinge magistrate Mr Joshua Nembaware last Thursday facing charges of negligently causing serious bodily harm.

In convicting him, Mr Nembaware noted, among other things, that Joubert acted unreasonably.

“He did not exercise proper care and he was not even remorseful after the shooting. He blamed the complainant for his negligence,” said Mr Nembaware.

In mitigation, through his lawyer Mr Langton Mhungu, of Kwirira and Associates, the farmer pleaded for a non-custodial sentence saying he was a first offender and that he had no intention to injure the complainant.

However, in aggravation, the State pressed for a deterrent sentence.

The court then adjourned in terms of Section 54(2) of the Magistrates Courts Act to seek for increased sentencing jurisdiction from the Prosecutor General.

The matter was remanded to June 11 for sentencing.

Prosecutor Mr Gift Bikita said on October 5 last year at around 6am, the suspect and his employee Francis Makuyana (63) were at the shed at the accused’s house.

Johannes then saw some stray dogs which had entered into his cattle pens. He went into his house and armed himself with a shot gun.

The complainant then went to the guardroom where he intended to prepare his meal.

Johannes then fired two shots hitting one of the dogs which died instantly, but the other shotgun pellet strayed and hit the complainant in the stomach.-ManicaPost

On behalf of all members of Mthwakazi Liberation Movement (MLF) and the whole Mthwakazi at large, we learnt with great shock that His Excellency Honourable DD has passed on.

Our sincere condolences go to the family of our dear hero and to ZAPU. He passed on at a very bad time after having revealed that ZANU pf abjectly refused to shelter UMkhonto Wesizwe after Zimbabwe’s independence and worked with the Apartheid regime and their joint plan (ZANU pf and Apartheid SA) resulted in the Gukurahundi GENOCIDE and the delay of South Africa’s independence by at least 10 years.

Because of such revelations, we knew that ZANU would do all it could to silence him from telling more but we never thought it would be so soon and we wonder when will ZANU stop murdering Mthwakazi people. Recently, it was Misheck Velaphi Ncube, and barely two weeks after, it is Dabengwa. How on earth would death strike on Ex Zipra camp only and leaving out the Ex Zanlas?

It is high time ZANU realises that we have eyes, we can see and we will not sit back anymore while our human history books are being taken away from us just like that.

It is painful that the likes of Dumiso Dabengwa, Mishack Ncube etc, you passes on before seeing the Mthwakazi Independence, but may we make it a promise to them all that we will in whatever cost, deliver Mthwakazi from Zimbabwe colonialisation. 

Rest in peace

Qhawe lama qhawe! Mrashy’omnyama!Imbabal’eyal’ukudl’amath’eZanu Yakheth’ukubuyel’emanxiweni.

Lala kahle sohlala sikukhumbula!

By Own Correspondent- Members of Parliament here have implored government to allocate them separate service stations alleging that they cannot be seen to be jumping the prevailing long winding queues because “the anger on the ground is unhealthy.”

The legislators who are also demanding a salary hike, claim that their earnings have been eroded by galloping inflation.

MPs reportedly earn a basic salary of about $2 000 per month. Their seating allowances fall between $800 and $1 000 monthly.

Responding to Norton MP Temba Mliswa (Independent) who had raised the issue of legislators’ remuneration, Speaker of the National Assembly Jacob Mudenda said:

The first (grievance) one under welfare, I think it goes without saying that you have a valid point and we should be able to deliberate on that issue tomorrow (yesterday). It is on the agenda of the Committee on Standing Rules and Orders (CSRO).

Mliswa also called on Parliament to allocate MPs their own service station so that they will not have to spend time in fuel queues jostling with “angry” citizens.

He said:

I think the fuel situation requires probably a specific service station to be allocated to members of Parliament because what is happening is totally impossible.

We get fuel coupons but we have no access to the fuel. The queues which are there, for us to be seen having to jump the queues again creates a lot of problems because the anger which is on the ground is not healthy.

The MPs argued that their conditions of service should be upgraded to the level of that of the other State organs, that is, the Executive and Judiciary.-DailyNews

Jane Mlambo| Leading poll watchdog, the Zimbabwe Election Support Network (ZESN) has heightened calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to rope in opposition leader Nelson Chamisa in the national dialogue if the country is to entertain hopes of proffering lasting solutions to the current economic challenges facing the country.

In a statement yesterday, ZESN also called for the inclusion of parties which participated in the July 2018 harmonised elections as well as other electoral stakeholders including civil society, churches, the media, women and persons with disabilities.

“The network also notes that some political parties which participated in the harmonised elections are not participating in the political dialogue raising  issues around the legitimacy of the dialogue, which issues, in our view, merit consideration by the conveners of the dialogue, so that no political player is left out.

“ZESN reiterates its position that the dialogue must be inclusive of all electoral stakeholders namely civic society organisations, churches, the media, women, persons with disability, and youths among others,” said ZESN.

The elections lobby group urged government to make use of the Mothlante Commission recommendations that there be a multi-party reconciliation initiative with national and international mediation to address post election problems that continue to haunt Zimbabwe.

“The Motlanthe Commission into the 1 August shootings recommended the establishment of a multi-party reconciliation initiative, including youth representatives, with national and international mediation to address the root causes of the post-election violence.”

Though ZESN acknowledged the establishment of an inter-ministerial task-force to address recommendations and issues raised by the various election observer missions as well as the Motlanthe Commission, it raised concern that government was reluctant on implementing the recommendations.

ZESN recommended that the national dialogue results in an Electoral and Political Reforms Taskforce or a Working Group comprising of Parliament, institutions supporting democracy, political parties, CSOs and faith based organisations and other key stakeholders to closely monitor the timeous implementation of recommendations proffered by local, regional, and international election observers ahead of the 2023 elections.

By Own Correspondent- A survey done by the state media shows that commuter buses price hikes is now causing people to go to work late because they will be waiting for cheap ZUPCO buses.

Pressure on ZUPCO buses is now increasing because commuter buses are increasing prices every day.

In an interview commuters said it was better to be late for work than to use commuter buses, they are too expensive.

“We chose to wait for buses because they are affordable, we will not use commuter buses whilst cheap buses are there.”

“We wait for the ZUPCO buses even if we late for work, we cannot afford to pay $5 to go to town every day,” she said.

Shopkeepers said are willing to open shops late because they cannot afford to use commuter buses every day.

“I work in a shop so we will open the shop anytime I get there because if I use commuter buses I will starve my children at home,” he said.-H Metro

Former Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) chief executive officer Frank Chitukutuku, who is under investigation for fraud, has been given a 30-day ultimatum to give an account of how he acquired an array of immovable and movable assets worth over US$20 million.

High Court judge Justice Erica Ndewere ordered a freeze of the assets pending finalisation of the criminal case.

Chitukutuku now has to give a detailed statement to the head of the police’s Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) within a month.

The State claims Chitukutuku may have acquired his property through criminal activities, hence the need to have the same frozen.

The decision was made following an ex-parte application by Prosecutor-General Mr Kumbirai Hodzi for an unexplained wealth and asset freezing order in terms of Section 37B as read with Section 37H of Presidential Powers (Temporary Measures) (Amendment of the Money Laundering and Proceeds of Crime Act (Chapter 9:24) and Exchange Control Act) Regulations, 2018 (Statutory Instrument 246 of 2018).

Justice Ndewere ruled in favour of the State and barred any interested parties from dealing, in any way, with the property in question.

The order was issued after convincing arguments by the prosecution team led by chief law officer Mr Chris Mutangadura.

Mr Mutangadura heads the asset forfeiture unit at the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).

Chitukutuku is said to have acquired 10 motor vehicles between September 2013 and April last year.

These vehicles include two Mazda T35 trucks, a Hino Dutro truck, Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Prado, Nissan NP200, Range Rover, Hino Ranger and a Land Rover Discovery.

Sometime in 2011, Chitukutuku reportedly acquired residential properties namely: Property measuring 4 048 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3232/11 situated at Lot 1 of Lot 3 of Lot 56A Borrowdale Estate, Harare and another one measuring 8 853 square metres held under Deed of Transfer 3885/11 situated at Lot 3 of Subdivision C of Subdivision B of Subdivision D of Nthaba of Glen Lorne.

The State also claims Chitukutuku built or acquired a multi-million dollar thatched precast-walled house at the top of a mountain at Belmont Farm, Goromonzi, adding he also has six state-of-the-art fowl runs, five tractors, a 10-tonne UD truck, 4 x 200-litre PVC water tanks, as well as several structures at the farm.

Apart from a long list of expensive properties, Chitukutuku is also said to be the owner of two renowned companies, Farm Pride (Private) Limited situated at 49 Kent Road, Chisipite, Harare and an insurance company, Champions Insurance, which boasts of assets estimated at over US$15 million.

According to the State, Chitukutuku acquired the properties at a time he was lawfully earning a combined $8 500 from Zinara as well as his farming activities.

-State Media

The government is adamant that ZUPCO is profitable despite a 50 percent reduction in bus fares. Whilst all local urban routes now cost 50 cents from $1, the company charges, in that order, $0.75 and $1 for a distance of up to 30km and 40km.

Professor Amon Murwira, acting minister of Local Government, Public Works, and National Housing said transport is actually overpriced in the country. Professor Murwira said:
With this card there is no need for the customer to carry cash anymore.

You will be having the card which has money in advance and then you can use it every time. It therefore means 0.50 cents, according to calculation, can make a big bus make profit. The transport in this country is overpriced. We are proving through technology that we can have proper prices. So, I think that is basically the issue of introducing efficiencies using technology at Zupco. This is why we say Zupco will make profit even at 0.30 cents.

He added that fuel prices had no direct bearing on the bus fares. Murwira also said that the vision is to transform into a situation whereby business does not over-profiteer or under profiteer based on the efficiency of their collection system.

Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi added that the government was assuming its role of a public protector.State media

Senator Lilian Timveos believes she has what it takes to be the MDC Vice President since she is hardened enough to withstand military handling! Courageous and strong willed; loyal yet visionary and an audicious unifier.

As the party is entering the dangerous unchartered territory of a desperate ZANU PF government, Timveous says she is one capable servant leader with the character and capacity to provide a strong MDC leadership front to confont and tackle Zanu Pf.

ZimEye had a one on one interaction with the aspiring Vice President and below is the full text of the conversation:

“Senator Lillian Timveos’ Manifesto for Vice President”

Who is Senator Lillian Timveos?

“I am a wife, a mother and a woman in Zimbabwe. Timveous is also a businesswoman in Zimbabwe, who understands the challenges facing both businesses, consumers and our jobless youth.

Since joining the party, I’ve committed myself to upholding MDC values and principles. I have worked hard for the party in various capacities, that include as the Midlands Provincial Chairperson.

I stand proud to have been the first female provincial chair for Midlands where i discharged my duties effectively, uniting the party membership and at the same time bringing in an effective mobilisation exercise that stood the test of time up to this day.

I cannot claim to be a leader of miracle, but all that I have achieved as provincial chair was through teamwork. As such, this is one of my strengths, that of motivating teams around me and fostering advocacy teamwork. Teamwork can only be effective through mutual respect and such has been my humility and cavalry.

Senatorial Manifesto:
Today I celebrate, my second term as Midlands Senator. During my previous tenure, I worked with the disadvantaged, HIV & AIDS patients and Organisations caring for HIV & AIDS.

As committee chair for HIV & AIDS, I have travelled globally for summits and forums that informed best practices globally. Through my leadership contribution, Zimbabwe was well represented and through report back, I urged both government and MDC party to realign policy framework.

Timveous is also currently the Chief Whip, in the Senate, a position I am indebted to both the party and my colleagues in the Senate. It is a post of trust and responsibility. All these appointments reflect the integrity of the person here standing and no doubt the humility that comes with it.

MY COVENANT
The Congress from May 24 to 26, 2019, IS FOR YOU! It is for you to renew leadership that will withstand the ferociousness of ZANU PF thuggery, that will quantum leap MDC into power by reclaiming our country from the current misrule of Mr. Mnangagwa and his military junta.

Leadership guided by integrity, accountability and responsiveness to the needs of both the party and the people of Zimbabwe. A leadership that can give the party national, regional and international traction.

It is because of all this that I stand ready, to be your Vice President, not a woman vice president but a Vice President of equal fit, who has stood firm in testing revolutionary times.

In line with that covenant, my campaign team is diverse. I have the youth, the main wing and the women assemblies. If I am elected, I intend to be the vice president for you all.

This is our struggle, together we can take it further and reclaim our country. The onus is yours, the chance to rescue yourselves and the country from the jaws of poverty, unemployment, corruption and state sponsored violence; depends on who you will choose at the Congress, to be in your presidium.

It depends on who you will chose to steer the ship of change forward. I stand ready as your servant, to work for you and change the status quo once and for all.

That being so, I pray that you will vote for me based on my pledge to deliver my duties in line with our policy blueprint for Transformation, Opportunity and Prosperity.

PARTY PLEDGE:

Once elected into office, Timveous pledges to assist and support the President in discharging his duties, defending the party principles and constitution and also to act as president in the absence of the president in line with provisions of Section 9.1 and 9.2 of the party Constitution.

It is my wish to add value to the visionary leadership of President Advocate Nelson Chamisa by bringing in my vast political experience, loyalty, integrity, visionary and accountability in the presidium.

Election into office makes me part of a strong leadership team which compliments each other guided by the party values, principles and ideology. I thus pledge to work towards increasing the participation of people with disabilities in the party structures and as members. My office will be open to all.

I pledge to engage and harness the Zimbabwean Diaspora community expertise and include them in policy making decisions and issues affecting our country.

To the nation of Zimbabwe I pledge:
To work with all our elected Mayors and local authorities across the country, in conjunction with the secretary for local governance in the party, to ensure that our councils deliver services to the people.

As a mother I know the difficulty of living without water and sanitation and while they are challenges caused by the Zanu PF government, it is our duty to deliver in all the councils we have won and as your Vice President I will be pushing for this.

My sincere desire is to be at the forefront of providing leadership in peaceful nonviolent protests to reclaim our stolen victory. 2.6 million Zimbabweans voted for our President Advocate Nelson Chamisa and we must reclaim that victory and end the tyranny of ZANU PF junta.

Timveous also pledges to advocate for removal of duty and VAT on sanitary wear so that all women can access this critical service. I will also champion and spearhead the provision of free sanitary pads in all schools for our young girls. I will also amplify my work in the Senate on HIV/AIDS by increasing oversight on the HIV levy. This levy from our Tax Payers it cannot be abused

PLEDGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY:

Once elected into office, I pledge to work in collaboration with the women’s assembly in engaging former stateswomen and women leaders who have made an impact such as Ellen Sirleaf Johnson of Liberia and many others, to be a voice on behalf of us as Zimbabweans calling on the Mnangagwa regime to respect our rights and restore the people’s vote.

FINAL WORDS TO THE ELECTORATE:
The verdict is yours! We are entering the dangerous unchartered territory of a desperate ZANU PF government that will require an MDC strong leadership to confront. I congratulate President Advocate Nelson Chamisa for coming out of nomination process unopposed.

President Nelson Chamisa is a very strong leader, we must no fail him; we need to elect the best team among us to compliment his visionary leadership. I stand here to the scrutiny, and I am not afraid to face the judgement day, for the party is bigger than life!

Senator Lilian Timveos is your Vice President, hardened enough to withstand military handling! Courageous and strong willed; loyal yet visionary; unifier yet audacious.

I thank you and May God bless you all!

The MDC Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora has explained why his name does not appear as an appelant against Justice Edith Mushore’s verdict which voids Chamisa’s presidency over the party.

In appeal papers submitted by the party yesterday, Mwonzora appeared as a Respondent instead of an Appellant.

News readers yesterday complained why he appears in opposition to his own boss, and furthermore in opposition to his own party.

Speaking to ZimEye Friday morning, Mwonzora said there was nothing unusual because “the matter is being handled by our lawyers. “

He continued saying that the party’s lawyers have not spoken to him. “They have not spoken to me. The decision to appeal was a resolution of the National Standing Committee and NEC. Our lawyers have not talked to me,” he said.

NewsDay|GWERU lodges and hotels are fully booked ahead of the MDC elective congress this week to decide the party’s leadership.

The City of Progress, as Gweru likes to call itself, will host 6 200 MDC delegates from across the country, who have already elected Nelson Chamisa as party leader — nominated unopposed — for the fifth MDC congress.

The party will start by holding elections of the youth and women’s assembly leadership tomorrow, before Chamisa officially opens proceedings on Saturday.

Elections for the hotly-contested standing committee positions will be held Sunday when congress closes.

“Friday afternoon, we are going to have national elections for youth and women assemblies concurrently. On the same day, we are going to have a national executive meeting,” part of the programme reads.

“On Saturday May 25, 2019, there shall be a congress official opening at Ascot Stadium, where everyone is invited to bear witness on this special, great event, then delegates will be divided into thematic committees. At 2pm, the congress will receive feedback from the thematic committees,” the programme further reads.

Party spokesperson Jacob Mafume confirmed they had snapped up most of the guest rooms in the city.

“We have just ensured that most of our delegates have accommodation as preparations are at an advanced stage. We are ready for our congress,” he said.

Mafume confirmed the programme, saying the elections would be conducted in the most transparent manner.

“Our elections are going to happen on Sunday. They will be a display of how democracy manifests. The main event happens on Saturday, when there will be the official opening of congress by the president,” he said.

The MDC will hold national executive meetings tomorrow to look at proposed constitutional amendments, which will be discussed Saturday.

State Media|Three Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) workers who were arrested recently for defrauding the scandal-hit State entity of at least $130 000 have appeared in a Chinhoyi court.

Zinara provincial vehicle licensing supervisor Philliman Muvindi and licensing clerks Nyasha Peter Zhangozha and Leo Chikaponya appeared before Provincial Magistrate Mr Tavengwa Chibanda on Friday last week facing fraud charges involving $138 594.

Mr Chibanda remanded the trio in custody to May 30.

Muvindi, Zhangazha and Chikaponya allegedly used Zinara’s name and created fictitious bulk licensing accounts system in Chinhoyi.

Allegations are that sometime during a period extending from January 2017 to May 5 this year, the trio created fake bulk licensing accounts which they used on 132 different occasions. The three allegedly received money from walk-in customers and licensed the vehicles using the top up credits they had entered in ZINARA bulk licensing accounts.

It was further alleged that they pocketed the money they received from clients and issued them with licenses without depositing the money in the Zinara account.

Zinara, represented by chief executive Ms Mathelen Mujokoro said the issue came to light on May 10 when an audit was conducted at the Chinhoyi branch. The company suffered a total loss of $138 594 and $5 300 was recovered from two vehicles bought by Muvindi and Zhangazha allegedly using proceeds from the crime.

Muvindi and Zhangazha allegedly bought a BMW 350i registration number AEM 5768 and a Toyota Allion registration number AEA9479 worth US$5 300.

Prosecutor Ms Kessia Teveraishe Zinyemba told the court that Muvindi, Zhangazha and Chikaponya issued fake deposits using Muvindi’s profile ZW000BWG. Muvindi is also accused of being responsible for creating and topping up the Bulk Vehicle Licensing Account.

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By A Correspondent| The MDC Secretary General, Douglas Mwonzora has explained why his name does not appear as an appelant against Justice Edith Mushore’s verdict which voids Chamisa’s presidency over the party.

In appeal papers submitted by the party yesterday, Mwonzora appeared as a Respondent instead of an Appellant.

News readers yesterday complained why he appears in opposition to his own boss, and furthermore in opposition to his own party.

Speaking to ZimEye Friday morning, Mwonzora said there was nothing unusual because “the matter is being handled by our lawyers. “

He continued saying that the party’s lawyers have not spoken to him. “They have not spoken to me. The decision to appeal was a resolution of the National Standing Committee and NEC. Our lawyers have not talked to me,” he said.

Chamisa appeals @ZimEye pic.twitter.com/0EdpVH0123

— Simba Chikanza (@schikanza) May 23, 2019

Harare magistrate Mr Hosea Mujaya on Thursday ruled that the five members of Civil Society Organisations arrested by police at Harare Airport on arrival from Maldives have a case to answer.

Mujaya made the ruling in an application by the State for the placement on remand of the accused persons which was contested by their legal counsels.

He noted that, there was “some nexus between the accused persons and the offence and therefore the application of placement of the accused persons on remand succeeds”.

The five are Tatenda Mombeyarara (37) attached to the International Socialist Organisation, Centre for Community Development in Zimbabwe advocacy officer George Makoni (39), Nyasha Frank Mpahlo (35) of Green Governance Zimbabwe, Gamuchirai Mukura (31) of Community Tolerance Reconciliation and Development (COTRAD) — and a woman, Farirai Gumbonzvanda, a volunteer at Rosaria Memorial Trust.

According to the state, the five allegedly received training in the Maldives with intent to roll out violent demonstrations in the country and are facing allegations of subverting a constitutionally elected Government.

After introducing ZUPCO buses that are evidently running at a loss, Government has gone ahead and opened its own satellite shops that will provide basic commodities to the public at a lower price than the prevailing market price.

The Shops are being run by SILO Foods Industries a division of the Grain Marketing Board. The GMB itself was last week exposed to be buying maize grain at $724 and selling it at $425.

The government venture which started operating as a fully-fledged commercial business unit in April this year, now has 84 shops countrywide, Grain Marketing Board (GMB) general manager Mr Rocky Mutenha has said.

In an interview with state media last week, Mr Mutenha said the products were being sold at reasonable prices in an effort to stabilise prices on the market.

“From April 1, 2019, Silo Foods became a stand-alone institution wholly owned by the GMB and are already operational. Silo products are already available at our 84 depots countrywide. We have gone beyond that to open satellite shops where Silo products are already being sold,” he said.

“Products such as mealie-meal, wheat flour, stockfeeds, salt and samp are already on the shelf and are being sold to the general public. Our prices are reasonable, remember Silo Foods was established to stabilise foodstuffs prices on the market, so we are a force to reckon with on the food market.”

A survey showed that the firm was selling a kilogramme of rice at $3,30 for its brand and $3,70 for Pagoda rice, while 2kg was selling at between $6,10 and $7 depending on the brand. This compares with prices of between $7 and $9,50 prevailing on the market.

A 5kg packet of Silo rice is selling at $15, compared to between $23 and $30 charged for similar products on the market.

A 5kg and 10kg of Silo upfu was going for $5,70 and $10,75 respectively while other brands on the market were going for above $7 and $11, respectively.

A 500g packet of Silo sugar beans is selling for $2,60 while the prices of similar products on the market are ranging between $3,64 and $3,79.

Apart from mealie-meal, rice and sugar beans, the company’s product range also comprises salt, samp, bran, peanut butter, kapenta, Pearl Millet grain, flour, mixed fruit jam, coffee, maputi, and popcorn.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa announced the roll out of Silo Foods after a Cabinet sitting at the end of March this year.

“With respect to the Public Enterprise Reform Programme, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development (Professor Mthuli Ncube) updated Cabinet on progress made following the de-merger of the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) into the Strategic Grain Reserve division and a commercial arm, Silo Food Industries.

“The minister highlighted that the following steps of progress had been made towards operationalisation of Silo Food Industries: that Silo Food Industries is set to begin operations in its new status from 1 April, 2019, that various institutions have already expressed interest to partner Silo Food Industries and that Silo Food Industries requires US$54,7 million and RTGS $40 million to finance its operations over a five-year period.”

“Taking into cognisance the critical role Silo Food Industries is set to play in the economy, Cabinet approved that the process of appointing the Silo Food Industries Board be expedited to give necessary strategic guidance and oversight to the entity; that funding proposals from potential strategic partners for Silo Food Industries be submitted for consideration and approval by Government and that Government’s minimum equity holding in Silo Food Industries be 26 percent.”

Government has since injected $70 million into to the business for it to ramp up production.

An additional US$95 million will be invested over a three-year period to make the project both viable and sustainable.

Explaining his disgust over the controversial choice of heroes and heroines by ZANU PF, and why he would rather be buried in the lands of his forefathers in Ntabazinduna than at Heroes Acre, the late liberator, Dumiso Dabengwa said this would be the same as being laid to rest among “thieves and crooks”.

Dabengwa spoke to the Daily News in a 2015 interview saying, “I come from the rural area at Ntabazinduna. That’s where my roots are and my grandparents, my parents and relatives are buried there, and that’s where I will be buried.

“I don’t wish to be buried anywhere else. I want to join the rest of my family. If they bury me at the Heroes Acre, I will probably rise from the grave,” Dabengwa said.

He said even if he were to become president of the country, he would not consider being buried at the National Heroes Acre.

Pointing to revered fellow nationalists such as James Chikerema and the founding father of Zanu, Reverend Ndabaningi Sithole —who were denied national hero status simply because they had fallen out with Robert Mugabe — Dabengwa said the country’s history would never be complete without the proper mention of such people.

“When you overlook people like Chikerema and Sithole, you are not doing the history of this country any good. These are the people who started the liberation struggle.

“Of course, they made their mistakes later on, but their contribution cannot be disputed or wished away. Their contribution cannot also be rubbed out by the mistakes that they made at the end,” Dabengwa asserted.

A 52-YEAR-OLD teacher from Gwanda died allegedly after a beer binge with friends.

Mr Edmond Mchilo Ncube, who had been teaching at Gungwe High School for more than 10 years, allegedly went drinking at Gungwe shops with colleagues on Sunday night.

They are said to have left for their homes while he joined a different drinking group. Mr Ncube allegedly passed out on the shop’s veranda after having had one too many.

Sources who spoke to The Chronicle said Mr Ncube had family problems and had since become a heavy drinker.

He was spotted by passersby on Monday morning who realised he was having difficulty breathing and rushed him to Gungwe Clinic. “They carried him to the clinic where he died soon after arrival. He was short of breath. He died before he was even placed in a ward,” said a source from the village, Mr Lizwe Moyo.State media

The Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) has approached Sakunda Holdings over possible resumption of electricity generation at the private firm’s Dema diesel power plant.

The Dema power plant has been mothballed for the past 18 months after Zesa’s transmission and distribution arm said it no longer required power from the plant. The plant has design capacity of 100 Megawatts (MW).

Sakunda Holdings chief operating officer Charles Chitambo, yesterday told a touring Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Energy and Development that the diesel powered plant could resume power production.

He said this was because drought conditions that necessitated establishment of the plant in 2015 had resurfaced.

“The reason why we are not producing any power is technically that some 18 months ago ZETDC said they no longer require this power.

“From the best of my understanding, at that time Eskom was able to give them power and they were able to obtain power cheaper from Eskom than ourselves. Right now Eskom can’t give them that power,” he said.State media

By Own Correspondent| Eastern Cape police said on Thursday they had arrested a man who tried to break into a police station in Storms River.

The man was found inside an office at the police station just before 1am.

“A member working at the Community Service Centre spotted someone on the CCTV monitor scaling a boundary fence at the back of the police station and immediately summoned other colleagues for assistance,” said Sergeant Majola Nkohli.

The man forced open a window and made his way inside the office.

“It is said that a suspect was arrested inside the office busy disconnecting a computer. Police also recovered two memory sticks inside his pocket,” Nkohli said.

“A preliminary investigation has revealed that the memory sticks belong to a member who works at the police station.”

The man was to appear at the Humansdorp Magistrate’s Court on Friday on charges of housebreaking and theft.-TimesLive

By Own Correspondent| Police in Marondera have arrested a 45-year-old woman after she was found in possession of 52kg of dagga.

This is a developing story. Refresh this page for updates.

MDC5thCongress unstoppable as High Court Justice Mushore dismisses urgent application by Gokwe applicants

By Own Correspondent- The European Union in Zimbabwe and the United States of America have issued condolence messages through their Embassies in Harare following the passing away of Zimbabwe’s liberation war hero, Dr Dumiso Dabengwa.

The US embassy in Harare posted a message on its Twitter page which reads:

We offer condolences to Zimbabwe on the death of liberation hero Dumiso Dabengwa. He dedicated his life to the emancipation of the people of Zimbabwe.

His courage and service in politics and government reflects his commitment to a better Zimbabwe. Dabengwa’s legacy inspires us all.

Wrote the European Union in Zimbabwe:

“We are saddened to learn of the passing on of ZAPU leader, Dumiso Dabengwa who will be remembered for his contribution to Zimbabwe both before and after Independence. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace.”

We are saddened to learn of the passing of ZAPU leader Dumiso #Dabengwa, who will be remembered for his contributions to #Zimbabwe both before and after Independence. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in peace! pic.twitter.com/iH5ixxY1ab

— EU Delegation to Zimbabwe ?? (@euinzim) May 23, 2019

Dabengwa died in Kenya on Thursday morning while he was returning home from India where he was undergoing treatment for a liver ailment

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s special anti-corruption unit has been tasked to comb through a forensic audit report on scandal-ridden National Social Security Authority (NSSA), which could lead to the arrest of some senior executives at the pension fund and senior government officials.

Addressing a press conference Tuesday, Labour and Social Welfare minister Sekai Nzenza said the special anti-corruption unit was going through the report before determining their course of action.

She said:

“Where the evidence warrants either criminal action or recovery through civil remedies, we shall pursue the same in the interest of justice.”.

Although the minister refused to divulge contents of the report which was compiled by BDO Auditors on behalf of the Auditor-General, Mildred Chiri, Nzenza said the audit deals with the ICT, investment, human resources and corporate governance issues.

Nzenza, who was accompanied by her permanent secretary Simon Masanga and NSSA board chair Cuthbert Chidoori, said the forensic audit covered the period from January 1, 2015 to February 28, 2018.

“We are in the process of reviewing the report and have engaged a team of lawyers to offer legal counsel after careful appraisal,” she said.

Chidoori struggled to justify why the report was not being made public and would not give a timeline as to when it would be tabled in the National Assembly as required by law.-Newsday