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LOCAL BUSINESSES SALUTE CHAMISA AS PRESIDENT, BUT WHY IS ED DISMISSED BY THE ECONOMY WHEN YET HE WAS DECLARED WINNER BY MALABA?
— ZimEye (@ZimEye) May 19, 2019
Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa completely ignored speaking to the on-going saga around Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna in Matabeleland North when he presided over the official launch of the national culture week in Harare on Saturday.
Presented with an opportunity to publicly address the matter and possibly ease tensions in Bulawayo and Matabeleland region, Mnangagwa completely evaded the subject.
Instead, he took time to shower praises on China which he said has done well to preserve its culture over centuries and spent much of his address talking about his somewhat worthless Political Parties Dialogue.
Chief Ndiweni torched a storm few days ago when he bluntly said western powers were justified in extending sanctions against the Zanu PF led administration whose acts of commission and omission have worsened the plight of suffering locals.
The outspoken traditional leader’s comments invited both verbal and physical attacks by individuals linked to Zanu PF with the chief at one time accosted by some Zanu PF youths in Bulawayo’s CBD.
Mnangagwa hailed the ongoing dialogue with political parties that participated in last year’s Presidential elections under the auspices of the Political Actors Dialogue (Polad) saying it was part of a deliberate effort to entrench the spirit of unity.
“One of the major priorities of my Government is to cultivate a culture of peace, tranquillity and tolerance. The respect we have for each other as people coming from different cultural backgrounds is what makes us a nation that is resilient, friendly and hospitable,” he said.
“It is part of who we are as African people, as encapsulated in the spirit of hunhu/ubuntu. I urge each one of us to value and maintain the peace that we are enjoying as it is the bedrock upon which our cultural and national identity are derived . . . Violence is not part of our culture and its proponents must be condemned and rejected. The culture of dialogue is embedded in our traditions, which should be preserved and entrenched. It is upon this background that yesterday (Friday) I launched the Political Actors Dialogue.”
The President urged communities to freely participate in commemorating Culture Week — a seven-day event that celebrates the country’s cultural diversity — as it is a key building block of “a peaceful, loving, united, harmonious and prosperous society”.
Government, he added, was committed to facilitating the growth of the arts, culture and heritage sector, including harnessing it as a tool for economic development. President Mnangagwa said piracy, which essentially violates intellectual property rights and copyright laws, has to be condemned by both producers and consumers.
“I encourage the Ministry (of Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation) to continue to facilitate the necessary environment that is needed by artistes to produce, package and distribute their goods and services in a manner that enriches all, without prejudicing their creative impulses and energies. The practice of piracy should be condemned and stopped by producers and consumers of all creative arts. Let us work in unison, respecting each other’s ideas intellectual property and copyrights for a viable and profitable sector.”
He said Government will also prioritise the development of facilities for artistes to showcase their work. The new political administration is committed to grow the arts and culture sub-sectors into successful ventures that are able to generate employment and decent livelihoods for communities, he said.
The week-long Culture Week is celebrated through various cultural and artistic expressions. It is commemorated as part of the universal declaration on cultural diversity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
A string of cultural events have been lined up across the country through to May 25 under the theme “The African Royalty — Our Heritage.”
Reports just received indicate that former AmaZulu and Warriors midfielder David Mkandawire has died.
Tendai Ndoro who was one of the people who helped the former player when he became a destitute a few years ago posted on Social Media, informing about the death.
In the message, Ndoro said: “Rest In Peace big David, u are in safe hands now.
Mkandawire who had stints with AmaZulu in Zimbabwe, the University of Pretoria in South Africa and played in India, is said to have collapsed and died early this week.
The former defender touched the hearts of several people when he was spotted roaming the streets of Johannesburg, begging for food in 2016. He had fallen on hard times, and Ndoro along with South African sportscaster Robert Marawa led a campaign to assist him.
South African Football Association (Safa) and the South African Football Players Union (SAFPU) also chipped in with help and assisted him to acquire a coaching licence.
Correspondent|Political Analyst Asanda Ngoasheng says Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane‘s resignation is imminent.
“I believe that we should expect Mmusi Maimane’s resignation very soon,” said Ngoasheng.
“Mmusi Maimane has failed as a leader. He failed in his bid to be City of Jhb Mayor, he failed in his bid to be the Premier of Gauteng, he failed in his bid to lead the official opposition in Parliament because when he was in Parliament the EFF set the agenda
“The EFF was one that became the official opposition even though the DA had bigger numbers. It does not surprise me that there are rumours that Mmusi is going to be kicked out of the DA.”
The DA suffered significant loses in the 2019 general elections last week, losing 1.4 percent support from 22.23 percent in 2014 down to 20.77 percent this year.
But the DA’s deputy federal chairperson Athol Trollip said Maimane remains the party leader until the next federal congress in 2021.
“Any talk of a change of a leadership before a federal congress must be dispelled,” said Trollip, “As the leadership of the party, at both a national and provincial level, we are unambiguous in our support for Mr Maimane who has led the DA with exemption since the 2015 Nelson Mandela Bay Federal Congress, and his unopposed election in 2018.
“As members of the federal executive, which controls and directs the activities of the party, and implements the decisions of the federal council, we all take responsibility for the outcomes of elections – whether good or bad. That burden does not sit on the shoulders of an individual.”
State Media|THE Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) has engaged the World Bank to come up with a model aimed at ensuring policyholders and pensioners who paid premiums and contributions from 2009 to February this year are paid in United States dollars or the equivalent at prevailing market rates, an official has said.
IPEC public relations manager Mr Lloyd Gumbo revealed this while responding to questions at a workshop on insurance and pensions in Bulawayo last Wednesday.
Mr Gumbo said the World Bank was already working on the indexation model to be used as the benchmark for contributions made in United States dollars since 2009, before the introduction of the floating of the RTGS dollar through the Monetary Policy Statement in February this year.
“The World Bank is helping us with technical assistance to provide guidance on how policyholders and pensioners who were paying premiums and contributing from 2009 to 2019 will be compensated. The model will assist us in solving the issue of policyholders and pensioners who contributed in US dollars since 2009 and bank transfers following the introduction of bond notes and coins in 2016,” said Mr Gumbo.
Mr Gumbo added that the regulator was working on decentralising its services including opening satellite offices across the country with the first one being in Bulawayo in the near future.
Mr Gumbo, speaking at another workshop in Kwekwe said pensioners should be patient while the framework to compensate contributions were being finalised.
He said IPEC has already appraised the Parliamentary Portfolio Commission on Budget, Finance and Economic Development of their concerns on the envisaged compensation law. For that reason, Mr Gumbo said, they expect the matter to be expedited once tabled in parliament because the portfolio committee also wanted closure on the issue.
“The issue of contribution arrears is a major concern to us as a Commission because it means you may not get benefits that are due to you. Even now, there are some companies that are deducting contributions but not remitting to pension funds. Contribution arrears stood at about $600 million as at 31 December 2018 with local authorities owing about $200 million.”
He said IPEC had proposed amendments to the Pension and Provident Funds Act that will see decision-makers at companies that deduct but do not remit contributions being held accountable at law.
By A Correspondent| Former Deputy Finance Minister Terence Mukupe has indicated he could fix the economy if he is elected ZANU PF Chairman.
This is however ZANU Chairmanship for Harare Province.
He said this using a 1970s picture of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Below was his tweet Sunday evening:
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THE prices of coffins has gone up by more than 100 percent in recent months forcing dozens whose relatives are dying without funeral covers to turn to small entrepreneurs whose prices are still affordable and up for negotiation.
The move comes as funeral parlours have also indicated that costs for a burial now range between RTGS$3 000 and RTGS$4 000 forcing them to adjust premiums to meet the costs. Small-scale coffin manufacturers said business has gone up in recent weeks as many people were opting for their services.
“We cannot compete with large funeral assurance companies as they provide exquisite coffins and advantageous packages but our aim will remain as to provide affordable coffins despite the continuous rise of transport and raw materials.
We want to help people and that is why we sometimes have to negotiate prices but we charge coffins for as low as $150. We have had people bringing sample pictures or ideas of what they expect and we meet their needs by providing the best we can at an affordable price,” said Mr Beaver Mpumelelo Dube, who operates at Mashumba in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb.
Funeral parlours said they had to adjust prices as cost of business has gone up. Some are now demanding premiums in foreign currency.
“The cost of living on its own has become unaffordable with the salary people earn, it is hard to make ends meet. Factors of the service like fuel, coffin and groceries prices keep rising on a daily basis and opting for imports becomes costly. A standard coffin increased by 200 percent, from RTGS$100 it now costs RTGS$300.
Products are easily obtained in foreign currency that is unattainable hence the idea of pegging our premiums in USD to ensure quality, affordable and effective services to our clients,” said Genesis Funeral Parlour manager Miss Chipo Marara.State media
COMMUNITIES in rural areas such as Bulilima and Mangwe districts of Matabeleland South Province are at the mercy of unscrupulous businesspeople who are refusing to accept RTGS dollars, demanding consumers to pay in foreign currency, notably the rand.
Mangwe-Plumtree Business Association chairperson Mr Golden Dube said most grocery shops located close to neighbouring countries’ borders of Botswana and South Africa were refusing to accept payment in bond notes including mobile phone transactions, preferring to sell their products in foreign currency.
“Most of the shops in rural areas are no longer accepting bond notes as payment.
Most of the shops are owned by South Africa-based Zimbabwean businesspersons and these instruct their employees not to accept the local currency and only sell products in rand, pula or the US (United States dollar). This has left communities in a predicament as foreign currency is very difficult to source,” he said.
Mr Dube said the situation has exacerbated to the extent that communal farmers are now demanding to be paid in foreign currency for their livestock.State media
By Patrick Guramatunhu| “It is my singular honour and privilege to welcome you all to this wonderful occasion, as we witness the historic launch of our Political Actors Dialogue. This marks a significant landmark in the history of our great nation under the Second Republic and is unique in many ways, being the first of its kind for Zimbabwe,” said Emmerson Mnangagwa. “The Dialogue we are launching today will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on our country’s political landscape and help contribute to the turnaround of our socio-economic fortunes. This platform is designed to be a vibrant forum through which we proffer solutions to the challenges that confront us as a nation, through peaceful, open and transparent discourse.”
Please help me make sense of the mess we are cast into. Is it not utterly shocking to claim some dialogue with 23 people who got 23 votes when there is someone you claim got 2 million like you did. Is it me or is it a Mathematics problem, something like 4 + 10 = 40. Logic?
— Citizen Nkululeko Sibanda zw (@DrNkuSibanda) May 19, 2019
This is infuriating to say the least!
1) It is your singular honour and privilege to launch POLAD, to launch the “Second Republic” following the 15 November 2017 military coup and, no doubt, it was your singular honour to have been a senior leading member of the “First Republic”. The last lasted 37 years, thanks to your contribution in looting funds to finance the regime, rigging elections and use of brute force, and it was a total disaster for the nation.
The Second Republic is different in name only as it has employed the same dirty tactic to impose the Zanu PF dictatorship on the nation desperate for meaningful democratic change, free and fair elections and an end to the economic meltdown. It is a singular honour to you to impose the First Republic, the Second and now this national dialogue; we the people of Zimbabwe have been denied a meaningful say is all these matters and it is no honour but an insult to be treated as idiots with no say.
2) Only an idiot would believe that POLAD will deliver “a vibrant forum for peaceful open and transparent discourse” because the dialogue has no legal or constitutional basis and it is nothing more than your word. You promised to hold free, fair and credible elections, and not just you but ZEC, judiciary and all the other state institutions were under legal obligation to implement the democratic reforms necessary for free, fair and credible elections. You made it clear that you were not going to do this.
“Zanu PF ichatonga! Igotonga! Imi muchingo hukura! Nokuhukura!” (Zanu PF will rule! And rule! Whilst you (calling for reforms) bark! And bark!) Mnangagwa assured his Zanu PF hardliners publicly on his return from exile following the November 2017 military coup.
Mnangagwa has made it clear that the regime will accept political dialogue talking about the economy, lifting of the sanctions against the regime and anything else Zanu PF approves of. There will be no discussion of implementing the democratic reforms necessary for free, fair and credible elections. Meaningful political reforms are taboo!
Zimbabwe is in this economic and political mess precisely because the country has been stuck with this incompetent, corrupt and tyrannical Zanu PF dictatorship that has stayed in power for 39 years because it rigged elections. The prospect of Zanu PF staying in power until the next elections in 2023 is simply unthinkable because the party will rig those elections too.
The only “significant landmark” Mnangagwa wants to see is Zanu PF extending its corrupt and tyrannical rule regardless of the democratic wishes of the people of Zimbabwe. It will be unforgivable for those of us with eyes to see and the intellect to comprehend what Mnangagwa is up to. The political dialogue is nothing but a smokescreen to hide the illusion that Zimbabwe’s economy and politics are been transformed for the better when in reality economic chaos and the political repression are getting worse! – SOURCE: zimbabwelight.blogspot.com
A 14-YEAR-OLD girl from Tsholotsho is lucky to be alive after she was savagely attacked with an axe in the stomach and left with intestines protruding by one of her boyfriends in a suspected love triangle.
The incident happened at Akhona Business Centre in Tsholotsho on Independence Day and the suspect appeared in court last week and was remanded in custody to Tuesday.
Ntuthuko Sibanda (22) appeared before Tsholotsho magistrate Mr Victor Mpofu facing a charge of attempted murder.
Sibanda is said to have fought with three other men over the juvenile where he later turned his anger on the girl, axing her in the stomach leaving her intestines protruding. The girl was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo for treatment.
The State’s case as presented by the prosecutor, Mr Farirai Chakamanga was that on 18 April at Akhona Business Centre in Magumandwini, Sibanda axed the juvenile with an axe in the stomach in a fight over her with Lawrence Gumede, Langton Moyo and Mthokozisi Dube.
Sibanda is also facing an attempted murder charge in a separate incident where he and his co-accused Mduduzi Ncube (24) attacked Sifiso Ncube with stones, knobkerries and an axe over the girl. The two appeared before the same Tsholotsho magistrate Mr Mpofu charged with attempted murder.
They were remanded in custody to Tuesday for sentencing.
Prosecuting, Mr Chakamanga said Sibanda and Ncube quarrelled with Sifiso Ncube over the girl before they indiscriminately attacked him with stones, axes and knobkerries. Sifiso sustained serious injuries on the head. He was rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where he later died as a result of the injuries sustained during the attack.
Meanwhile, in another incident Loveson Nkomo (29) from Tsholotsho was arraigned before Mr Mpofu for attempted murder after he assaulted Mporosima Mhlanga for wearing a political party t-shirt. He will reappear in court on Tuesday this week.
Prosecuting, Mr Billiard Mukuwa told the court that Nkomo verbally attacked Mhlanga at Osiyabalandela Business Centre after he saw him wearing a political party T-shirt. The political party was not specified in the court papers.
It was the State’s case that Nkomo later rained a flurry of fists on Mhlanga before he assaulted him with an iron bar and booted feet on the ribs. Mhlanga sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Mpilo Hospital where he is admitted.State media
A KAROI magistrate and clerk of court have appeared at the Chinhoyi Magistrate Court for allegedly accepting a $20 bribe in order to rule in favour of the defendant in a maintenance case.
Amanda Muridzo (31), who is employed as Karoi magistrate and Shelter Kachirika, a clerk at the same court, are both facing charges of bribery as defined in section 170(1)(b)(ii) of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act chapter 9.23.
Acting Chinhoyi regional magistrate Mr Felix Mawadze granted the duo $50 bail and ordered them not to interfere with State witnesses.
Prosecutor Mrs Kessia Teveraishe told the court that last year in August, Sinafi Chidoko, who is David Mazowi’s ex-wife, filed maintenance papers at the Karoi Magistrate Court. She was claiming $250 for the upkeep of her two minor children.
The court heard that Mazowi and Chidoko appeared before Muridzo and Mazowi was ordered to pay $50 as maintenance every month.
Further, the court heard that Chidoko later applied for an upward variation to $100. It was this application that was then compromised due to the bribe.
“Muridzo and Kachirika, in connivance with Mazowi who is still at large, hatched a plan to influence the outcome of the variation. Mazowi transferred $20 from his ecocash account into Kachirika’s ecocash account,” the court heard.
“Muridzo presided over the maintenance hearing and granted an upward variation of $20 against $50, as was requested by the applicant, after she had been influenced by the bribe”.
The matter came to light when Chidoko received a tip-off from an anonymous caller who told her how the maintenance case had been handled.State media
TWO goals in the last nine minutes gave Bulawayo Chiefs their first set of points for the season as they burst the Dynamos bubble in a Castle Lager Premiership match at Barbourfields yesterday.
The result means that Dynamos are yet to record a win at Barbourfields this season, with two losses and a draw in three visits to the City of Kings.
A penalty by Arthur Musiyiwa was complemented by a strike from Michael Bhebhe as the Premiership’s basement club finally found a way to win and cheer their spirits.
Tenacity and persistence ensured Chiefs kept up the search for the back of the net and they took advantage of poor defending by the visitors.
Dynamos had a decent first half as they played with purpose dominating exchanges but opportunities were few and far between with Chiefs also coming up with their own chances but the match went into the breather goalless.
The second half saw both sides making penetrating moves with Viali Tadzoka sending the ball over the bar from an acute angle over the bar in the 49th minute and two minutes later it was Chiefs who came up with an attempt when Musiyiwa crossed the ball into the box on the right flank but Bhebhe’s shot went wide.
As the match approached the final 10 minutes, seemingly headed for a draw, Chiefs’ forays into the box were rewarded when substitute Herve Mbega handled inside the box and referee, Bonamali Bwanali pointed to the spot.
Musiyiwa stepped up and sent Simbarashe Chinani the wrong way in the 81st minute.
The goal seemed to spur Chiefs on and they piled more pressure on DeMbare who seemed to crumble and the home side was rewarded with another goal in the 87th minute when Farai Matare found an unmarked Bhebhe whose volley ended the match as a contest and sent the Chiefs fans into wild celebrations.
Chiefs’ coach, Farai Tawachera said it was a matter of time before his side came up with a positive result as they had been steadily improving and also managed to capitalise on Dynamos’ weaknesses.State media
By Priscilla Kamurira| A FEMALE CABS bank teller has been dragged before the courts on nearly US$22 000 fraud charges after enticing a client to enter a side deal.
Tariro Jo’Anna Dzidzai Manunure (30) was not asked to plead when she appeared before Harare magistrate Rumbidzai Mugwagwa, who remanded her in custody to this week.
Allegations are that in March this year, an employee of Sigtreg Trading Private Limited visited CABS Chitungwiza Town Centre branch to process a telegraphic transfer application for R368 964 to a South African company for the purchase of 34 tonnes of hard drawn wire.
The Sigtreg representative was assisted by Manunure who advised her that she was to phone her later about the progress of the transaction.
State lawyer, Mr Moses Mapanga told the court that Manunure phoned the Sigtreg employee the following day and indicated she had an uncle in South Africa who wanted to send foreign currency to Zimbabwe for a construction project but was facing some difficulties.
“Manunure indicated that her uncle could make the payment to Sigtreg’s supplier (Vumba Intra Trade) in South Africa. As such, the company (Sigtreg) paid her US$21 875, which is equivalent of the South African Rand they were supposed to pay,” the court heard.
“On March 21, 2019, Manunure tendered a proof of payment purported to Vumba Intra Trade using Standard Bank South Africa.”
The court further heard that Sigtreg then contracted a transporting company to deliver the material.
However, the transporter could not get the consignment after Vumba Intra Trade failed to acknowledge the transaction.
Mr Mapanga further claimed that; “Sigtreg approached Manunure who promised to sort out the problem with her uncle and make another payment with a British bank.
“Manunure later gave another copy of proof of payment supposedly from Barclays Bank, London to Sigtreg’s supplier in South Africa.”
The court heard that after Sigtreg checked with its supplier for confirmation, it discovered the proof of payment was fake and lodged a police report leading to Manunure’s arrest. – state media: The Sunday Mail
Government, through the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ), will begin drawing down a new US$500 million facility tomorrow to supply the interbank foreign currency market, in a development that monetary authorities say will “go a long way to stabilise the exchange rates and prices of goods and services in the economy”.
In an announcement on Twitter yesterday, the central bank said the funds will help to meet foreign currency payments for both businesses and individuals.
Reacting to the announcement, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube also indicated that the facility, which has been raised from international banks, “will increase the supply of foreign currency for imports, for industry and other sectors”.
The apex bank introduced the interbank market in February this year to promote a market-determined exchange rate through trading on a willing-buyer, willing-seller platform.
However, individuals and companies have not been able to readily access foreign currency on the market as it was considered inefficient.
Worryingly, the exchange rates have also been lagging behind the parallel market, forcing potential buyers to shift to the latter, which has proved to be disruptive to local pricing system for goods and services.
The initiative is likely to be complemented by industry, which has since resolved to work closely with Government and labour in urgently developing an action plan that is expected to stabilise prices of basic commodities and determine fair remuneration for workers in order to “arrest” current distortions that are causing consumer discomfort.
Business believes that “the basic economic fundamentals are positive” and “the economy is currently generating (foreign) currency that should be enough for the economy”.
Business membership organisations (BMOs), who included representatives of industry, agriculture, mining, banking and the retail sector, agreed at a high-level meeting held in the capital on Friday that the challenges that are being experienced in the economy can be directly linked to foreign currency availability and pricing distortions.
“Our economy is in a position of imbalance due to distortions that need to be attended to so as to bring it back into balance with actions that will stabilise the exchange rate and also restore the purchasing power of consumers.
lf these distortions are not attended to, they will continue to cause further distortions and damage across all sector of the economy,” said Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe, who chaired the meeting.State media
The Ntabazinduna based Chief Ndiweni briefly spoke to Zimbabweans on Friday night explaining what befel him during the week after he was attacked by ZANU PF youths. BRIEFER BELOW –
Farai Dziva| Auxillia Mnangagwa “invaded” an Apostolic Faith Mission Women’s Conference in Gutu District before being embarrassed in the city of Masvingo.
At the conference , Auxillia Mnangagwa pledged to continue empowering women by sensitising them on inheritance laws and health issues, according to state media reports.
Addressing multitudes of Apostolic Faith Mission (AFM) congregates gathered for the Royal Queens Conference at the church’s headquarters in Chatsworth, Gutu, Mrs Mnangagwa said there was still an information gap on inheritance and health issues that needs to be bridged.
She commended male congregants for allowing their spouses to attend the event.
Farai Dziva|Auxillia Mnangagwa was on Friday afternoon booed as she entered a leading supermarket in the ancient city of Masvingo.
“There was commotion yesterday as scores of people jeered at Mrs Mnangagwa as she was getting into our shop.
Angry bystanders also booed her as she exited the supermarket,” a shop assistant who identified herself as Tanaka said.
“They also denounced her husband Emmerson Mnangagwa for causing the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe,” she added.
Mrs Mnangagwa’s security aides reportedly battled to contain the turmoil before whisking her away.
Police in eastern Zimbabwe say they have arrested a woman who was allegedly hiding 83 uncut diamonds in her underwear and vagina, it was reported on Friday.
The 43-year-old was arrested at a roadblock in the eastern city of Mutare on Sunday, the state-controlled Manica Post reported.
Vimbai Munjoma was returning from the Chiadzwa diamond fields in a car with five men. Acting on a tip-off, detectives stopped the car and searched the occupants.
“A total of 16 pieces of diamonds were recovered from Munjoma’s pants,” prosecutor Fletcher Karombe was quoted as saying.
Munjoma was taken to a local hospital, where another 67 diamonds were found in her vagina.
Three panners died in Chiadzwa last week when they were crushed by falling rock.
Mining firms operating in Chiadzwa had kept panners out of the fields, until the government ordered those companies to stop operations late in February.
Only the state-run Marange Resources was allowed to stay on. The firm would be made part of the new Zimbabwe Consolidated Diamond Company.
The Manica Post reported that 168 panners were arrested in Chiadzwa on Sunday.
The Herald newspaper reported on Friday that there was “no going back” on the consolidation of mining activities in Chiadzwa. Mines Minister Walter Chidakwa was quoted as saying that a diamond auction would be held at the end of March.
During an interview to mark his 92nd birthday Zimbabwe’s President Robert Mugabe claimed that mining firms operating in Chiadzwa had “robbed” Zimbabwe of billions of dollars in gems.
There was chaos in Saturday when ZANU PF delayed announcing its own internal election results. The below was a picture at the scene.
The Zanu-PF Bulawayo Province yesterday held its provincial elections at the party offices where four candidates threw in their hats for the chairman’s post in the main wing.
The four are Abednico Nyathi, Isaac Dakamela, Cephas Ncube and Cornelius Nyathi. Abednico Nyathi, a former Bulawayo Mayor and Dakamela once served as the party’s provincial chairman while Ncube is currently chairing the Zimbabwe National Liberation War Veterans’ Association (ZNLWVA) Bulawayo Province.
The co-ordinator of the exercise, Retired Colonel George Nare said results were expected to be announced today.
“We had a high voter turnout and the voting went on smoothly. There were no incidents of violence or any arguments whatsoever. What made a delay in the process was a meeting we held before the voting began where we explained how the procedure would be done. What we really want to emphasise is the peaceful manner in which these elections were carried out. It is a sign of political harmony and maturity within the party and we hope to see this throughout the country,” said Rtd Col Nare.
He said yesterday’s elections were for provincial chairperson posts, Women’s League and Youth League.
“There were four candidates vying for the post of chairman for the province, five for the Women’s League and six for the Youth League. The names of the winners will be announced tomorrow, after we have finished compiling the figures,” said Rtd Col Nare.
In the Women’s League, the candidates were Metilia Matuna, Maidei Mpala, Rejoice Sibanda, Margret Malinga Ndlovu and Sihle Thebe while in the Youth League those who locked horns were Gwinyayi Mucheki, Gracia Ndlovu, Garikayi Zonde, Nomaqhawe Mukwena, Mthunzi Mabhena and Honest Moyo. District elections will be held today at Davies Hall.- state media/additional reporting
An 87-year-old man from Lupane accused of rape told a magistrate that at his age he lacks the stamina to force anyone into sexual intercourse.
The man, who cannot be named for professional reasons said this when he pleaded not guilty before Hwange regional magistrate, Mr Collet Ncube while answering to charges of raping his 14-year-old granddaughter last week.
“Your Worship, these charges against me are unfounded and I deny them. As an elderly and feeble man how would I possibly have managed to rape a 14-year-old girl stronger than me. I’m actually too old and weak to rape anyone. I suspect she is being influenced by some members from the community to make up this story for reasons I’m not aware of,” he said.
The man was remanded in custody to tomorrow for judgment.
Prosecuting, Mrs Charlene Gorerino told the court that on a date unknown to the State but in July 2017, the girl was left by her grandmother in the custody of the old man. The court heard that on one night, the old man sneaked into the girl’s bedroom hut while she was sleeping. He allegedly removed her skirt and raped her. On another day, the court heard, the old man again went into the girl’s bedroom while she was doing her homework.
He pushed her to the ground before raping her once. The matter came to light after a police constabulary received a tip-off and investigations led to the arrest of the old man. – state media
STATE MEDIA – BELEAGUERED Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna was yesterday singing another tune when he said he is not in any way associated with MDC-Alliance leader Mr Nelson Chamisa, claiming they had been mistakenly yoked together after a run-of-the-mill meeting between the two last year.
After making controversial statements that seemed to parrot opposition positions like the tightening of Western-sponsored illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe, Chief Ndiweni has been cautioned by various political actors and analysts to stick to his core mandate and stop meddling in the country’s politics.
Seemingly angered by the Government’s decision to settle an indigenous farmer on land previously occupied by a white farmer, the British-bred chief has gone full throttle calling for more sanctions despite evidence that the country’s path to reform and recovery was being hampered by the ruinous sanctions from Western countries.
In an interview on the sidelines of a meeting he called to drum up support for the evicted white farmers at Ntabazinduna Mountain yesterday, Chief Ndiweni claimed that he had no links with Chamisa despite claims from a local independent daily that he had endorsed the embattled opposition leader. At the time, Chief Ndiweni was quoted saying Chamisa “was a breath of fresh air who has youthfulness behind him and can accept ideas very quickly”.
He told Sunday News: “In my area of jurisdiction, my people will vote differently. Some will follow this party and some will follow that party but at the end of the day they’re still my people and so I will address my concerns to them. So even though speaking on that particular level, I come back to the essence of why we’re here. This is about purely the mountain, how the mountain is in danger of being taken away. But to answer directly those that are pushing aspersions directly towards my way, those aspersions only emanate from one photograph which was taken after I had a meeting with Nelson Chamisa in Harare. I went there with Godlwayo (Chief Maduna). It was a fact finding meeting, a fact finding tour. Just like I’ve seen so many ministers in the current administration, just because I went to their offices, would people be saying I’m affiliated to them?”
Chief Ndiweni has in the past also set up a parallel organisation to the Chiefs Council under the banner of College of Amakhosi, where he is reportedly seeking to rope in some traditional leaders from Matabeleland and Midlands provinces.
“I didn’t get a response from Chief Charumbira (president of the Chiefs Council) but I got responses from other senior chiefs. Currently they’re non-existent because we differ profoundly on our beliefs. We differ profoundly on the role of a chief. I strongly believe that a chief should never ever get involved in party politics,” he said.
Chief Ndiweni angered the Government and Zimbabweans in general when he appealed to the international community to escalate sanctions on the President Mnangagwa’s Government, claiming it has failed to pursue democracy. – state media
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Farai Dziva | It was in June 2017 when Masvingo Province bravely the exit of former President Robert Mugabe. Emmerson Mnangagwa’s wife, Auxillia was on Friday afternoon booed down as she entered a leading supermarket in the ancient city of Masvingo.
“There was commotion yesterday as scores of people jeered at Mrs Mnangagwa as she was getting into our shop.
Angry bystanders also booed her as she exited the supermarket,” a shop assistant who identified herself as Tanaka said.
“They also denounced her husband Emmerson Mnangagwa for causing the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe,” she added.
Mrs Mnangagwa’s security aides reportedly battled to contain the turmoil before whisking her away.
By Own Correspondent| Alpha Media Holdings has denied that it has any reporters outside the country training to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The allegations had been made in a story published in the government-controlled Herald daily newspaper.
In a statement, AMH referred to the supposed writer of the story, Lawson Mabhena and Herald acting editor, Tichaona Zindoga as “liars and fiction mongers”.
Said AMH:
While we subscribe to the principle of freedom of the Press and freedom of expression, we take great exception when such freedoms are abused with reckless abandon to achieve sinister agendas. For the record, all our journalists, including multimedia journalists, are in Zimbabwe at the moment.
“We do not have any of our practitioners or members of staff outside the country. The writer in question one, Lawson Mabhena did not speak to anyone to verify such falsehoods. One of the tenets of good journalism is to allow us the right to respond, of which no effort was made to get the facts right from ourselves.
Journalism is a science of verifying facts. And this piece of poor journalism by Mabhena, which was approved for publication by Tichaona Zindoga, the acting Editor of the country’s oldest newspaper is stuff fit for the spians.
In fact, this piece of gutter journalism shows that some of those holding the reigns at the glass and mortar building have a fertile sense of imagination only fit for fiction. Such reckless news reports by these so called journalists only serve to polarise this noble profession.
We, therefore, put it on record that the article is malicious, vexatious, false and an attempt to tarnish our good image and should be disregarded as a piece of yellow journalism which should be condemned with the contempt it deserves.
Mabhena apologised:
“I am sorry the story came very late. I would not want this to happen to me. Can I ask the acting editor to call you?”
Zindoga also apologised:
“My apologies, it was a project we got. It could have been a case of lack of probity; we could have called you for a comment. I didn’t realise we did not remove the name of the publication. Let me see if I can do something. So sorry.”
But by last night no correction had been made on their online version.
AMH publishes NewsDay, NewsDay Weekender, Southern Eye, The Standard, and Zimbabwe Independent and operates Heart and Soul Broadcasting Services.
By Own Correspondent- Zimbabwe’s Finance and Economic Development Minister, Mthuli Ncube announced on Twitter on Saturday 18 May that the government has raised $500 Million from international banks.
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He made the announcement after the RBZ had announced that it would be injecting US$500million in the Interbank Forex Market on Monday, 20 May. Zimbabweans on social media questioned where the money had come from with some speculating that the government had been buying forex on the black market in the past week.
Mthuli Ncube intervened to explain the source of the money:
By Own Correspondent- Former Amazulu and Warriors player, David Mkandawire has died.
The footballer reportedly collapsed and died early this week.
News of Mkandawire’s passing on was announced by Tendai Ndoro, known for having come to Mkandawire’s assistance when the later was struggling economically.
Said Ndoro on Instagram:
“David, u are in safe hands now”
In his soccer days, Mkandawire played for Amazulu, the Zimbabwe national team, the University of Pretoria in South Africa and also in India.-
By A Correspondent| Former Deputy Finance Minister Terence Mukupe has indicated he could fix the economy if he is elected ZANU PF Chairman.
This is however ZANU Chairmanship for Harare Province.
He said this using a 1970s picture of Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Below was his tweet Sunday evening:
The government is planning to spend more than R100m less on the presidential inauguration ceremony of Cyril Ramaphosa than it did on Jacob Zuma’s inauguration‚ as it battles with austerity measures.
Minister in the presidency Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma said because of cost-cutting measures‚ only heads of state from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and heads of state who are chairing continental regional economic blocs had been invited to the May 25 event.
“We all know there is economic difficulty in this country. The budget that we are going to spend on this inauguration is more than R100m less than what was spent in the previous inauguration‚” she said in a press briefing on Thursday.
“We had to ensure we don’t spend as much as we did in the last inauguration … taking into account inflation‚” she said.
Dlamini-Zuma said the previous inauguration‚ where former president Jacob Zuma was sworn in for his second term‚ cost in excess of R240m.
She said preparing the amphitheatre at the Union Buildings for the ceremony‚ as custom‚ cost more than hiring the Loftus Versfeld stadium in Pretoria.
“We chose the stadium because it is more cost-effective than the Union Buildings‚ which carry high preparation costs‚ in particular the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre‚” Dlamini-Zuma said.
She said in line with government austerity measures‚ the government was happy to go with the least-costly option.
Among the dignitaries invited are Egypt’s president and chair of the African Union Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and chairperson of the African Union Commission Moussa Fakhi.
UN secretary-general António Guterres has also been invited.
“We have limited the invitation to the heads of state in line with our cost-cutting measures‚” Dlamini-Zuma said.
She said about 5‚000 guests had been invited from various sectors of society‚ including parliamentarians‚ the judiciary‚ ministers‚ deputy ministers‚ premiers‚ provincial members of the executive councils (MECs) and executive mayors.Also invited are members of the diplomatic corps and the religious sector.
Dlamini-Zuma said 32‚000 people would be bused to the stadium from Gauteng and neighbouring provinces and 10‚000 people would be allowed to walk in to join the ceremony.
By Own Correspondent- US-based pro-Zanu PF activist, Coltrane Chimurenga, has died.
The Zanu PF Patriots Twitter account posted Saturday morning that Chimurenga has passed away.
Chimurenga, real name Randolph Simms, was most known for staging demonstration in the US in support of former President Robert Mugabe’s administration and “anti-imperialism”.
Chimurenga also supported the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration.
Said Zanu Pf Patriots in a tweet:
“Sad to hear that Revolutionary Cde Coltrane Chimurenga is no more! Rest in Eternal Peace Cadre.
Rest in Peace and Power, Gallant Pan African Statesman.”
Chimurenga was also the founder of December 12 Movement, which demanded civil rights in the US. He was often invited to Zanu PF conferences where he is reported to have been granted the status of a liberation movement leader.
Robert Marawa is a South African sports journalist and television and radio personality. He attended Hilton College near Pietermaritzburg and the University of the Witwatersrand where he studied law.
He currently works as a presenter for SuperSport and is the former host of 083 Sports@6 on Metro FM.
SuperSport have issued a statement regarding the parting of ways with one of their senior sports presenters Robert Marawa.
‘Madluphuthu’ announced through social media on Thursday that he was informed two hours before the start of ‘Thursday Night with Marawa’ via SMS to not bother showing up at work.
SuperSport communications manager Clinton van der Berg sent a statement concerning the news.
“SuperSport is in the process of an exciting refresh of its local presenter line-up, which will be unveiled as part of our new football season campaign.
“This restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa.
“Robert was personally advised of our decision earlier this week. We are grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him great success in his future endeavours.”
Own Correspondent|Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has released images to prove how he spent the US$5 million that was advanced to him by the Zimbabwe Power Company for the construction of the Gwanda Solar Power Project.
His responses come after new Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi ordered him to pay back the money advanced to him for the job after it emerged that nothing had been done on site.
Chivayo claims he has done all the requisite work equivalent to the US$5 million which was advanced to him in irregular circumstances under the instruction of former Energy Minister Samuel Undenge.
To prove that, Chivayo circulated the following pictures:
Own Correspondent|The country’s biggest labour movement the Zimbabwe Teachers’ Union has pulled out of the Zimbabwe Congress Of Trade Unions allegedly because of the ZCTU’s very close links with the opposition MDC Party.
With a total membership of over 40 000, the pull out of Zimta comes as a major blow to the ZCTU, currently struggling to raise meaningful union dues from its 32 affiliate unions.
The ZCTU has over the years been seen as an extension of the MDC, having birthed the country’s biggest opposition political party in 1999, with the then secretary-general, the late Morgan Tsvangirai, leaving his post to take up leadership of what was to be the fiercest opposition to Zanu PF led by former President Robert Mugabe, in power since independence in 1980.
And recently, in the run-up to the July 2018 elections, the labour body, in particular, its current president Peter Mutasa openly declared the labour body’s allegiance to the MDC Alliance led by Nelson Chamisa.
This led to serious fissures in the trade union body’s general council, which is the highest decision-making body outside congress, with several affiliate unions, who had advocated for a non-partisan approach, threatening to pull out of the labour body.
And the recent decision by Zimta, the biggest teacher representative union in the country, could be the beginning of an exodus of disgruntled affiliate unions, threatening the existence of the once powerful labour federation.
Zimta secretary-general, Tapson Sibanda, confirmed the development, noting the decision has, however, not been officially communicated to the ZCTU.
“The Zimta national executive felt its continued affiliation to the ZCTU violates the Zimta’s principle and constitutional provision of political non-partisanship. This position was taken after it became clear that ZCTU dabbles in opposition party politics,” he said.
Sibanda said Zimta structures had diverse membership who subscribed to various political parties and, therefore, could not affiliate to a labour centre that openly supported a particular political party.
He said the association had not yet identified an non-partisan labour centre, hence, did not foresee itself joining any other centre other than pursuing its own issues through the National Joint Negotiating Council (NJNC) via the Apex Council.
“The NJNC is the only route that civil servants can channel their grievances and be heard and that is through the Apex Council. I can neither confirm nor deny that some members of the ApexCouncil might be partisan, but it is a case of personalities rather than the institution itself,” he said.
Sibanda said the Apex Council was unavoidable for civil servants as agreements with the government for the betterment of their conditions of service were only signed at the NJNC via the Apex Council.
“The ZCTU could only be used for lobbying with other international bodies like the ILO, but the process would require unions to come back and sign bargaining agreements with the government at NJNC,” he said.
“So the Apex Council cannot be wished away if any teachers’ union would like to meaningfully represent its members.”
ZCTU secretary-general, Japhet Moyo said that they had not yet received an official correspondence from ZIMTA on the matter.
Moyo said that the teachers union is free to withdraw their membership as the constitution of the Union does not block them from pulling out.
Moyo would not accede to ZIMTA allegations that it was practising partisan politics throwing the same allegations back at the teachers body.
“The current Deputy Minister of Education is a former ZIMTA national executive member, so can we then officially declare that the body is aligned to ZANU PF,?”
Farai Dziva | Auxillia Mnangagwa was on Friday afternoon booed as she entered a leading supermarket in the ancient city of Masvingo.
“There was commotion yesterday as scores of people jeered at Mrs Mnangagwa as she was getting into our shop.
Angry bystanders also booed her as she exited the supermarket,” a shop assistant who identified herself as Tanaka said.
“They also denounced her husband Emmerson Mnangagwa for causing the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe,” she added.
Mrs Mnangagwa’s security aides reportedly battled to contain the turmoil before whisking her away.
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PAUL Masikati, a top Zanu PF official based in Marondera, who, together with fellow ruling party youths, stormed a police base and assaulted a cop in a bid to free his arrested son, was on Wednesday sentenced to 12 months in jail by Marondera magistrate Arnold Maburo.
Masikati (48), a former Zanu PF councillor, was convicted of assault and obstruction the course of justice charges. He will, however, serve an effective six-month jail term after six months were suspended on condition of good behaviour.
His accomplice, Kudakwashe Zhou (25) was also given the same sentence while a warrant of arrest has been issued on Courage Ben (26), who is yet to appear in court for assaulting the police officer identified as Paenias Mashiri.
According to court papers, on September 18 last year, Mashiri arrested Masikati’s son for assault in Cherutombo.
Masikati was tipped of his son’s arrest and proceeded to the Cherutombo Police Base in the company of some Zanu PF youths and confronted Mashiri.
Masikati grabbed Mashiri by the collar and slapped him once on the face before Ben and Zhou joined in the scuffle and took turns to assault Mashiri, tearing his trousers in the process. Mashiri was later rescued by Shepherd
Magwaza, but after he had sustained a swollen face. His torn police trousers was brought to court as exhibit. Lovemore Musariyarwa represented the State.
-Newsday
Online money transfer company WorldRemit has renewed its sponsorship of the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards (Z.A.A) UK and Canada editions for the fifth year running, following a successful partnership for the ZAA South Africa edition in April.
ZAA highlights the successes and achievements of Zimbabweans and brings together business leaders and innovators from all sectors to celebrate, empower and network.
Using the WorldRemit app or website, the Zimbabwean diaspora living in over 50 countries, including the UK and Canada, can send money home in just a few taps from their smartphones. The company offers a variety of convenient ways to receive money in Zimbabwe, including cash pickup in USD at over 250 locations across the country – the widest network of any other international remittance service.
To celebrate its renewed partnership with ZAA, WorldRemit is offering new customers sending money from the UK or Canada to Zimbabwe zero fees on their first transfer if they use the code ZAAPROMO[JB1] when making payment.
ZAA International Founder and Chairman, Conrad Mwanza said: “We are glad to announce a new partnership with WorldRemit for the UK and Canada editions and look forward to making these events even more successful than previous years.
“WorldRemit is a globally recognised brand that makes life easier for the Zimbabwean diaspora who send many home to support their families and communities. We are delighted to continue our work with the company to celebrate the outstanding achievements of the diaspora in the UK and Canada.”
Nominees and tickets – UK edition
The UK edition is the flagship event in the ZimAchievers Awards series. The 2019 ceremony will be held on Saturday 25thMay at the Millennium Gloucester hotel in London and marks the awards’ ninth anniversary. The event will be hosted by Mako Ndlovu with explosive musical performances by the Noisettes frontwoman, Shingai.
Jane Mlambo| Firebrand trade unionist, Raymond Majongwe has lashed at the government over its failure to address current economic challenges facing the country saying in the absence of production, the country will continue on a see-saw of civil servants demands versus paltry salary adjustments.
Majongwe who is the Secretary General of the Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe said Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube was joking with the lives of teachers who recently received a salary adjustment that has already been eroded by inflation.
PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa is pinning hopes of improving the country’s situation on the national political dialogue that he launched amid pomp and fanfare in Harare yesterday.
The country is undergoing serious economic challenges which have been worsened by foreign currency shortages that have seen the United States dollar parallel market rate ballooning in the past week.
The economic challenges have pushed the cost of living beyond the reach of many.
In his remarks during the official launch of the dialogue, Mnangagwa said the situation demanded that all stakeholders must discuss in earnest to find collective strategies to arrest the challenges.
“The dialogue we are launching today will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on our country’s political landscape and help contribute to the turnaround of our socio-economic fortunes,” he said.
“This platform is designed to be a vibrant forum through which we proffer solutions to the challenges that confront us as a nation, through peaceful, open and transparent discourse. The culture of dialogue we begin today must, indeed be synonymous with us as a nation and as a people. This journey we are embarking on must ultimately lead us towards improving our democratic practices and culture.”
He implored Zimbabweans to work together to harness the vast potential that the country is possesses.
Declaring that the time for electioneering was over and urging political parties to re-direct their energies towards socio-economic transformation. Mnangagwa said: “However, in view of the reality that the major concern is on the need for economic resuscitation which cannot be solved by political parties alone, it has, therefore, been agreed that other stakeholders who are deemed essential can always be invited to participate in the dialogue.”
Although, the main contender during the July 30, 2018 elections in terms of votes, the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC is not part of the process, a majority of those who participated have endorsed Mnangagwa’s leadership and reiterating the need to come up with collective solutions to the country’s problems.
The parties signed the code of conduct that will bind their operations and conduct during the tenure of the talks.
Various political leaders urged the nation to shrug off the “small parties” tag, insisting that they were important players whose views must be taken aboard for national development.
MDC-T leader Thokozani Khupe said the political parties have shown leadership qualities by agreeing to participate in the dialogue.
She also showered praises to Mnangagwa for initiating the dialogue.
“Once again, I want to thank my colleagues for the very fact that they decided to put their heads on the block despite all the attacks and the prophets of doom who want this dialogue to fail. We were referred to as small political parties or that we have no people, but regardless of that you continued to this day. Let me also thank you (ED) for your commitment,” Khupe said.
South African ambassador to Zimbabwe Mphakama Mbete applauded Zimbabwe for the initiative, saying the Southern African Development Community region stood ready to assist in any way to ensure the dialogue endures.
“We are grateful that the leadership of Zimbabwe has established the dialogue voluntarily,” Mbete said.
“This is a demonstration by an African country working on an African problem to get an African solution. The success of the dialogue will have far reaching consequences to the region.”
Meanwhile, the President urged the media to be sincere on the dialogue.
“I particularly want to appeal to our brothers and sisters from the media to play a constructive role in our dialogue, nation-building and other critical national processes.
“In all mature democracies the world over, the media is a critical partner in nation building. The media must, therefore, resist the temptation to be a vehicle for sowing seeds of division and despondency among the citizenry,” he said.
-Newsday
By Own Correspondent- Presenting her Thank You address at the POLAD launch in the capital Harare Friday, leader of the MDC-T faction Dr Thokozani Khupe said there was need for political leaders to imbabwe was bigger than an individual.
Khupe, heaped praises on Zanu Pf leader President Emmerson Mnangagwa for initiating the dialogue process and said:
“This dialogue is not top-up in approach but a bottom-up approach. It’s not about President Mnangagwa or Khupe of Professor Madhuku but about Zimbabweans.
We may belong to different political parties but we have the same aspirations. Differing is healthy but let it not make us to fight. I thank the parties for putting their heads on the block despite the efforts of prophets of doom.
His Excellency the President said all the political parties had their visions and he said he had this desire for us to share these visions and I would like to say thank you your Excellency.
I want to thank you for believing that Zimbabwe is bigger than an individual or political party. This is just the beginning of a long journey; it’s not an event but a process.”
By Own Correspondent- It all started at St Mary’s Apostolic Faith Mission church in Chitungwiza where Charles Charamba met Olivia Maseko.
Although they were attending the same church for some time, music brought them closer and one thing led to the other until they finally tied the knot in 1997.
Theirs is a tale of choir members that secretly admired each other as they went for practice sessions and crusades.
They were both members of a crusade team called Jesus in Action.
Charles had formed the group with their resident pastor Bernard Takawira Mukwaira towards the end of 1993. The young man, then, was the team leader and lead vocalist.
Olivia joined the group in 1995 as a backing vocalist. They started working and touring together.
Charles had turned 24 and church teachings advised him to start praying for a wife. He had to ask God for the best woman with whom he would share the rest of his life.
Olivia was 22, a fair age for a lady to start getting primary lessons about courtship and marriage.
They were both talented singers devoted to spreading the word through music. Even today, they continue spreading the word.
This time they are complementing their music with pulpit work. They recently formed a church called Rooted in Christ Ministries and, in line with their brand Fishers of Men, they are bringing souls to Christ.
The Saturday Herald Lifestyle had a chat with the gospel couple this week and they shared stories about their affair, music, family and church.
Falling in love
Pastor Charamba told the story of his dream as a boy.
“I am always cautious with what I do in life. I do not want to make mistakes and I try to make the best decisions all the time. Before I got married, I always prayed about the woman I wanted God to give me as a wife,” he recalled.
“I was afraid of marrying someone who would ruin my life or make me miserable, so I was specific when I prayed to God. I told God the characteristics that I wanted in a woman with whom I would spend my whole life. I was afraid of disappointment.”
Pastor Charamba said the answer to his prayer came when they started getting along with Mai Charamba as they sang together in Jesus in Action crusade team. He knew God had answered his prayers as he began observing the lady who was slowly taking away his heart.
Mai Charamba said she also saw a future husband in this determined choir leader the moment he started showing interest in her.
“We got to know each other for some time as we did music together. I was also observing his character and I saw him as a responsible man. When he approached me, I already knew the character of the person I was talking to. One thing led to the other and here we are today,” said Mai Charamba.
When Pastor Charamba decided to pursue a solo music path, Mai Charamba became his backing vocalist and that is how they jointly launched their careers.
He released “Tinashe Akatendeka” in 1997 and the debut album caught the attention of gospel music followers. After releasing two albums, he decided to give his wife a chance. He gave her some compositions that she recorded in her debut album titled “Amen” that she did with her fiends Tariro Matongorewa-Muringa and Spiwe Murerwa-Chimuti.
Since then the duo’s music career has been flourishing and they are now regarded as the first family of gospel music.
From Chitungwiza to Gunhill
The couple’s music career began on positive note and they made hits with their first album. After “Tinashe Akatendeka”, Charamba did “Johanne 3:16” in 1998 and “Vhuserere” 2000. The albums solidified his position as one of the top musicians in the gospel sector. It also came with good financial returns, which meant the singer had to upgrade his life.
“Our music did well and we thank God that he blessed our careers in the very first days. We bought a big set of music equipment. It was actually bigger than most sets that were being used by established artistes.
“Unfortunately, we became a target of burglars because of the equipment. We moved from St Mary’s to Zengeza and we faced the same problem. Every time we returned from shows and offloaded the equipment the attention we attracted was overwhelming.
“We realised that we would soon need more assets like vehicles and upgraded music equipment, which would need more space.”
Pastor Charamba said the need for security and more space gave them an idea to look for accommodation in another suburb away from the high-density. He said they were planning to buy a house in areas like Bluffhill and Westgate.
In 2001 when they were working on their album “Exodus”, God blessed them and their exodus from Chitungwiza came in a way they least expected. The album’s name became a prophecy.
“It was in 2001, when we were working on our album ‘Exodus’, that a miracle happened. Someone heard that we were looking for a house to buy and offered assistance. We never thought we could get a house in Gunhill.
“Our budget targeted other areas. Through that person’s assistance, we managed to acquire our Gunhill house where we have been staying since then. We saw God’s hand in all this.”
The four-bedroomed house has been extended to include the Fishers of Men Studio where they now record their music. They have been recording music in this fully-equipped studio since they did the album “Pashoko Pangoma”.
Humble Lifestyle
There is something striking and outstanding about the Charambas. Their humility tells a lot about the purpose of their music. With all their achievements and fame, they are both down to earth.
Many people in the city centre have been surprised to see Mai Charamba vending. She sells her music at Copacabana and Fourth Street. She takes it as a way of spreading the gospel. She is not ashamed of working for her family and for God.
For some celebrities, fame comes with driving posh cars and wearing designer outfits. The Charambas have a different approach.
“We did not choose a glittering life. We are investing in other things that will make a bright future for our children. There is nothing wrong with driving posh cars. There are facets of showbiz that call for such assets, but we just chose a different route. We are not saying we will never drive posh cars. It is just a decision we have made, for now, to focus on other investments.”
Although the Charambas could not disclose their investments, they confirmed that they have a farm in Goromonzi where they mainly specialise in livestock.
“We go there once every week. We have cattle and poultry projects. We are also starting to keep Boer goats and we do a bit of crop farming.”
While many would be expecting the Charambas to cruise in latest car models, the family chooses to drive ordinary cars. They have a Nissan Teana, Toyota Estima, Toyota Hiace and Toyota Dyna.
At home Mai Charamba often does household chores when her schedule permits. She is a tailor and sometimes makes her stage outfits at home.
The Charambas were blessed with five children. They have daughters namely Shalom (21), Eternity (17) and Tagamuchira (13) and two boys, Timikudze (10) and Aveneni (8)
Rooted in Christ Ministries
The Charambas founded the church in October last year when they left Apostolic Faith Mission where they had ministered as pastors for two decades.
Pastor Charamba once led an AFM assembly for some years before he quit to pursue music studies. However, they remained pastors in the church doing other pastoral roles.
Pastor Charamba completed his first studies in Theology in 2000 and went on to take other courses in the field. Mai Charamba completed her Theology studies in 2004.
The Rooted in Christ Ministries leader says God had been speaking to him about starting a new revival for many years.
They announced the formation of the church in October last year and started with services at Zimbabwe College of Music. The place became small for their congregants and they moved to Ambassador Hotel where they had services for some weeks before relocating to David Livingstone School where they are now based.
Pastor Charamba said they are not doing music performances at church at the moment because they want to separate music fans from congregants.
“Things might change in future, but at the moment we are focusing on having those people that come for the word not music. It is not bad to have music fans coming to our church.
At the moment we just want to make that demarcation.
“God spoke to me about this revival some years ago and it took a certain environment for things to come to pass. God told me great things about this revival.”
Although increased numbers have forced them to change venues, the Charambas say they are not worried about counting heads.
“There is an obsession with numbers in some churches today. We are not taking that approach. We are ‘fishers of men’ and we want to take people to Christ as they come. We are not in a rush. Like real fishermen, we are patient and we will let God lead the way.”-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- UK-based Zimbabwean, Nicole Ndiweni, is eying a Member of the European Parliament seat.
She was nominated as one of the candidates for the European parliamentary elections to be held in May.
Ndiweni, who was born in Karoi in 1989 and schooled in Zimbabwe in her early years, is already councillor in a ward called Hucknall Central in Ashfield, United Kingdom.
She said about the development:
“We need Labour MEPs (Members of the European Parliament) at the heart of Europe to influence policies that will improve our lives. I genuinely want to see the region progress and continue to fight for jobs, investment in the region, workers’ rights and the protection of our environment today and for generations to come.”-Newsday
Jane Mlambo| Leading workers representative body the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Union (ZCTU) has reported that it will soon pronounce the way forward to deal with economic madness that is currently gripping the country.
Posting on Twitter, ZCTU urged workers to unite and save themselves from the impact of neo-liberal policies introduced by government since it came into power in August last year.
“Workers can’t endure the economic madness around us anymore. The ZCTU General Council will soon pronounce the way forward for the workers of Zimbabwe.
“Workers and the poor marginalised majority must unite and save themselves from the impact of ill advised neo liberal policies,” ZCTU announced.
By Own Correspondent- Robert Marawa says that he can’t be “beholden to people because they dangle a certain carrot” following his axing from SuperSport on Thursday.
Marawa, 46, was interviewed by his Radio 2000 colleague Phat Joe on the ‘Phat Joe and The Family’ show on Friday morning, following his controversial removal from the pay channel.
He stated on Friday that he had been “half-dressed” already for his Thursday Night Live with Marawa show when he was informed by SuperSport that he should not come to the studio to do the programme that bears his name.
Instead, Thato Moeng anchored the show on her own.
SuperSport said in a short statement that they had already informed Marawa of their decision not to renew his contract “earlier in the week”.
“SuperSport is in the process of an exciting refresh of its local presenter line-up, which will be unveiled as part of our new football season campaign. This restructure includes us not pursuing our contractual relationship with Robert Marawa,” the channel said.
“Robert was personally advised of our decision earlier this week. We are grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him great success in his future endeavours.”
But Marawa questions that statement, adding that he had been told on Wednesday afternoon he could present his last show on Thursday.
That suddenly changed less than two hours before he had to go on air.
“Somebody sent me a tweet about what SuperSport said, that I was alerted earlier in the week. But tell me when earlier in the week is, because the only time we sat down to talk was Wednesday half-past-three, when the meeting was supposed to happen?” Marawa told Phat Joe on Friday.
“I went into work for Thursday Night Live, already half-dressed, and I was on the running order – I was due to be on the show last night. I am in the schedule to be doing Champions League on June 1.
“So, why lie to people? Remember, this is a pay-per-view organisation. People are paying for a product. I didn’t ask to be there – SuperSport asked me to join them when I did, that was straight after the Germany World Cup (in 2006).
“All it was that listen, your contract has lapsed at the end of April, and I am not going to renew your contract, because I have the powers as the CEO (Gideon Khobane) not to renew your contract.
“No reasons given. Sure, no problem. We have transgressed a couple of things legally. Sure, no problem. There were transgressions, and all that covers is, we are not renewing your contract, which is fine. I don’t have a right to a job.
“But when your magazine shows are rated, and verified as the top… You can’t move from that to ‘We just decided to refresh a couple of faces’.
“Be honest with the people.”
Marawa added that bosses who “don’t know the business” of broadcasting will always target presenters like him for being outspoken.
He also felt that, despite his heart attack last year, he would not change his mindset when it comes to being on air.
“We spoke about this when you were coming back into radio and you were seeking my advice – yourself, myself, people like DJ Fresh – is that every year, you will get targeted, Fresh will get targeted.
“Why was Fresh off air for the period that he was off air? People don’t know that. I will get targeted, because somebody somewhere – and remember that a lot of people who get employed to do the work, don’t know what broadcasting is. But they get given the titles…
“They don’t know the business, but if they can tell Joe to get out, they can go to a bar and tell their friends that they did something for broadcasting. So, that is what it’s about.
“I’ve walked into radio or television sets, and people don’t know what it is I’ve had to do. I’ve been threatened. I was in ICU in June, July last year.
“My sister was shattered because when she walked in, she saw a corpse, but people don’t know that because I don’t talk about it.
“The thing is, if my life had to end because of the passion for the job that I do, then so be it.
“So, if my journey ends before I reach 50, or whatever age, then so be it. I can’t be beholden to people because they dangle a certain carrot – ‘no, Robert can’t do these awards because he was questioning this and this on radio.’
“It’s okay, live your life the way you want to. But as a broadcaster, allow me the latitude to do what I do.”-Radio2000
By Own Correspondent- In her address, MDC-T president Dr Thokozani Khupe said the dialogue is about development and must put ordinary people first.
Said Khupe in her vote of thanks address at the launch of the political parties National Dialogue in Harare Friday:
“This dialogue is not top-up in approach but a bottom-up approach. It’s not about President Mnangagwa or Khupe of Professor Madhuku but about Zimbabweans.
We may belong to different political parties but we have the same aspirations. Differing is healthy but let it not make us to fight. I thank the parties for putting their heads on the block despite the efforts of prophets of doom.
His Excellency the President said all the political parties had their visions and he said he had this desire for us to share these visions and I would like to say thank you your Excellency.
I want to thank you for believing that Zimbabwe is bigger than an individual or political party. This is just the beginning of a long journey; it’s not an event but a process.”
By Own Correspondent- In a bizarre incident, a 46-year-old man from Mahara Village in Chirumanzu assaulted his mother with fists for sleeping out.
The matter came to light when the man, Jacob Chinotovaira appeared before Mvuma magistrate Mr Tafadzwa Mhlanga facing one count of assault after he assaulted his 62-year-old mother Ronica Chishanu.
He pleaded guilty and was slapped with a 10-month jail term.
In his mitigation, Chinotovaira told the court that he felt disrespected by his mother who had decided not to sleep at home.
“Your worship, l felt disrespected and l did not like the way she responded to me after l asked her where she was. I am the head of our homestead and as such, she must show me some respect,” he said.
Magistrate Mhlanga condemned Chinotovaira’s actions saying what he did was unacceptable.
“You are supposed to protect your mother at all times, but you chose to assault her, which is not only violation of her rights but also unacceptable in our culture,” he said.
On April 27, and at around 7am, Chishanu returned to her home after spending the night at her other son’s homestead.
Chinotovaira inquired from her mother where she was coming from, and where she had spent the night.
Chishanu told Chinotovaira to leave her alone as he was not her husband. The reply proved to be a bitter pill for Chinotovaira to swallow and he charged towards his mother and assaulted her with fists before pushing her to the ground.
While she was on the ground, he kicked her countless times all over the body. The matter was reported to the police leading to Chinotovaira’s arrest.
Mr Kudzai Manyadza represented the State.-BMetro
By Own Correspondent- A Bulawayo woman allegedly scolded her daughter for not taking a $1 that her uncle had promised her after raping her.
This came out when a 41-year-old man appeared in court for raping his 12-year-old niece whom he had promised to give a $1 in exchange for her silence.
The man pleaded not guilty to rape when he appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Ms Sibongile Msipa.
He was remanded out of custody to June 12.
The court heard that when the complainant told her mother about what had happened, she chided her and asked why she did not take the money.
Prosecuting, Ms Concilia Ncube said on an unknown date in November last year, the girl was home alone when the accused person came over and demanded to have sex with her in exchange for $1.
“The complainant refused. Accused person dragged her by the hand to a toilet, locked the door and forced the minor to lie on the floor.
“The accused person undressed the complainant and raped her once without protection.
“After the alleged act the accused person went away stating that he had got what he wanted and never gave the complainant the $1 he had promised.
“When the complainant’s mother arrived home from a bar at around 10PM, the complainant informed her about the ordeal but she shouted at her and demanded to know why she didn’t take the money which she said they would have used to buy relish,” said Ms Ncube.
She said the matter came to light when the complainant approached a female Childline worker who was at an enumeration programme with the Department of Social Welfare and told her about her ordeal.
The matter was reported and the complainant was referred to hospital for medical examination.
The report was produced in court as an exhibit.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- A police officer allegedly kidnapped and brutally assaulted a 16-year-old boy who was suspected to have stolen a mobile cell phone at his uncle’s car wash premises to force him to admit he had taken the gadget.
Constable Munashe Shumba (30), who was the investigating officer in the case, allegedly went to the minor’s home with two of his co-accused persons, a Bulawayo City Council security guard Millister Shumba (43) and the owner of the phone Manfred Nhemachena (43).
The trio appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing a charge of assault and they all pleaded not guilty.
They were remanded out of custody on free bail to Monday for continuation of trial.
Constable Shumba told the court that the three did not kidnap the boy but instead went to his home to take him to the police station for questioning and he tried to escape.
“He got out of the house and after telling him that we were taking him to the police station. He tried to escape and I ran after him while Shumba and Nhemachena followed us in a car.
“I finally caught him after he fell in an awkward way and then I discovered he had badly injured himself,” he said.
The prosecutor, Mr Tapiwa Solani said on April 24 at around midnight, the trio went to the minor’s home intending to take him to Western Commonage Police Station.
“Instead they drove the minor to a bushy area. Constable Shumba, who was driving, stopped the car and got out. The trio dragged the minor out of the car and forced him to take off his pants.
“They questioned the minor on the whereabouts of the phone but he told them he knew nothing. After a few questions, they assaulted the minor forcing him to admit that he had stolen the phone,” he said.
Mr Solani said the minor finally admitted that he had stolen the phone and gave it to his uncle to sell it. While driving to the minor’s uncle, the trio was told that there was no phone and they assaulted the minor again.
After brutally assaulting the minor, they took him back to his home at around 1:30AM.
During testimony, the minor told the court that the trio took him to a bushy area and assaulted him, forcing him to admit that he had stolen Nhemachena’s phone and given it to his uncle.
“After they had severely assaulted me, I admitted to the allegations and later told them I was lying as they were heading to my uncle’s house to confront him about the phone.
“They assaulted me again and later threatened that if I ever told anyone about the matter they would deal with me. We later agreed that I would gather information on the whereabouts of the phone and then give them the information within three days,” he said.
The trio allegedly dumped the minor at the gate to his home.
He was taken to the hospital and a medical report showed that he had sustained injuries on the left leg, ribs and swollen testicles.
A police report was made.-StateMedia
By Simon Gava- Zimbabwean have forgotten what they are fighting for. It seems for many of us now in our zeal to fight our enemies, we have forgotten what we are really fighting for.
This has left many people fighting and many with zeal but not knowing to what end. When this democratic fight started, it was a fight against bad governance, freedom of expression, constitutionalism and rule of law, it was a fight for a better Zimbabwe, but of late it seems things have shifted in a very fast manner.
Brainwashed
People have been brainwashed over time to believe in their political leaders without a sense of vulnerability as they gather momentun in their forward charge and they fail to see the cliff ahead. This has turned our democratic fight into a fight by the people for the politicians and no longer for national interests.
It seems the fight is now against good (Nelson Chamisa) and bad (Emerson Munangagwa). Political opinions are held so passionately though without rational conviction of how they can work for the good of the nation.
Demi gods
Now with this we have created political leader who are slowly becoming demi gods and some kind of Messiahs who cannot be corrected or make mistakes.
I should be quick to mention that our battle is neither for Chamisa or Munangagwa, we are fighting for a better Zimbabwe, for food on our tables, for the future of our children, for confidence in the economy, government and investments. In this fight we should not fight for politicians at the expense of the generality of the citizen.
We must stand together as Zimbabweans and condemn political hypocrisy, judging our political leaders on the totality of their actions and not merely on the pattern of their words. Nelson Chamisa must join others in the ongoing dialogue to map the way forward and alleviate suffering of which the poor citizen are sinking in. Nelson cannot claim to be the spokesperson of the so called 2.6 million people when he cannot stand in their place to negotiate for their good.
Chamisa has vividly remembered about the victims of his enemy’s torture but turning a blind eye on the suffering caused by his political ideologies. Politicians must desist from painting narrow self interest that are igniting conflict as a battle between good and bad in political arena.
Chamisa must put the nation, and the people who voted for him first then his interest. Unity is key to the development of our nation. If we do not realize that we are one nation under God, surely we will all perish as individuals.
President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday failed to turn up at a the highly-anticipated smart agriculture conference held in Mount Darwin, which he had been expected to officiate for the past few months.
Mnangagwa had to assign Women Affairs, Gender and Community, Small and Medium Enterprises Development minister Sithembiso Nyoni to represent him.
Mashonaland Central Provincial Affairs minister Monica Mavhunga had a torrid time reading her welcome speech which she said she had prepared for Mnangagwa.
“We invited the President and he has come through his representative Honourable Nyoni, our speech was prepared for his Excellence since we were expecting him. So bear with me and I hope you take the message to him,” she said.
In a speech read on his behalf, Mnangagwa said productivity and utilisation of agricultural land has been hampered by climatic change and inadequate skills among farmers.
“This conference is also timely in the context of the unfolding concept of provincial economies, productivity and utilisation of agricultural land has been hampered by the adverse effects of climate change, inadequate skills among some of our farmers and constrained access to markets,” Mnangagwa said.
“As government, we are accelerating the mechanisation and modernisation of our agriculture. We are geared towards transforming the sector through broadening access to agricultural finance and inputs, promoting production and productivity growing of new seed varieties, enhancing extension services and infrastructure as well as developing markets for our value-added products to earn foreign currency.”
He castigated illegal settlers mushrooming around the country and urged the Lands ministry to act immediately.
“I am, however, deeply concerned about the illegal settlements which are mushrooming and adversely affecting land productivity, peaceful co-existence of nature and the environment throughout the country,” Mnangagwa said.
“This has also negatively affected water bodies as well as grazing land. I, therefore, urge the Lands Agriculture, Water, Climate and Rural Resettlement ministry to deal with this issue expeditiously.”
Mnangagwa in February also failed to attend his “Thank You Rally” in Mashonaland Central after reports of a poor attendance despite Zanu PF sweeping all legislative seats in the province.
Serious factionalism is reportedly brewing in the province with war veterans calling for the dissolution the provincial leadership amid reports of clashes between Mavhunga and chairperson Kazembe Kazembe.
-Newsday
By Own Correspondent- 29-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday after he was found in possession of dynamites and various other explosives at a roadblock along the Harare-Beitbridge Highway in Bubi.
Godknows Nkomo is still assisting police with investigations while his accomplice is still at large after disappearing at the roadblock.
The duo was travelling in a Toyota Granvia.
The incident occurred at around 9:40pm and it is suspected that they wanted to smuggle the explosives to South Africa.
National police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“Police officers at a security roadblock at the 209km peg stopped a Toyota Granvia and one of the occupants excused himself and disappeared. Police then searched the vehicle and recovered seven dynamites, 275 capped fuses, four rolls of nylon coated detonating cables that were stashed in a sack, a small bag and a satchel,” he said.
Ass Comm Nyathi said after being questioned, all the occupants in the vehicle indicated that the person who disappeared was the owner of the explosives.
Investigations carried out led to the arrest of Nkomo who was still in the vehicle.
In another related incident, police in Norton have also arrested six men for illegal possession and transportation of explosives.
“The incident occurred on 11th May 2019 along the Harare-Bulawayo Road near Norton, the suspects’ car was searched by police officers and they found 29 emulite explosives and loose dagga.
“Explosives are dangerous and should be handled with care by people who are properly licenced to do so,” said Asst Comm Nyathi.
The two incidents come after a Zimbabwean woman was recently arrested while smuggling an assortment of explosives into South Africa through Beitbridge Border Post.
The woman has since appeared in court and denied bail by a Musina Magistrate.
Linda Katiyo (38) was arrested by Musina police on April 28 at 8am during routine border searches.
South Police Services (SAPS) Limpopo province spokesperson Constable Maphure Manamela said the accused was remanded in custody to May 21 pending further police investigations.
She said Katiyo, who was travelling in a bus from Zimbabwe, was arrested during routine police operations at the border.
“The bus that she was travelling in had just crossed over when it was directed to the searching bay for inspection.
“During the search, two hundred units of Superpower 90 Blasting cartridges were recovered in her luggage wrapped inside plastic bags.
“The origin and destination of these explosives will be determined by the ongoing police investigations. Police investigations are still continuing,” said Cst Manamela.
Meanwhile, police in Beitbridge have arrested a Revival Bus Crew who were travelling from South Africa en-route to Bulawayo after a contraband of dagga was discovered in the luggage compartment of the bus.
The incident occurred on May 11 at the Beitbridge Border Post.
When the bus was searched, police recovered a blue 25 litre container with 936 twists of dagga and four paperbags with loose dagga.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- US-based pro-Zanu PF activist, Coltrane Chimurenga, has died.
The Zanu PF Patriots Twitter account posted Saturday morning that Chimurenga had passed away.
Chimurenga, real name Randolph Simms, was most known for staging demonstration in the US in support of former President Robert Mugabe’s administration and “anti-imperialism”.
Chimurenga also supported the Emmerson Mnangagwa administration.
Said Zanu Pf Patriots in a tweet:
“Sad to hear that Revolutionary Cde Coltrane Chimurenga is no more! Rest in Eternal Peace Cadre.
Rest in Peace and Power, Gallant Pan African Statesman.”
Chimurenga was also the founder of December 12 Movement, which demanded civil rights in the US. He was often invited to Zanu PF conferences where he is reported to have been granted the status of a liberation movement leader.
Jane Mlambo| President Emmerson Mnangagwa is pinning hopes of improving the country’s situation on the national political dialogue that he launched amid pomp and fanfare in Harare yesterday, but the million dollar question is will it work without one of the major political players, Nelson Chamisa.
In his remarks during the official launch of the dialogue, Mnangagwa said the situation demanded that all stakeholders discuss in earnest to find collective strategies to arrest the challenges.
“The dialogue we are launching today will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on our country’s political landscape and help contribute to the turnaround of our socio-economic fortunes,” he said.
“This platform is designed to be a vibrant forum through which we proffer solutions to the challenges that confront us as a nation, through peaceful, open and transparent discourse. The culture of dialogue we begin today must, indeed be synonymous with us as a nation and as a people. This journey we are embarking on must ultimately lead us towards improving our democratic practices and culture.”
Responding to Mnangagwa, Zimbabweans reminded him that Chamisa’s absence is a blow to his desire.
A United States diplomat recently raised security concerns after he smuggled two rifles and two shotguns into the country in 2016, only to declare the weapons in February 2019, about a month before leaving Zimbabwe, a state media report has alleged.
According to the report:
“Fears abound that the weapons could have been used for nefarious purposes, including civil disturbances that occurred in 2018 and this year, although The Herald could not ascertain this at the time of going to print.
According to documents at hand, Mr John Kent, a US Embassy Attaché responsible for Overseas Building Operations and was project director for the New Embassy Campus, requested to import the firearms through a note verbale to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on February 15. Mr Kent was, however, already in possession of the firearms, which he had not declared as part of his diplomatic luggage in 2016.
He also did not register or get the weapons licensed.
Mr Kent’s tour of duty reportedly ends in December, but because the construction of the new embassy ended in February, he left earlier.
The weapons smuggled into the country by Mr Kent are two Bolt Action rifles — a Savage 111 and Remington 700 — and two semi-automatic shotguns — a Berreta A390 and Weatherby SA-08.
“Kent flagrantly violated the law by not declaring his firearms to Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) on his entry into the country in 2016. The firearms were apparently treated as part of the diplomatic luggage, was unlawful since firearms are among exceptions to this, under the Vienna Conventions.
“Kent stayed three years in the country, in possession of unlicensed firearms which is also a violation of the law. There is no guarantee that the firearms were not used for any outward or unlawful activities during that period.
“The US Embassy through the note verbale misrepresented facts by indicating that Kent is intending to import firearms,” one of the documents that The Herald is in possession of reads.
In November last year, Mr Nelson Chamisa’s MDC claimed it had disbanded a youth-led outfit called The Order of the Vanguard. This was after service chiefs that testified at the Motlanthe Commission of Inquiry into the August 1 violence raised the possibility of the outfit having shot civilians.
The Herald on Friday reported that the MDC-Alliance is seeking to unleash a wave of violent demonstrations beginning next month, with ring leaders of civil unrest having received training in the Czech Republic and the Maldives.
Already, civic organisations with members attending an ongoing training in the Maldives being conducted by Centre for Applied Non-violent Action and Strategies, have started dissociating themselves from the regime change plot.
Meanwhile, one of the organisations fingered in our report, Rozaria Memorial Trust, yesterday said it was not involved in plots to unseat Government.
It issued a statement saying: “Rozaria Memorial Trust disassociates from the reference to our organisation as one of those undertaking training for subversive purposes. This report is false and a misrepresentation of who we are and damaging our integrity.”-TheHerald
Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa has welcomed remarks by South African Ambassador Mphakama Mbete at the official launch of the Political Actors Dialogue (POLAD) when he urged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to ensure that the national dialogue is inclusive and participatory.
Posting on Twitter, Chamisa said Mbete’s words resonate with what he has been saying all that the national dialogue as it stands excludes 2,6 million voters.
“We welcome the wise words by the South African Ambassador Mphakama Mbete. He said, “..the national dialogue must be inclusive & participatory & take into account the views of all Zimbabweans.” We restate that dialogue can’t be credible when it ignores the views of 2,6m voters
“His Excellency Mbete also said, “…if necessary for credibility, the leadership of Zimbabwe wishes to consider a facilitator from outside Zimbabwe, we as a region will be ready to propose names from the African Continent.”We’ve said this from day 1 & called 4 such a mediator.
“Ambassador Mbete added that “…the success of a national dialogue will have far reaching implications for the SADC region and beyond.” This is what we have always said that stolen elections have a negative impact on the welfare of all SADC citizens, they repulse investment.
By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has said the recently launched political parties dialogue is set to change the country’s economic fortunes.
Said Mnangagwa in a speech at the launch of the national dialogue in Harare Friday:
“The dialogue we are launching today will undoubtedly leave a lasting imprint on our country’s political landscape and help to contribute to the turnaround of the country’s socio-economic fortunes.
“This platform is designed to be a vibrant forum through which we proffer solutions to the challenges that confront us as a nation through peaceful, open and transparent discourse.
“The culture of dialogue we begin today must indeed be synonymous with us as a nation and as a people.
“This journey we are embarking on must ultimately lead us towards improving our democratic practices and culture. It must also lead us to a stage where we can compete and cooperate, always informed and guided by our national interests.”
“Every Zimbabwean is important from Zambezi to Limpopo and from Mutare to Plumtree. As we are enjoined by our National Anthem, let us all lift high our National Flag which is a symbol of freedom, independence and unity.
“As leaders, we must also pledge to be exemplary. Leaders of our nation at every level must say no to sanctions and say no to all conduct and speech that will bring harm to our people.
“It is when there is unity that God will command more blessings to our land.
“Through the Vision (2030), we should be able to bequeath to current and future generations, a peaceful, united and prosperous nation which lives in harmony with all the progressive nations of the world.
“Dialogue, like charity, begins at home, and will enable us to speak with one voice as the re-engagement with other nations gathers pace.
“It does not serve any purpose to continue in an election mode when citizens are yearning for social economic transformation.
“The success of the Transitional Stabilisation Programme and indeed the success of the five-year plans which will follow after 2020, requires that we harness our collective competencies and abilities for national progress and prosperity.
“We must close ranks, communicate, cooperate, build trust and instill hope among our fellow countrymen.
“In a clear testimony of our mature democracy, those among you who were in the country can attest to the unprecedented tranquillity that prevailed in all corners of our great nation ahead of the watershed elections.
“The code shall be binding on the leaders, their officials and supporters alike, in the observance of responsible conduct as we cascade the dialogue to the provinces”.
“Our committee on agenda setting has already highlighted critical issues, chief among them being the need to expedite the alignment of laws to the Constitution.
“The committee further stressed the need to resolutely stamp out corruption wherever it raises its ugly face, in the need to tackle drug and substance abuse, affecting especially affecting our youth, and deepen the inclusion of youth, women and the disabled in all national development programmes.
“The committee also called for the unconditional removal of sanctions that are sapping the energies of our resilient and resourceful citizenry as well as inhibiting unfettered economic growth.”-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU), has promised to announce a way forward soon.
In a tweet on Saturday morning, ZCTU urged workers and the poor to unite against neo-liberal policies.
Said the labour body:
“Workers can’t endure the economic madness around us anymore. The ZCTU General Council will soon pronounce the way forward for the workers of Zimbabwe. Workers and the poor marginalised majority must unite and save themselves from the impact of ill advised neo liberal policies.
Following the weakening of the RTGS$ in the past few months, prices of basic commodities, have risen beyond the reach of most families in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean workers generally don’t earn foreign currency and have to depend on RTGS$.
Protests in January resulted in the death of more than 10 civilians after the government security forces cracked down on civilians
By Own Correspondent- ZIFA has been banned by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) from using the National Sports Stadium for two matches as punishment for the stampede that occurred before the Warriors’ final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier match against Congo Brazzaville in March.
The sanction arises from the crowd trouble which transpired at the National Sports Stadium on March 24, 2019 prior to the match between Zimbabwe and Congo.
One match from the sanction is suspended in the event that a similar incident does not occur at our matches in the next 12 months. The next national team match under the auspices of Caf will be played at another homologated stadium,” read the statement.
With the Warriors not playing at home until later in the year, it is the national Under-23 men’s team, who are likely to be affected by the ban. The Young Warriors play South Africa in an Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September, and that match will likely be played at Rufaro Stadium or Barbourfields in Bulawayo.
Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has said the Emmerson Mnangagwa led dialogue lacks credibility because it ignores the views of 2,6 million voters.
Said Chamisa:”Zimbabwe’s crisis is political.We have’nt had genuine and true political settlement since the days of Lancaster,Unity accord and GPA GNU.Deceptive, manipulative politics upon fake dialogue is the source of all our national discohesion.This breeds false, disputed and rigged processes.”
He added:”Ambassador Mbete added that “…the success of a national dialogue will have far reaching implications for the SADC region and beyond.” This is what we have always said that stolen elections have a negative impact on the welfare of all SADC citizens, they repulse investment.
His Excellency Mbete also said, “…if necessary for credibility, the leadership of Zimbabwe wishes to consider a facilitator from outside Zimbabwe, we as a region will be ready to propose names from the African Continent.”We’ve said this from day 1 and called for such a mediator.”
“We welcome the wise words by the South African Ambassador Mphakama Mbete. He said, “..the national dialogue must be inclusive and participatory and take into account the views of all Zimbabweans.”
We restate that dialogue can’t be credible when it ignores the views of 2,6m voters.”
By Own Correspondent- Government remains committed to solving fuel and electricity shortages through engaging the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) on long-term financial mechanisms, Energy and Power Development Minister Fortune Chasi has said.
Speaking at the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority’s ISO Quality Management Standard Certification celebrations in Harare, Chasi said the financial mechanisms had already been formulated and were awaiting implementation.
He said:
“The Government remains committed to eradicate fuel queues and is working on long-term financing mechanisms with the RBZ which will see the supply gaps being eliminated over time.
“We are working closely with the power utility to ensure that there is increased power generation from different sources other than Kariba Power Station.
“As a new minister, I expect to see results and strategies that resolve some of the challenges and proposals to restructure the sector for a better performance.
“We are not an oil-producing country not by choice but by geographical location yet we need fuel to run our transport system,” he said.
Speaking at Kariba North Power Station on Thursday, Minister Chasi said they were also exploring electricity trade-offs with Mozambique.
The trade-off proposition seeks to leverage on abundant water in the Cahora Bassa Basin following Cyclone Idai, amid fears that the continued discharge of large volumes of water during generation at Kariba South and North power stations was causing flooding.
Coupled with prioritisation of demand management, Minister Chasi said the country would significantly reduce the electricity import bill in the wake of depressed supply from Kariba, Hwange, Munyati, Bulawayo and Harare thermal power stations.
“We need to understand the source of the problem that our counterparts in Mozambique are facing as a result of Cyclone Idai on the generation side of electricity,” said Chasi.-StateMedia
By Own Correspondent| First lady Auxillia Mnangagwa was on Friday afternoon booed as she entered a leading supermarket in Masvingo.
Masvingo, which is situated near President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s hometown Zvishavane, is also in the same province of Midlands.
Said a source privy to the development who spoke to ZimEye:
“There was commotion yesterday as scores of people jeered at Mrs Mnangagwa as she was getting into one of the shops.
Angry by bystanders also booed her as she exited the supermarket.”
According to the witness, angry by standers denounced the country’s leader for the untold suffering being experienced by citizens.
Said the witness:
“They also denounced her husband Emmerson Mnangagwa for causing the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe.”
The source revealed that the First lady’s security aides had a torrid time trying to contain the situation before whisking her away.
Farai Dziva|Auxillia Mnangagwa was on Friday afternoon booed as she entered a leading supermarket in the ancient city of Masvingo.
“There was commotion yesterday as scores of people jeered at Mrs Mnangagwa as she was getting into our shop.
Angry bystanders also booed her as she exited the supermarket,” a shop assistant who identified herself as Tanaka said.
“They also denounced her husband Emmerson Mnangagwa for causing the suffering of the people of Zimbabwe,” she added.
Mrs Mnangagwa’s security aides reportedly battled to contain the turmoil before whisking her away.
By Levison Chambati| I have learnt something , never confuse education with intelligence.
Truth be told , the current minister of Finance Mthuli Ncube is a very big disappointment and the worst person ever to run the Ministry of Finance .
To be very honest even Tendai Biti in his tenure which was marked by ineptitude , his greatest achievement being able to pay civil servants salaries of $100 per month before tax did fairly well to harness inflation contrary to the current situation where prices of goods are shooting up everyday .
Just imagine in this era Mthuli still thinks that devaluing the Bond note is the solution to our economic problems . We have been doing the same from 1980 but the economic situation got worse till we ended up having no currency of our own .
The simply fact is Mthuli poses a serious threat to Zanupf than the colonialist sponsored party the Mdc . I strongly believe he is working day and night to make sure that by 2023 there will be no Zanupf to talk about.
This is very possible because he is not a politician or a Zanupf member and if the party eventually sinks he has nothing to lose. I don’t know what happens to these so called learned people.
He is still reading the Ancient Book of Economics which says nothing will happen if we don’t desperately beg the imperialist to make investment in the country . My thinking is promotion of domestic investment is the way to go.
Last time his bank was closed meaning if he failed to run a single Bank thus running an entire Ministry becomes a heavy impossible task vexing him.
That’s why he keeps on saying the economic situation is improving whilst it’s getting worse with no clue on how to stop inflation !! The President must show him the exit door like what he did to Jorum Gumbo before its too late !!
MDC deputy president Welshman Ncube has claimed the late party leader Morgan Tsvangirai anointed him to deputise Nelson Chamisa before he died.
Ncube was MDC’s founding secretary-general, with Tsvangirai as president in 1999. Speaking on the side-lines of the MDC Mashonaland West provincial caucus meeting on Tuesday, Ncube said he was told to help Chamisa fight the Zanu PF “junta regime”.
“The most important thing is that when president Tsvangirai was to pass on, he specifically and entrusted me with the responsibility of assisting president Chamisa in the struggle against the junta regime that we have in Zimbabwe today. I promised him in the presence of Chamisa that I will do all I can” Ncube said.
Ncube said his chances were very high.
“Our people believe that we are an inclusive country. We are a tolerant party, we must select and elect people who will honestly and properly assist the president in his task, so there is absolutely no risk of that happening,” he said.
Another VP candidate, Tendai Biti said he was going to bring back the tenacity lacking in the presidium.
“We want our party to have leaders who can stand up to (President) Emmerson Mnangagwa and his illegitimate government and to make sure that there is change in Zimbabwe and Nelson Chamisa is the next President of the country,” Biti said.
Job Sikhala, who is vying for the deputy chairman’s position, said his first task was to bring sanity by instilling discipline among party cadres.
“There is a lot of indiscipline within the party and it needs a person who has a legal knowledge and a legal background, which I believe I have,” Sikhala said.
Incumbent party, secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora forewarned his detractors of yet another shocker when he retains the position at the congress in Gweru next week.
The lawyer-turned politician said he was no push-over as his history has testimonies of victories.
“I have been arrested by this government 34 times and have won 34 times,” Mwonzora boasted.
He said he was confident of a clean sweep at the congress polls.
“I command respect and support of the people, because they know what I stand for. I stand for the truth, I stand for constitutionalism and what is right. I’m not afraid to criticise powerful people within and outside MDC,” Mwonzora said.
He said he went into the 2014 congress with a single nomination, but pulled the rug off the then organising secretary Chamisa to land the secretary-general position.
“This time around, again, Mashonaland West did not nominate me, but I command a lot of support in 15 districts (out of 22),” he said.
The secretary-general took a dig at his main contender, Chalton Hwende, describing him as an “absentee leader” domiciled in Namibia.
“He is a candidate who seeks exile and runs away when youths are arrested. I’ve been arrested numerous times and I am not afraid of prison,” he said.
— NewsDay
By Own Correspondent- Popular socialite Pokello Nare says her leaked tape some seven years ago was the worst experience in her life. The self-styled queen of swag said the video leak was something she never planned.
Her two-minute clip with an ex-boyfriend, Desmond ‘Stunner’ Chideme enjoying some unprotected s.e.x went viral on social media networks during the time.
In the video, the love birds ended their business with some passionate kissing. “That was actually a mistake,” Pokello told a group of University of Zimbabwe female students recently. “It leaked; it was not for public viewing or public consumption.”
She was speaking at the launch of the She Roars brand, a platform that allows young women to share their success stories and offer advice on many other issues. “It wasn’t that good, it was not worth the kind of attention it got now and then.” Following the leak, Pokello was later chosen Zimbabwean representative to a season of the popular Big Brother Africa.
She added, “But I was able to turn around that situation and use it in my favour. So I don’t encourage young girls to do controversial things thinking it will propel them into stardom.
By Own Correspondent- Richard Tsvangirayi, son to the late former Prime Minister and founding president of MDC, Morgan Richard Tsvangirai, is of the view that the government’s austerity measures will only make things harder for the majority of the citizenry.
Tsvangirayi said that the gap between the haves and the have-nots will widen while the crime rates will increase.
The end result of austerity will be nothing but a broken society, a sad story indeed, opines Tsvangirai.
He said:
“The only thing you’re going to get from these austerity measures is a rise in inequality, as a result, the only people who are going to afford medication (the death rate in poor areas is going to increase) and school fees are the rich folks; the crime rate is going to increase.”
By Own Correspondent- Award-winning music producer and disc jockey, DJ Stavo has written an open letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa urging him to take the music industry seriously.
He wrote:
The purpose of this is to bring to your attention the role of music in economic development and asking for more attention to help improve Our industry. We publish the letter below in its entirety.
I believe that as a Country that is looking for different avenues for investors we must not forget and look into Music Industry that I believe has been sideline and need to be taken more seriously.
The music industry can also be part of the Biggest industries which contribute immensely to the economy. Music is one of the biggest industries in the world and I believe it is being sidelined. A vibrant music economy drives value for cities in several important ways.
It fuels job creation, economic growth, tourism development and artistic growth, and strengthens a country’s brand. A strong music community also attracts highly skilled young workers in all sectors for whom quality of life is a priority.
This, in turn, attracts business investment. It has been proven that the music industry in other countries has helped create and sustain local jobs and contributed immensely to the local economy. Also, Music tourism can generate millions of dollars for cities every year.
Tourism assets include a city’s year-round live music scene, festivals and historical music landmarks. Please, all I’m asking for as an Artist and a True Zimbabwean that has high hopes for our Country. Please don’t ignore the Music industry.
Our Neighbors are a true example that the Music industry can also help the economy. I’m just trying to play my part, as I’m part of the younger generation that understands keeping up with times is important. Once again Thank you for your time and hopefully, this will lead to a better music industry.”
The new Marriages Bill which has been approved by cabinet formally recognises civil partnerships (umasihlalisane/kuchaya mapoto) as legal marriage.
An analysis of the Bill reveals that the law deems two people who are over 18 who have lived together but are not legally married as formal union.
Caroline Kache of Women and Law in Southern Africa says, ” These partnerships are also known as common law marriages and where parties have been together for a while, they are deemed to be married.
“The general comments clarify that they are not recognized as marriages, but the new Bill seeks to ‘realize justice between the parties to the relationship in terms of the Matrimonial Causes Act upon the dissolution of the relationship.’ This adequately protects women who have been treated unfairly by families because they were not legally married but lived with the man for years. In determining if such a relationship existed, the Bill considers many factors like duration of the relationship, common residence, if there was a sexual relationship, degree of financial dependency, care and support, reputation and public aspects of the relationship.”
By Own Correspondent- The country’s power utility, ZESA and fuel barons have been fingered in the recent dramatic fall in the value of the RTGS dollar on the parallel market.
Former cabinet Minister Jonathan Moyo, who has been living in forced exile since the November 2017 military coup that ousted longtime President Robert, claims that RBZ’s fictitious interbank market rate has forced businesses to source foreign currency from the streets.
Writing on Twitter, Moyo said:
The dramatic upswing of the rate at $5.8 publicly and actually $6.0 for industry OPENLY buying from dealers has been spawned by ZESA and FUEL BARONS who have forsaken the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe’s fictitious interbank foreign currency market to scrounge real bucks from the parallel market!
However, a Zimbabwean-born businessman, Mutumwa Mawere disagreed with Moyo’s assessment.
He wrote:
“The idea that this or that baron is the problem diverts attention from the real impact of policies that offend the fundamental principles that speak to the aspirational aspect of human life.
The substitution of consent by command antics necessarily produces distortions and winners.”
On the 11th of May 2019 ZCIEA officially opened its Macheke territorial structure.
Elections were held and the following were elected into territorial leadership positions;
President George Makoni
Vice President Caroline Nheweyembwa
Secretary Rebeccah Sebastin
Vice secretary Moses Samu
Treasurer Pauline Revanawo
Organizer Ellen Budisai
Vice organizer Mubaiwa Luwizhi
Committee members -Adam Midzi,
– Asiyatu Makala
-Evelyn Mutambidzanwa.
Woman’s Structure
Chairperson Asiyatu Makala
Vice Chairperson Accucilia Munhenga
Secretary Happiness Mutero
Vice Secretary Winnet Gundula
Treasurer Rosemary James
Organizer Tryphine mashanda
Vice Organizer Cathrine Makwanya
Committee Members -Rachel Chenge
– Naomi Manzai
– Nyarai Nyamatambo
Youth Structure
Chairperson Evelyn Mutambidzanwa
Vice Chairperson Kabande
Secretary Hilda Tazviwana
Vice Secretary Talent Jere
Treasurer Fellon Tashizha
Organizer Agness Musora
Vice Organizer Dephine Mandaza
Committee Members-Fadzai Madeko
– Esther C Hwenje
-Tatenda kandiyero
By Own Correspondent| TrustAfrica coordinator and ZimAlliance member Biggs Bomba has demanded a retraction and apology from the state media The Herald following the publication of a story on its front page alleging that he was part of a team of individuals plotting to topple President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.
The story titled “Plot To Unleash Violent Protests Unearthed” alleged that a group a shady organisations with links to opposition MDC Alliance are organising to spearhead and unleash civil unrest in their bid to overthrow Mnangagwa’s administration.
According to the report, Bomba is part of eight local activists and a Newsday journalist who is receiving training in the Maldives under the banner of a Serbian organisation called Centre for Non Violent Action and Strategies (CANVAS).
However, Bomba demanded a retraction from the state media arguing that the report was not only false but intended to clampdown on targeted individuals and muzzle the civic space and voice.
He said:
I REMAIN UNDETTERED IN ADVOCATING FOR A BETTER ZIMBABWE FOR ALL!
Today, I am compelled to issue this public statement, given the consistent pattern of harassment and increasing threats against my person by the state security apparatus in Zimbabwe.
I would like to dismiss with total contempt the outright lies published on the front page of today’s Herald and syndicated in the Chronicle in an article titled “Plot to unleash violent protests unearthed.”
My name and the organization that I work for, TrustAfrica and the ZimAlliance collaborative, are recklessly mentioned as behind the so-called plots to overthrow the Zimbabwean government, without any shred of evidence.
I declare this totally false, as would be established by any basic look at the facts.
I demand an equally prominent full apology and retraction of the lies by the Herald, failure of which, I reserve my rights to pursue justice through the courts.
The article, which reveals that there “are individuals that security services in Zimbabwe have been watching”, is clearly a hatchet job intended to spread fear and intimidation and set an obvious pretext to clampdown on targeted individuals and muzzle the civic space and voice.
The fact of the matter is that citizens are suffering and understandably frustrated as the government seems unable to provide solutions. Therefore, the government of Zimbabwe is better advised to urgently address the dire state of economic emergency in this country rather than create imaginary dissidents.
This is the only way to avert the looming social crisis in this country. No amount of spin and scapegoating can hide the fact that the real problem is the fact that the economy continues to slide from bad to worse without any solution in sight.
I have made my own position very clear on several occasions and I remain undeterred in advocating for a better Zimbabwe for all, underpinned by freedom, fairness and an unwavering pursuit of a brighter future.
The harassment against myself and other civic leaders must stop. It has no place in a free and democratic society.
A Better Zimbabwe for All is Possible! Briggs Bomba
THE Zanu-PF Youth League in Matabeleland North has appealed to the Minister of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing, July Moyo, to dethrone Chief Nhlanhlayamangwe Ndiweni of Ntabazinduna.
In a statement, the Youth League’s provincial chairman, Tamuka Nyoni, urged Chief Ndiweni to behave like a chief for him to be accorded the respect associated with the position.
He said Chief Ndiweni is not fit to be a leader.
“The so-called Chief Ndiweni must behave like a chief if he wants to be respected and recognised as a chief.
“What kind of a chief is he who calls for sanctions against his own people? We are worried about a chief who is always in courts for misbehaving and is busy denouncing the same Government of President Mnangagwa that gave him the car he is driving. We call upon the Minister of Local Government to revisit Chief Ndiweni’s installation as he is not the rightful candidate for that position,” said Nyoni.
He said the Youth League would not tolerate anyone who mischievously denounces Government and the party’s First Secretary, President Mnangagwa.
“Since he is opposing the Government that gave him the vehicle, we as the youths are there to defend the party which formed the current Government that is being criticised by Chief Ndiweni. We can’t tolerate anyone who attacks the First Secretary of the party and Head of State and Government,” added Nyoni.
He accused Chief Ndiweni of acting like a politician and threatened that the party’s youths will start treating him like one.
Nyoni said Chief Ndiweni had exposed himself to be furthering the opposition MDC Alliance agenda, as the opposition party’s youths are reported to be planning a demonstration in his defence.
Chief Ndiweni last week addressed a Press conference in Bulawayo and called for tougher sanctions against Zimbabwe as he is apparently angered by the Government’s decision to evict a white commercial farmer and replace him with an indigenous farmer at a property in Ntabazinduna.
ZANU PF accuses him of sensationally appealling to the international community to escalate sanctions on President Mnangagwa’s Government, claiming it has failed to pursue democracy.
It is understood that before addressing the Press Club, Chief Ndiweni wrote to a number of foreign embassies calling for further sanctions to be imposed on Zimbabwe.
He is also accused of setting up a parallel organisation to the Chiefs Council under the banner of College of Amakhosi where he is reportedly seeking to rope in some traditional leaders from Matabeleland and the Midlands provinces.
ZimEye.com will this Monday hold an in depth live interview with Chief Ndiweni at his Ntabazinduna homestead.
State Media|Zimbabwe Chiefs’ Council president Chief Fortune Charumbira has dismissed a Twitter handle where controversial comments pertaining to President Mnangagwa and other political issues in the country were posted on Thursday. Chief Charumbira told The Herald here where he was attending the Second Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) which ended yesterday, that he has never opened a Twitter account in his life.
He said those behind the fake Twitter handle were shameless impostors bent on soiling his image for cheap political gain.
Chief Charumbira added that no amount of smearing will break his strong association with the ZANU-PF Government and President Mnangagwa because of his high respect of the country’s liberation ethos.
One of the handles going under the name @CharumbiraChief, read,
Another post under the same handle two minutes later read,
Chief Charumbira, who is also the vice president of PAP dismissed the Twitter accounts.
“I have never used a Twitter handle in my life, I am not on Twitter and whoever created that handle is doing it out of mischief to earn cheap political scores,” he said.
“This is a well-orchestrated plan to soil my reputation and standing. It is clear that there is a lot of politics at play.
“Let me make it clear that my views have never changed.
“I am totally inclined towards the liberation ethos which in Zimbabwe are represented by the Zanu-PF Government.”
He added that he has great respect for President Mnangagwa, who leads the country on the back of a clear mandate he got after convincingly winning last year’s harmonised elections.
“I also have great respect for the President owing to the journey he travelled in the pre and post-independence periods to put Zimbabwe where it is today,” said Chief Charumbira.
The Chiefs’ council boss said the fake Twitter handles in his name typify everything that is wrong with social media, in so far as it can be used to politically assassinate innocent characters.
He vowed to continue drawing inspiration from the Zanu PF liberation ethos and the ruling party’s respect of the traditional leadership’s institution as evidenced by the party’s drive to restore traditional leaders’ status which had been condemned by the racist Rhodesian regime.
Some people who responded to the offensive tweet doubted it had been originated by Chief Charumbira.
VICE President Kembo Mohadi yesterday said Zimbabwe is a safe and secure tourism and investment destination, endowed with unique resources across all sectors of the economy. He said this in his keynote address at the Zimbabwe-China Business Forum in Harare yesterday.
“Zimbabwe is just a gem, an awakening giant, a safe and secure tourism and investment destination,” said Mohadi.
“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the Chinese delegates that Zimbabwe has unique resources across sectors and as Zimbabweans, we are of high intellect, resilient, and have a great work ethic only identical to us.
“These unique attributes point to our resourcefulness and thus a sure guarantee of our economic growth potential and a significant return to your investment.”
Mohadi said the Zimbabwe China Business Forum was an opportunity to “establish strategic alliances and partnerships for our economic revival”.
“It is, therefore, prudent that each business representative here present, applies themselves fully in today’s interface for this purpose.
“Our meeting today (yesterday) is sure proof that indeed tourism cuts across sectors and is a precursor to investment. I would like to applaud the Chinese business delegates for believing in us by responding to our call for investment,” said Mohadi.
He said the Chinese business people have not only immersed themselves in the wonders of destination Zimbabwe, but have also come with “keen interest” to explore possibilities of strategic alliances, partnerships and business opportunities, given their composition.
Mohadi said the expressions of interest by the Chinese businesspeople was a “true reflection” that tourism is a critical sector of the country’s economy and if strategically managed, could result in ripple effects across other sectors, resulting in growth of the overall national income.
He added that the business forum would go a long way in promoting investments across all sectors of the economy, as Government pushes for the attainment of an Upper Middle Income economy by 2030.
Mohadi praised the strategic partnership between Zimbabwe and Touchroad International Holdings, a Chinese travel and tourism company that brought a 343-member Chinese delegation into the country on Thursday.
He said the partnership with Touchroad, which will bring about 300 Chinese tourists monthly, has come at the “right time for us to increase our market presence and destination visibility in the Chinese market”.
State Media|The Zimbabwe Republic Police has assured citizens and visitors that adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure peace and tranquillity continue to prevail countrywide. This comes after the United States issued a notice on Tuesday alleging there was rampant violent crimes and civil unrest in the country.
In a statement, national police spokesperson Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi said the country remains safe, peaceful and secure.
“Contrary to the Zimbabwe Travel Advisory Level 2 issued by the Americans recently, the Zimbabwe Republic Police wishes to assure all Zimbabweans and visitors who include tourists to all parts of the country that the country remains safe, peaceful and secure.
“The ZRP is conducting general patrols, blitz, stop and search patrols in all Central Business Districts, industrial sites, residential areas and other places, which are usually frequented by the public with a view of getting rid of the malady of criminality,” he said.
Asst-Comm Nyathi said members of the public, including visitors should feel free to seek clarity on security matters from the ZRP on telephone numbers 0242-703631 national complaints desk, 0242-748836 for Harare Operations, 0292-885479 for Bulawayo Operations or WhatsApp number 0712800197.
In a notice titled “Zimbabwe Travel Advisory, Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution”, released on Tuesday, the US “warned” Americans to be vigilant in Zimbabwe “due to crime and civil unrest”.
“Violent crime, such as assault, carjacking, and home invasion, is common. Smashing the windows of cars with the intent to steal, which can harm the driver or passengers, is also common.
“Local police lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Read the safety and security section on the country information page,” read the advisory.
In January this year, the Zimbabwe Republic Police deployed officers in all residential areas, shopping centres and the CBD to conduct patrols, surveillance and stop and searches, following some social media articles agitating Zimbabweans to engage in violence and unsanctioned demonstrations.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister Cain Mathema has implored Zimbabweans to disregard the social media posts.
He advised security agencies to take action on some rogue groups who are circulating old doctored videos and pictures of purported violence and demonstrations on the pretext that this is currently taking place in Zimbabwe.
In August last year, Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) Commander General Philip Valerio Sibanda also assured the nation that the country remains safe and secure despite the recent politically motivated violence that erupted in Harare, a day after last year’s harmonised elections.
He said the ZDF would remain resolute in its support for the ZRP as it discharges its constitutional mandate.
Gen Sibanda said the country had continued to enjoy peace, security and stability during the harmonised elections and was determined to ensure such peace continues.
“Zimbabwe remains secure despite the recent politically motivated violence that erupted a day after the harmonised elections on 30 July, 2018,” he said.
“That notwithstanding, the country has continued to enjoy peace, security and stability during the harmonised elections.
“Had it not been for evil intentions of some opposition political players who went on to incite violent protests, unnecessary loss of life of six people who were caught up in the unfortunate shooting incidents could have been avoided.
“All the same, the Zimbabwe Defence Forces remain resolute in its support for the ZRP as they continue to fulfil their constitutional mandate of maintenance of law and order to ensure peace, security and stability in the country. People are therefore, assured that they should feel free to go about their usual business.”
A POLICE officer died on the spot while another passenger was injured in a car accident along Airport road in Bulawayo’s Romney Park suburb yesterday.
The police officer, Brian Mpandla (29), who was stationed at Sauerstown Police Station, was driving a Nissan March towards the Central Business District when his car hit a tree.
The police officer died on the spot while a passenger, Clement Machema, of North End suburb sustained some injuries.
The other passenger escaped unharmed.
National police spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident and said investigations are underway.
“I can confirm that we are investigating a case whereby one of our police officers in Bulawayo died on the spot during a car accident. Investigations are still underway and we will give more details in due course,” he said.
Sources said Mpandla lost control of his car and it hit a tree.
“He lost control of the motor vehicle, hit and uprooted a tree and he died on the spot due to the injuries while one of the passengers sustained injuries,” said the source.State media
Own Correspondent|A United States diplomat smuggled two rifles and two shotguns into the country in 2016, only to declare the weapons in February 2019, about a month before leaving Zimbabwe, state media reports on Saturday.
According to a security documents which state media claims to be in possession of, Mr John Kent, a US Embassy Attaché responsible for Overseas Building Operations and was project director for the New Embassy Campus, requested to import the firearms through a note verbale to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade on February 15. Mr Kent was, however, already in possession of the firearms, which he had not declared as part of his diplomatic luggage in 2016.
He also did not register or get the weapons licensed.
Mr Kent’s tour of duty reportedly ends in December, but because the construction of the new embassy ended in February, he left earlier.
The weapons allegedly smuggled into the country by Mr Kent were two Bolt Action rifles — a Savage 111 and Remington 700 — and two semi-automatic shotguns — a Berreta A390 and Weatherby SA-08.
The report claims that the weapons could have been used for nefarious purposes, including civil disturbances that occurred in 2018 and this year, although the media could not ascertain the claim.
“Kent flagrantly violated the law by not declaring his firearms to Zimra (Zimbabwe Revenue Authority) on his entry into the country in 2016. The firearms were apparently treated as part of the diplomatic luggage, was unlawful since firearms are among exceptions to this, under the Vienna Conventions.
“Kent stayed three years in the country, in possession of unlicensed firearms which is also a violation of the law. There is no guarantee that the firearms were not used for any outward or unlawful activities during that period.
“The US Embassy through the note verbale misrepresented facts by indicating that Kent is intending to import firearms,” says the report.
Farai Dziva|State media reports claim MDC secretary general Douglas Mwonzora and party leader Nelson Chamisa clashed in Bulawayo over alleged manipulation of internal electoral processes.
See a report that was published by a state run paper:
MDC Alliance secretary general Mr Douglas Mwonzora left his leader Mr Nelson Chamisa holding his head in shame when he exposed the party’s flawed process in the holding of internal polls that led to the fielding of double candidates in last year’s harmonised elections and by-elections that followed.
Addressing MDC Alliance members during a caucus at MacDonald Hall in Bulawayo’s Mzilikazi suburb this week, Mr Mwonzora said the party’s internal election processes were fraught with corruption.
He also seemed to blame the party’s chairperson at the time, Mr Morgen Komichi, who is now one of the party’s vice presidents, for the chaos that also saw the party fielding double candidates in last year’s polls which were won by Zanu-PF with a resounding two thirds majority in Parliament.
Mr Komichi is an ally of Mr Chamisa.
“I want you to understand that the issue of elections in the MDC is led by the Elections Directorate chaired by the national chairperson and not the secretary general. The national chairperson develops the rules of the elections and if there are any complaints, they go to the national chairperson,” said Mr Mwonzora.
“The issue of elections belongs to the national chairperson of the party whether good or bad. On the issue of national elections, there was corruption. When a candidate was elected, and candidates were selected in primary elections and the rules are that the one who comes first in those polls becomes an automatic candidate. We would see two candidates and I do not know what would have happened because my office only had one candidate.”
Mr Mwonzora also accused some elements within the party of sacrificing him over the chaos that rocked the party’s primary polls for the Cowdray Park by-election that was won by Zanu-PF.
“It’s easy to sacrifice someone for a crime they did not commit,” he said.
Mr Mwonzora said he made consultations with the present chairperson Ms Thabitha Khumalo and former Bulawayo provincial chairperson Mr Gift Banda on the Cowdray Park candidate.
He said because of the initial date of the Nomination Court in January, one name was given without going to primary elections and after its postponement, the party held chaotic primary elections leading to two candidates contesting.
“We were lucky because Zec postponed the Nomination Court. I then spoke to the president and asked what to do. We agreed on holding primary elections. I wrote a letter to Bulawayo to hold primary elections, I have the letter if you want to see it,” said Mr Mwonzora as Mr Chamisa held and shook his head in apparent embarrassment.
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Farai Dziva|Professor Jonathan Moyo has revealed why former President Robert Mugabe wanted Sydney Sekeramayi to succeed him.
The outspoken politician said contrary to claims that Mugabe’s intention was to elevate his wife Grace to the Presidency, Sekeramayi was and is still regarded as a level headed figure in the party.
” It wasn’t going to be a Mugabe/Sekeremayi issue in those simplistic terms.
You are reducing the discussion to the level of simpletons. Zanu PF needed a Kibaki, to calm the older (Maputo) generation while inspiring the new generation (to takeover from him) and Sekeremayi was one,”said Moyo.
A POLICE officer allegedly kidnapped and brutally assaulted a 16-year-old boy who was suspected to have stolen a mobile cell phone at his uncle’s car wash premises to force him to admit he had taken the gadget.
Constable Munashe Shumba (30), who was the investigating officer in the case, allegedly went to the minor’s home with two of his co-accused persons, a Bulawayo City Council security guard Millister Shumba (43) and the owner of the phone Manfred Nhemachena (43).
The trio appeared before Western Commonage magistrate Ms Tancy Dube facing a charge of assault and they all pleaded not guilty.
They were remanded out of custody on free bail to Monday for continuation of trial.
Constable Shumba told the court that the three did not kidnap the boy but instead went to his home to take him to the police station for questioning and he tried to escape.
“He got out of the house and after telling him that we were taking him to the police station. He tried to escape and I ran after him while Shumba and Nhemachena followed us in a car.
“I finally caught him after he fell in an awkward way and then I discovered he had badly injured himself,” he said.
The prosecutor, Mr Tapiwa Solani said on April 24 at around midnight, the trio went to the minor’s home intending to take him to Western Commonage Police Station.
“Instead they drove the minor to a bushy area. Constable Shumba, who was driving, stopped the car and got out. The trio dragged the minor out of the car and forced him to take off his pants.
“They questioned the minor on the whereabouts of the phone but he told them he knew nothing. After a few questions, they assaulted the minor forcing him to admit that he had stolen the phone,” he said.State media
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THE Confederation of African Football has barred Zifa from using the National Sports Stadium for the next two official home matches following the chaos that led to loss of life and injuries at the giant stadium recently.
Zifa spokesperson, Xolisani Gwesela, said the association were sanctioned by the Caf Disciplinary Board yesterday in terms of Caf Statutes and Regulations and Articles 82, 83.1 and 151 of the Caf Disciplinary Code.
However, one match from the sanctions has been suspended in the event that a similar incident does not occur during the next 12 months.
Zimbabwe’s next home game is the national Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifier against South Africa, which has been rescheduled to September.
Gwesela said the association were yet to respond to the ruling but it looks the match will be taken to Barbourfields, one of the three grounds that have been approved by Caf to host international matches.
Mandava is the other stadium with the Caf certification.
“We have just received the judgment and, unfortunately, we haven’t decided on the way forward yet,’’ said Gwesela.
“But we have other stadia that are homologated by Caf and these are Barbourfields and Mandava.
“Rufaro used to host internationals but it would need to be re-inspected if it has to be homologated.
“As an association we have to abide by the ruling but the bottom line is we need to ensure such incidents don’t occur in the future.
“As Zifa, we tried our best in organising for that particular match and it’s unfortunate we had that incident.’’State media
Lenox Lizwi Mhlanga| ARE we as Zimbabweans so vain in thinking that the world should be full of nice people? I have never come across such a bunch of angry people. If we were to tap the negativity some of us generate, we are sure to be rid of load shedding.
And if it’s any comfort, ask the South Africans how they feel about load shedding.
This is a family news platform so I won’t dare the steady stream of expletives from Down South.
I am not making any excuses for the current calamity in the power generation sector. Zimbabwean entities should learn that criticism is fine, especially when some of us are from the ‘I told you so’ brigade.
We tend to learn the hard way. We knew that this day was coming but chose to ignore the signs. While we tear our hair out in frustration, let’s smell our armpits for a second.
John Sugerman once said that each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it dwarfs the problem. He said that the greatest success stories are created by people who recognise a problem and turn it into an opportunity.
Sir Wicknell almost got it with his Gwanda solar project, until he saw another opportunity to make a fast buck. Renewable energy stares us in the face. And it does not take a rocket scientist to realise this.
While trying to make light a frustrating situation, Botswana also had a long period of load shedding. That is in spite of all those diamond monies they have in their reserves. So the problem is not about unavailability of electricity. It’s about generation, planning and a management problem.
That is what we need to fix in the whole region.
As an example, some of you might not be aware that I spent the best of three years in Botswana. That is before making an acrimonious and embarrassing exit. I am still bitter at the way I was treated by the authorities in that country, particularly the Immigration Department. You all know how those people are like from the experience at the border.
For months on end, I was an unwilling client at their then stuffy offices in Francistown. It was a dehumanising experience to put it mildly. I found it exceedingly downgrading for me, a potential investor, to be queuing for service with aspiring maids and perspiring farm boys and girls.
It took Batswana authorities six long months to deny me a residence permit. The reason given was that my business was ‘not viable.’ I disagreed and came out convinced that
abantu laba kabasithand’nex!
From the arid verges of the Kgalagadi desert, I returned home to Bulawayo.
Not wanting to venture into gold panning, I headed further north to Harare, the city that never sleeps.
Bambazonke is where the money is. It’s a city that is full of itself, kuwonererwa — to use the local jargon. Yet people there are under no pretence about why they are there — to make money and lots of it.
So why blame me of all people, stripped to the bare bones, without a plan, for following the money making trail? The mountain won’t come to Mohammed, then why prevent Mohammed from going to the mountain?
Taking the cheapest steel camel available, and carrying the barest of luggage, I found myself heading north. The journey reminded me of the stark reality of our daily grind for survival. Some enterprising conglomerates even saw the need for fast food outlets in Kadoma and Chegutu.
Arriving in Harare was a shock. There seemed to be more cars than people! If that’s a sign of prosperity, then it had spread to Bulawayo too. Harare is also known for speed and I was soon swept by the tide hanging on to my hat for dear life.
I have since shaken off the effects of my ‘Themba comes to town’ experience and got into the scheme of things. Wheeling and dealing is the pulse of Harare.
It’s a story of who thinks fastest. You have the rare opportunity to meet people who make things happen. That’s why I am there, and have no regret. Which brings me back to the critical question, riled by load shedding, what are you doing about it? State media
Zimbabwe Chiefs’ Council president Chief Fortune Charumbira has dismissed a Twitter handle where controversial comments pertaining to President Mnangagwa and other political issues in the country were posted on Thursday.
Chief Charumbira told The Herald here where he was attending the Second Ordinary Session of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) which ended yesterday, that he has never opened a Twitter account in his life.
He said those behind the fake Twitter handle were shameless impostors bent on soiling his image for cheap political gain.
Chief Charumbira added that no amount of smearing will break his strong association with the ZANU-PF Government and President Mnangagwa because of his high respect of the country’s liberation ethos.
One of the handles going under the name @CharumbiraChief, reads, “President@edmnangagwamust humble himself and start serious dialogue with @nelsonchamisa as well (sic) all know according to @Zeczim he has support base of 2.6 million supporters. Samadzishe isu tinoti please hatidi kuti vana varambe vachitambura, Zimbabwe has suffered for too long. ”
The tweet was posted at 5:31pm on Thursday.
Another post under the same handle two minutes later read, “As the Chief President am tired of being partisan
please@ZANUPF_Official let us respect our Citizens. Am tired of lying before the Television from now own(sic) this twitter handle will tell you the exact burden in my heart not zviya zvepamusangano.”
Chief Charumbira, who is also the vice president of PAP dismissed the Twitter accounts.
“I have never used a Twitter handle in my life, I am not on Twitter and whoever created that handle is doing it out of mischief to earn cheap political scores,” he said.State media
Farai Dziva| The President of the Chiefs Council Of Fortune Charumbira has declared that he will continue to draw inspiration from Emmerson Mnangagwa and Zanu PF.
While Chief Ndiweni is being subjected to relentless attacks by Zanu PF sympathizers, Charumbira continues to utter political statements reflecting allegiance to Zanu PF.
Charumbira distanced himself from a twitter handle using his name.Derogatory remarks about Mnangagwa were posted using the twitter handle.
“This is a well-orchestrated plan to soil my reputation and standing. It is clear that there is a lot of politics at play.
“Let me make it clear that my views have never changed.
I am totally inclined towards the liberation ethos which in Zimbabwe are represented by the Zanu-PF Government.”
He added that he has great respect for Mnangagwa, who leads the country on the back of a clear mandate he got after convincingly winning last year’s harmonised elections.
“I also have great respect for the President owing to the journey he travelled in the pre and post-independence periods to put Zimbabwe where it is today,” said Chief Charumbira.
The Chiefs’ council boss has also said the fake Twitter handles in his name typify everything that is wrong with social media, in so far as it can be used to politically assassinate innocent characters.
He vowed to continue drawing inspiration from the Zanu PF liberation ethos and the ruling party’s respect of the traditional leadership’s institution as evidenced by the party’s drive to restore traditional leaders’ status which had been condemned by the racist Rhodesian regime.
