News24|At least 13 Zimbabweans, including four children, were killed in a bus accident in Limpopo on Monday, authorities said.

According to ER24 spokesperson Russel Meiring, the accident happened at about 17:00 on the N1, north of Louis Trichardt.

“ER24 paramedics, along with several other services, arrived on the scene to find the bus lying on its roof off the roadway. Numerous patients were found lying around the scene,” he said.

He added that 36 patients were treated on the scene and their injuries ranged from minor to critical. 

Several patients died on the scene and others succumbed to their injuries at nearby hospitals, Meiring said.

Once treated, other patients were transported to nearby hospitals for further care. 

Condolences

Transport and Community Safety MEC in the province, Makoma Makhurupetje, conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased. 

According to the department, the deceased were Zimbabwean nationals. 

Makhurupetje said no conclusive evidence was found to establish the exact cause of the accident although reckless driving was not ruled out as a possible cause.

“We are deeply concerned about accidents involving buses as they lead to more loss of lives compared to ordinary motor vehicles. The driver and vehicle fitness of long-distance, cross-border buses is also a matter of deep concern to us as this is almost the third time now that we are losing lives because of long-distance buses. It is about time that our law enforcement officers step up their routine checks on these buses to prevent these kind of accidents from happening” Makhurupetje said.

The Electoral Commission (IEC) is investigating a video on social media showing ballot boxes lying on the side of the road in Limpopo.

“We’re aware of this issue and have found it was an isolated incident. Please note these are unopened/unused ballot boxes and that they would have been replaced at the voting station by now,” the IEC replied to a tweet informing them of the video.

Errence Mash posted a video on Facebook he took on Sunday after he saw a box on the side of the road while driving on the R36 towards Tzaneen. He was about 8km outside the town.

Mash said the box, with a label indicating it weighed 2.8kg and contained three ballot boxes, was sealed. In the video he lifts up a part of the carton and the IEC logo is visible.

“I don’t know how they are going to work,” Mash comments.

In a follow-up video, Mash drove back to see if the boxes were still there on Monday morning – and he found them untouched.

“They are sealed, sealed, very sealed.”

The police have since contacted Mash who escorted them to where the box was. It is now in their possession.

-Sunday Times

THE battle for political survival in the opposition MDC went a notch up on Sunday when party heavyweights nominated for positions in the executive council unveiled their manifestos before the Harare provincial delegates for the elective congress scheduled for later this month.

Party leader Nelson Chamisa, who was nominated unopposed, sat and watched candidates charm-voting delegates as campaign season officially opened.

Tendai Biti, Morgen Komichi, Elias Mudzuri and Welshman Ncube face each other for the two slots to deputise Chamisa, while the other slot has been reserved for a female member.

The post drew the most interest as the party heavyweights put their best foot forward.

Biti told delegates that he had a strategic plan to win the rural vote, saying congress presented the MDC faithful an opportunity to chart a new direction and declare an end to years of opposition politics.

“The 2019 congress of the MDC, the fifth congress, is going to be very important for the party. It is an opportunity for starting new dialogue with the people of Zimbabwe. It is an opportunity for the people of the MDC to show to the people of Zimbabwe that we are tired of being an opposition,’ Biti said.

“The party must focus on rural areas and in order to gain State power, we need to go to the village in Humanikwa, in Chiendambuya, in Dotito, so we need to change strategy.”

Komichi, who was a conduit to the rise of Chamisa to power in the MDC following the death of founding president Morgan Tsvangirai last year, banked on his years of loyalty and stay in the party as his ticket to power.

“I have stayed with the party, and I have gained two names, General Mao and Abrahama. What does General Mao mean? It means the greatest strategist; Abrahama means good leader. A good leader is a good follower,” he said.

Underfire Mudzuri, who at one time was eyeing the presidency, but only got nominated for the post of vice-president by a single province, stood in space to defend his position, saying he was a pillar of the opposition.

“I believe that I am a massive pillar of the party, which has never been shaken. The corner of the house does not get removed for no reason,” he said.

Ncube also described himself as a strategic think-tank, whose main purpose would be to help Chamisa in giving the party direction.

“I will do all I can, all in my power to render all assistance to president Chamisa. One of the tasks of the president, which has not been spoken to a lot, is the task of providing strategic direction; in short, the task of thinking, Mr president, I will think with you, if necessary to think until it hurts,” he said.

Other contestants, including secretary-general Douglas Mwonzora, hoping to pull a Houdini act again to follow his stunning 2014 win, also pitched his manifesto at the closed-door meeting before taking questions from delegates.

David Coltart was back at the MDC headquarters following years of absence to also pitch his manifesto against Tapiwa Mashakada, who has also been nominated for the post of treasurer-general.

The party will take its next meeting to Gweru on May 10, where candidates will meet delegates and defend their bid to be part of the standing committee.

MDC Midlands provincial party spokesperson Takavafira Zhou confirmed that the province will be having its caucus this Friday.

“All the national members nominated for posts in the standing committee have confirmed that they will be coming for the provincial caucus. On our part as a province we are done with inviting members in the province who will be delegates at the congress. So it will be all systems out on the day,” he said.

The provincial caucuses are a new campaign strategy introduced by the MDC, where all candidates who have been nominated for various posts ahead of the congress will be subjected to public debate and space to articulate what they offer.

Reports indicate that the Clinical Director of Parirenyatwa, Dr Madziva, who resigned on Monday from both Parirenyatwa and Government Service is still required to come for a hearing on why he didn’t meet the Health Minister Obadiah Moyo when he visited the hospital.

Dr Madziva was reportedly in surgery operating a patient during the time of Minister Moyo’s visit.

A letter written to Dr Madziva by Acting Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr G. Mhlanga reads in part:

You were not available at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on the 29th of March 2019 during the Ministerial visit whilst you were officially acting Chief Executive Officer.

The Hon Minister of Health and Child Care and the Assistant Minister of Health of the United Arab Emirates visited PGH on the afternoon of the 29th of March and were attended to by available senior management.

You are advised to submit your written response if any to the undersigned before the date of the hearing.

You are also notified that your disciplinary hearing will be held at Head Office on the 9th of May 2019.

You are kindly requested to take all the necessary measures to ensure that you are available on the stated date and time.

-Online

Member of Parliament for Mberengwa North Mr Tafanana Zhou is being sued for $30 000 by a local woman for allegedly breaching a promise to marry and “wasting” her time after allegedly breaking her virginity.

The heart broken Mberengwa woman, Ms Henrietta Tafadzwa Chauke, through her lawyers Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Mr Zhou as a defendant.

She is demanding $30 000 from the politician for contumelia arising from the alleged breach of promise to marry her.
Ms Chauke said she fell for the legislator in February last year after he had promised to marry her.

“The defendant and I became acquainted to each other sometime in February 2018 and entered into a love relationship.

Sometime in May 2018, the defendant orally made a promise to marry me and he further proceeded to affirm that promise to my aunt,” she said.

In papers before court, Ms Chauke said she lost her virginity to Mr Zhou after he allegedly gave her a false impression that he would marry her.

“The defendant also introduced me to some of his relatives and we had sexual intercourse which was premised on prospects for an imminent marriage. At the time of the sexual intercourse with the defendant, I was a virgin and I fell at the instance of his solicitation and promise to marry me,” she said.

Ms Chauke said Mr Zhou terminated their relationship in February this year for no apparent reason, consequently violating his promise to marry her.

“As a result of the breach of the promise to marry and the defendant’s conduct thereof, the plaintiff suffered and still suffers from hurt and her feelings remain injured. My chances of marriage have severely diminished due to the loss of my virginity,” she said.

Ms Chauke said her image has been permanently tarnished due to her ex-lover’s actions.

She said she feels embarrassed and humiliated.

“My personal dignity and reputation in the eyes of my family and friends was grievously impaired by the breach of promise to marry especially after the defendant had introduced me to his brothers and having also introduced him to my aunt and sisters during which he also reiterated his promise to marry me,” she said.

Ms Chauke wants to be compensated for damages emanating from her former boyfriend’s actions.

Ms Chauke said the defendant has failed, refused or neglected to pay the money despite numerous demands.

She wants an order compelling the MP to pay $30 000 for contumelia arising from the breach of promise to marry.

-State Media

By Own Correspondent- The acute shortage of foreign currency is slowing down Government’ efforts to implement the digitisation initiative that is set to grow the country’s broadcasting services, a senior government officialahas revealed.

Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa said that Zimbabwe needs at least US$138 million to complete the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The migration from analogue to digital is in line with the dictates of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The country has already failed to meet the June 2015 deadline set by union.

Minister Mutsvangwa said last Friday that Government was still committed to rolling out the digitisation initiative.

Speaking during a public lecture at Great Zimbabwe University which also coincided with the World Press Freedom Day Commemorations last week, she said Government has already started installing base stations countrywide to lay the foundation for the digital migration programme.

“We are moving with haste to complete the digitalistion project, but our efforts are hampered by the need for foreign currency. Imagine the contractor charged us, US$138 million for the completion of the project,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“So far we have installed base stations in many areas and they are ready for use, but we cannot get set-top boxes and we are looking for private players who can supply us.

“Though, Government has availed some money towards the digitalization programme it is still not enough.

“Another issue is that the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) does not have a board. Once we have appointed the board, we expect things to move with speed.

“The Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is committed to making broadcasting services accessible to all people in the country. He called me last time when we were in Chimanimani after a meeting with Cyclone Idai victims and told me that there was need for all areas to access television and radio services”.

She said Government had so far committed US$38 million to the digital migration initiative in this year’s annual budget.

She said the issue of the improved broadcasting services were so dear to the Head of State.

“He is aware of the programme and very soon, the digitalistion will be complete. We want every Zimbabwean to have access to digitalised transmission.

“I have been in Binga and the people there watch Zambian television and yet they should be receiving the Zimbabwean signal.

“Of course, it is because of their proximity to that country, but the ideal situation would be for them to access our own signal,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- The Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has been paying two salaries for two chief executive officers for the past 12 months, while thousands of United States dollars were spent on hairstyle, food hampers, and gym allowances for managers, legislators heard yesterday.

Zinara has also been paying a salary for suspended chief executive officer Nancy Masiyiwa-Chamisa since June 2018 together Mathlene Mujokoro, who is the acting CEO.

It also emerged that Zinara spent US$4 000 on each director in buying and installing gym equipment at their residences, but the road authority went on to pay monthly subscriptions for their gym at upmarket clubs in Harare.

More than US$60 000 was also spent on hairstyle allowance with one boutique pocketing more than US$25 000 on having hair done for Zinara female managers.

This came out yesterday when Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to give evidence on an audit report prepared by Auditor-General Mrs Mildred Chiri as he unearthed the historical corruption that obtained at the parastatal before the new administration of President Mnangagwa.

Committee chairperson Tendai Biti (MDC-Alliance) said they had been informed that Zinara was paying salaries for both Masiyiwa-Chamisa and Mujokoro.

“As we speak now, negotiations between that CEO and the board are in progress to make sure that they come to an agreement. There is a process of scouting for a new CEO for this organisation. These are processes that are going on which are not being made public, sooner we will have a new structure, once we have a substantive CEO,” said Minister Matiza.

Dzivaresekwa MP, Edwin Mushoriwa (MDC-Alliance) asked why conducting negotiations with Masiyiwa-Chamisa and not disciplinary proceedings if there was any offence that she committed.

“When there is a report of corruption and maladministration and when you hear that there are negotiations with the former CEO, what comes into our mind is a golden handshake that is going to be given. We were expecting to see heads roll, but you now have a softer approach unless you are saying the board suspended a wrong person,” said Mr Mushoriwa.

In response, Minister Matiza said while he concurred with the concern the board was seized with the issue and a lasting solution would be found.

Marondera Central MP, Caston Matewu (MDC-Alliance) questioned why Zinara paid US$4 000 as gym allowance for each director, but went on to pay subscriptions at different clubs.

“How can you buy gym equipment for their homes and at the same time pay their subscription at a club,? said Matewu.

Biti said according to the audit, management got US$3 000 each for corporate wear for the year under review, two directors that were paid in excess of what was approved in the contract of employment among other issues.

“Our concern is that we do not see a satisfactory position by the Minister of ensuring that measures have been taken to stop the rot. It is not enough, with all due respect, just to say that we have a new board.”-StateMedia

Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa has vowed to improve the welfare of police officers once elected into office.

Speaking at the Morgan Tsvangirai memorial service on Saturday last week, Chamisa said police officers had done well to maintain order at the event promising to ensure they would not be transported in open trucks once elected into office.

“When we get into government, we will make sure police officers do not move around in open trucks,” said Chamisa sending the whole 5000 plus crowd into frenzy.

Government deployed police officers to provide security at the Morgan Tsvangirai memorial.

By Own Correspondent- First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has vowed to continue working hard to ensure that there is affordable and quality health care for everyone in the country.

She said this while accepting the new role as a Health and Child Care Ambassador accorded to her by the Health and Child Care Ministry (Monda).

The First Lady was previously an Ambassador for Maternal and Child Health.

She was accorded her new role at an event where she also launched the “Nursing Now Zimbabwe Project” aimed at recognising nursing and midwifery’s role towards achieving universal access to health.

Said Mnangagwa:

“It is not an easy task but fortunately it is within my nature that when I focus on a task, I make sure that it is done. A very special thanks to the Ministry of Health and Child Care for recognising the works that I am doing in the communities which I believe persuaded them to appoint me Ambassador for Health and Child Care.

Initially I was appointed Ambassador for Maternal and Child Health but having realised that my works are not limited to maternal issues only, the ministry decided to appoint me to this new role.”-StateMedia

State Media|Member of Parliament for Mberengwa North Mr Tafanana Zhou is being sued for $30 000 by a local woman for allegedly breaching a promise to marry and “wasting” her time after allegedly breaking her virginity.

The heart broken Mberengwa woman, Ms Henrietta Tafadzwa Chauke, through her lawyers Mugiya and Macharaga Law Chambers, filed summons at the Bulawayo High Court citing Mr Zhou as a defendant.

She is demanding $30 000 from the politician for contumelia arising from the alleged breach of promise to marry her.

Ms Chauke said she fell for the legislator in February last year after he had promised to marry her.

“The defendant and I became acquainted to each other sometime in February 2018 and entered into a love relationship. Sometime in May 2018, the defendant orally made a promise to marry me and he further proceeded to affirm that promise to my aunt,” she said.

In papers before court, Ms Chauke said she lost her virginity to Mr Zhou after he allegedly gave her a false impression that he would marry her.

“The defendant also introduced me to some of his relatives and we had sexual intercourse which was premised on prospects for an imminent marriage. At the time of the sexual intercourse with the defendant, I was a virgin and I fell at the instance of his solicitation and promise to marry me,” she said.

Ms Chauke said Mr Zhou terminated their relationship in February this year for no apparent reason, consequently violating his promise to marry her.

“As a result of the breach of the promise to marry and the defendant’s conduct thereof, the plaintiff suffered and still suffers from hurt and her feelings remain injured. My chances of marriage have severely diminished due to the loss of my virginity,” she said.

Ms Chauke said her image has been permanently tarnished due to her ex-lover’s actions.

She said she feels embarrassed and humiliated.

“My personal dignity and reputation in the eyes of my family and friends was grievously impaired by the breach of promise to marry especially after the defendant had introduced me to his brothers and having also introduced him to my aunt and sisters during which he also reiterated his promise to marry me,” she said.

Ms Chauke wants to be compensated for damages emanating from her former boyfriend’s actions.

Ms Chauke said the defendant has failed, refused or neglected to pay the money despite numerous demands.

She wants an order compelling the MP to pay $30 000 for contumelia arising from the breach of promise to marry.

By Own Correspondent- Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has revealed that 39 years after independence, people in Binga do not have access to Zimbabwean airwaves signal and they rely on Zambian television and radios for news.

Speaking during a public lecture at Great Zimbabwe University which also coincided with the World Press Freedom Day Commemorations last week, she said Government has already started installing base stations countrywide to lay the foundation for the digital migration programme.

She said:

“I have been in Binga and the people there watch Zambian television and yet they should be receiving the Zimbabwean signal.”

Mutsvangwa said an acute shortage of foreign currency is slowing down Government’ efforts to implement the digitisation initiative that is set to grow the country’s broadcasting services.

Zimbabwe needs at least US$138 million to complete the migration from analogue to digital broadcasting.

The migration from analogue to digital is in line with the dictates of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU).

The country has already failed to meet the June 2015 deadline set by union.

Minister Mutsvangwa said last Friday that Government was still committed to rolling out the digitisation initiative.

“We are moving with haste to complete the digitalistion project, but our efforts are hampered by the need for foreign currency. Imagine the contractor charged us, US$138 million for the completion of the project,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.

“So far we have installed base stations in many areas and they are ready for use, but we cannot get set-top boxes and we are looking for private players who can supply us.

“Though, Government has availed some money towards the digitalization programme it is still not enough.

“Another issue is that the Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe (BAZ) does not have a board. Once we have appointed the board, we expect things to move with speed.

“The Second Republic led by President Emmerson Mnangagwa is committed to making broadcasting services accessible to all people in the country. He called me last time when we were in Chimanimani after a meeting with Cyclone Idai victims and told me that there was need for all areas to access television and radio services”.

She said Government had so far committed US$38 million to the digital migration initiative in this year’s annual budget.

She said the issue of the improved broadcasting services were so dear to the Head of State.

“He is aware of the programme and very soon, the digitalistion will be complete. We want every Zimbabwean to have access to digitalised transmission.”-StateMedia

Correspondent|Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee chaired by Tendai Biti (MDC-Alliance) has unearthed yet another mismanagement of funds scandal at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).

It emerged that ZINARA has been paying two salaries for the suspended Nancy Masiyiwa-Chamisa and acting CEO Mathlene Mujokoro for the chief executive officer post for the past 12 months.

The road authority has also been spending thousands of United States dollars on hairstyle, food hampers, and gym allowances for managers.

The legislators were also notified that ZINARA also simultaneously spent US$4 000 on each director in buying and installing gym equipment at their residences and paid monthly subscriptions for their gym at upmarket clubs in Harare.

It was also reported that ZINARA also spent more than US$60 000 on hairstyle allowance with one boutique pocketing more than US$25 000 on having hair done for Zinara female managers.

The Committee registered fears over ZINARA’s inability to show that the crisis was being seriously rectified.

This is not the first time the road authority has come under fire for maladministration of public funds. There have also been tendering issues within the authority which implicated the management.

Jane Mlambo| MDC President Nelson Chamisa and former Zanu PF politburo member Jonathan Moyo have shared different viewpoints on the Greek philosopher Plato who was both a king and philosopher during his time.

Chamisa earlier today tweeted that “philosophers become kings or kings genuinely and adequately philosophize,” but Jonathan Moyo had a different viewpoint responding to say philosophers have never become kings.

By Own Correspondent-Transport and Infrastructural Development minister Joel Biggie Matiza has promised that heads will roll at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA) following allegations of corruption involving senior management.

While appearing before the parliamentary portfolio committee on Public Accounts on Monday, Minister Matiza revealed that the police has been called to investigate the alleged misuse of funds.

Said Matiza:

I have called in the police to investigate all the financial transactions at Zinara and this is what is happening and we shall be seeing action as we are seized with the matter. Heads are going to be rolling soon.

ZINARA management has been accused of abusing funds by awarding themselves obscene perks and benefits from funds collected from toll gates across the country.

Among other things, the Tendai Biti-chaired Parliamentary Committee noted that 10 tollgates under construction had taken long to be completed despite substantial investment amounting to $1 700 000 having been made towards the projects.

Construction on the 10 tollgates commenced in April 2014 and was supposed to be completed in December 2016.-

Seed Co Zimbabwe (Pvt) Ltd, has approached the High court seeking an order to commit the ex-general manager of former President Robert Mugabe’s Gushungo Holdings, Stanley Nhari to prison after his failure to settle a US$36 062 debt.

The seed company issued summons for civil imprisonment against Nhari on April 30, 2019 and the latter is yet to respond to the litigation.

In its declaration, Seed Co Zimbabwe said Nhari was required to pay US$36 062 by virtue of a judgment which was obtained by the firm against him on May 9, 2018.

“You, the defendant (Stanley Nhari), are called upon to pay the plaintiff (Seed Co) the sum of US$36 062,18 with interest, thereon, at the rate of 5% per annum calculated from October 23, 2017 to the date of payment in full,” the firm said.

“You are required to pay this sum by virtue of a judgment obtained against you in the High Court on May 9, 2018, under which you were ordered to pay the sum of US$36 062, 18 and interest thereon….”

Seed Co Zimbabwe further said in the event that Nhari failed to pay the debt, he would have to appear before the High Court and explain his failure to abide by the court order.

“If you fail to pay the sum specified above, you must appear before the High Court at Harare …to explain why you have not paid it and to show cause why an order for your imprisonment shall not be made on account of your failure to pay. 

“You should bring with you evidence of your financial position, and it will be in your own interest to give the court evidence of your income from wages, salary or other earnings, and any other income you may receive from any other source, your expenses for yourself and any dependents and any other liabilities you may be subject of.”

-Newsday

Mayors around the country and Councillors have engaged central government, demanding an increase in their allowances by at least 250%, citing the rise in prices of basic goods and services.

The city fathers, through their umbrella body, Urban Councils Association of Zimbabwe (UCAZ), have approached government stating their case.

UCAZ president, Gweru mayor Josiah Makombe confirmed the development, saying it was overdue as the cost of living had risen beyond the reach of many.

“We only want a cushion allowances to cover the costs of living. We have made a proposal to the Ministry of Local Government, Public Works and National Housing for consideration. We hope to hear from them soon,” he said.

UCAZ represents urban local authorities. From the proposal, the association has proposed that Harare mayor’s allowance be increased from ZWL$1 250 to ZWL$2 250, the deputy mayor from ZWL$840 to ZWL$1 800, with committee chairpersons’ moving from ZWL$560 to ZWL$1 650 and councillors’ perks from ZWL$550 to ZWL$1 550.

For Bulawayo, UCAZ wants the mayor to be paid ZWL$2 100 up from ZWL$1 000, his deputy ZWL$1 650 from ZWL$660 and committee chairpersons ZWL$1 575 up from ZWL$450, while councillors get ZWL$1 425 up from ZWL$400.

On travel and subsistence allowances, the association wants the councils to be paying ZWL$80 for out of pocket allowances up from ZWL$10 per day, breakfast from ZWL$10 to ZWL$50, with lunch from ZWL$20 to ZWL$70 and dinner allowance ZWL$70 from ZWL$25.

Harare council on its own recently made a resolution to start paying food allowances according to the prevailing hotel rates, while they wait for government approval. Attempts to get a comment from Local Government minister July Moyo on the matter were fruitless, as his mobile phone went unanswered, while permanent secretary George Magosvongwe was unavailable.

-Newsday

By Own Correspondent- A candidate to the presidium post in the MDC has argued that the upcoming party’s 5^th elective congress scheduled for this May will determine between substance and loyalty.

Two of the contestants for the Vice President position, Tendai Biti and Welshman Ncube have just returned to the party after going separate ways. Their substance is however compelling to ignore.

They are in the race together with party loyalists, Morgen Komichi and Elias Mudzuri.

It is believed that Chamisa prefers substance than loyalty.

Candidates presented their manifestos during a party caucus at the party headquarters. The manifestos were preempting the candidates’ plans for the party. Whilst Komichi and Mudzuri emphasised loyalty, Ncube, and Biti, who outclassed them, hammered on the importance of substance.-263Chat

By Own Correspondent- A Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee chaired by Tendai Biti (MDC-Alliance) has unearthed yet another mismanagement of funds scandal at the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (ZINARA).

It emerged that ZINARA has been paying two salaries for the suspended Nancy Masiyiwa-Chamisa and acting CEO Mathlene Mujokoro for the chief executive officer post for the past 12 months.

The road authority has also been spending thousands of United States dollars on hairstyle, food hampers, and gym allowances for managers.

The legislators were also notified that ZINARA also simultaneously spent US$4 000 on each director in buying and installing gym equipment at their residences and paid monthly subscriptions for their gym at upmarket clubs in Harare.

It was also reported that ZINARA also spent more than US$60 000 on hairstyle allowance with one boutique pocketing more than US$25 000 on having hair done for Zinara female managers.

The Committee registered fears over ZINARA’s inability to show that the crisis was being seriously rectified.

This is not the first time the road authority has come under fire for maladministration of public funds. There have also been tendering issues within the authority which implicated the management.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- At least 4 miners have died while more are feared dead following an accident at Nugget Mine in Matabeleland South.

Nugget Mine Civil Protection Department Chairperson, Sithandiwe Ncube has confirmed the development and said that four gold miners have died after the mine collapsed on Monday morning.

It is feared that the death toll might rise to six after the mine in Matabeleland South Province collapsed.

Reports also indicate that 12 other miners are still trapped underground the mine situated about 30km from Bulawayo.

The chairperson has indicated that mining experts are assessing the risks before a rescue team is dispatched underground.

She also revealed that resources are also being mobilised in order to rescue the trapped miners and retrieve the bodies spotted at the site of the mine accident.-StateMedia

GWERU City Council is in urgent need of US$64 million to upgrade the old and dilapidated water pumping system which has seen it failing to supply potable water consistently.

This has resulted in 10 high-lying suburbs going for weeks without water.

In a statement, town clerk Ms Elizabeth Gwatipedza said because of  obsolete equipment and a growing population of about 200 000 people, residents should brace for continued water woes until such a time when the local authority is able to secure the US$64 million.

“To be able to pump treated water at full capacity, there are rehabilitation works that need to be undertaken at our treatment plant and raw water pump station (Amaphongokwe and Gwenhoro) which mainly comprise of obsolete pump replacements and repair of mainlines and major fittings which have been costed to the tune of US$10 million,” she said.

“There are however, additional works that need to be done in the short and medium term which include upgrading water treatment plants, upgrading of water pumping mains plus pump stations, replacement of old and dilapidated pipe networks and other related works at a cost of US$54 million.”

Ms Gwatipedza said the local authority is experiencing a daily deficit of 15 mega litres for its population of about 200 000 residents who require over 60 mega litres of water per day.

She said the city needs in excess of 80 mega litres when industry if factored.

“Supply through the two treatment plants that is Gwenhoro and White Waters, with capacities of 60 mega litres and 5 mega litres respectively when fully functional brings the total a mere 65 mega litres per day. “Currently Gwenhoro Treatment Plant has an output of 40-43 mega litres per day while White Waters has an output of 1.5 mega litres per day giving a total of between 43-44 mega litres. Due to bottlenecks caused by civil mechanical and electrical equipment broken down, we cannot operate at full capacity.

The total water produced per day is not enough to meet the 60 plus mega litres that are required per day. With a deficit of 15 mega litres per day, we can’t fill our reservoirs. High lying areas which include Mkoba 14, 19, 11, 10, 1, 2, 7, 17, Haben Park and Ridgemont suffer because of the deficit,” said Ms Gwatipedza. She said due to frequent power outages and pipe bursts on council’s pumping mains, there are times when there is no production from the treatment plants further worsening the water supply.

Ms Gwatipedza advised residents that Gwenhoro Dam is only 26 percent full which translates to only five months’ supply.

-State Media

THE Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) has been paying two salaries for two chief executive officers for the past 12 months, while thousands of United States dollars were spent on hairstyle, food hampers, and gym allowances for managers, legislators heard yesterday.

Zinara has also been paying a salary for suspended chief executive officer Mrs Nancy Masiyiwa-Chamisa since June 2018 together Mrs Mathlene Mujokoro, who is the acting CEO.

It also emerged that Zinara spent US$4 000 on each director in buying and installing gym equipment at their residences, but the road authority went on to pay monthly subscriptions for their gym at upmarket clubs in Harare.

More than US$60 000 was also spent on hairstyle allowance with one boutique pocketing more than US$25 000 on having hair done for Zinara female managers.

This came out yesterday when Transport and Infrastructural Development Minister Joel Biggie Matiza appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee to give evidence on an audit report prepared by Auditor-General Mrs Mildred Chiri as he unearthed the historical corruption that obtained at the parastatal before the new administration of President Mnangagwa.

Committee chairperson Mr Tendai Biti (MDC-Alliance) said they had been informed that Zinara was paying salaries for both Mrs Masiyiwa-Chamisa and Ms Mujokoro.

“As we speak now, negotiations between that CEO and the board are in progress to make sure that they come to an agreement. There is a process of scouting for a new CEO for this organisation. These are processes that are going on which are not being made public, sooner we will have a new structure, once we have a substantive CEO,” said Minister Matiza.

Dzivaresekwa MP, Mr Edwin Mushoriwa (MDC-Alliance) asked why conducting negotiations with Mrs Masiyiwa-Chamisa and not disciplinary proceedings if there was any offence that she committed.

“When there is a report of corruption and maladministration and when you hear that there are negotiations with the former CEO, what comes into our mind is a golden handshake that is going to be given. We were expecting to see heads roll, but you now have a softer approach unless you are saying the board suspended a wrong person,” said Mr Mushoriwa.

In response, Minister Matiza said while he concurred with the concern the board was seized with the issue and a lasting solution would be found.

Marondera Central MP, Mr Caston Matewu (MDC-Alliance) questioned why Zinara paid US$4 000 as gym allowance for each director, but went on to pay subscriptions at different clubs.

“How can you buy gym equipment for their homes and at the same time pay their subscription at a club,? said Mr Matewu.

Mr Biti said according to the audit, management got US$3 000 each for corporate wear for the year under review, two directors that were paid in excess of what was approved in the contract of employment among other issues.

“Our concern is that we do not see a satisfactory position by the Minister of ensuring that measures have been taken to stop the rot. It is not enough, with all due respect, just to say that we have a new board.

“We would have thought that there must be evidence of action taken against employees, we have interviewed them and they are very arrogant and they are still there. How do you continue giving the same company money when it has failed to perform? What have you done to go to those companies that performed, but did not perform, like Badon?

“We are not hearing a convincing story going forward arising out of the omission of the past. I can assure you, although I am not a prophet, that the 2018 and 2019 audit report will be talking about the same thing,” said Mr Biti.

-State Media

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged to provide decent accommodation for all Zimbabweans.

Mnangagwa said this during his visit to Mbare’s Matapi flats, which are being renovated under a joint deal between government and Harare City Council.

Renovations at the flats, which had become an eyesore and a potential health disaster, started after one block was gutted down by fire last year.

Said Mnangagwa:

“Remember that last year, when one block was burnt, I visited the place and promised residents that I will look into renovations there, particularity that block and the rest of other blocks around that place.

When I visited the place, I discovered that they were very dilapidated so I made arrangements that they are fixed. The company that is working there has so far attended to about three or four blocks, but they are going to do all the blocks around there.”

He said government, using funds raised through the Transitional Stabilisation Programme, together with Harare City Council contracted a Singaporean company, FCG, which is leading the renovations.

Mnangagwa said the Matapi renovations were the beginning of “bigger things to come”.-Newsday

State Media|THREE of the more than 100 youths who were arrested on Saturday for criminal nuisance have each been sentenced to three months in prison.

Police raided youths, mostly school children, who get drunk in the city centre and organise the infamous vuzu parties.

Children get drunk and often have unprotected group sex at the wild parties.

Bhekimuzi Moyo (20), Prichard Sibanda (22) and Alex Ndlovu (20) appeared before Bulawayo magistrate Mr Franklin Mkhwananzi who sentenced them to three months in prison which was however wholly suspended on condition that they complete 105 hours of community service.

The three pleaded guilty to criminal nuisance.

The court heard that the three reside in West Acre and New Lobengula.

Prosecuting, Mr Mufaro Mageza said on May 4 this year at around 8PM outside The Vista Club at corner 8th Avenue and Fife Street the three were shouting obscenities at the top of their voices, playing music loudly and drinking alcohol in public.

The police arrived at the scene and arrested them, escorted them to Bulawayo Central Police Station where they were detained until yesterday when they were arraigned.

Zenzele Ndlovu (20), Bongani Mhlanga (19), Tatenda Mpofu (18), Valentine Sibanda (26), Sebala Moketsi (24) and Gabriel Tarambiwa (22) who were arrested on the same day were cautioned and discharged.

The court heard the six were also facing criminal nuisance charges and pleaded guilty.

“Last Saturday around 8PM police on duty were deployed at Centenary Park and they heard loud music and people singing at the same time, they proceeded to the scene and arrested the six,” said the prosecutor.

Mr Mkhwananzi warned the youths not to behave in that manner again.

Yesterday scores of youths were milling around the corridors of Tredgold Building with their parents and guardians who had been called by the police following their arrest.

Many were later cautioned and discharged.

Own Correspondent|President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Monday quickly dashed away from his much talked about visit to Matapi flats in Mbare after it dawned on him that what was being shown to him on the outside of the flats did not reflect the real progress on the work he ordered to be done.

Mnangagwa was shocked when he demanded to go inside the flats to realise that much of the work in the inside of the flats had not been done and occupants were living in the building as renovations were taking place.

Journalists who were at the scene heard the President take Local Government Minster July Moyo to task for keeping people in the flats while renovations were taking place.

Mnangagwa, left without addressing people who had gathered to witness the event.

A tent, chairs and podium had been set up to allow Mnangagwa to address the gathering, however the President briefly spoke to senior officials before leaving.

“You must move people while renovating the flats, since it is not healthy. This paint is producing a bad chocking smell and could affect people.

“Before moving to the rehabilitation of the next section of flats please make sure you move people until such time it is safe to do so because some might be allergic to it,” Mnangagwa told officials at close range.

Mnangagwa immediately tasked Harare City Council to find alternative places for Matapi Flats residents to stay while the blocks were being renovated.

Briefing the journalists after touring the flats, Mnangagwa turned against the residents saying he was not impressed by some residents who are refusing to be moved from the flats temporarily to quicken the refurbishment.

Government is carrying out the renovations in partnership with the Harare City Council with the works being done by FGC Singapore.

The flats are being renovated at the instruction of President Mnangagwa following a fire which gutted some flats last year.

The refurbishment includes the painting of the buildings, rehabilitation of the sewer and water system and the painting of the pre-cast wall.

By Own Correspondent- Nugget Mine Civil Protection Department Chairperson, Sithandiwe Ncube has confirmed that four gold miners have died after the mine collapsed on Monday morning.

It is feared that the death toll might rise to six after the mine in Matabeleland South Province collapsed. Reports also indicate that 12 other miners are still trapped underground the mine situated about 30km from Bulawayo.

The chairperson has indicated that mining experts are assessing the risks before a rescue team is dispatched underground. She also revealed that resources are also being mobilised in order to rescue the trapped miners and retrieve the bodies spotted at the site of the mine accident.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- The trial date for former permanent secretary in the ministry of Mines and Mining Development, Francis Gudyanga who is facing corruption charges has been set following the dismissal of his application for an exception.

Harare magistrate Victoria Mashamba dismissed the application by Gudyanga for lack of merit.

She also indicated that the matter was triable and it was necessary for it to go to trial as the allegations do not embarrass Gudyanga in any way.

The trial is set to kick off on June 5.

Gudyanga was arrested for suspected cases of corruption he committed when he was permanent secretary in the ministry of mines where at the time, he chaired the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ).

It is alleged that he never convened a meeting of the board, but claimed $28 000 in board sitting allowances.

He was the only board member and allegedly never consulted the acting general-manager Richard Chingodza and the corporation’s secretary Nomsa Moyo, whom he was supposed to hold meetings with, according to the Company Act.

He is on record telling the Harare magistrates’ court during the trial of MMCZ bosses that he paid himself board fees when there was no board to talk of at the parastatal.

Gudyanga told the court in March, 2017 while testifying against the MMCZ bosses: “It is not just sitting, but decision making. No, it was not sitting fees, but boarding fees because we did not sit as a board. The board is not all about sitting, but consultation and decision making. It took most of my time.”

Prof Gudyanga received $875 monthly as board fees and $460 sitting fees for “sitting” 21 times, totalling $28 910.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has arrived in Botswana where he is set to attend the 2019 Elephant Summit.

Mnangagwa will be one of the five Heads of State of countries in the KAZA TFCA region.

Among other issues, the summit is expected to establish ways to deal with the growing population of elephants in the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA TFCA). It is also expected to review the 1989 ban in international trade in ivory by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).

The summit comes after SADC environment ministers have already agreed to resolutely and collectively champion sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources for the good of citizens.

Tourism minister, Priscah Mupfumira who is also attending the event has urged the region to adopt homegrown solutions to address issues affecting the tourism sector.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent| President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hired a private plane for former president Robert Mugabe for flying to Malaysia .

Information gathered by ZimEye revealed that Mugabe flew out yesterday afternoon to the Asian country to seek medical treatment.

Although the flight tracking data was obfuscated in the database, ZimEye managed to get the details from a secondary record cache.

The costs of the chartered aircraft however was not known at the time of writing. The move to hire the plane is part of an arrangement by Mnangagwa where he pledged to take care of Mugabe as part of his exit package from the presidency.

Mnangagwa is on record saying that “Mugabe is well taken care of” and that the former leader deserved everyone’s respect for his role in liberating Zimbabwe.

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

By Own Correspondent- Presenting his manifesto for the Vice Presidencyat an MDC party caucus held at the party’s headquarters recently, Tendai Biti said that the party had to change its modus operandi.

He also said that the upcoming party elective congress was a platform to show the general populace that the MDC was tired of being an opposition party.

Speaking at the caucus, Biti said:

The 2019  5^th congress for the MDC is going to be a very important congress for us. It’s an opportunity to  start new dialogue with the people of Zimbabwe. It’s an opportunity for the people of the MDC to show Zimbabweans that we are tired of being an opposition political party.

The party must shift focus to the rural area. For us to gain power we need to go into the village in Humanikwa, Chiendambuya, Dotito.. so we need to change our strategy.

Speaking at the same event, Professor Welshman Ncube projected himself as a think tank and a strategist who stands ready to offer Chamisa the much-needed direction the party would embark on. Ncube said:

I will do all I can. All in my power to render that assistance to president Chamisa.  One of my major tasks that has not been talked about would be to provide strategic direction.-263Chat

By Own Correspondent- A pool of sewage has developed in Chitungwiza’s Zengeza 4 suburb a few metres from council head office which is posing a potential health time bomb in the dormitory town.

Some of the sewage is flowing past Herentals College and the middle of the shopping centre posing a threat to both pupils and residents who use the shopping centre and council has done nothing about it despite being in its vicinity.

A heap of garbage is also collecting at the centre of the shopping centre.

The garbage has been accumulating over the past months and no efforts have been made to rectify the situation.

Information gathered by this publication is that there is a damaged sewer pipe in the suburb and council has ordered a man who damaged the line while digging a well to repair it in the process holding residents to ransom.

“Council cannot hold people to ransom like this. What wrong have we done?

“Inga wani we pay rates,” said a resident who identified himself Landers.

So dire is the situation that a stench engulfs the whole suburb while litter continues to mount.

Council spokesperson Lovemore Meya said he would find out why the burst sewer pipe has not been replaced while he blamed accumulation of garbage to shortage of fuel at council that they sometimes fail to send compactors to collect garbage.

“Sometime we won’t be having fuel so there will not be compactors to collect garbage and residents end up dumping garbage everywhere and we need to educate them on cleanliness.

“I will investigate why the damaged pipe has not been replaced for that long.

“The flowing and pool of sewerage is a result of perennial water shortages in the town,” he said.

He said when water gets available, pressure is created in the blocked pipes leading to leakage of sewage.

“Some of the places need new pipes or even overhaul of the sewage system,” Meya said.-HMetro

Farai Dziva| MDC president Nelson Chamisa has accused Zanu PF of using war veterans to suppress the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

” We have realised that when elections are around the corner war veterans become relevant when there are no elections, war veterans are useless, they are relegated to be at the periphery of decision making,” Chamisa said.

He said war veterans should be given honor.
“We just had our independence, there is nothing that we can say we are proud of when it comes to the way the pockets of our war veterans are arranged its because we are not giving the appropriate attention to our war veterans.”

“Our war veterans should be given honor, we have to help them with school fees, medical expenses, transport expenses and other important things that are essential for their living,” he said.

Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has lamented the “economic genocide in Zimbabwe.”

“You are all aware of the economic genocide that is in our country, nobody spared in this genocide except the fat cats, the big chefs but most of the people are feeling the pinch particularly when one has regard to the hyperinflationary environment that is in the country,” Chamisa said.

He likened the “political instability” in the country to that of Venezuela.
“66 percent inflation that has been recorded to date, we are almost second from Venezuela and you can see that we are twins with Venezuela in terms of the political instability and the political crisis that is gripping the two nations.

“This is an unprecedented hyperinflationa
ry situation that we are encountering,”added Chamisa.

Farai Dziva|An MDC A official has challenged Emmerson Mnangagwa to get rid of illegal arms.

Senator Lilian Timveos has said Zimbabwe has an unknown number of illegal firearms.

“The regular cases of armed violence and robberies, sometimes involving deadly clashes between law enforcement agents and criminals are ample proof of this.”

” Recent episodes of political violence by Zanu PF militias armed by the state also illustrate this.

Evidence shows that Zimbabwe is not taking significant steps to get rid of illegal firearms.

The country is also not doing enough to ensure that legally-registered ones are not used to commit crime or to violate human rights.

Weak regulation of authorised firearm possession, theft, loss and corrupt sales from official holdings are a major cause for concern .

The country’s porous borders also provide fertile opportunities for black market and illicit weapons,” said Senator Timveous.

THE Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has acquired the latest surveillance equipment to aid officers execute their duties in line with international standards and the modernisation agenda of the organistion.

Deputy Commissioner-General Learn Ncube revealed this yesterday at the end of a week-long rebranding and refresher course for 55 senior officers at Ntabazinduna Training Depot.

He said latest technologies are essential for the operations of any modern police organisation.

“As an organisation we are aware that for the rebranding exercise to be successful we should be well resourced. Without doubt policing requires timeous deployment of necessary equipment. In these contemporary times we are living in, our police service must have modern tools of trade such as drones, helicopters, vehicles and surveillance cameras to mention just a few. In addition our police officers should be provided with a decent office and residential accommodation,” said Deputy Comm-Gen Ncube.

He said police were satisfied that Government has committed and pledged to resource the police force.

Deputy Comm-Gen Ncube said they will continue to engage Government through the office of the Minister of Home Affairs and Culture Heritage Cde Cain Mathema to fulfill the pledges.

He said so far police have acquired the latest surveillance equipment and some officers are already being trained on how to use it.

Correspondent|Theresa May’s former Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson allegedly held meetings with Ambassador Catriona Laing’s husband Clive Bates in a bid to recolonise Zimbabwe.

Williamson was sacked last week following a leak inquiry, was dismissed following concerns about his plans to ‘invade Africa’ and risk war with China.

According to sources at the military intelligence department in Harare Williamson met some with Bates and some British diplomats to fund the Matabeleland Collective to create an environment for British’s military invasion in Zimbabwe.

The source says the plan by Laing, her husband and Williamson was that they remove Robert Mugabe and replace him with a weak candidate who will be removable.

The Matabeleland Collective has been used as a conduit to endorse President Emmerson Mnangagwa while creating an animosity between him and Zimbabweans it is alleged.

Sunday Times reported that May refused his request to send Royal Navy warships into Chinese waters in the South China Sea, leading the then Defence Secretary to scrawl “f*** the prime minister” on the accompanying paperwork, which was subsequently reported to Downing Street.

A leaked National Security Document, seen by the Times, also suggests that Williamson drew up plans for the British Armed Forces to be sent to “at least five African countries, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Kenya and Egypt”.

The plans were reportedly for peacekeeping initiatives. However, Ministry of Defence officials told the paper that Williamson wanted to “find excuses to send troops”.

They added: “He wanted to invade Africa… He made it clear that he was keen to send the troops in.”

Former Affirmative Action Deputy President Elizabeth Nyathi, was last Friday sentenced to six years in prison at the Johannesburg Specialised Commercial Crimes Court after being found guilty of 10 counts of fraud.

Nyathi who was deputy to flamboyant ZANU PF legislator Philip Chiyangwa defrauded a Johannesburg auctioneer over R700 000 in a deal on antique goods and jewellery where nothing of the money was recovered.

Nyathi duped the Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers in Selby by making fake payments to settle items worth R721 579 she purchased from four auctions.

Christiaan Scholtz, the owner of the Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers, said that since the trial started last year he hadn’t recovered the lost money besides Nyathi’s repeated promises to settle the debt.

“We have not received any money back and there are always promises, but the magistrate said it’s very unlikely that we’re getting any back,” said Scholtz.

He added that despite the large loss of money, the company overcame the ordeal, with lessons learnt.

“It taught us some lessons about business and not to trust everyone anymore, but the business is strong, so we are blessed,” he said.

The antique goods included seven Rolex watches, diamond and gold rings, kitchenware and furniture, which Nyathi had bought between January and April last year.

About 90% of the goods that the auction house sells are from private individuals and, once sold, the auctioneer takes a percentage from the sale.

Magistrate Benita Oswell declared that because Nyathi’s passport expired during the course of her trial, she will be deported to Zimbabwe after serving her time. Oswell said Nyathi had a gift to manipulate people without showing any remorse.

Prosecutor Richard Chabalala also revealed that Nyathi is also wanted by Interpol in Zimbabwe for a 2012 case where she allegedly stole more than $250 000 worth of maize seeds from a Zimbabwean seed production company.

Scholtz said he was grateful for the work that Chabalala and the Hawks investigator did in the case.

Chabalala said the complainant was at least consoled by the fact that “the people who caused their loss will be spending time behind bars and later be removed from the Republic of South Africa and returned to Zimbabwe.”

Chabalala added that victories in cases like these sent a strong message to other criminals.

“Victories of this sort send a loud and clear message to other like-minded people that these types of crime will not go unpunished, and it helps to instil fear in criminals,” he said.

Own Correspondent |South African opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema says if South Africans give his party the mandate to rule, he will not hesitate to send former President Jacob Zuma to prison.

Speaking at a final campaign rally at Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg on Sunday May 5, Malema claimed that President Cyril Ramaphosa and his predecessor, Zuma, were on top of his list of criminals that needed to be jailed. At the same time, he accused the South African Police Service (SAPS) of failing to arrest ANC politicians facing corruption allegations.

“I have a list of criminals. Zuma is number one on that list, followed by Ramaphosa. You left Ramaphosa over the Marikana massacre. Till today, you’re still letting him go over the massacre because he’s your friend,” Malema said, while addressing thousands of supporters.

Malema said Ramaphosa had to be arrested over the Marikana massacre in August 2012, where police killed 34 protesting Lonmin miners. Ramaphosa was a non-executive director at the mine at the time, and a judicial commission inquiry in 2015 exonerated him of any wrongdoing.

Malema said Ramaphosa didn’t deserve to be at the Union Buildings as the country’s first citizen.

“What type of police are you? You look at a criminal going around addressing stadiums. A criminal is sitting at the wrong place at the Union Buildings. He is not supposed to be at the Union Buildings, he’s supposed to be at Sun City prison, that’s where he deserves to be,” he said.

He also called on police to stop shooting at protesters during service delivery protests.

“When people are protesting don’t shoot them. They are not fighting, they want justice. There is a difference between demanding justice and fighting. When we march and barricade roads it is because the criminals in the offices are not delivering to us. If those criminals were delivering, we were not going to block roads and burn tyres,” Malema said.

South Africa goes to the polls on Wednesday, May 8.

Own Correspondent| Latest reports from within the ruling ZANU PF party in Bulawayo indicate that former PF ZAPU members in the party threatened to boycott both the National Heroes Acre and ZANU PF if one of their own Misheck Velaphi Ncube was denied national hero status.

Highly reliable party insiders revealed to ZimEye.com that party heavyweights who were in the former PF ZAPU structures under the late Joshua Nkomo defied a ZANU PF politburo decision which had declared Ncube as a liberation war hero a status far lower than that of a National Hero and even lower than a provincial hero.

According to the sources, the former ZAPU members sent a delegation to President Emmerson Mnangagwa declaring that if Ncube was not declared a national hero they would also all write in their wills that they not be buried at the National Shrine.

The sources revealed that the party’s secretary for administration Obert Mpofu had been sent by the politburo to to convey the message that Ncube had been declared a liberation hero status against the party’s provincial request for National Hero.

An emergency provincial executive committee meeting was convened in Bulawayo on Friday where a delegation was dispatched to raise the concern with Mnangagwa.

Ncube, who died on April 29 from diabetes at the age of 82 and was one of the pioneer ZIPRA fighters during the 1970s independence war after receiving military training in Egypt in 1962.

He was one of the top Zipra fighters and ZAPU intelligence officers during and after the liberation war. In 1984 he was arrested with Dumiso Dabengwa and Lookout Masuku by former President Robert Mugabe’s regime and convicted on treason charges. He was pardoned in 1987 at the signing of the Unity Accord between ZANU and PF ZAPU.

The ZAPU members declared to Mnangagwa that former ZANU PF Bulawayo Provincial Chairman Callistus Ncube, who was buried at the National Heroes Acre did not deserve a National Hero Status ahead of Ncube.

The former PF ZAPU members blasted Mnangagwa for giving priority to former ZANU and ZANLA members ahead of them in according hero status.

Zanu-PF politburo member, Munyaradzi Machacha, who was appointed by Mnangagwa to oversee the restructuring of the party in Bulawayo, was so alarmed by the strong objections among ex-ZAPU officials that he called Mnangagwa during the meeting to tell him that “people are angry down here” the sources revealed.

Mnangagwa subsequently overruled the politburo and directed officials to declare Ncube a national hero.

Ncube is expected to be buried at the Heroes Acre in Harare on a day still to be announced.

Farai Dziva|
Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Monica Mutsvangwa has described her boss Emmerson Mnangagwa as a noble figure.

Mutsvangwa said Government’s gesture was consistent with Mnangagwa’s commitment to unity and peace.

“It is in the spirit of oneness that President Mnangagwa is showing this gesture,” she said.

Mutsvangwa was commenting on the assistance provided to the Tsvangirai Family by the government during the late founding MDC leader’s funeral.

By Own Correspondent- A Harare pastor has been dragged to court for refusing to maintain their child.

Zvikomborero Katsoma appeared at the Harare Civil Court against her husband Pastor Nyakuda who she accused of neglecting their child.

“I want $380 to take care of my child who is still a month old.

“He owns a printing machine and so he is able to offer $380 for his own child.

“He doesn’t have another wife or any children but he seems to be failing to take care of his child; he did not even buy any preparation clothes for his child.”

She added:

“He has been lying that his printing machine is no longer working but he also gets some of the allowances from his church members because he is now a pastor.”

Pastor Nyakuda insisted that he was not working.

“I can only offer $35 for maintenance because at the moment I am not working.

“My printing machine is not working and it is the only source of income I once had.

“Yes I am a pastor but this has given me a lot of responsibilities to take care of the poor.”

Presiding magistrate ordered that Pastor Nyakuda pays $100 every month. 

By Own Correspondent- Two Harare women have been dragged to court for allegedly beating an 11-year-old with an electric cable.

Tracy Zimunya, 40, and Chidochashe Tawonezvi, 18, appeared before Harare magistrate Learnmore Mapiye accused of neglecting a minor.

The matter was postponed to May 8.

The duo are aunt and cousin to the complainant who is a minor and they were staying together.

Allegations are that, on an unknown date but in December 2018 at around 12pm, the complainant was at home with Zimunya when the latter started beating the complainant with an electric cable.

Zimunya assaulted her all over the body and told her that she no longer wanted to stay with her and then she chased her away from the home.

The complainant went to seek accommodation from their neighbour where she started staying.

Tawonezvi reportedly came back home and called the complainant and started questioning her why she was staying at their neighbour’s house.

This didn’t go down with Tawonezvi and she started beating the complainant with an electric cable.

The matter came to light when a neighbour Fortunate Gumbu informed the complainant that she no longer wanted to stay with her since she had stolen a tenant’s cellphone and she escorted the complainant to the police.

The complainant was not medically examined.-StateMedia

Farai Dziva|It is a matter of double tragedy for the survivors of Tropical Cyclone Idai who are freezing in the cold weather on empty stomachs.

Sources in the area have revealed the tents in the area cannot accommodate all the homeless people.

” There was fracas at the Chingwizi Camp in Chimanimani when CIO operatives tried to abduct Antony Machingauta in the company of new Chimanimani DA who boasted that he is a war veteran.

This followed Machingauta (a time CYCLONE Idai aid relief thief)’ address to the people to be given food before entering the tents. And he also told the people to wait until each could get his tent.

Apparently there are more families than the tents leaving many people in the open.

Chimanimani nights are too cold and people are going to freeze on empty stomachs,” said the sources in the area.

By Own Correspondent- A food outlet opened at Fife Avenue shopping centre is buying its chickens and potatoes from local farmers, a local business man has said.

Simbisa Zimbabwe chief executive officer Warren Meares said this in his speech during the official opening of Nando’s recently.

Said Meares:

“Nando’s fire warms up the entire country every time they open a new Casa because they employ Zimbabweans to run them and create employment.”

Farai Dziva|Social commentator Antony Taruvinga has said the MDC A’ s victory against is the only way to honour the late MDC president Morgan Tsvangirai.

” We have a duty to preserve his (Tsvangirai) legacy and push his agenda for real change until victory is achieved.

His dream of a New Zimbabwe, modern day, prosperous and democratic Zimbabwe is a dream that every Zimbabwean must cherish. A land of milk and honey!

Our only drawback to MRT’s dream is Mnangagwa and Zanu PF ! The monster that needs to be fought to death.

We can’t watch helplessly as murderers and thieves ruin our future and the future of our children.

To the president Nelson Chamisa and the MDC, the only way to pay back MRT for his service and sacrifice is a win against Zanu PF,” said Taruvinga.

By Oen Correspondent| First lady Auxilia Mnangagwa has been appointed health ambassador for Zimbabwe.

This is a developing story. More details to follow.

By Own Correspondent| Zinara has once again hogged the limelight amid revelations that the parastatal splashed $4 000 on each of its directors for them to buy their personal gym equipment.

Alleged Brezh Malaba:

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has wished all Muslims in Zimbabwe and internationally a happy Ramadan Day.

Said Mnangagwa:

“Wishing all Muslims in Zimbabwe and around the world a blessed Ramadan. Let this holy month serve to bring people together, united by the values of tolerance, compassion and peace. Ramadan Kareem.”

Farai Dziva|An MDC A official has challenged Emmerson Mnangagwa to get rid of illegal arms.

Senator Lilian Timveos has said Zimbabwe has an unknown number of illegal firearms.

“The regular cases of armed violence and robberies, sometimes involving deadly clashes between law enforcement agents and criminals are ample proof of this.”

” Recent episodes of political violence by Zanu PF militias armed by the state also illustrate this.

Evidence shows that Zimbabwe is not taking significant steps to get rid of illegal firearms.

The country is also not doing enough to ensure that legally-registered ones are not used to commit crime or to violate human rights.

Weak regulation of authorised firearm possession, theft, loss and corrupt sales from official holdings are a major cause for concern .

The country’s porous borders also provide fertile opportunities for black market and illicit weapons,” said Senator Timveous.

Farai Dziva|MDC A leader Nelson Chamisa has lamented the “economic genocide in Zimbabwe.”

“You are all aware of the economic genocide that is in our country, nobody spared in this genocide except the fat cats, the big chefs but most of the people are feeling the pinch particularly when one has regard to the hyperinflationary environment that is in the country,” Chamisa said.

He likened the “political instability” in the country to that of Venezuela.
“66 percent inflation that has been recorded to date, we are almost second from Venezuela and you can see that we are twins with Venezuela in terms of the political instability and the political crisis that is gripping the two nations.

“This is an unprecedented hyperinflationa
ry situation that we are encountering,”added Chamisa.

Farai Dziva| MDC president Nelson Chamisa has accused Zanu PF of using war veterans to suppress the will of the people of Zimbabwe.

” We have realised that when elections are around the corner war veterans become relevant when there are no elections, war veterans are useless, they are relegated to be at the periphery of decision making,” Chamisa said.

He said war veterans should be given honor.
“We just had our independence, there is nothing that we can say we are proud of when it comes to the way the pockets of our war veterans are arranged its because we are not giving the appropriate attention to our war veterans.”

“Our war veterans should be given honor, we have to help them with school fees, medical expenses, transport expenses and other important things that are essential for their living,” he said.

By Own Correspondent- Gospel diva, Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, escaped possible injury after her Jeep Grand Cherokee hit a herd of cattle along Mutare-Chipinge road on Friday night.

Fungisai was in the company of another lady when the incident occurred. Speaking about her close shave with death, Fungisai said:

“So the Devil is a failed liar again…. I decided to attend our ZAOGA Explo Crusade in Chipinge last eve before coming to the Cyclone Survivors fundraising event at Queens Hall in Mutare today. And a herd of cattle happened!!

Kindly join the cause in Mutare today and bring everything you can to Queens Hall. Thank you for your prayers. I know I could have been carried lifeless from the scene in a silver thing that I saw at the police station but God preserved my life and I don’t take it lightly.

I may not make it there today but kindly celebrate this escape by bringing your donation at queens hall today. A 6th sense tells me God found it worthwhile to preserve this Gift so I have the chance to unveil The Prophetic Ancient Voice Album and I believe God it will change the face of Christian Music and the Zim music Industry in general. Watch the space …..All my love God bless u

By Own Correspondent- A Mashava man is appealing for financial assistance from well-wishers so that he can undergo an operation on both his legs after an attack by a hippopotamus.

Garikai Charles (44), from Zvamahande village, was bitten by the animal while fishing in 2014.

He has not been able to walk properly since then.

Charles requires US$4 000 for the operation to be done.

Those willing to assist Garikai, his address is Zvamahande primary school, P.O Box 79 Mashava and his mobile contacts are 0782 274 491 or 0785 846 347.

By Own Correspondent- Various teachers’ unions have expressed dismay over poor remuneration threatening to embark on a go slow ahead of the second school term which opens on Tuesday this week.

Teachers have cited poor salaries, which have been decimated by galloping inflation.

In an interview with a local publication on Sunday, Progressive Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) secretary-general, Raymond Majongwe, said:

No person will ever lead a war without counting whether his soldiers are in the barracks or not. So, we are simply going back to school to make sure that we create a strategy that must take us forward.

Our salaries have just gone below US$80 and we are talking of people here who are degreed.

People have families to take care of, but it seems the government seems to be insensitive or they are busy looking somewhere else.

The painful part is we have patriotic teachers who want to turn up for duty, but it is almost impossible we are going back to exactly where the circle started. Teachers are incapacitated.

Both the Amalgamated Rural Teachers’ Union of Zimbabwe president, Obert Masaraure, and Zimbabwe Teachers Association chief executive officer, Sifiso Ndlovu, have accused the government of failing to fulfil its promises, especially the issue of duty-free cars.-Newsday

By Own Correspondent- A 53-year-old Zimbabwean woman has been sentenced to six years in prison by a South African court after she was found guilty of 10 counts of fraud.

Elizabeth Nyathi, 53, the former deputy president of Zimbabwe’s Affirmative Action Group (AAG), defrauded the Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers in Selby by making fake payments to settle items worth R721 579 she purchased from four auctions.

She purchased the goods between January and April.

Speaking to a South African publication, Christiaan Scholtz, the owner of the Old Johannesburg Warehouse Auctioneers, said:

We have not received any money back and there are always promises, but the magistrate said it’s very unlikely that we’re getting any back.

It taught us some lessons about business and not to trust everyone anymore, but the business is strong, so we are blessed.

Among the goods, Nyathi duped the Jo’burg Auctioneers, are seven Rolex watches, diamond and gold rings, kitchenware and furniture.

Magistrate Benita Oswell ruled that Nyathi will be deported back to Zimbabwe after serving her time since her passport expired during the course of the trial.

Nyathi is allegedly wanted back home for stealing more than $250 000 worth of maize seeds from a Zimbabwean seed production company in 2012.-TheStar

By Own Correspondent- Parirenyatwa Hospital Clinical Director Dr Noah Madziva has resigned from his post with immediate effect.

Dr Madziwa was summoned to appear before a disciplinary committee to explain why he was absent during Health Minister, Obadiah Moyo’s visit to the hospital.

He was reportedly in surgery operating on a patient during the time of Minister Moyo’s visit.

Said Hopewell Chin’ono through a post on his Twitter handle:

Parirenyatwa Hospital Clinical Director Dr Noah Madziva has resigned from the post with immediate effect.

Three weeks ago he was hauled before a hearing for not being available when the Minister visited the hospital.

He was in surgery operating a patient. He has also left Parirenyatwa.

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has hired a private plane for former leader Robert Mugabe who is set to travel to Malaysia today.

Information gathered by ZimEye revealed that Mugabe is set to travel this afternoon to the Asian country to seek medical treatment.

However, the costs of the chartered aircraft is not yet known. The move to hire the plane is part of an arrangement by Mnangagwa where he pledged to take care of Mugabe as part of his exit package from the presidency.

Mnangagwa is on record saying that “Mugabe is well taken care of” and that the former leader deserved everyone’s respect for his role in liberating Zimbabwe.

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

By Own Correspondent- Government has with immediate effect suspended Chitungwiza Central Hospital clinical director Dr Patrick Dhliwayo and transferred principal nursing officer Mirriam Mangeya over a plethora of misconduct allegations as part of an ongoing exercise to bring sanity to public health institutions.

Mangeya has been transferred to head office awaiting transition to a new work station while Dr Dhliwayo was effectively put on suspension for verbally abusing fellow doctors.

Incidentally, Dr Dhliwayo was last year sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of a fine after he was found guilty of physically assaulting nurses at Zengeza Clinic.

In a letter seen by The Herald, signed by the Acting Secretary for Health Dr Gibson Mhlanga, Dr Dhliwayo is accused of verbally abusing six co-workers, among them three fellow doctors.

“You are hereby charged in terms of Section 4 (a) of National Employment Code of Conduct Regulations 2006, Statutory Instrument 15 of 2006.

“There is reason to believe that you committed an act of misconduct or acts of misconduct as defined in Section 4 in that; victimisation of a subordinate, Dr Arthur Mhizha, issuing threats to a subordinate Lawrence Kasinganeti, issuing threats to a subordinate Ndarukwa and Dzikamai and turning clinical meetings into forums of verbal abuse of GMOs Dr Shongo and Dr Ekofo,” reads Dr Dhliwayo’s charge sheet.

Mangeya’s letter stated that the former Chitungwiza hospital top nurse will report to the ministry’s head office by May 9, 2019.

By Own Correspondent- Harare City Council has been losing millions of dollars to space barons and cartels within and outside council that have been pocketing millions of dollars from council markets depriving the city of much-needed revenue.

Some politicians have been conniving with council officials to deprive the city of revenue from Mupedzanhamo, Mbare Musika, Glen View Area 8 Furniture Complex and other markets in Highfield.

Harare recently regained control of Carter and Paget houses in Mbare, 10 years after it lost the buildings to an infamous violent outfit called Chipangano.

The city lost over $3,6 million in revenue during the years when the buildings were under the control of Chipangano, whose leaders pocketed all the money paid by tenants.

Mbare vendors are reportedly paying thousands of dollars to politicians who lost in last year’s elctions, but now acting as “space barons”.

A known Highfield “space baron” married six wives thanks to the thousands of dollars he gets from vendors.

A report on revenue collected from the informal sector and challenges being encountered presented to the Informal Sector Committee by Housing and Community Services director Mr Edmore Nhekairo said council collected $7 652 376 from 2016 to date.

In 2016 council collected $3 360 000 and in 2017 the money declined to $2 000 476 before taking a further dip in 2018 when only $1 532 473 flowed into its coffers.

From January to March this year council collected $759 427, more than half of what was collected the whole of last year.

Nhekairo reported that he had put in place various strategies to improve revenue collection which included periodic rotation of market officers and assistants as well as identification of more sites, among others.

Council is also repossessing defaulters’ market stalls for non-payment of tariffs and has introduced an electronic receipting system to curb leakages through corruption.

The recent Informal Sector Committee minutes say the Director of Housing and Community Services reported that the strategies had been put in place to enhance revenue collection included routine transfer of market officers and market attendants, control and monitoring of overlaps and ensuring that traders produced proof of payment upon entering the market.

Also arising from the same discussion, the committee requested progress on areas such as Marlborough Home Industry and Siyaso Home Industry where traders were not paying.

“The Director of Housing and Community Services reported that the traders at Siyaso Home Industry had not been paying (their dues) over the years. They only started paying after the district officer had engaged them. They had offered to pay $20 a month,” reads the minutes.

“After the joint operation command operation, the district officer had engaged them and they had agreed to pay the requested amount. They had, however, requested for the same arrangement at Mupedzanhamo where a municipal detail manned the gate and ensure everyone paid.”

With regard to Marlborough Home Industry, Nhekairo reported that the site was allocated in 1998 but had not been serviced to date.

He said there were no roads, running water or toilets and traders had resisted paying as the site was not serviced.

Nhekairo also reported that the other major problem at the home industry was that the traders had been allocated stands ranging from 800 square metres to 1 000 square meters which were way bigger than the 50 square metres for the other industries.

“To that effect, he had engaged the Survey Section to do a proper mapping of the stands and the latter had submitted a report to the Planning Division to formally allocate the stands. The traders were told that for them to qualify for the allocation, they had to pay at least 25 percent of their arrears by April 3o for them to enter into lease agreements with council.

By Own Correspondent- Opposition MDC leader, Nelson Chamisa, has placed the blame on President Emmerson Mnangagwa for the political impasse between the country’s main political parties, claiming that the latter has refused dialogue.

In an interview with a local publication, Chamisa said that he sent his emissaries to Mnangagwa several times only to be given a cold shoulder.

Said Chamisa:

We have sent letters to him (Mnangagwa); we have sent emissaries; I have sent several people to his offices but they have found the doors locked and iron-willed, but we will keep knocking because what moves us is the suffering of the people.

Zimbabwe is polarised and people are too angry…my plea and request to Mnangagwa are to come down from his high horse. Pride has never been known to be a progressive disposition — people need to be united (and) not put asunder.

Chamisa bemoaned citizens’ suffering, especially the hardships being experienced by the country’s younger generation.

He said:

“Many young people have never been employed; many young people do not know a payslip or the meaning of a salary.

Many young people are not aware of a higher purchase of lay-by dispensation – they don’t how to purchase things on credit and these are basic things in other countries.

These issues need to be addressed. It is not good to be stone-hearted and cruel to the people.

Everyone is suffering; civil servants are suffering and we are decimating the honour of professionals and punishing professional and academic excellence.

Learning and earning qualifications have been emptied of their meaning. I listen to our men and women in uniform, their cries are still the same.

In government, many shares with me their agonies that should call for sensitivity on the part of the leadership.”-DailyNews

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa this morning toured Matapi flats in Mbare, one of Harare’s oldest suburbs which was recently given a facelift.

Mnangagwa, toured Mbare in the company of heavily armed soldiers. Both Zanu Pf and the opposition MDC have claimed to have given the flats a facelift.

By Own Correspondent- Police have released the names of two Hwange Magistrates Courts’ officials who died in an accident on their way to attend a colleague’s wedding in Bulawayo on Saturday.

Officer Commanding Police in Lupane District, Chief Superintendent Edgar Dhliwayo identified the deceased as Loveness Maseko (32) and Pertunia Mawundura (27).

Maseko was a policewoman attached to the National Prosecution Authority as a prosecutor at Hwange Magistrates’ Courts while Mawundura was the Judicial Service Commission’s Matabeleland North provincial administration officer also stationed in Hwange.

The two were travelling together with area prosecutor in-charge of Matabeleland North Martha Cheda and Hwange Magistrates’ Court prosecutors Tsepo Cheda, Charlene Murove-Gorerino and Jamesina Makanza as well as a policewoman Assistant Inspector Ester Sibanda, who is also attached to the NPA as a prosecutor.

Chief Supt Dhliwayo said Maseko and Mawundura were sitting in the twin cab’s loadbox when the accident occurred.

He said the Isuzu twin cab, belonging to the NPA, burst a rear right tyre before veering off the road where it hit a tree killing the two on the spot.

“On Saturday at around 10AM, seven passengers were driving in a KB300 Isuzu twin cab from Hwange to Bulawayo and on approaching a curve at the 62km peg, the car burst its right rear tyre and veered off the road to the left whereupon it hit a tree,” said Chief Supt Dhliwayo.

Maseko and Mawundura died on the spot.

They’re next of kin have been notified, police said.

The injured were rushed to Mpilo Central Hospital where Cheda, Cheda and Makanza were treated and discharged.

Murove-Gorerino and Asst Insp Sibanda were still admitted yesterday but in stable condition, said Chief Supt Dhliwayo.

He urged motorists to exercise caution when driving.

“Motorists should exercise extreme caution and avoid speeding especially when approaching curves. That portion of the road might look good because it is straight but there are a lot of livestock hence speeding is not advisable,” he said.

By ZIMCODD| The current economic meltdown in Zimbabwe is slowly turning the Southern African country into a “house of hunger.” The ushering in of a new dispensation in the famous month of November 2017 ignited a sense of hope among Zimbabweans, with the majority hoping for socioeconomic turnaround after years of economic stagnation. Nevertheless, it all remained a pie in the air, with Zimbabweans now in a worse off situation than before. From bizarre bread price hikes and the entire rise in prices for basic commodities and services, shocking data hikes, deteriorating health services and the overall economic recession, citizens are continuously impoverished and wallowing in abject poverty.

Despite the depressing situation citizens are suffocating under, the Minister of Finance and Economic Development claims that the Transitional Stabilisation Programme anchored on austerity for prosperity has led to economic growth. The Minister is reported having claimed that due to TSP, the country registered 4 percent growth in its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2018, marginally down from the initially set growth target of 4,5 percent. To access the media report click here.

Furthermore, the government of Zimbabwe has already reported revenue surplus for December 2018 and January 2019. The declared surplus is not congruent to the socioeconomic situation in the country where an ordinary citizen’s life has not improved. It is disheartening that the government is concentrating on quantitative growth of the economy without matching it to the material conditions of the citizens. It is worrisome that the so called growth has not translated into improved living conditions for the general citizenry. The much celebrated economic growth comes at a time when the country is grappling with socio-economic woes characterized by deplorable public social service delivery and where 70% of the country’s population is languishing in poverty.

“Evident successes are in fiscal consolidation and discipline, the removal of various pricing distortions, monetary sector and currency reforms, infrastructure rehabilitation, and Doing Business Environment reforms which will attract investment.” Prof. Mthuli Ncube. The claims that pricing distortions have been removed are alarming when in actual fact the prices of individual commodities are not following the laws of supply and demand, in a free market economy Zimbabwe is currently pursuing. Currency shortages and uncertainties coupled with looming hyperinflation are continually fuelling cost distortions and what makes the problem more complex is the fact that skyrocketing prices has eroded the buying power of the majority whose incomes remained stagnant. The removal of pricing distortions will remain a fallacy if the currency issue is not resolved once and for all and ensure that there is consistency in the currency regime.

In terms of fiscal discipline, it does not suffice to say that the government has made success as claimed by the Finance Minister up until a time when there is evident transparency and accountability in fiscal management. As it stands, fiscal management in the country is shrouded in secrecy, lack of accountability with misappropriation and abuse of public funds being the order of the day as evidenced by the recent Zimbabwe National Roads Administration Authority (ZINARA) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scandal where reports claim that more than $1 million was abused under the pretext of being a fund for the road administrator’s CSR activities. Transparency and accountability remain low hanging fruits for the government and what is required is honouring constitutional and associated legislative provisions on public finance management.   

With the government cheering austerity measures, citizens are grappling with high cost of living in an economy crumbling at its knees. Evidence of economic growth should manifest itself through improved material living conditions for the ordinary citizens.

Government is coming under increasing scrutiny over the manner it handled cyclone idai aid with political activists demanding an audit of how the monies and donations were used.

Chiposi who is a losing parliamentary candidate for Southerton in Hararevsaid Activist Fungai Chiposi called on the government through the Auditor General to audit public as well as private led donation campaigns to check if all contributions went to the intended objective.

Chiposi also suggested that guidelines be put in place for future situations where Zimbabweans will donate to disaster causes.

“Our budding democracy needs this opportunity to grow stronger. Our listening President, who is the President of all citizens of Zimbabwe, must order the Auditor General’s office to audit all donations and systems that came into play during this disaster. Every donated cent and banana must be accounted for.

“The report must be immediately made public so that the nation learns for the future. Systems to handle future disasters must be put in place and guidelines made public. Creation of a disaster fund is of utmost importance. Earmarking independent response organisations will quickly mobilise resources in future.

“An audit of Cyclone Idai disaster will also assure citizens that their money and goods were put to good and intended use and thus motivate them to help more in future. Distribution of relief and disaster assistance donations along political lines should be a thing of the past. The international community should rest assured that all their help will be used as intended and accounted for.

“The Auditor-general must not focus only on government ministries but everyone who played a part in receiving donations for and behalf of Cyclone Idai survivors,” said Chiposi.