By Own Correspondent- President Mnangagwa has ordered a Chinese company to stop its planned quarry mining activities in Domboshava which would have resulted in the eviction  of 20 000 villagers.

The order comes after the Chinese company had already ordered villagers to vacate the area to create space for the project.

Energy Mutodi, Information deputy minister and local MP, confirmed the development yesterday. He said that president Mnangagwa indicated that the area was not open for mining since it is a tourism resort. Mutodi said:

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has come to the rescue of Domboshava villagers, who were facing eviction by a Chinese quarry mining firm, Aihua Jianye. The President has ordered that the firm stops mining activities in the area known for its rock art and as a tourist attraction.

Mutodi recently accused an MDC councillor Tapiwa Murima and district administrator, Priscah Dube of illegally allowing the Chinese firm to mine at Garimo Hill. The MDC has however since refuted the allegations.-Newsday

Today we recognise the role played by our workers in our economy and society. Our workers are an integral cog as we restructure, reform and rebuild our economy, and we appreciate the contributions, hard work and sacrifices that you continue to make.

We are well aware of the challenges faced by the labour sector. We are committed to increasing the number of people in employment and to ensuring the dignity of all workers, through restoring your purchasing power, improving our transport system, housing delivery, and clean water, sanitation and energy provision.

Our freedom and independence was won through hard work, unity and sacrifice. Let us all therefore celebrate this 2019 Workers Day with renewed determination, solidarity and hope. With unity and hard work, we shall realise our goals.

By Own Correspondent- The Movement for Democratic Party has dismissed claims by the ruling party of a plot to unseat president Mnangagwa as mere excuses to crackdown on protestors.

Speaking during a press briefing, the MDC spokesperson, Jacob Mafume said:

We have said this before, that Zimbabwe is captured by very dangerous group of people, who are irrational, unreasonable, paranoid and will do anything to crush dissent in pursuit of their power retention agenda.

They reveal another attempt to victimise Zimbabweans, justify premeditated crackdown on actors in the democratic movement.

Mafume’s sentiments follow a stern warning by minister of Home Affairs, Cain Mathema on Monday to the opposition and some civil society organisations against protests which he said were meant to remove the incumbent government.

Mafume further said that this was ZANU PF’s archaic strategy which will not work this time as the MDC is fully aware of its rights and freedoms. He added that instead of intimidating citizens, the e government is supposed to be looking at ways to mitigate the crisis it created.-ZimMail

Statement By Emmerson Mnangagwa|Today we recognise the role played by our workers in our economy and society. Our workers are an integral cog as we restructure, reform and rebuild our economy, and we appreciate the contributions, hard work and sacrifices that you continue to make.

We are well aware of the challenges faced by the labour sector. We are committed to increasing the number of people in employment and to ensuring the dignity of all workers, through restoring your purchasing power, improving our transport system, housing delivery, and clean water, sanitation and energy provision.

Our freedom and independence was won through hard work, unity and sacrifice. Let us all therefore celebrate this 2019 Workers Day with renewed determination, solidarity and hope. With unity and hard work, we shall realise our goals.

By Own Correspondent- On Monday the Zanu PF Youth League management committee met at the Revolutionary Party Headquarters and discussed a number of issues, notably the state of the economy, business arbitrage, and the threat posed by regime change purveyors under the guise of opposition.

Of major concern to us as the Vanguard of the governing party is the economic sabotage that businesses are practising, needlessly profiteering at the expense of the broad masses and increasing prices willy-nilly.

The price increases are unjustified and speculative and uncalled for. We hope that business will do the right thing and stop the madness before we descend on errant companies that are behaving like the terrorists, hurting the economy and blunting the country’s economic revival efforts.

We resolved, at our management committee meeting, that we need to cleanse the country of all systems that are in the habit of sucking our people and deal decisively with mafia business organisations that are syphoning and mopping foreign currency.

The Zanu PF Youth League is well aware that there is a cartel of foreigners working with some locals are pouring money to money changers and distort the exchange rate, these unscrupulous businesses then externalise the foreign currency to their home countries, we have their names and soon we are going to send our teams to checkmate them and end this madness.

Businesses should shape up or ship out and allow humane organisations to set base in the country. The economy is going through a revival phase but that should never be punitive to the consumer.

In a way, the price madness is yet another ploy to trigger demonstrations and we are aware of the actors behind these nefarious exercises.

Soon we are going to dispatch our monitors to check on compliance with our laws on the part of the companies and also call upon relevant authorities to crack the whip and break monopolies and cartels that are now holding the nation to ransom.

While we embrace austerity for prosperity and have tightened our belts to adjust to the situation which requires us to do so, we would the ministries of Finance and Industry to be sensitive to the plight of the masses and ensure that there is a balance between theory and practice.

Soon we are going to call for the total boycott of certain shops that are causing artificial shortages so as to justify price increases and if that route fails we will mobilise to shut down such enterprises that thrive on unjustified and terrorist actions

VIDEO LOADING BELOW…

By Own Correspondent- Harare residents have threatened to sue Harare City Council for disconnecting water on properties of defaulters.

In an interview with a local publication, Community Water Alliance programmes manager Hardlife Mudzingwa said that the provision of potable water is a human right. He said:

Our legal argument is based on Sections 44, 46(1) (c) and 86 of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment No. 20 of 2013.

Section 44 compels government at every level to among other obligations, respect the human right to water.

Respecting the human right to water means that where there is a supply of potable water, there must be limited interference in the enjoyment of that right.

Respecting the human right to water is of immediate effect and it is not subjected to the availability of resources.

Disconnecting water is a retrogressive measure and goes against Section 77 requirement of progressive realisation of the human right to water.

Section 46(1)(c) compels Zimbabwe, when interpreting human rights, to take into account international law, treaties and conventions to which Zimbabwe is a party.

Zimbabwe is a signatory to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR).

General Comment 15 entitles everyone to available, accessible, sufficient, acceptable and quality potable water.

This threat of a lawsuit comes at a time when water availability in the city can no longer be taken for granted. Residents in some suburbs have gone for weeks without the precious liquid.-DailyNews

MDC Midlands province has been ordered by the party’s national organising committee to re-run district congresses where the electoral process was marred by irregularities.

Takavafira Zhou, the MDC Midlands provincial spokesperson confirmed the development and said the date for the new rounds of congresses in the four districts would be announced soon.

The affected districts are Gokwe-Kabuyuni, Chiwundura, Kwekwe and Chirumanzu South.

“Teams led by the party’s organising department have been set up to complete the task, and the respective constituencies would be officially notified of the dates,” he said.

The major irregularity that marred the district congresses was participation and voting of in elligible delegates.

In some cases, candidates wishing to be voted into power bussed people who were not in the party structures to vote in the congresses. Sporadic cases of violence were also recorded due to jostling for posts between rival camps.

Zhou also indicated that the provincial executive meeting held on Sunday had begun the process of appointing portfolio secretaries from the province’s 28 constituencies in order to ensure fair representation in the leadership.

The process started after the provincial executive resolved to incorporate at least three party cadres from each constituency into the main wing.

“Emphasis was also put on consistent and persistent service in the party, gender equity, alliance integration and post-provincial congress integration.

“All in all, 20 constituencies were dealt with and the remaining eight could not be worked on because of failure to submit CVs of preferred cadres seconded to be part of the provincial executive,” said Zhou.

The Midlands province will this year host the MDC’s fifth elective congress from May 24 to 26 in the provincial capital, Gweru.

Party president Nelson Chamisa will safely secure his post after being nominated by all the 13 provinces.

The late MDC founder, Morgan Tsvangirai’s memorial was on the agenda at the Sunday meeting and Zhou urged MPs and Senators to assist supporters with transport to Buhera, where the event is set to be held this Saturday.

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has met members of the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC), with discussions on how to move the country forward topping the agenda.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the President said Government and the PAC members were concerned about challenges facing the nation.

“The meeting has been extremely educative on both sides, sharing of information about the challenges facing our country,” he said. “We are happy that all of us are concerned about our country and are putting our heads together to make sure we move our country forward as a people.”

President Mnangagwa was confident that once the Tripartite Negotiating Forum (TNF) is signed into an Act, in due course, it would move the country forward.

“This is what will create the Zimbabwe we want,” he said. PAC spokesperson Mr Joe Mutizwa said they discussed key issues affecting the country.

“We are hopeful, given the exchanges we had this afternoon,” he said. “We will see certain actions being taken in the interests of the country.”

President Mnangagwa early this year established the 26-member PAC to advise and assist him in formulating key economic policies and strategies that advance Vision 2030.

Vision 2030 entails making Zimbabwe an upper middle-income country with gross national income (GNI) per capita of between $3 896 and $12 055, according to the World Bank’s technical calculations, implying high standards of living for citizens.

The advisory council comprises experts and leaders drawn from diverse sectors like business, health and social protection, agriculture, governance and human rights, faith-based organisations, tourism, education, minorities, ICT, civic society, communication and media management.

Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by the two Vice Presidents Constantino Chiwenga and Kembo Mohadi, Cabinet ministers, including Minister of Finance and Economic Development Professor Mthuli Ncube and RBZ Governor Dr John Mangudya, among other top-ranking Government officials.-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- RioZim announced that its US$2 billion Sengwa Thermal Power Station project in Gokwe is expected to start within the next 12 months.

In a statement which accompanied the listed mining group’s audited financial results for the year ended December 31, 2018, RioZim chairman Lovemore Chihota said:

“The group made strides in the Sengwa Power Station Project, which entails the development of a 2 800 megawatt power station in phases of 700MW each.

As the project gained significant traction during the year under review, the company has now set ambitious targets for 2019, which will culminate in the project kick off in the next 12 months.

In this regard, the group has lined up strategic initiatives, which if successfully implemented will significantly improve the group’s fortunes.

The major projects include the construction of the BIOX plant at Cam & Motor Mine and the Sengwa Power Station Project.”-StateMedia

By Own Correspondent- MDC president Nelson Chamisa said that Workers’ Day to Zimbabweans has little meaning as many are either out of work or without work.

Chamisa said this in a post on microblogging site, Twitter.

He wrote:

“Labour day in Zimbabwe. Many are either out of work or without work, almost hopeless and jobless. Only Change can make things happen. Today is the day dedicated to all those who make efforts and never give up. Workers United will never be defeated. I wish I could say happy Workers’ day!”

The 1st of May is the day set aside for celebrating workers globally. In Zimbabwe, May Day has become hollow and meaningless as some sources estimate that about 90 per cent of adults is unemployed.

The MDC was formed as a labour-backed political party in 1999. At formation, most of the leaders had trade union backgrounds among them, founding president Morgan Tsvangirai and vice president Gibson Sibanda.

Jane Mlambo| Opposition MDC leader Nelson Chamisa is set to attend the Workers Day commemorations set for today at Dzivarasekwa Stadium.

The event organised by the Zimbabwe Congress of Trade Unions (ZCTU) is an annual gathering that brings together workers union from across the country.

ZimEye will broadcast the event live on Facebook. Follow us for live updates…..

President Mnangagwa has implored employers to review salaries and conditions of service for their workers to improve their living standards.

Addressing the nation on the eve of 2019 Workers’ Day celebrations last night, the President paid tribute to workers for their role in building the national economy and sustaining families.

Government, he said, was aware of the plight of the workers and challenged employers to look into the issue of remuneration.

“My Government is fully aware of the challenges facing the labour sector,” he said.

“As we continue on the path of development and progress, I challenge employers to use this day as an opportunity to reflect and evaluate the welfare, remuneration, conditions of service, safety and state of workers, among other issues.”

President Mnangagwa saluted workers for their contribution in building the nation, saying they were an essential component in Government’s drive towards the attainment of Vision 2030.

“You are a sector that we are giving due attention in the Second Republic,” he said. “We know that with you as partners, we will realise the modernisation, industrialisation, growth and prosperity of our economy.”

President Mnangagwa reiterated Government’s commitment to restore the purchasing power of workers.

In addition, the President said his administration was committed to restore the decency and dignity of all workers.

He expressed disquiet over the counter-productive machinations by irresponsible and unpatriotic members of industry and businesses who continue to frustrate and undermine the economic, modernisation and industrialisation agenda.

“The wanton, unjustified increases in prices are unpalatable and may point to some other sinister motives,” said President Mnangagwa. “This conduct must stop forthwith. My Government will not stand by and leave workers and the generality of our people at the mercy of a small group with rent seeking and profiteering tendencies.”

-State Media

Jane Mlambo|Opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has blasted the ruling Zanu PF for seeking to eliminate its enemies through pushing everyone outside of the constitutional bounds, a trap the Nelson Chamisa led movement said they will not fall into.

Addressing journalists at the party headquarters yesterday, party spokesperson Jacob Mafume called for an urgent solution to the economic crisis as well as opening dialogue avenues with the opposition.

“They actually want the country to degenerate into chaos so that they can eliminate everyone they perceive an enemy, they are pushing everyone outside of bounds of the constitution,”

Jane Mlambo| The opposition MDC has refuted claims by deputy information minister Energy Mutodi that its councillor in Domboshava sold a mountain to a Chinese firm.

Addressing journalists in Harare yesterday, party spokesperson Jacob Mafume said no mining activity can take place without a license from the ministry of mines hence the claims that an MDC councillor is the culprit in the Domboshava eviction case was unfounded.

“We want to respond to unfounded allegations that an MDC councillor sold a mountain to a Chinese firm. The allegations are unfounded and baseless.

“No mining can take place e without a license from the Ministry of Mines, allocation of mining areas has never been in the hands of a councillor.

“Energy Mutodi is the centre of the confusion and we all know that Zanu PF is always at the centre of illegal eviction of residents for profit and patronage,” said Mafume.

By Pupurayi Togarepi|ON Monday the Zanu PF Youth League management committee met at the Revolutionary Party Headquarters and discussed a number of issues, notably the state of the economy, business arbitrage, and the threat posed by regime change purveyors under the guise of opposition.

Of major concern to us as the Vanguard of the governing party is the economic sabotage that businesses are practising, needlessly profiteering at the expense of the broad masses and increasing prices willy-nilly.

The price increases are unjustified and speculative and uncalled for. We hope that business will do the right thing and stop the madness before we descend on errant companies that are behaving like the terrorists, hurting the economy and blunting the country’s economic revival efforts.

We resolved, at our management committee meeting, that we need to cleanse the country of all systems that are in the habit of sucking our people and deal decisively with mafia business organisations that are syphoning and mopping foreign currency.

The Zanu PF Youth League is well aware that there is a cartel of foreigners working with some locals are pouring money to money changers and distort the exchange rate, these unscrupulous businesses then externalise the foreign currency to their home countries, we have their names and soon we are going to send our teams to checkmate them and end this madness.

Businesses should shape up or ship out and allow humane organisations to set base in the country. The economy is going through a revival phase but that should never be punitive to the consumer.

In a way, the price madness is yet another ploy to trigger demonstrations and we are aware of the actors behind these nefarious exercises.

Soon we are going to dispatch our monitors to check on compliance with our laws on the part of the companies and also call upon relevant authorities to crack the whip and break monopolies and cartels that are now holding the nation to ransom.

While we embrace austerity for prosperity and have tightened our belts to adjust to the situation which requires us to do so, we would the ministries of Finance and Industry to be sensitive to the plight of the masses and ensure that there is a balance between theory and practice.

Soon we are going to call for the total boycott of certain shops that are causing artificial shortages so as to justify price increases and if that route fails we will mobilise to shut down such enterprises that thrive on unjustified and terrorist actions.

PRESIDENT Emmerson Mnangagwa has ordered a Chinese company to stop its planned quarry mining activities in Domboshava, following an outcry by over 20 000 villagers who had already been ordered to vacate the area and pave way for mining operations.

Information deputy minister and local MP, Energy Mutodi confirmed the development yesterday, saying Mnangagwa had declared the area a tourism resort, where mining activities were prohibited.

“President Emmerson Mnangagwa has come to the rescue of Domboshava villagers, who were facing eviction by a Chinese quarry mining firm, Aihua Jianye. The President has ordered that the firm stops mining activities in the area known for its rock art and as a tourist attraction,” Mutodi said.

The Chinese company was reportedly planning to evict 20 000 people from their land after it was granted mining rights to extract quarry stones from a hill in the area.

On Saturday, Mutodi met with the affected villagers and they resolved to resist the order and accused an MDC councillor identified as Tapiwa Murima and the district administrator, Prisca Dube of illegally allowing the Chinese firm to mine at Garimo Hill.

Aihua Jianye sought to mine quarry near Mverechena Shopping Centre and this would have seen people who are located within the five-kilometre radius being removed to create space for the project.

This comes as communities in Mutoko in Mashonaland East province and other parts of the country where mining operations take place often cry foul over the manner in which investors treat locals and the environment without compensation.

In Mutoko, where there is heavy mining of black granite, villagers are said to be impoverished with no jobs and their environment ravaged, yet the mining firms pocket huge profits.

According to the Environmental Management Act, before a mining operation commences, it has to get an environmental impact assessment (EIA) certificate which details how nature and its inhabitants would be protected by the firm.

The Domboshava villagers are questioning how the firm got the licence and right to establish the concern without an EIA certificate.

-Newsday

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has implored employers to review salaries and conditions of service for their workers to improve their living standards.

 Addressing the nation on the eve of the 2019 Workers Day Celebrations last night, President Mnangagwa paid tribute to the workers for their role in building the national economy and sustaining families.

Government, he said, was aware of the plight of the workers and challenged employers to look into the workers’ remuneration.

“My Government is fully aware of the challenges facing the labour sector,” he said.

“As we continue on the path of development and progress, I challenge employers to use this day as an opportunity to reflect and evaluate the welfare, remuneration, conditions of service, safety and state of workers, among other issues.”

President Mnangagwa saluted the workers for their contribution in building the nation, saying they were an essential component in Government’s drive towards the attainment of vision 2030. 

“You are a sector that we are giving due attention in the Second Republic,” he said.

“We know that with you as partners, we will realise the modernisation, industrialisation, growth and prosperity of our economy.”

President Mnangagwa reiterated Government’s commitment to restore the purchasing power of workers.

 In addition, the President said his administration was committed to restore the decency and dignity of all workers. 

 He expressed disquiet over the counter-productive machinations by irresponsible and unpatriotic members of industry and businesses who continue to frustrate and undermine the economic, modernisation and industrialisation agenda.

“The wanton, unjustified increases in prices are unpalatable and may point to some other sinister motives,” said President Mnangagwa.

“This conduct must stop forthwith. My Government will not stand by and leave workers and the generality of our people at the mercy of a small group with rent seeking and profiteering tendencies.” 

 President Mnangagwa assured workers that Government would continue to protect them and to be the guarantor to their constitutionally enshrined rights.

 He said the transport system should be viable, while housing delivery, clean water, sanitation and energy should also be adequate and affordable.

 President Mnangagwa recently unveiled a fleet of ZUPCO buses which will ease the transport costs in both urban and rural areas.

“The comprehensive housing delivery programme and the smart cities concept will see better living conditions for our workers,” he said.

 Through the ease of doing business reforms, President Mnangagwa said Government would continue to encourage and facilitate more exports across all sectors, which should translate to improved business performance and ultimately better conditions of service for the workers.

State Media

By Own Correspondent- Seed Co has issued a stern warning to farmers encouraging them to be wary of buying fake seed, which results in below average yields.

Fake maize seeds are mostly sold on the streets and by uncertified dealers. This was said by Seed Co southern region manager, Charles Munyoro.

He said:

“There has been a high influx of fake seeds in the market, which is being sold by some unscrupulous individuals.

These fake seeds usually result in low yields most of the time. Most fake seeds have a poor germination rate and by buying such seeds, farmers risk making losses.

As farmers prepare for the winter farming season, we urge them to desist from buying seeds from unregistered and uncertified dealers. There are a lot of registered seed processors in the country and farmers are encouraged to make use of them.

Seed Co has been promoting higher maize yields by farmers through its Eleven Tonne Plus Club Promotion.

In 2018 over 50 farmers from the Southern region entered the promotion and all the farmers achieved between 11 and 22 tonnes of maize per hectare.-StateMedia

Farai Dziva|Well placed sources in the Home Affairs Ministry have claimed Minister Cain Mathema will release the names of those plotting to overthrow Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

An official in the Home Affairs Ministry has said Mathema is in possession of documented information about the alleged plot to remove Mnangagwa.

“The Minister cannot disclose the information about the plot to overthrow the government at this juncture as doing so will compromise intelligence operations,” claimed the official.

On Monday Mathema claimed:“We have the names of the organisations and the names of the people who want to organise the demonstrations. At an opportune time, we will share their names.”

By Farai D Hove| ZANU PF President Emmerson Mnangagwa has threatened private businesses over the issue of overpricing.

Mnangagwa made his announcement as his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga labelled businesses “financial terrorists.”

The two’s verbal attacks came at a time when the government’s own parastatal NetOne was the first to increase data costs by 1,300%.

Delivering his May day message, Mnangagwa said: “The wanton, unjustified increases in prices are unpalatable and may point to some other sinister motives. This conduct must stop forthwith. My Government will not stand by and leave workers and the generality of our people at the mercy of a small group with rent seeking and profiteering tendencies.

“I urge you the workers of Zimbabwe, to remain resilient, hopeful and focused as we accelerate our determination and resolve to build the Zimbabwe we all want. I call for the protection of women against all forms of violence and abuse in the workplace. Let us also desist from child labour; foster fair and equal treatment; provide equal employment opportunities to all, including people living with disabilities.

“Grievances and differences must be settled through the correct procedures. As is the culture of the 2nd Republic, dialogue is key, hard honest work is fundamental and corruption of any kind must be exposed and reported.”

Farai Dziva|The MDC A has dismissed Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema’s claims that civic organisations are plotting to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Addressing the media on Monday Mathema claimed the government had discovered a plot to unseat the President.

Accoording to Mathema a workshop has been organised by foreign nationals working with civic organisations- aimed at planning demonstrations meant to overthrowing the Zanu PF government.

Responding to Mathema’s utterances at a news conference in Harare today MDC A spokesperson Jacob Mafume said:” This is yet another desperate attempt by the regime to denigrate democratic groups.

Minister Mathema’s utterances are dangerous and reckless and his sentiments reflect the position of a cornered regime that is prepared to do anything to remain in power,” said Mafume.

By Own Correspondent- An aircraft belonging to the national airliner, Air Zimbabwe, Embraer ERJ145 purchased from the United States of America has arrived.

The aircraft is expected to undergo inspections before it starts servicing some of the airline routes.

In a statement Air Zimbabwe head of public relations, Firstme Vitori said:

“The 50-seater jet is expected to go through the local registration process as well as all mandatory checks, tests and certification before it enters into service within the next 21 days.

All crew and engineers licensed for the aircraft have been drawn from within the current human capital pool, a sign of the high level of competent skills available in Zimbabwe.”

Air Zimbabwe intends to service its debt by disposing redundant and obsolete equipment which includes aircrafts and spare parts for equipment which is no longer in service.

Recently, there were reports in the media suggesting that the airline was left with only one plane servicing many routes.-StateMedia

Farai Dziva|A social media platform for political analysis and reconciliation matters has challenged Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema to name individuals and institutions he claims are plotting to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a statement on Twitter RealVoiceOfZimbabwe challenged Mathema to reveal the names of such individuals and organisations.

“Please name the people/entities who want to unseat Mnangagwa so that other Zimbabweans can get in touch with them to help them in such a beautiful and progressive endeavor.

Zimbabweans want the current Gvt gone, its the best thing that can ever happen to them! (BREAD – $3.50),” RealVoiceOfZimbabwe tweeted.

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appreciated the role played by Zimbabwean workers in the diaspora whose contribution to the economy through remittances he said is benefitting the country.

Mnangagwa applauded their efforts, hard work and sacrifices expressing optimism that the country will realise modernisation, industrialisation and economic growth.

In his press statement on the occasion of Workers Day celebrations issued Tuesday night, Mnangagwa said:

“Allow me to also acknowledge the role being played by Zimbabwean workers in the Diaspora. We recognise the contribution you continue to make to our motherland through your remittances and the sustenance of your families. We applaud your efforts, hard work and sacrifices.

As workers, you are an integral cog as we drive towards the attainment of vision 2030. We appreciate and salute the contributions and hard work and sacrifice that you continue to make in building our great nation.

You are a sector that we are going to give due attention in the 2nd republic. We know that with you as partners, we will realise the modernisation, industrialisation, growth and prosperity of our economy. Working together, Zimbabwe shall surely rise.”

By Own Correspondent- Speaker of parliament, Advocate Jacob Mudenda has said Zimbabwe is a constitutional democracy founded on principles of political pluralism and diversity as opposed to political monism.

Said Mudenda:

“Party pluralism has been a defining feature of our democracy since independence in 1980. That is why section 3(2) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe emphatically states that: “The principles of good governance, which bind the State and all institutions and agencies of Government at every level include a multi-party democratic political system, an electoral system based on universal adult suffrage and equality of votes, free, fair and regular elections and adequate representation of the electorate.

“Flowing from the above constitutional provisions and pursuant to the need to enhance and expand the democratic dispensation in Zimbabwe, Parliament is currently seized with the alignment of laws to the Constitution, the Ease of Doing Business Laws and the Electoral Law reforms.

“These are meant to ensure the 2023 harmonised elections are free, fair, transparent and credible to the extent that they reflect the true democratic will of the people of Zimbabwe apart from creating a positive environment to attract both domestic and foreign investors.”-State Media

By Own Correspondent- Unconfirmed reports suggest that Cyclone Kenneth death toll has risen to 38 amid worsening conditions in some parts of Mozambique where heavy rains and likely flooding is expected on Tuesday (today).

Infrastructures including roads and bridges have been lost so far leaving some areas inaccessible and with power.

The cyclone is also reported to have destroyed and or damaged about 30,000 houses, 193 classrooms and 14 health units.

It is believed that Kenneth is the strongest hurricane to have made landfall on mainland Africa and a first for Mozambique.

The devastation comes barely a month after another cyclone ravaged the African country.

Tropical Cyclone Idai left a trail of disaster in Mozambique including parts of Zimbabwe in Chipinge and Chimanimani.

By Own Correspondent- President Emmerson Mnangagwa has expressed optimism that the country will realise modernisation, industrialisation, growth and economic growth.

In his press statement on the occasion of Workers Day celebrations issued Tuesday night, Mnangagwa said:

“As workers, you are an integral cog as we drive towards the attainment of vision 2030. We appreciate and salute the contributions and hard work and sacrifice that you continue to make in building our great nation.

You are a sector that we are going to give due attention in the 2nd republic. We know that with you as partners, we will realise the modernisation, industrialisation, growth and prosperity of our economy. Working together, Zimbabwe shall surely rise.”

By Own Correspondent- Philip Muswere, a clan member of the Makoni chieftainship, has dragged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the High court accusing him of neglecting his constitutional duties of resolving a wrangle amongst his clan members.

Muswere argues that according to customs and practices of Makoni people, a member of the Muswere clan was supposed to be appointed chief Makoni following the death of Naboth Nyakurerwa Gandanzara.

However, Gwasira was appointed instead.

Muswere said:

“In terms of the customs and practices of the Makoni people, a substantive chief was supposed to be appointed by the family of Mukuwapasi in consultation with the spirit mediums.

The Mukuwapasi(s) in consultation with the spirit mediums nominated the Muswere clan as next in line of succession to provide a candidate for appointment to chieftainship.”

The plaintiff accuses Mnangagwa, Local Government minister July Moyo and the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs for Manicaland Province for neglecting their responsibilities associated with the matter.

The failure by the first, second and third respondents to solve the chieftainship, was wrongful and unlawful. Plaintiff now seeks a declaratory order compelling the first, second and third defendants to solve the Makoni chieftainship dispute.

By Own Correspondent- Zanu PF’s Mashonaland East political commissar and Mutoko South legislator Hebert Shumbamhini has revealed that a mining company identified as Reds or Sidingo sealed boreholes it had drilled in when it was leaving the area.

Shumbamhini was reporting during a provincial coordinating committee meeting held in Marondera on Sunday.

The company is also reported to have refused to renovate the houses of villagers that developed cracks as a result of the miner’s blasting.

Shumbamhini reported:

“We have a mining company that wound up its operations in Mutoko district. They had sunk boreholes in the area, but when they left, they sealed all the boreholes that were benefiting villagers. We tried to engage them to renovate villagers’ houses that cracked during the time they were operating as a result of blasting as well as repairing bridges, but (it was) in vain. We kindly ask the authorities to assist on these matters.”

It is reported that miners of the black stone is Mutoko also do less to the community which remains amongst the poorest despite producing about 75% of Zimbabwe’s black granite. Statistics suggest that at least 98% of black granite extracted from Mutoko is exported to Germany, Spain and Italy.- Newsday

By Own Correspondent- First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa has donated an assortment of foodstuffs, blankets and clothes worth thousands of dollars to disadvantaged children and other vulnerable members of society in Harare.

She made the donations to seven children and old people’s homes through her charity organisation, Angel of Hope Foundation.

The homes that received donations were Bako Redonhodzo Old People’s Home, Chinyaradzo Children’s Home, SOS Children’s Home, Shungu Dzevana, Braeside Old People’s Home, St Joseph Home for Boys and Danai Children’s Home.-StateMedia

HIGHLANDERS Football Club executive has decided against renewing chief executive officer Nhlanhla Dube’s contract which ended today.

Dube was given a two year contract, taking over from veteran administrator Ndumiso Gumede and indications were that his tenure would be extended but the executive thought otherwise.

More to follow…

The South African government has pledged to rebuild three bridges in areas ravaged by Cyclone Idai in March this year where more than 250 people perished in the national disaster.

South African International Relations and Co-operation Minister Lindiwe Sisulu made the announcement in her remarks on the Occasion of the Department of International relations and Co-operation Month Media Briefing in Pretoria, South Africa yesterday.

She also paid tribute to South African citizens who responded to a request for donations for the affected peoples of Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Malawi.

More details to follow…

State Media

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitariran Affairs and Emergency Relief has in a statement disclosed that Malawi and Zimbabwe are also expected to experience heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Kenneth. The Statement reads:

United Nations Nations Unies

Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

UNDER-SECRETARY-GENERAL FOR HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY RELIEF COORDINATOR MARK LOWCOCK

Statement on the impact of Cyclone Kenneth

I am deeply saddened by the loss of life and destruction caused by Tropical Cyclone Kenneth which first hit the Union of Comoros two days ago before making landfall as a category 4 storm last night in the Cabo Delgado province in northern Mozambique on the border with Tanzania.

With maximum sustained wind speed of 225 km/hour and gusts that reached 270km/hour, the storm ripped roofs off of homes and continues to generate heavy rainfall resulting in massive flooding as it moves across Mozambique.

The disaster comes only six weeks after Cyclone Idai devastated central Mozambique, killing more than 600 people, unleashing a cholera epidemic, wiping out crops in the country’s breadbasket, forcing a million people to rely on food assistance to survive, and causing massive destruction of homes, schools and infrastructure in one of the world’s poorest countries.

The UN and partners continue to support the Government-led humanitarian responses to Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. Cyclone Kenneth marks the first time two cyclones have made landfall in Mozambique during the same season, further stressing the Government’s limited resources. Malawi and Zimbabwe are also expected to experience heavy rains and flooding caused by Cyclone Kenneth.

Prior to the storm making landfall in Mozambique, the Government and Red Cross volunteers alerted communities in areas at high risk of flooding, erosion and landslides, and relocated residents most at risk. The UN and its partners pre-positioned supplies and put teams on stand-by to deploy if required.

Today, the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is redeploying its leadership and additional staff in Mozambique to Pemba to help coordinate the Government-led response and manage information. Shelter, clean water, sanitation and hygiene kits, food and non-food items, power generation and telecommunication equipment are urgently needed, while the areas impacted by the storm are difficult to access.

Cyclone Kenneth may require a major new humanitarian operation at the same time that the ongoing Cyclone Idai response targeting 3 million people in three countries remains critically underfunded. The families whose lives have been turned upside down by these climate-related disasters urgently need the generosity of the international community to survive over the coming months.

Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, 26 April 2019

For more information, please contact: Russell Geekie, OCHA New York, [email protected], +1 212 963 8340 Jens Laerke, OCHA Geneva, [email protected],+41 79 472 9750 OCHA press releases are available at www.unocha.org or www.reliefweb.int

By Farai D Hove| The Information Ministry was mocked Tuesday after complaining about sanctions for Parirenyatwa Hospital’s failure to pay $53,000 for the repair of radiotherapy machines.

The announcement which was made on Twitter read as follows:

“Govt has noted reports that Parirenyatwa & Mpilo Hospitals are failing to repair broken down radiotherapy machines due to forex challenges. The US$53 000 needed was availed last week, but the hospitals are failing to transact owing to sanctions restrictions on the banks they use.”

BELOW WERE SOME REACTIONS:

Air Zimbabwe has purchased a new plane, an Embraer ERJ-145, bringing the  number of planes owned by the company to two.

The Post Cabinet briefing on Tuesday reported that Zimbabwe has taken note of the delivery of an Embraer plane, which landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday.

The acquisition of the plane is part of efforts to revive the national airline, Air Zimbabwe, Cabinet said.

Air Zimbabwe was put under construction in 2018 after it was diagnosed to be a failing parastatal.

The new plane is branded Zimbabwe Airways which is the name of a failed airline that was fronted by Simba Chikore.
Aviation expert Jerry Haas said, “The Embraer E145 will be branded to Air Zimbabwe in the coming days and registered with CAAZ.  Air Zimbabwe trained 8 pilots in South Africa for the E145 rating. It’s expected to be in service for mid to end of May.”

The opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) has dismissed an instruction by the late Veteran Politician Morgan Richard Tsvangirai’s family that those who will attend his memorial service must not wear political party regalia.

Speaking during a press statement on Tuesday Party Spokesperson Jacob Mafume said, “We will attend the memorial service of our late icon in full force. We are going to be wearing whatever we want whether it is party regalia or not.

“As you remember Morgan Tsvangirai was the Founder of MDC. He is red inside his blood, inside his grave and in heaven where he is.”

When asked about the instruction from the Tsvangirai family Mafume said, “We are the family of Morgan Richard Tsvangirai. The family of Tsvangirai is the MDC. They were beaten with him, they died with him and lived with him. Some of us are carrying scars of being part of Tsvangirai’s family.”

On Monday the Tsvangirai family spokesperson Manase Tsvangirai told private media that, “The other thing we would like to highlight is that, we hope and believe that people who are coming for this memorial, should not be seen wearing any political parties’ regalia. Instead we expect people to be wearing the regalia of the late Morgan Tsvangirai.”

Manase added that the family was hoping Zimbabweans would respect their wish.

“This is a memorial and we expect people to respect this family decision by putting branded t-shirts with his face only. This is our wish as a family as a measure of respect to the late Tsvangirai whom everybody called their icon,” said Tsvangirai’s brother.

Farai Dziva|Well placed sources in the Home Affairs Ministry have claimed Minister Cain Mathema will release the names of those plotting to overthrow Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government.

An official in the Home Affairs Ministry has said Mathema is in possession of documented information about the alleged plot to remove Mnangagwa.

“The Minister cannot disclose the information about the plot to overthrow the government at this juncture as doing so will compromise intelligence operations,” claimed the official.

On Monday Mathema claimed:“We have the names of the organisations and the names of the people who want to organise the demonstrations. At an opportune time, we will share their names.”

A clan member of the Makoni chieftainship, Philip Muswere has dragged President Emmerson Mnangagwa to the High court accusing him of neglecting his constitutional duties of resolving a wrangle amongst clan members.

Muswere argues that according to customs and practices of Makoni people, a member of the Muswere clan was supposed to be appointed chief Makoni following the death of Naboth Nyakurerwa Gandanzara. However, Gwasira was appointed instead. Muswere said:
“In terms of the customs and practices of the Makoni people, a substantive chief was supposed to be appointed by the family of Mukuwapasi in consultation with the spirit mediums.

The Mukuwapasi(s) in consultation with the spirit mediums nominated the Muswere clan as next in line of succession to provide a candidate for appointment to chieftainship.”

The plaintiff accuses Mnangagwa, Local Government minister July Moyo and the Provincial Assembly of Chiefs for Manicaland Province for neglecticting their responsibilities associated with the matter.
The failure by the first, second and third respondents to solve the chieftainship, was wrongful and unlawful. Plaintiff now seeks a declaratory order compelling the first, second and third defendants to solve the Makoni chieftainship dispute.

He is now seeking the issue to be resolved within 60 days from the date of the court order if the court rules in his favour, failure of which he said Gwasira’s appointment must be nullified. Daily News

By Own Correspondent| Harare’s Ward 43 residents in Budiriro 5A’s High Density area are up in arms against a land baron from an upmarket suburb, Grange who is planning to construct a double storey Pre – School building on a wetland.

The residents, have vowed to disrupt and stop any construction work on the site.

The developer, from an affluent suburb in Harare however maintains there is a lease agreement obtained more than five years ago from the City Authorities. But the residents and environment activists argue that a lease agreement is a temporary document that does not allow one to carry out any construction work on a site.

Councillor for Ward 43 in Budiriro 5A High Density Area Norman Makondo refused to meet residents Sunday afternoon. This was despite the residents informing him that they had summoned the developer and the area’s leadership to get clarification over the issue.

Legislator for the area Costa Machingauta attended the meeting and promised residents he was going to look into the matter.

Farai Dziva|The MDC A has dismissed Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema’s claims that civic organisations are plotting to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Addressing the media on Monday Mathema claimed the government had discovered a plot to unseat the President.

Accoording to Mathema a workshop has been organised by foreign nationals working with civic organisations- aimed at planning demonstrations meant to overthrowing the Zanu PF government.

Responding to Mathema’s utterances at a news conference in Harare today MDC A spokesperson Jacob Mafume said:” This is yet another desperate attempt by the regime to denigrate democratic groups.

Minister Mathema’s utterances are dangerous and reckless and his sentiments reflect the position of a cornered regime that is prepared to do anything to remain in power,” said Mafume.

Farai Dziva|A social media platform for political analysis and reconciliation matters has challenged Home Affairs Minister Cain Mathema to name individuals and institutions he claims are plotting to topple Emmerson Mnangagwa.

In a statement on Twitter RealVoiceOfZimbabwe challenged Mathema to reveal the names of such individuals and organisations.

“Please name the people/entities who want to unseat Mnangagwa so that other Zimbabweans can get in touch with them to help them in such a beautiful and progressive endeavor.

Zimbabweans want the current Gvt gone, its the best thing that can ever happen to them! (BREAD – $3.50),” RealVoiceOfZimbabwe tweeted.

A TEENAGE girl is lucky to be alive after she was left clutching her intestines when she was stabbed for turning down a neighbour’s love proposal.

This was heard when Blessing Masukume of London Farm in Gweru appeared before Gweru regional magistrate Mrs Phathekile Msipa facing one count of attempted murder.

Masukume (21) allegedly stabbed Ms Rebecca Ndlovu on the stomach leaving her intestines protruding after she turned down his love proposal.
He was convicted on his own plea and was remanded in custody to Wednesday for sentencing.State media

Farai Dziva|Nurses and other staff members at Chiredzi Hospital, who are selling home browed maheu to patients, have vowed to continue doing so as they are receiving paltry salaries.

Nurses who spoke to ZimEye.com last week said the escalating prices of basic commodities forced them to resort to alternative measures to raise extra income.

A nurse at the hospital fumed:”We are selling various food items to patients as a way of beating the escalating prices of basic goods.How do you expect us to survive in this harsh economic environment?”

The nurses are selling maheu and uncertified frozen water to patients at the government hospital.

The issue came under the spotlight when a Chiredzi resident wrote a letter to the hospital matron, raising concerns about possible health risks for patients.

Farai Dziva|Zimbabweans have expressed shock at the hiking of data bundles tariffs by Econet Wireless.

Responding to the hiking of tariffs by Econet Donald Mzondo said:”
ED Pfeee, the major postive is that these increases affect us all including the ZANU PF supporters. We suffer together, ED is not discriminating anyone in his make Zimbabweans suffer agenda, he is including his own supporters and that betrayal is real.”

Geor Gore commented:”
This will not work…”

Lovejoy Masuku argued:”
Strategising for 2023 elections- nobody must afford the exorbitant charges.”

Econet data tariffs as from 30April are as follows:

WHATSAPP WEEKLY $3
FACEBOOK $3
INSTAGRAM $3
TWITTER $3
WHATSAPP MONTHLY $8
FACEBOOK $8
INSTAGRAM $8
TWITTER $8
Daily data =$1 =40mb Daily data $2.50 =250mb

By Own Correspondent- Two sisters were reportedly nabbed after they were caught at a cemetery exhuming the remains of their mother, Gogo Mukatshelwa Mudau who died two months ago and was buried at the local South African cemetery.

The two claimed they had obtained a court order granting them the right to exhume the body of their 93-year-old mother.

But then the police and their other siblings arrived. They demanded to see the court order, but the sisters could not produce it.

The gogo’s two daughters Livhuwani and Vivian Mudau, said it was their mum’s wish to be buried in Nngwekhulu, Vuwani, in Limpopo with her other relatives.

But she was buried at the cemetery in Mulenzhe, Limpopo.

Livhuwani told Daily Sun the family is torn in two because the other siblings refuse to follow her mother’s last wishes.

“Many years ago one of our brothers chased our mother from her home. She bought another house which was also taken away,” she said.

“My mother suffered for the rest of her life. When she died our brothers said they did not have the money to bury her and would wait for us to prepare her burial at Nngwekhulu.

“But then they stopped us from burying her with a court order.”

She said that’s why they got a lawyer to help them to re-bury her at the place of her choosing.

The sisters said they had followed all the protocols but were stopped from exhuming her body by the same people who prevented them from burying her.

She added that they will not rest until their mother is buried at Nngwekhulu, where she wished to be buried.

Representing the other group, which is against the reburial, Solomon Mamphwe said they had followed all the legal demands and will wait for the law to protect the old woman and allow her to rest in peace.

“We are not fighting anybody, as you can see here. We will wait and let the law take its course,” he said at the cemetery.

No case was opened with the police.

Farai Dziva|MDC T deputy president Obert Chaurura Gutu has claimed he is now a changed person and he will never support those who call for the imposition of “sanctions” against Harare .

In an opinion piece he recently penned, Guttu claimed that at one point he supported the sanctions “naively” believing that they would lead to the full democratisation of Zimbabwe.

See part of Gutu’s epistle below:
Where the overall interests of Zimbabwe supersede and overtake my own private and personal interests, I don’t hesitate to sacrifice my personal interests for the common good of my beloved country and continent.

Here and now, I will fully admit that at one time, I was thoroughly misguided in actively supporting and actually calling for the imposition of sanctions against Zimbabwe.

At that juncture, I rather stupidly and naively believed that the imposition of sanctions would naturally lead to the full and total democratisation of Zimbabwe. I was wrong; totally wrong.

The reality is that sanctions actually cause more harm, political suffering and socio-economic agony to the majority of innocent Zimbabweans, most of whom are not even political activists.

Thus, I’m unashamedly and passionately calling for the lifting of all forms of sanctions that were imposed against Zimbabwe by the major Western powers such as the United Kingdom, the United States and the European Union.